Ford Focus SVT Problems by Year

We compared every Ford Focus SVT model year from 2002 using 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. No Focus SVT year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

1model years
32complaints
1recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

200232
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Focus SVT. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200232—1ElectricalLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median Focus SVT year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Ford Focus SVT problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2002
    619%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2002
    516%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2002
    516%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2002
    413%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2002
    39%
  • Suspensionworst: 2002
    39%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2002
    39%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2002
    26%
  • Body & structureworst: 2002
    26%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    26%
  • Steeringworst: 2002
    26%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2002
    26%
  • Air bagsworst: 2002
    26%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2002
    13%
  • Seatsworst: 2002
    13%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2002
    13%
  • Lightsworst: 2002
    13%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2002
    13%

Latest Ford Focus SVT recalls

Vehicle speed control › Cruise control

NHTSA recall 02V-117 · Apr 18, 2002 · 534 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles built with manual transaxles, there is the potential for the speed control cable to hang up at the throttle body bracket during high, wide open throttle operation, preventing the throttle from returning to the closed position when the accelerator is released.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle body and check for proper operation. Owner notification began April 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Ford Focus SVT should you avoid?

None of the Ford Focus SVT years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Ford Focus SVT problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (6), wheels & tires (5) and transmission & drivetrain (5). Electrical complaints peak in the 2002 model year.

How many recalls has the Ford Focus SVT had?

1 recall across 2002. The model year with the most is 2002.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.