Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 837 | typical | 7 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 900 | 1.5× | 10 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2016 | 1,183 | 1.9× | 10 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2015 | 1,022 | 1.5× | 9 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2014 | 2,604 | 3.9× | 12 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2013 | 2,112 | 3.2× | 11 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2012 | 3,770 | 5.7× | 7 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2011 | 113 | −88% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2010 | 287 | −69% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2009 | 229 | −76% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2008 | 250 | −76% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2007 | 391 | −60% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2006 | 205 | −80% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2005 | 441 | −60% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2004 | 387 | −61% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2003 | 977 | 1.5× | 1 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2002 | 939 | 1.4× | 1 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2001 | 1,761 | 2.7× | 7 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2000 | 3,686 | 6.0× | 11 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 1999 | 11 | −98% | — | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Focus year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Focus problems
Latest Ford Focus recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Evaporative emissions › Canister
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Manual transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Oil/lubrication › Pump
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Focus should you avoid?
2012, 2014, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2015 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Focus years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2012.
What is the best year for the Ford Focus?
2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other Focus years at the same age, followed by 2006 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Focus problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (6,804), electrical system (4,342) and engine & cooling (3,579). Transmission complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Focus had?
36 recalls across 1999–2018. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Ford Focus recalls by year.
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.