Here Are The Ford Focus Years To Avoid
We've narrowed down six Ford Focus years to avoid based on common complaints. See which years (and which Focus years are safe to buy used).
The Ford Focus is a solid option for buying used cars. This sporty yet budget-friendly hatchback is a popular choice for first-time car buyers/owners. Although the Ford Focus is a best-seller, it has its fair share of reliability issues.
Ford is no stranger to reliability issues, and based on available data, the Focus is easily its most problematic lineup.
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If you are looking to buy a used Ford Focus, then you will want to read our breakdown of the Ford Focus years to avoid. For this post, we list some of the most unreliable Ford Focus years that you should avoid buying and a couple of safe models to buy used.
Which Ford Focus Years To Avoid?
Despite its popularity, the Ford Focus lineup is riddled with reliability issues. Some problems often pop up their ugly heads, and some models are proven to be more troublesome than others. We have listed some of the most problematic Focus years that are not worth buying used to save you the headaches.
Here are the worst Ford Focus years to avoid:
- 2007 Ford Focus
- 2008 Ford Focus
- 2012 Ford Focus
- 2013 Ford Focus
- 2014 Ford Focus
- 2015 Ford Focus
2007 Ford Focus
The 2007 Ford Focus is stylish, fun, practical, and inexpensive. However, it’s not without its problems. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2007 Focus garnered over 700 complaints and 2 recalls.
The most common complaint about the 2007 Focus is that the alternator tends to die sooner than expected. Many owners complained that the alternator would simply give out and affect the car’s electrical components, and sometimes without warning. 2007 Focus owners are frustrated that they have to replace the alternator every 18 months.
Another problem that many Focus owners have complained about is excessive tire wear. Factory tires succumbed to wear and tear way too fast and under low mileage. Many people tried using high-quality tires, but their new sets also got worn out fairly quickly.
2008 Ford Focus
With 500 complaints under its belt, the 2008 Ford Focus is one of the better options on this list of Ford Focus years to avoid. In fact, Consumer Reports gave the 2008 Focus a reliability rating of 4 out of 5.
So why did it appear on this list? Well, the 2008 Focus does have several reliability issues that are hard to ignore.
For two years in a row, the dreaded excessive tire wear is still a problem with the 2008 Focus. Owners complained that they had to get a new set of tires at only 35k miles. However, it’s worth noting that the tire wear problem isn’t as prevalent as the 2007 model.
Another area where the 2008 Focus came up short is the climate system. Several users from Consumer Reports said that the A/C system simply stopped working at some point, or one of the fan speeds no longer works. From the condenser to the blower to the compressor, the 2008 Focus climate system is just overall problematic.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE FORD FOCUS
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, keep dependability in mind. With two decades of models on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the available selections. Read on to learn more about the most reliable year Ford Focus offers.
2014 Ford Focus
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2014 Focus is one of the most problematic vehicles of all time, reliability-wise. It had over 3,000+ complaints and 10 recalls under its belt and earned the “Beware of the Clunker” seal of disapproval. Like many Focus years on this list, the 2014 model struggled with bad hesitations and jerking. The car also grinds and shifts unreliably, thanks to its flawed dual-clutch transmission system. The 2014 is just not worth buying used.
2012 Ford Focus
As per Car Complaints, the 2012 Ford Focus is the worst Focus year you should avoid with over 5k complaints and the “Avoid Like the Plague” seal of disapproval.
According to Focus owners, the worst issue with the 2012 model is the prevalent power steering failure. Users claimed that the power steering just died on them while driving in traffic which is a critical safety risk. Once the power steering fails, drivers have difficulty steering the vehicle, or the wheel is just altogether stuck. The problem was also intermittent, which means it could occur at any time.
Additionally, the 2012 Focus has a significant problem related to breaking door latches on both driver and passenger doors. Basically, the occupants cannot close it anymore once the door opens. At times, the doors have opened while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury for the occupants and other drivers on the road.
The 2012 Ford Focus is certainly one of the worst, if not the worst, Ford Focus years to avoid.
2013 Ford Focus
Unfortunately, the 2013 Ford Focus is still plagued by reliability issues. However, the problems aren’t that severe compared to the 2012 version, but it has enough to make it on this list.
Consumer Reports gave the 2013 Ford Focus a dismal reliability rating of 1 out of 5. Car Complaints also presented the 2013 Focus a “Clunker” certification, indicating that it’s not a very reliable vehicle.
The bulk of the complaints is about the car’s transmission system. Several reports stated that the transmission system shorted out, and drivers lost the ability to control the vehicle. This problem seems to manifest itself at around 45k miles, and it costs a whopping $2,600 on average to repair. Again, this is a significant safety issue that can’t be ignored.
On a minor note, the 2013 Focus also has a problem with a faulty backup camera. Upon our closer inspection, it seems that the issue lies mainly with the Focus’ problematic infotainment system.
