Ford Focus ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2000–2018)
Side-by-side AutoScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Ford Focus we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Focus across generations.
Average AutoScore
71/100
Best Year
2010 Ford Focus
Score 88
Weakest Year
2014 Ford Focus
Score 55
Every Ford Focus Ranked
Sorted by AutoScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A simple, reliable compact that excels in affordability and mechanical longevity, making it a smart used car buy.
Top risks: Electrical System (Interior) · Suspension Components · Rust and Corrosion
A remarkably simple and reliable compact that offers significant value, provided basic maintenance is prioritized.
Top risks: Power Steering System · Rear Suspension Components · HVAC System
A budget-friendly and generally dependable compact, but a careful pre-purchase inspection is paramount, especially for automatic models in rust-prone climates.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (4F27E) · Body/Structure (Rust & Corrosion) · Electrical System (Minor Components)
A reliable, economical compact car offering great value, provided you avoid the problematic automatic transmission and scrutinize for rust.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Body Rust and Corrosion · Electrical System
A spirited budget compact, but meticulous inspection for transmission health and body rust is paramount.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (4F27E) · Rust and Corrosion · Power Window Regulators
A budget-friendly compact that offers basic dependability, provided you navigate its common automatic transmission and rust pitfalls.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · Rust and Corrosion
An economical compact with great driving dynamics, but only recommended with a manual transmission or a meticulously vetted automatic.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (4F27E) · Rust and Corrosion · Engine Cooling System
An economical choice with enjoyable handling, but only for the well-informed buyer prepared for common shortcomings.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (4F27E) · Rust & Corrosion · Electrical System
A fun-to-drive, economical compact that requires diligence in maintenance and a keen eye for its notorious weaknesses.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (4F27E) · Rust and Corrosion · HVAC Blend Door Actuator
A manual-equipped Focus offers solid value, but the automatic transmission and rust are deal-breakers for many.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (CD4E) · Rust and Corrosion · Electrical System
A fun-to-drive compact with significant automatic transmission and rust liabilities that demand careful consideration.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (CD4E) · Rust & Corrosion · Suspension & Steering Components
A fun-to-drive budget car, but the automatic transmission and rust can lead to major headaches.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust & Corrosion · Electrical System
A fun-to-drive compact marred by its highly problematic automatic transmission; manual is the only truly safe bet.
Top risks: PowerShift Automatic Transmission (DPS6) · Engine (2.0L GDI) · Electrical System
A fun-to-drive compact marred by its notoriously unreliable automatic transmission, demanding vigilance from any potential buyer.
Top risks: PowerShift Automatic Transmission · Transmission Control Module (TCM) · Electrical System / MyFord Touch
A fun-to-drive compact utterly crippled by its problematic PowerShift automatic transmission, making it a high-risk proposition for most buyers.
Top risks: PowerShift Automatic Transmission · Transmission Control Module (TCM) · Electrical / SYNC System
An otherwise solid compact car whose reputation is severely marred by a deeply flawed automatic transmission.
Top risks: PowerShift Automatic Transmission (DPS6) · Engine (1.0L EcoBoost) · Electrical System
The PowerShift automatic transmission is a deal-breaker for this otherwise decent compact car.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (DPS6 PowerShift) · Electrical System (SYNC & TCM) · Cooling System
A car plagued by a single, critical flaw that dramatically outweighs its few redeeming qualities, unless it's a manual.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (PowerShift DPS6) · Engine (2.0L GDI) · Electrical/Infotainment
A compelling driver let down by a fundamentally flawed automatic transmission that demands meticulous scrutiny.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (PowerShift DPS6) · Engine (1.0L EcoBoost only) · Electrical System
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Problems That Follow the Focus Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Electrical System
Appears in 7 model years · 37% of generations
Rust and Corrosion
Appears in 6 model years · 32% of generations
Automatic Transmission (4F27E)
Appears in 5 model years · 26% of generations
Rust & Corrosion
Appears in 3 model years · 16% of generations
Automatic Transmission
Appears in 3 model years · 16% of generations
Automatic Transmission (CD4E)
Appears in 2 model years · 11% of generations
Power Steering System
Appears in 2 model years · 11% of generations
PowerShift Automatic Transmission
Appears in 2 model years · 11% of generations
Focus vs. the Competition
Head-to-head reliability comparisons with the Focus's main rivals.
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