What are the most common Ford Focus problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 27,086+ owner reports, the 2000-2018 Ford Focus has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: DPS6 PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder, Hesitation, and Failure, Side Door Latch Failure - Door Opening While Driving (Recall 16V643), Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure (1st-Generation Mk1/Mk1.5). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Focus reliable?
The 2000-2018 Ford Focus has 6 known issues documented across 27,086+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: DPS6 PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder, Hesitation, and Failure and Side Door Latch Failure - Door Opening While Driving (Recall 16V643). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Focus problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Focus issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, DPS6 PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder, Hesitation, and Failure, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Ford Focus is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Ford Focus. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2018 Ford Focus with 6 documented issues documented across 27,086+ owner reports.
What is the 2012-2018 Ford Focus DPS6 PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder, Hesitation, and Failure?
The DPS6 PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch automated transmission fitted to 2012-2018 Ford Focus (and 2011-2019 Fiesta) is widely considered one of the worst transmission designs in modern automotive history. The dry dual-clutch design was fundamentally unsuited for stop-and-go driv… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2015 Ford Focus Side Door Latch Failure - Door Opening While Driving (Recall 16V643)?
The 2012-2015 Ford Focus is included in Ford's massive door latch recall (16V643 / 14S17) covering 2.38 million vehicles. The pawl spring tab inside the side door latches can fracture, particularly in hot and humid climates. A fractured pawl spring tab causes the door to fail to… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2007 Ford Focus Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure (1st-Generation Mk1/Mk1.5)?
1999-2007 Ford Focus (1st-generation Mk1 and Mk1.5) suffer from repeated rear wheel bearing failures, often within months of replacement. One Focus Fanatics owner reported the left rear wheel bearing failing 4 times in 7 months. Root cause is missing or degraded inboard spindle s… Repairs typically run $250-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2018 Ford Focus 2.0L Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?
The 2.0L GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) and 2.0L EcoBoost engines in 2012-2018 Ford Focus accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves over time because direct injection fuel never washes over the valve faces. Oil vapors from the PCV system coat the intake valves and harden i… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2018 Ford Focus Canister Purge Valve Failure Causing Rough Idle and Stalling?
The 2012-2018 Ford Focus with the 2.0L GDI engine experiences frequent canister purge valve (CPV) failures that cause rough idle, stalling, difficulty starting (especially after refueling), and fuel-related DTCs. The purge valve sticks open, allowing fuel vapors to flood the inta… Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: low.
What is the 2008-2018 Ford Focus Door Ajar Warning False Alarm and Interior Lights Staying On?
The Focus door ajar switch integrated into the door latch assembly fails, causing the dash to display a door ajar warning when all doors are closed. This also keeps the interior dome lights on, which drains the battery overnight. The latch switch corrodes or wears out, sending a… Repairs typically run $30-$200. Severity: low.
