Ford Focus Reliability Comparisons
You won't find Ford Focus reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots. So you can tell how much the Ford Focus truly differs from competing car models in reliability.
These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Ford Focus reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Ford Focus was a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Ford Focus has been recently.
See what people are saying about Ford Focus reliabilityMore about the
Ford Focus
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Ford Focus Reliability through March 31, 2013
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
General NotesHow do we select "competing car models"? Users of TrueDelta's car price comparison tool most often compare these cars to the Ford Focus.Models and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.
Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Ford Focus Competitors' Reliability through March 31, 2013
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Ford Focus
blog comments powered by DisqusWhat Our Members Are Saying about Ford Focus Reliability and Durability
| Reliability and Durability of the Ford Focus: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
So far it has been about 5 months, and I have 10000miles on the odometer and there have been no strange noises, problems or anything. I have been rear ended twice and both times I took a very small amount of damage, so maybe the rear is pretty durable |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Have a 2001 with over 362,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The Duratec 20 is a well made and reliable engine. Paired with the 5 speed manual transmission i should never have a trans failure for the life of the car. |
| 2008 | 2dr Coupe 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I hear great things from most Focus owners about the great reliability and few repairs/low cost of ownership. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
This car has been very reliable. I have driven it hard and fast on a daily basis and have only had a few minor mechanical problems. At 45k the alternator needed replaced and the steering fluids replaced, but it was covered under the extended warranty I purchased, so I didn't have to pay a thing other than labor costs and the usual 45k checkup costs. At 68000 miles the transmission had to be flushed and fluids replaced--not covered by warranty, cost about 280usd. I consider these minor costs for upkeep, considering the use this car has seen, and the car runs perfectly after these repairs. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Other than 2 problems covered under the warranty, this car has caused no problems. Brakes lasted longer than expected. The only problems encountered were due to driver error. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I will be afraid to buy any other vehicle after owning this one. I have had so few problems of any sort, I do not know how it could get any better. The vehicle has been put through its paces and endured more than most, without faltering once. I would have no problem recommending this car to someone who needs a reliable vehicle. |
| 2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
No problems with the car in terms of reliability, and holds up very well on the terrible roads we have in New Jersey |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Try and trued design.No issues in 4 yrs and 82,000 miles change oil every 5,000 miles.Follow the Maintenance schedule for fuel filter and trans service.Good performance for a four cylinder. |
| 2006 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
In the 35 months since I bought the car, I have put more than 60,000 miles on it. The car has never been back to the dealer for service. Since I have owned it, I have only changed the oil and replaced the tires. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
27,000 miles and yet to change anything, inc air filter and spark plugs. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 151-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
My past experience with Ford and Mercury is excellent (better than my Toyota experience). The early Focus was not notably reliable, but by 2005 the Focus was statistically a standout in reliability & durability. My trouble-free 55,000 miles supports that. |
| 2004 | 2dr Hatch 130-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Only have to change the oil and filters. Has been extremely reliable and affordable to maintain. |
| Reliability and Durability of the Ford Focus: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Had a clunking noise in first 1000 miles that required front struts to be replaced. Clunking noise appears to be slowly reappearing. Starting to occasionally hear a low groaning noise when transmission shifts between 20 & 30 mph. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
There are only three reasons why I would hesitate to recommend a used 2001 - 2007 Focus, and two of them are just picking nits. First reason, the side mirrors are two sizes too small. For what was a $23,000 car in 2005, the side mirrors speak to the decontenting in this class of car. I would have been happy for a trade-off of an extra $100(?) for better and larger mirrors. My other nit to pick was the heater fan - at maximum it sounded like a F4 Phantom was taking off inside the cabin.<br /> <br /> My only major complaint with the Focus is the appearance of rust. Throughout the model run the Focus ZX3 and ZX5 rusted in the same places - under the trim piece on the hatchback and the rear bottom corner of the rear passenger door frame. I regularly detailed the car, and the interior was absolutely mint, but even after giving up and having the hatchback professionally repaired, the rust had taken root. |
| 2003 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Lots of teething problems when I bought this car, it was fixed under warranty but the clutch broke prematurely and they were unwilling to help. |
| 2003 | 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Most of the car holds up very well. But where the roads are salted the rear wheel openings start to rust after about five years. |
| 2002 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The interior was designed around a budget. Feels cheap, but because it is cheap. Everything seems held together with glue when it should be with bolts. |
