If you’re thinking about getting a Ford Focus, it’s important to know which years to avoid to ensure you don’t run into frequent problems and costly repairs.
Some years, like 2007 and 2013, are known for having persistent issues such as alternator failures and engine troubles. The 2014 model has more than 3000 complaints and 10 recalls, making it a risky option.
Want to know which years are safer choices and what to look for in a used Ford Focus? Let’s dive into the details to help you make a smart decision.
Key Takeaways
- Stay away from the 2007 Ford Focus because the alternator often breaks down.
- The 2008 Ford Focus tends to wear out tires quickly.
- The 2012 Ford Focus has major problems with the climate control system.
- The 2013 Ford Focus has serious engine issues.
- The 2014 Ford Focus has over 3000 complaints and 10 recalls, showing it has big reliability problems.
Overview of Ford Focus Reliability
When looking at the Ford Focus’ reliability, it’s important to know which years had major problems. The 2007 Ford Focus had a lot of issues with alternators failing, so it’s best to avoid that year.
The 2008 model had problems with tires wearing out too quickly, which hurt its reliability. The 2012 Focus had issues with the climate system, leaving many owners unhappy.
The 2013 Focus had engine problems that also made it less reliable. On the other hand, the 2011 and 2018 models are known for being more reliable and have fewer complaints, making them better choices.
Knowing these reliability trends helps you make a smarter decision when picking a Ford Focus.
Transmission Issues
If you’re thinking about buying a Ford Focus, watch out for major transmission problems, especially in the 2012 and 2015 models. Issues like shuddering, trouble shifting, and engine failure have been common and often expensive to fix.
These problems even led to a class action lawsuit. The defective PowerShift transmissions and high repair costs make these years particularly risky for buyers.
PowerShift Transmission Defects
Ford Focus models from 2012 to 2015 are well-known for having problems with their PowerShift transmission. This can cause the car to shake, have trouble shifting gears, and even lead to engine failure. These issues have been very frustrating for many owners. The PowerShift transmission was designed to be efficient, but it turned out to be quite unreliable.
Key issues include:
- Shaking when you speed up
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Clutches wearing out early, especially in 2015 models
- Increased risk of engine failure because of transmission problems
- Legal actions showing how widespread the problem is
Ford’s attempt to improve the car’s performance with the PowerShift transmission didn’t work out well, causing frequent repairs and unhappy customers.
If you’re thinking about buying a used Ford Focus from these years, it’s important to be aware of these problems.
Repair and Recall Costs
How much might you need to spend on repairs and recalls for transmission issues in the 2012 to 2015 Ford Focus? These models are well-known for their transmission problems, such as shuddering and shifting issues, which can lead to expensive repairs and recalls. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
| Repair/Recall Type | Average Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Transmission Repair | 288.21 |
| Clutch Replacement (2015) | 588.37 |
| Clutch Replacement (2018) | 588.37 |
| Recall Fixes | Varies |
| Total Estimated Cost | 876.58 + |
A class action lawsuit against Ford over these transmission defects highlights how serious these issues are. Fixes often include clutch replacements, which can be pretty pricey. If you own a 2012 to 2015 Ford Focus, it’s wise to set aside some money for potential transmission-related expenses.
Longevity of the Ford Focus
A well-maintained Ford Focus can often last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles, making regular upkeep crucial for long-term reliability. Without proper care, a Ford Focus might only make it between 50,000 to 150,000 miles.
It’s important to stick to a regular maintenance schedule to avoid unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Here are some key factors that help extend the car’s life:
- Regular maintenance: Get oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks regularly.
- Duratec engines: These engines are known for being durable.
- Manual transmissions: These are often more reliable than automatic ones.
- Careful driving habits: Avoid aggressive driving and hard braking.
- Prompt repairs: Fix issues right away to prevent more damage.
Reliable Model Years
When looking at how long a Ford Focus can last, the 2011 and 2018 models are particularly reliable. These models tend to have fewer complaints and can last between 13-16 years or up to 200,000 miles if you take good care of them. Choosing these years means you’ll likely get a car that performs well and doesn’t give you too many headaches.
| Year | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 13-16 years |
| 2018 | 13-16 years |
| 2011 | Up to 200,000 miles |
| 2018 | Up to 200,000 miles |
Make sure to check for common problems before buying one to make sure you get a dependable and enjoyable Ford Focus.
2013 Model Problems
If you’re considering buying a used Ford Focus, be cautious of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 models. These years have been reported to have several issues that can lead to expensive repairs and frustration.
For instance, the 2012 model often has problems with the climate control system.
The 2013 model may have engine issues.
The 2014 model is particularly troublesome, with more than 3000 complaints and 10 recalls, making it the worst year to avoid.
In summary:
- 2012: Climate control problems
- 2013: Possible engine troubles
- 2014: Over 3000 complaints and 10 recalls
To avoid these headaches, it’s best to look for a different year if you’re in the market for a used Focus.
2012 Model Issues
If you’re thinking about buying a used 2012 or 2013 Ford Focus, you should know about some major problems.
