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Ford Focus Reliability Grade

FOverall

Poor reliability

EngineF
TransmissionF

Grade a specific Ford Focus

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Ford Focus earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an F for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 14th of 14 compact cars we grade. Both its engine (F) and transmission (F) grade poorly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is a must. Grades are based on 8,733 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2018 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Ford Focus reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2000F2001D2002C-2003C2004A-2005B+2006A2007B+2008A-2009B2010B-2011A2012F2013F2014F2015D2016F2017F2018F

Best years: 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011

Years to avoid: 2000–2001 (stalling / loss of power) and 2012–2018 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)

How long does the Ford Focus last?

180,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Ford Focus problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Ford Focus, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Focus problems

Ford Focus vs. other compact cars

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota Corolla A A A
Mazda Mazda3 A A A
Subaru Impreza A A A
Toyota Prius A A A
Honda Civic A- A A-
Nissan Versa A- B- A-
Chevrolet Cruze B+ B A-
Nissan Sentra A B- B+
Kia Forte B- B+ B+
Volkswagen Jetta B B+ B+
Volkswagen Golf B B B
Hyundai Elantra C+ B B-
Ford Fiesta C+ F D
Ford Focus F F F

Most reliable compact cars →

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Ford Focus reliability FAQ

Is the Ford Focus reliable?

Poor reliability. The Ford Focus earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an F for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 14th of 14 compact cars we grade. Both its engine (F) and transmission (F) grade poorly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is a must. Grades are based on 8,733 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2018 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Ford Focus last?

We estimate a well-maintained Ford Focus lasts around 180,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Ford Focus?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Ford Focus model years are 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011.

What Ford Focus years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Focus years to be most careful with are 2000, 2001, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The 2000 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers. The 2012 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.

Is the Ford Focus transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Focus transmission an F (poor reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Ford Focus engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Ford Focus engine an F (poor reliability).