Best & Worst Years of Ford Focus – Graphs & Owner Surveys

Best Years of the Ford Focus

The best years of the Ford Focus are determined from an analysis of FIXD Reliability Scores, Owner Reliability Scores, NHTSA safety testing and recalls, and EPA fuel economy estimates. The most common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are also included. 

2015 and 2017 Ford Focus

The third-generation Ford Focus brings a lot to the table with significantly improved safety scores and fuel economy. While these are modern economy cars, it’s important to know they are still economy cars. Which means automakers try to cut corners whenever possible. 

This accounts for only the 2015 and 2017 model years making it to the best years list. The 2012-2014, 2016, and 2018 editions have too many drivetrain problems, which we’ll cover later.

Yes, the 2015 and 2017 Focuses get mediocre engine reliability scores (5 out of 10), but owners give these cars a commendable 9 or 10 (out of 10). Another reason to like these Fords is that surveys didn’t report any expensive ($500+) engine repairs in 2022. 

And 5.7% of those with a 2015 Focus cited costly transmission work last year. Ideally, this would be at zero percent, but this is an eight-year-old car, so troubles are expected. In addition, the 2015 Focus has a troublesome PowerShift transmission (discussed in the worst years section). So, be sure that an inspection thoroughly looks at the gearbox.

We’re not saying this group of Focuses is perfect, but here’s why they’re worth checking out. 

Low upkeep costs are also worth mentioning, with owners of the 2015 and 2017 Focuses reported spending $429 and $500, respectively, last year to maintain their cars. These amounts are below the $634 average among all Focus models. And these vehicles are old enough that brake pads and tire replacements are already kicking in. This is normal wear and tear usage that doesn’t affect reliability. 

A 4.6 (out of 5) in NHTSA safety testing makes this pair of Focuses among the best-performing examples. At the same time, fuel economy ratings of 29 MPG (2017) and 30 MPG (2015) make these model years among the most fuel-efficient for the nameplate. 

But let’s bring the 2015 and 2017 Ford Focus down to earth with a look at the most common trouble codes. P1450 signals a problem with the vacuum pressure in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. Often, this issue can get corrected with a simple no-cost fix: tightening the gas cap. 

However, repairs may be more involved. A new gas cap runs $20 to $60, while a replacement EVAP line costs $50 to $100. Other work may require a new valve ($150-$200) or an EVAP charcoal canister ($200-$600). 

Another EVAP-related code, P0456, is frequently associated with the 2015 and 2017 Ford Focus. Remedies are similar to how you’d fix P1450.

Owners of these model years may also encounter P0420, a problem with the catalytic converter (catalyst system efficiency below threshold—Bank 1, specifically). If this happens, you’re likely facing installing a new air fuel sensor ($200-$300) or oxygen sensor ($275-$500) or repairing an exhaust system leak ($100-$200). However, don’t be surprised if a new catalytic converter ($1,538-$2,041) is required. 

While catalytic converters don’t last forever, a replacement in vehicles of this age is unusual. It can happen due to poor maintenance, cheap gas, or a component failure. We always recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection through a professional mechanic. A simple pressure test can identify a catalytic converter not operating in peak condition. You’ll want to determine if this is a problem before buying a 2015 or 2017 Ford Focus. 

Be aware that there are eight recalls for the 2015 Focus and five recalls for the 2017 model year. Checking the recall status of any car is simple. Just head to the NHTSA website and enter the vehicle’s information.

Depending on the condition, equipment, mileage, and other factors, a Ford Focus from 2015 or 2017 runs $8,000 to $12,000 at a dealer. Tight supplies, a volatile used car market, and higher interest rates have made these cars more expensive. Private-party transactions, which are what’s reflected in KBB market value, are usually lower than dealer-based purchases. 

2010-2011 Ford Focus

A FIXD Reliability Score of 4 for the 2010 Focus doesn’t scream reliability (the 2011 version gets a 6), nor do passing Owner Reliability Scores (7 for the 2010 Focus and 6 for the 2011 edition). 

But a few other things stood out for the second half of the second-generation Ford Focus (2008-2011). Notably, no surveyed owners reported an expensive engine or transmission repair. That’s a remarkable accomplishment for an economy car a dozen years old! 

Equally as amazing is that the 2010-2011 Focuses are the only model years without a recall (as of this writing). There are other positives to these Fords, such as good fuel economy (28-29 MPG) and respectable crash test results (4.0-4.2). 

