Ford Focus years to avoid
More than twice the Focus's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Ford Focus years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Ford Focus complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Ford Focus problems
All model years combined.
- Transmission6,805
- Electrical4,343
- Engine3,582
- Fuel system2,678
- Steering2,101
- Acceleration1,076
- Brakes1,074
- Body998
- Airbags926
- Suspension925
- Locks853
- Visibility453
Most reported problems on the Ford Focus
Check engine light 1,929Jerking 1,701Hesitation 1,350Door locks 984Slipping 752Fuel pump 658Transmission failure 651Engine failure 439Won't shift 392Steering lock-up 355Fire or smoke 267Wipers 214Sudden acceleration 213Harsh shifting 186Coil spring 168Headlights 158Airbag light 158Adaptive cruise 139
Ford Focus problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 72 | 838 | Engine | 56,000 | 7 | 15 | |
| 2017 | 69 | 900 | Transmission | 56,000 | 10 | 18 | |
| 2016 | 59 | 1,185 | Transmission | 61,760 | 10 | 27 | |
| 2015 | 64 | 1,022 | Transmission | 60,000 | 9 | 31 | |
| 2014 | 31 | 2,606 | Transmission | 48,000 | 12 | 68 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 38 | 2,112 | Transmission | 53,000 | 11 | 49 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 18 | 3,772 | Transmission | 67,000 | 7 | 107 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 91 | 113 | Electrical | 51,604 | 0 | 8 | |
| 2010 | 87 | 287 | Engine | 50,000 | 0 | 22 | |
| 2009 | 84 | 229 | Electrical | 45,690 | 0 | 26 | Fewest complaints |
| 2008 | 88 | 250 | Electrical | 61,640 | 1 | 21 | Fewest complaints |
| 2007 | 77 | 391 | Airbags | 52,645 | 0 | 60 | |
| 2006 | 85 | 205 | Electrical | 60,000 | 0 | 23 | Fewest complaints |
| 2005 | 81 | 441 | Electrical | 60,000 | 1 | 43 | |
| 2004 | 82 | 387 | Electrical | 53,000 | 1 | 34 | |
| 2003 | 71 | 977 | Electrical | 56,000 | 1 | 52 | |
| 2002 | 69 | 939 | Electrical | 53,000 | 1 | 82 | |
| 2001 | 40 | 1,761 | Electrical | 58,000 | 7 | 172 | |
| 2000 | - | 3,685 | Electrical | 61,490 | 11 | 248 | |
| 1999 | - | 11 | Engine | 0 | 0 |
Recalls 36
Compare the Focus
Focus vs Honda CivicFocus vs Toyota CorollaFocus vs Volkswagen JettaFocus vs Hyundai ElantraFocus vs Nissan SentraFocus vs Chevrolet CruzeFocus vs Mazda MAZDA3Focus vs Subaru ImprezaFocus vs Kia Forte
Questions about the Ford Focus
What years of the Ford Focus should you avoid?
2012, 2013 and 2014. Each has more than twice the Ford Focus's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2012 alone has 3,772, mostly about transmission and steering.
What is the best year for a used Ford Focus?
2006, 2009 and 2008 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (205, 229 and 250).
What is the most common problem with the Ford Focus?
Transmission, with 6,805 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (4,343) and engine (3,582).
How many recalls does the Ford Focus have?
36 recalls between 1999 and 2018. The 2014 model year has the most, with 12.
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