Ford Focus: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Ford Focus years to approach with the most caution are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The strongest years in our data are 2011. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2018), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Ford Focus year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2011 Recommended 7 Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.; Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.; Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.; Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.; Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.; Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.; Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.; Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.; Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.; Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.; Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.; Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.; Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Accelerator pedal sticks or binds, especially in freezing weather, traced to the throttle body.; Airbag warning light stays on, with reports of failure to deploy or unexpected deployment.; Door locks and latches fail; rear doors may not lock and can be opened by children while the car is moving. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Accelerator pedal sticks or binds, especially in freezing weather, traced to the throttle body.; Airbag warning light stays on, with reports of failure to deploy or unexpected deployment.; Door locks and latches fail; rear doors may not lock and can be opened by children while the car is moving. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Accelerator pedal sticks or binds, especially in freezing weather, traced to the throttle body.; Airbag warning light stays on, with reports of failure to deploy or unexpected deployment.; Door locks and latches fail; rear doors may not lock and can be opened by children while the car is moving. Full report ↗
2016 Avoid 4 The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.; Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.; Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall. Full report ↗
2015 Avoid 4 The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.; Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.; Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall. Full report ↗
2014 Avoid 3 The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.; Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.; Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall. Full report ↗
2013 Avoid 3 The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.; Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.; Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall. Full report ↗
2012 Avoid 3 The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.; Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.; Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall. Full report ↗

Ford Focus problems by year

2018 Ford Focus Caution

Late third-gen Focus with improved but still-present PowerShift automatic; a manual or ST is the safe pick, an automatic carries real transmission risk. Otherwise economical and good to drive.

  • The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall.

2017 Ford Focus Caution

Ford reduced PowerShift complaints by this point, but the dual-clutch automatic remains the weak spot; manual and ST cars are reliable and fun. Solid economy and handling.

  • The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall.

2016 Ford Focus Avoid

Third-gen Focus from the worst PowerShift years; automatic cars commonly shudder, lose power and need clutch/TCM repairs that can exceed the car value. Manual/ST cars are the exception.

  • The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall.

2015 Ford Focus Avoid

Among the most complained-about Focus years for the DPS6 PowerShift automatic. Avoid automatics; a manual-transmission or ST example is genuinely good. Strong handling and mpg.

  • The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall.

2014 Ford Focus Avoid

Peak PowerShift transmission failures: widespread shuddering, hesitation and TCM faults on automatics, with repairs often worth more than the car. Only manual or ST cars are advisable.

  • The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall.

2013 Ford Focus Avoid

Early third-gen Focus crippled by the DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic; high complaint volume and costly clutch/TCM repairs. Manual and ST versions are the reliable exceptions.

  • The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall.

2012 Ford Focus Avoid

First year of the troubled DPS6 PowerShift automatic, the most complained-about Focus generation, plus steering and fuel-system recalls. Avoid automatics; manuals are fine and fun.

  • The DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic shudders, jerks, hesitates and can slip into neutral or lose power; the dry clutch overheats and wears prematurely. Automatic-equipped cars are affected (manual cars are not), and a transmission repair often approaches the value of the car.
  • Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures cause sudden loss of acceleration, stalling or no-start, some reported as early as 35,000 miles. A Ford extended-coverage program applied on many cars but has lapsed with age.
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering, sometimes with the wheel locking and no warning light, the subject of a 2012-2014 steering recall.

2011 Ford Focus Recommended

Best of the second-gen Focus: well-rated for reliability and value with few complaints, simple durable 2.0L engine and good economy. Watch for door-latch and motor-mount wear.

  • Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.
  • Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.
  • Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear.

2010 Ford Focus Caution

Reliable, economical second-gen compact; common gripes are door-latch failures, throttle-body stalling and A/C faults, but no major drivetrain risk. Cheap to own and maintain.

  • Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.
  • Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.
  • Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear.

2009 Ford Focus Caution

Dependable, fuel-efficient second-gen Focus; typical issues are door latches, throttle stalling and worn motor mounts. A sound budget used car with cheap parts.

  • Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.
  • Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.
  • Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear.

2008 Ford Focus Caution

Refreshed second-gen Focus, generally reliable and economical, though 2008 cars see more A/C and climate-system faults plus door-latch and motor-mount wear. Dated cabin.

  • Engine stalling and throttle-body faults cause sudden loss of power, often at stops and accompanied by the wrench warning light.
  • Door lock and latch failures: doors will not lock, lock intermittently, or cannot be opened from inside or outside.
  • Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral, with noise or fluid leaks; manual cars show clutch wear.

2007 Ford Focus Caution

First-gen Focus with average reliability for its age; notable for early alternator failure and two recalls, plus brake-rotor shimmy and door-latch wear. Cheap to buy and fix.

  • Accelerator pedal sticks or binds, especially in freezing weather, traced to the throttle body.
  • Airbag warning light stays on, with reports of failure to deploy or unexpected deployment.
  • Door locks and latches fail; rear doors may not lock and can be opened by children while the car is moving.

2006 Ford Focus Caution

First-gen Focus, average reliability and very affordable; expect warped brake rotors, sticking throttle, door-latch failures and aging electronics at this age.

  • Accelerator pedal sticks or binds, especially in freezing weather, traced to the throttle body.
  • Airbag warning light stays on, with reports of failure to deploy or unexpected deployment.
  • Door locks and latches fail; rear doors may not lock and can be opened by children while the car is moving.

2005 Ford Focus Caution

First-gen Focus, average reliability with the most recalls of these years; door latches, throttle sticking and brake-rotor shimmy are common. Inexpensive and simple to maintain.

  • Accelerator pedal sticks or binds, especially in freezing weather, traced to the throttle body.
  • Airbag warning light stays on, with reports of failure to deploy or unexpected deployment.
  • Door locks and latches fail; rear doors may not lock and can be opened by children while the car is moving.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Ford models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.