Yearly maintenance expenses of $667 for the 2010 Ford Focus stays close to average. However, 2011 Focus owners did spend an average of $850 last year, with the survey showing repair dollars mostly went to the HVAC system or brakes.

As the FIXD Reliability Score demonstrates, the 2010-2011 Ford Focus has its share of check engine lights. The most common DTC message is P1000, which isn’t the worse error code to get. It indicates that the vehicle hasn’t completed enough drive cycles to satisfy the engine control module (ECM) monitoring requirement. Usually, this means a battery cable is disconnected or the scan got interrupted. 

Owners of these Focus model years may also have to deal with code P0451, which involves a faulty EVAP system. Repairs can require a new valve, EVAP line, or charcoal canister, like other EVAP-related error messages. A replacement catalytic converter could be part of the work.

Taking the number three spot for the most common error code among the 2010-2011 Focus model years is P0128, a bad thermostat. Necessary repairs could involve the EVAP repairs we’ve already covered. A new thermostat costs $477 to $512. Replacing the powertrain control module, which monitors the thermostat, runs from $2,049 to $2,567.

Expect to pay $4,000 to $8,000 for a 2010-2011 Ford Focus from a dealer. These model years are the sweet spot for a used Focus. They’re affordable (finding a decent second-hand vehicle for well under $10,000 is a challenge in today’s market), are relatively modern, and perform satisfactorily for safety and fuel economy.

2006-2007 Ford Focus

The first-generation Ford Focus doesn’t get any gold medals for reliability. That’s why most years (2001-2005) are on the worst years list. But, we were able to locate a pair of bronze medal winners with the 2006-2007 model years. And if there were such a thing as a tin or copper award, it would be a more accurate recognition. 

These cars are far from flawless. But for those unable to spend $7,000 or $8,000 on a used vehicle, this grouping is what to buy if you’ve only got $3,000 to $6,000 for a second-hand Ford.

FIXD Reliability Scores of 4 are the highest among any first-generation Focus, and 6 for Owner Reliability is encouraging. Fuel economy averages of 26-27 MPG aren’t the most stellar, but they’re competitive with other economy cars of this time. 

Similarly, crash test scores of 3.8 (2007) and 4.0 (2006) don’t stand out, but these ratings could be worse.

What’s really notable about these Fords is the modest number of recalls. There are only two notices for the 2010 Focus and the same amount of recalls for the 2011 edition. Earlier years have many more recalls. 

That said, let’s point out why considering a 2006-2007 Ford Focus must be an exercise of caution. In other words, be a vigilant buyer and get an inspection before signing the paperwork.

Based on owner surveys, an average of 11% of owners of these Focuses cited a cost of at least $500 last year to fix the engine and transmission. We wish this were lower (or non-existent), but this comes with the territory of having a cheap, older car. It’s also worth considering that these vehicles have an average of 187,000 miles. Finding a car with substantially lower mileage could reduce the chance of expensive powertrain servicing.

The 2006-2007 model years are more expensive to own than other Focuses. Surveys show that, on average, it took $1,068 to keep the 2007 Focus running in 2022. At $917, the 2006 edition is less expensive to maintain. You may save some money upfront by purchasing a less expensive car, but the savings may evaporate due to repairs and upkeep.

Error codes that we’ve already covered, P1000 (failed ECM monitoring) and P0128 (a bad thermostat), are common to the 2006-2007 Focus. 

Owners can also come across P0171, a too-lean fuel mixture (insufficient fuel or too much air). This typically results from problems with the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. Cleaning the MAF sensor ($20-$100) or fixing a vacuum or exhaust leak ($100-$200) often will take care of things. 

More involved corrections include installing a new MAF sensor ($300) or fuel-pressure regulator ($200-$400). A new fuel pump can set owners back $1,300 to $1,700.

The Worst Years of the Ford Focus

Two-thirds of the Ford Focus model years are best left in someone else’s hands. You’ll want to avoid these cars due to poor FIXD Reliability and Owner Reliability Scores, high repairs costs, or other issues.

2001-2005 Ford Focus

There’s one expression to remember if you’re thinking about a 2001-2005 Ford Focus, “avoid it like the plague.” Solid data shows they are the worst model years to buy. Yes, they’re old; vehicles with two decades of use are not the most reliable. 