The 2013 model is well-known for big issues with its dual-clutch automatic transmission, causing jerky shifts and unreliable performance. It also had engine problems, which makes it a risky option.
The 2012 Ford Focus had its own set of troubles, including electrical system failures and fuel system issues. There were multiple recalls for this year, showing that it’s quite unreliable.
The climate control system often didn’t work right, leading to inconsistent cabin temperatures.
Because of these ongoing problems, it’s best to avoid the 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus models when shopping for a used car.
2001-2003 Model Concerns
The 2001-2003 Ford Focus models have a bad reputation for reliability and a lot of mechanical problems. These years are known for common issues that make them less appealing to buyers.
Main problems include:
- Faulty electrical systems that often break down.
- Transmission problems that can be expensive to fix.
- Brake issues that can make the car unsafe.
- Suspension problems that affect how smoothly the car rides.
- Recalls for bad headlight switches, showing flaws in manufacturing.
Common Faults
Common problems with the Ford Focus include major transmission and clutch issues, especially in the 2013 model.
The 2012 models often have electrical and alternator problems, which have led to several recalls.
Additionally, suspension and tire wear issues have been ongoing concerns for many years.
Transmission and Clutch Issues
Many Ford Focus models, especially from 2012 and 2015, have major transmission and clutch problems that owners should know about. Transmission issues like shuddering and rough shifting are common in these years. Signs of these problems include engine failure, jerking, and rough shifting, which can lead to expensive repairs costing around £288.21.
Also, early clutch wear is a big issue in the 2015 and 2018 models, often needing replacements that cost about £588.37.
Some problems you might face are:
- Shuddering when you accelerate
- Rough or slow shifting
- Unexpected engine failure
- Jerking movements while driving
- Early clutch wear
Knowing about these common issues can help you avoid surprise expenses.
Electrical and Alternator Problems
If you own a Ford Focus, you might run into electrical and alternator problems that can mess up your driving and cost a lot to fix. The 2007 Ford Focus is especially known for having alternator issues. Many owners say they’ve to deal with frequent failures, which can drain the battery and cause unexpected breakdowns.
These problems aren’t only annoying but also expensive, making the car less reliable overall.
If you’re thinking about getting a Ford Focus, it’s good to know that the 2007 model is particularly bad for these issues. To avoid the hassle and cost, you might want to go for more reliable years like the 2011 or 2018 models. These years have fewer complaints and are generally seen as more dependable.
Suspension and Tire Wear
For 2008 and 2009 Ford Focus models, suspension and tire wear problems are common and can seriously affect how the car drives and how safe it is. These cars often have strange noises and wear out tires quickly, which can make handling worse and mean you need to get the wheels aligned and the tires replaced more often.
The suspension issues can be costly to fix and can make driving less enjoyable. As an owner, here’s what you should look out for:
- Strange noises coming from the suspension.
- Tires wearing out unevenly, which affects handling.
- Frequent alignments needed to keep tire wear in check.
- High repair costs due to suspension problems.
- Worse driving performance if these issues aren’t fixed.
It’s important to deal with these issues quickly to keep the car safe and reliable.
2007 Model Issues
When looking at the Ford Focus, there are seven specific years you should avoid because of major problems reported by owners. Common issues include alternator failures, tires wearing out too fast, and problems with the climate control system.
In 2007, many owners had trouble with alternators failing. In 2008, tires wore out quickly, needing frequent replacements. The 2012 model had a lot of complaints about the climate control system not working right. Engine problems made the 2013 model unreliable. The 2014 Ford Focus had over 3000 complaints and 10 recalls, showing serious reliability issues.
| Year | Common Problems | Major Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Alternator | Alternator failure |
| 2008 | Tires | Tires wear out fast |
| 2012 | Climate | Climate control issues |
| 2013 | Engine | Engine problems |
These years have ongoing problems that could make potential buyers think twice.
2008 Model Problems
There are a few common problems with some Ford Focus models that you should know about.
People often report that the tires wear out quickly.
The suspension makes noise.
The alternator doesn’t last long.
Knowing these issues can help you decide if buying a used Ford Focus is the right choice for you.
Excessive Tire Wear
Excessive tire wear in the 2008 and 2009 Ford Focus models is a big problem. It leads to frequent tire changes and affects how safe and stable the car feels. Owners have noticed that the tires wear out unevenly, which can mess with your car’s grip on the road. You’ll probably need to rotate and align your tires more often to deal with this, which increases maintenance costs.
Main issues include:
- Reduced traction, which is a safety risk.
- More frequent need to replace tires.
- Higher maintenance costs due to more frequent service.
- Impact on how the car handles and feels.
- Need for more frequent tire rotations and alignments.
Fixing these problems can be expensive and take a lot of time, making these Ford Focus models less attractive to buy.
Suspension Noise Issues
In the 2008 and 2009 Ford Focus models, many owners have complained about noisy suspensions. You might hear clunking or rattling sounds coming from the suspension, which can make your ride rough and uncomfortable. Ford fixed these issues in later models, improving the overall driving experience. If you own a 2008 or 2009 model, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help reduce these suspension noise problems.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Model Year | Problem |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Clunking noises |
| 2008 | Rattling sounds |
| 2009 | Clunking noises |
| 2009 | Rattling sounds |
| Post-2009 | Better suspension design |
Keep an eye on these problems to ensure a smoother ride.