2015 Ford Focus
Although it’s not as problematic as the last two models on this list, the 2015 Ford Focus requires a double-take before buying.
The primary issue with the 2015 Focus is its dual-clutch transmission system which wasn’t correctly chosen for this vehicle. As a result, many drivers reported that they experience a jarring shudder while accelerating from a stop. The problem reoccurs even after taking the car to a shop. The issue was so severe that Ford was slapped with a lawsuit and had to settle.
Which Ford Focus Models are Safe to Buy Used?
So the Ford Focus has a history of reliability issues; which model can you safely buy used?
2011 Ford Focus
If you don’t mind a decade-old hatchback, the 2011 Ford Focus is a solid choice. With only 200 complaints and a “Pretty Good” seal of approval from Car Complaints. Also, Consumer Reports gave it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, so you can trust the 2011 version is a safe vehicle to buy as used.
2018 Ford Focus
The 2018 Focus is the final model that Ford has released before retiring the Focus line. So if you’re looking to buy the last available Focus year, you’re in luck because it’s a fairly reliable vehicle. Consumer Reports gave the 2018 Ford Focus a 4 out 5 reliability rating and good scores on its crash and rollover tests.
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Common Ford Focus Problems
As per RepairPal, the Ford Focus has a reliability score of 4 out of 5, ranking 27th out of 36 compact vehicles across all brands. However, its reputation has been marred by several issues, including:
- Engine RPM fluctuation - While this can happen on newer Focus models, it’s prevalent on the 2018 model, one of the more reliable years. Reports said that the engine’s RPM could jump after shifting the Focus gear to park.
- Transmission issues - This particular problem was widespread from the 2011 to 2016 model years. Many experts suspect that the problem stemmed from Ford’s update of the PowerShift automatic transmission.
- Fuel and exhaust system issues - Back in 2018, Ford issued a recall for over a million Focus models between 2010 to 2018 for a problem that increases the risk of stalling. Apparently, this was due to a faulty purge valve that may indirectly damage the fuel tank and cause the vehicle to stall.
- Engine stalls - This issue seems to be common with the 2000 Ford Focus, but it has been reported with older models. The most common symptom is the engine dying during operation. The worst cases reported were blown engines that needed replacement.
Is the Ford Focus a Good Used Car?
The Ford Focus rose in popularity as the prototypical do-it-all sedan. Unfortunately, as Ford shifted its focus on building trucks, crossovers, and electrified vehicles, the Focus is bowing out and will not be sold after 2025 – marking the end for this long-running sedan. It’s quite a shame since the Focus is a solid all-around sedan with a relatively good track record in reliability.
However, we highly recommend skipping the problematic models outlined above, including the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years – mainly due to the widespread transmission issues. On the other hand, the last few years of the Focus, including the 2018, are more reliable than the earlier models.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ford Focus Years to Avoid
Q: Which Ford Focus years are considered the least reliable?
A: Despite its popularity, specific Ford Focus models have been flagged for reliability issues. Due to their problematic nature, the years to especially avoid include 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. These models have been identified as having more frequent and severe issues than other years.
Q: Is the 2008 Ford Focus a reliable model to consider?
A: While the 2008 Ford Focus might seem like a better option, given its fewer complaints than the 2007 model, it still has notable issues. These include excessive tire wear and a problematic climate system, with some owners facing A/C failures and fan speed malfunctions.
Q: Are there any safe Ford Focus years to buy used?
A: Yes, the 2011 and 2018 Ford Focus models are considered safer bets for used car buyers. The 2011 model has a relatively low number of complaints and a good reliability rating, while the 2018 model, the last Focus year before the line was retired, also boasts a solid reliability rating.
Q: How does the reliability of the Ford Focus compare across different years?
A: The Ford Focus has had a mixed reliability track record, with specific years like 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 facing widespread transmission and other significant problems. However, later years, such as 2018, are more reliable, so research and selecting the right model year is important.
Are Ford Focuses typically reliable?
You’ll need to pick and choose among select Ford Focus model years to have a better chance of buying a reliable car. Certain model years are infamous for creating problems for owners. However, not all Ford Focuses are bad.
How much does a used Ford Focus typically cost?
$5,000 is a typical price for an older Ford Focus from the 2008 to 2010 model years. These examples will have 150,000 miles on the odometer. A more recent Focus will command a higher price. For example, a 2017 Ford Focus has an asking price of $16,091, based on CoPilot Price Pulse data. This reflects a considerable market premium of 54% due to people looking for more affordable cars. In normal times, this Ford would go for $10,441.
Is the Ford Focus a good car to purchase?
A bit of homework is necessary to ensure you’re buying a Ford Focus you can depend on. Some model years have a good history of dependability, while specific Focus years are best left in someone else’s hands. Be sure to study the most reliable Ford Focus years.
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