FIXD Reliability Scores that don’t arise above 3 are the first indicators of troubles (2002 and 2003 receive a 1), despite owners being more optimistic via the Owner Reliability Score (a 4-6 for the 2002-2005 model years).

We’ll focus on the 2001 Focus separately because there are insufficient owner repair reports to complete this model year’s assessment fully. Ordinarily, in this situation, we’d put a car like this in limbo (no best or worst recommendation). 

However, these cars are 22 years old, plus the 2001 model year has 14 recalls, making it one of the most recalled Focuses. The debut year of the Focus (2000) has 18 recalls, indicating these early versions are problematic, to put it politely.  

That said, let’s move on to the 2002-2005 model years, and it doesn’t get much better. The 2002 Focus has nine recalls, while the 2003 edition has seven notices. There are six recalls for the 2004 model year, and the 2005 version has five recalls.

Looking beyond these recalls, we see a troubling history with repairs. An average of one in five owners with a 2002-2005 Focus had an engine repair of $500 or more last year. Similarly, 20% of those with a 2004 Focus needed costly transmission work. The 2003 and 2005 model years also required gearbox servicing but to a lesser extent. 

Previously highlighted error codes are present in the 2001-2005 Focuses. These messages included P1000 (an ECM monitoring issue) and P0171 (MAF sensor/lean fuel mix). 

Another problem, P0460 (an EVAP system leak), is also known to surface. Besides tightening or replacing the gas cap or fixing a leak, you might have to install a new canister purge solenoid ($50-$150).

Crash test scores aren’t encouraging. While the 2005 edition scores a decent 4.0 in a NHTSA safety analysis, it’s downhill for the rest of the group. The 2001 Focus received a 3.8 in government testing, while the 2002-2004 model years rated a 3.4, the lowest of any Focuses. 

If you’re car shopping on a tight budget, look at the 2006-2007 Ford Focus instead; the odds are much better for a more reliable vehicle. 

2008-2009 Ford Focus

As the first year of the second generation, the 2008 Focus already has one strike against it. But there’s more to be concerned with than first-year gremlins; this also applies to the 2009 model year.

A FIXD Reliability Score of 4 for the 2008 and 2009 Focus might give these cars a passing grade, backed up by a pair of 8s for the Owner Reliability Score. However, owner surveys really tell the story.

In particular, almost one in five 2008 Focus owners endured expensive engine repairs in 2022. It’s better for the 2009 model year, but still, one in ten of these owners also had to spend big bucks for engine work. 

There are also transmission troubles to worry about. An average of 12% of those with a 2008 or 2009 had to spend at least $500 to get their car’s gearbox back to operating condition. 

Curiously, these model years don’t have many NHTSA-recognized problems, as the 2008 Focus has three recalls, and there’s only one recall for the 2009 version. Yet, that so many owners had powertrain issues is the real concern.

Of course, this group of Fords has several common DTC codes to be concerned with.  Ones we’ve already discussed, P1000 (problems with ECM monitoring ) and P0128 (a faulty thermostat) cause check engine lights in the 2008-2009 Focus. 

There are several hundred occurrences reported for code P0750, a faulty automatic transmission solenoid, which can cause the transmission not to shift correctly. Sometimes, this is due to low or dirty transmission fluid. If needed, a replacement solenoid costs $75 to $450.

2012-2014, 2016, and 2018 Ford Focus

It’s never wise to assume that new vehicles are more reliable. The 2012-2014, 2016, and 2018 Ford Focus models prove this point. First, the 2012-2013 model years get a FIXD Reliability Score of 1, which is unusually low for decade-old vehicles. The 2014 and 2016 versions get a 4, which is nothing to brag about. The 2018 Focus receives a 7, but other issues outweigh this ranking.

What is typical are higher Owner Reliability Scores ranging from 7 to 10 (people will put up with check engine lights out of loyalty to their rides). But this index doesn’t make up for other poor showings for these cars.

Chiefly, this involves Ford’s notorious PowerShift transmission used for the 2012-2016 model years. Surveyed owners paid the price for having this gearbox in their cars. More than 23% with a 2014 Focus spent at least $500 last year to fix the transmission. And 18% with a 2012 Focus had the same experience. Nearly 10% of owners with a 2013 or 2016 edition also had to shell out for gearbox work.