Alternator Reliability Concerns
The Ford Focus is usually a reliable car, but the 2007 model has had a lot of problems with the alternator. Many owners have reported that their alternators failed, leading to unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
If you’re thinking about buying a used Focus, be aware that alternator problems can cause:
- High repair costs
- Unexpected breakdowns
- Safety risks
- Lower resale value
- Frequent need for new alternators
To avoid these issues, it’s best to skip the 2007 model. Instead, look at more reliable years like 2011 or 2018, which have fewer complaints and are generally more dependable.
2014 Model Concerns
When looking at which Ford Focus models to steer clear of, four years particularly stand out because of major problems.
The 2007 Ford Focus often has alternator failures, leading to frequent breakdowns and expensive fixes.
The 2008 models wear out tires too quickly, causing early replacements and safety issues.
The 2012 Ford Focus has trouble with its climate system, making heating and cooling unreliable.
The 2013 model has ongoing engine issues, which can hurt performance and dependability.
With over 3,000 complaints and 10 recalls, the 2014 Ford Focus has many problems, making it the year to avoid the most.
Each of these years has its own set of issues that buyers should think about.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your Ford Focus running well, make regular maintenance a priority and fix any problems right away. By following these tips, you can help your car last longer and avoid expensive repairs, especially if you own a 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, or 2014 model. Manual transmission cars are usually easier to take care of and have fewer issues.
Here are the key areas to focus on:
- Engine care: Check the oil levels regularly and change the filters.
- Transmission checks: Fix any transmission problems as soon as they come up.
- Brake maintenance: Inspect the brake pads and replace them when needed.
- Tire health: Rotate the tires and check their pressure often.
- Fluid levels: Keep an eye on all important fluids and top them off when necessary.
User Experiences
When looking at user experiences, you’ll see common complaints from owners of certain Ford Focus models, especially those from 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2013. Issues like alternator failures, excessive tire wear, climate system problems, and engine troubles often come up.
These problems lead to high maintenance costs and concerns about reliability. Also, reports of high mileage show the long-term effects of these issues, highlighting the need to pick the right model year.
Common Owner Complaints
Owners of various Ford Focus models have faced ongoing problems that affect the car’s reliability and driving experience. Here are some common complaints:
- 2007 Ford Focus: Alternator problems, leading to frequent breakdowns.
- 2008 Ford Focus: Tires wear out quickly, resulting in higher maintenance costs.
- 2012 Ford Focus: Issues with the climate control system, making driving uncomfortable.
- 2013 Ford Focus: Engine troubles, which can be both unsafe and expensive to fix.
- 2014 Ford Focus: More than 3000 complaints and 10 recalls due to different mechanical issues.
These problems show that certain years have more reliability issues. If you’re thinking about buying a Ford Focus, it’s a good idea to avoid these years to prevent potential problems and costly repairs. Knowing these common issues can help you save time and money.
High Mileage Reports
High mileage Ford Focus models often have recurring problems that can affect their lifespan and performance. Reports from owners show frequent issues like alternator failure, excessive tire wear, and climate system breakdowns, especially in the 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014 models.
The 2013 model is particularly problematic due to major issues with the dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2007 and 2008 models commonly face alternator failures that can lead to wider electrical problems. The 2012 model is well-known for problems with the climate system and engine.
If you’re thinking about buying a high-mileage Ford Focus, it’s best to avoid these specific years to reduce potential problems.
Avoiding Problematic Years
If you’re thinking about buying a Ford Focus, you should know that some years have had a lot of problems. Here are the ones you should avoid:
- The 2007 Ford Focus often has problems with the alternator.
- The 2008 Ford Focus usually has issues with tires wearing out too quickly.
- The 2012 Ford Focus has been known to have problems with the climate control system.
- The 2013 Ford Focus often has engine issues.
- The 2014 Ford Focus has had over 3000 complaints and 10 recalls, so it’s best to avoid it.
Choosing a Reliable Model
After figuring out which years to avoid, let’s focus on picking a reliable Ford Focus that will last longer and have fewer problems. The 2011 and 2018 models are good choices. These years have fewer complaints and major issues, making them dependable options.
The 2011 model is known for its solid performance and fewer problems, while the 2018 model has better technology and improved reliability. When choosing the best year, go for models with fewer reported issues to ensure a smoother drive and better value for your money.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Ford Edge, Ford F 150, Ford Escape and Ford Expedition. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
Conclusion
When you’re thinking about getting a Ford Focus, it’s important to avoid certain years to make sure you get a dependable car.
The 2014 model, for instance, had over 3,000 complaints and showed a lot of problems. It’s best to avoid the years 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
If you choose a good model year and take care of it, a Ford Focus can last over 200,000 miles, which shows how picking the right year can really make a difference in your driving experience.
