Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2018, owners filed an average of 1,070 complaints per model year about the Ford Focus and 534 about the Toyota Corolla.
Side by side
| Ford Focus | Toyota Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2018 | 2006-2018 |
| Owner complaints | 13,911 | 6,946 |
| Complaints per model year | 1,070 | 534 |
| Recalls | 24 | 30 |
| Years to avoid | 201220132014 | 2006200720092010 |
| Best years | 200620082009 | 20172018 |
| Most common problem | Transmission | Airbags |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 22-34 mpg combined (2018) | 30-34 mpg combined (2018) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Focus | Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6,317 | 319 |
| Engine | 2,549 | 582 |
| Fuel system | 1,827 | 196 |
| Steering | 1,673 | 1,003 |
| Electrical | 1,407 | 520 |
| Acceleration | 742 | 808 |
| Airbags | 394 | 3,144 |
| Brakes | 245 | 550 |
Questions about the Ford Focus vs Toyota Corolla
Which is more reliable, the Ford Focus or the Toyota Corolla?
Between 2006 and 2018, the Ford Focus has 3 years to avoid and the Toyota Corolla 4. The Ford Focus has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Toyota Corolla drew fewer complaints per model year (534 vs 1,070), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Focus or the Toyota Corolla?
From 2006 to 2018, the Ford Focus was covered by 24 recalls and the Toyota Corolla by 30.
What years of the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla should you avoid?
Ford Focus: 2012, 2013 and 2014. Toyota Corolla: 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010.
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