There are engine problems, too. An average of 11% of 2013 or 2016 Focus owners needed to spend $500 more to fix what’s under the hood. It rises 16% for those with a 2018 Focus in their driveways.

Compared to other vehicles on the road, these troubled Focus models years are too new to deal with powertrain issues.

It’s also a good idea to avoid the first year of an all-new car because of design flaws and bugs that are often present. The 2012 model year marks the debut of the third-generation Focus. So, that’s another reason to skip this model year. 

Need more proof? The 2012 edition has 12 recalls, among the highest for any Focus. There are also 12 recalls for the 2014 model year and 10 notices for 2013. With six recalls for the 2016 Focus and two for the 2018 version, things get better later.

A look at frequent trouble codes only piles on the evidence to stay away from these Fords.  

In particular, the 2012-2014 and 2016 models years are highly vulnerable to P0420, a faulty catalytic converter, being present. As covered, this can be an expensive repair and one that shouldn’t be an issue with more recent vehicles. 

Code P0420 is the most common error message among all Focuses, according to installed FIXD sensors. And the 2012-2014 and 2016 models years are among the worst. 

We also see many instances of P1450, a problem with the EVAP system. Owners of this group of Focuses may also encounter code B10D7, which involves the anti-theft key not syncing with the body control module (BCM). At a minimum, expect to pay for an hour of diagnostic time ($75-$150) to resolve the matter. 

FAQs

What years of the Ford Focus have engine and/or transmission problems?

Several Ford Focus model years are vulnerable to expensive-to-fix engine troubles; these include 2001-2005, 2008-2009, 2016, and 2018. Costly transmission repairs are known to happen with the 2004-2005, 2009, and 2012-2016 years of the Focus.

What is considered high mileage for a Ford Focus?

It’s challenging to establish a high-mileage benchmark for a Ford Focus. Much of this is based on the individual vehicle because a well-maintained example with 150,000 miles of highway use will likely keep rolling for quite a while longer. On the other hand, a used and abused Focus with 100,000 miles of stop-and-go city driving may not be around for much longer.

A professional mechanic is the best person to determine what constitutes a high-mileage Ford Focus.

However, let’s look at the survey data to create a general guideline. Among all the Ford Focus model years, there’s an average usage of 132,000 miles. We’ll set 130,000 miles as the high-mileage bar to simplify the math. 

The data also shows that no individual Focus model year had an average usage past 200,000 miles, suggesting a possible lifespan for the Ford Focus. The year with the highest use is the 2001 Focus, with an average of 191,667 miles. 

So, a “high-mileage” Ford Focus with 130,000 miles has likely used up two-thirds of its lifespan if we assume 200,000 miles are unachievable. Of course, this depends on regular maintenance, gentle driving, and avoiding accidents. 

If the goal is to buy a Focus for maximum longevity, then the obvious solution is to purchase the newest model (with the lowest mileage) you can afford. The 2015 and 2017 Ford Focus make our best-years list. 

What other vehicles should I consider?

Being the Blue Oval no longer makes passenger cars (except the Mustang), you’ll have to go used car shopping if you want a different Ford that’s not an SUV or truck. This includes the smaller Ford Fiesta and the larger Ford Fusion.

Outside of the Ford family, the logical alternatives are the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, Mazda Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla.

What owners of the Ford Focus like to use their cars for:

Frequent Use Categories:	How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars)
Lots of Driving (travel/long commute)	*****
Family Vehicle	****
Office on Wheels	*
Sport/Fast Driving	*
Luxurious Driving	*
Hauling/Towing	*
Outdoor/Off-Road	*

A Note About Data and Information Sources

This article has many details about Ford Focus reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.

• FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing. 

This is an objective score.

• Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Ford Focus owners who use FIXD. 

The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from the owners of the Ford Focus.  

This is a subjective score.

To determine the Owner Reliability Score, we ask each car owner:

How reliable would you say your Ford Focus is?

a. Just point A to point B driving

b. A Daily Commuter

c. Good for a 100-mile road trip

d. Good for a 500-mile road trip

e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem

From here, we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:

a. = 2

b. = 4

c. = 6

d. = 8

e. = 10

Keep in mind owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is. 

One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.

Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.

Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others. 

It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars. 

Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores; people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data. 

We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.

• KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Ford Focus with typical mileage for that respective model year.
• Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
• Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Ford Focus owners
• Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.

References

1. Ford Focus model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
2. Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls