Which Years Of Used Ford Focus Cars Are Most Reliable?
We've narrowed down three of the most reliable Ford Focus years. See whether the Ford Focus is generally considered reliable (and which years are considered the worst).
The Ford Focus is an excellent choice for a compact vehicle and a popular selection for used cars, thanks to its size and commuting capabilities. If you’re interested in this car, invest in a quality selection to save the most money. You might wonder - what is the most reliable year Ford Focus offers?
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, the overall reliability of the Focus, and any other valuable information.
THE FORD FOCUS YEARS TO AVOID
If you are looking to buy a used Ford Focus, read our breakdown of the Ford Focus years to avoid. We list some of the most unreliable Ford Focus years that you should avoid buying and a couple of safe models to buy used.
Most Reliable Years For The Ford Focus
People enjoy driving the Ford Focus because it offers a sleek appearance and plenty of room inside, much more than a traditional sedan. It has quality technology and exists to withstand long drives. A few years stand out as the best when considering used options from this variety.
Here are the most reliable choices for the Ford Focus:
- 2010 Ford Focus
- 2011 Ford Focus
- 2018 Ford Focus
If you’re searching for the most reliable year Ford Focus offers the public, pick one of these three for your driving needs.
These years are the safest investment, ensuring you bring in excellent miles on the road without spending excessive money without warning. They have the fewest customer complaints and minor, unexpected repairs throughout the year.
Purchase one of these options to get the most out of your money. However, it doesn’t matter too much if the general reliability of the Ford Focus is poor. How does this compact vehicle compare to other similar cars?
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Are Ford Focuses Generally Reliable?
When you invest in a used vehicle option, it’s ideal to pick the most reliable year available. However, that won’t mean anything if the Focus itself isn’t reliable. Let’s see how the Focus fares against similar compact vehicle options available.
The Ford Focus brings in a below-average score in reliability. According to withclutch.com, Focus scores 40, which does not put it in an excellent position. It’s one of the lowest scores Ford offers in its products.
It’s also ideal to get a second opinion when looking at the reliability of a vehicle. According to repairpal.com, the Ford Focus scores a ⅘, placing it 27th out of 36 compact cars. Although it’s technically above average in reliability, it’s in the lower half of the pack.
The annual repair cost for the Ford Focus is $569, about $50 more than the average for other compact vehicles. If there is a need for a sudden repair during the year, there is a 13% chance it will be severe, higher than the 11% average for compact vehicles.
Those behind the wheel of the Ford Focus report taking their car to the repair shop an average of .3 times a year, which is on par with other compact vehicles. The Focus isn’t the best, but it’s an okay option for the right price.
Which Ford Focus Years Are The Least Reliable?
If you’re intent on the Ford Focus, stay away from the least reliable choices at all costs. These will burn through your money and require unexpected trips to the repair shop multiple times during the year.
Here are the least reliable choices for the Ford Focus on the market:
- 2007 Ford Focus
- 2008 Ford Focus
- 2012 Ford Focus
- 2013 Ford Focus
- 2014 Ford Focus
- 2015 Ford Focus
If you’re hunting for the most reliable year Ford Focus offers, avoid these choices to maximize your investment.
These years have had the most customer complaints online. Some of the most prominent troubles include excessive tire wear, broken air conditioning systems, automatic transmission issues such as grinding and shifting, and sudden power steering failure.
You will find extensive complaints in these years, more than in others. However, there are also some general issues you will note across all years, good and bad.
What Reddit Says:
Here at CoPilot, we love to put one’s finger on the pulse of the automotive company. Below are the common sentiments by users from several auto subreddits like r/AskCarSales and r/FordFocus:
Comment
byu/hodltaco from discussion
inFordFocus
Comment
byu/-Yeti_Spaghetti- from discussion
inaskcarsales
Comment
byu/-Yeti_Spaghetti- from discussion
inaskcarsales
In general, people on Reddit seem to enjoy their Ford Focus in terms of reliability. However, as we’ve outlined on this guide, some years are best avoided – particularly those with the dreaded automatic transmission woes.
THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
What Are The Most Common Issues With A Ford Focus?
A quality strategy when investing in a used vehicle is to research its most common associated troubles. Like other cars, typical troubles appear in the Ford Focus, no matter which year you select for your drive. As such, let’s take a closer look at the most prevalent issues reported by Ford Focus owners:
- Transmission troubles: One of the most notorious problems associated with the Ford Focus is its problematic PowerShift automatic transmission, which was introduced in 2011. This transmission, which combines dual clutches and dry clutches, has been the source of countless complaints and even lawsuits. Owners of 2011-2016 Focus models have reported issues such as harsh shifting, shuddering, and complete transmission failure. The 2014 Focus, in particular, has been singled out as one of the worst vehicles due to its transmission woes.
- Ignition key issues: Another common problem reported by Focus owners is related to the ignition key. Many drivers, especially those with 2003 models, have experienced difficulties turning the key in the ignition, effectively rendering their vehicles undrivable. In some cases, the key has even become stuck in the ignition, adding to the frustration of owners.
- Engine stalling: The 2000 Ford Focus, which was the first model year to exhibit numerous problems, has been plagued by engine stalling issues. Owners have reported their engines dying unexpectedly during operation, leaving them stranded and in need of repairs. In more severe cases, some drivers have even experienced complete engine failure, necessitating extensive repairs or total engine replacement.
- Exhaust and fuel system recalls: In a massive recall affecting over a million units of 2012-2018 Ford Focus models, a faulty purge valve in the exhaust system was found to damage the vehicle’s fuel tank indirectly. This defect led to various issues, such as loss of power, malfunctioning fuel gauges, and difficulty restarting the engine after a stall. Ford issued a recall to reprogram the affected vehicles and replace any damaged parts. A follow-up recall was later issued for 2012-2014 and 2017 models that did not receive a complete software update.
- Steering system failures: Owners of the 2012 Ford Focus have reported issues with the electronic power-assisted steering system. In some instances, the steering would randomly shut down while driving, leaving the driver without power assistance and increasing the risk of accidents. There have also been reports of the steering wheel locking up immediately after starting the vehicle, further compromising the safety of the driver and passengers.
- Low-Speed pre-ignition in EcoBoost engines: While the Ford Focus ST, equipped with a manual transmission and EcoBoost engine, has generally been considered more reliable than its standard counterparts, it is not without its own set of challenges. The downsized and turbocharged EcoBoost engine has been known to experience low-speed pre-ignition, a phenomenon where the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder ignites before the spark plug fires. This issue can cause significant damage to the pistons and other internal engine components, especially when accelerating at low RPMs in high gear.
- Fluctuating engine RPM: Even the more reliable 2018 Ford Focus has not been immune to engine problems. Some owners have reported instances of the engine’s RPM fluctuating after shifting into park or despite depressing the clutch pedal. While these issues may not be as severe as those encountered in earlier model years, they still pose a concern for drivers.
Overall, the Ford Focus has had a rough history when it comes to reliability and common problems. From transmission failures and ignition key issues to engine stalling and steering system malfunctions, owners have had to contend with a wide range of challenges.
We’ve discussed many things surrounding the reliability of the Ford Focus. Now, it’s time for the ultimate question – is the Ford Focus worth it?
Is The Ford Focus Worth It?
The Ford Focus is worth the investment if you’re looking for an affordable compact vehicle. Although it does have some reliability issues, sticking with the most reliable years will ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Ford is a reliable brand, and the Focus is one of their best. If you need a dependable commuting option, pick this one for your next investment. The best years will serve you well and won’t cost too much to care for in the years to come.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Focus is a decent investment if you stick with the most reliable years. It’s compact, efficient, and looks excellent for a vehicle of its size. Plus, it comes from the iconic Ford brand, which offers excellent name recognition.
We hope this information was valuable! It might feel overwhelming to select an ideal compact choice with so many selections, so our information should help you pick the right option for your life. The Focus has its issues, but it’s a decent option from Ford.
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