Ford Motor Company, an American multinational automobile manufacturer, first introduced its Ford Focus compact car line in 1999. It was a perfect vehicle for family-oriented and budget-friendly consumers who sought solid fuel economy and exceptional performance on the road. However, production of Ford Focus came to an end in 2018 due to some years having many flaws that could not be corrected and reoccurring issues with quality assurance across the model range.
This article will provide insight into the Ford Focus years to avoid when considering buying one of these vehicles. By understanding which model years are best left alone, buyers can save time by avoiding those models instead of having to worry about whether they may have undetected problems or recurring issues down the line.
List Of Ford Focus Years To Avoid
The Ford Focus was one of the most popular vehicles among car enthusiasts and even after production ended, many still look to the Focus as their first choice for a used car. Despite its success in sales and popularity, there have been some reports of reliability issues with certain models and years being considered especially subpar.
List of Ford Focus Car years to avoid:
- 2000 Ford Focus: This vehicle is displaying several issues, such as a blown engine, ignition key that won’t fit or turn in, transmission failure, interior accessories malfunctions, faulty air conditioning or heating system , and suspension problems.
- 2001 Ford Focus: The vehicle is currently experiencing problems with its engine, interior accessories, windows/windshield, and fuel system.
- 2002 Ford Focus: This vehicle may be experiencing engine and shifting failure, ignition key issue, window or windshield issues, and transmission system issues.
- 2003 Ford Focus: The vehicle is experiencing engine and transmission failure, a faulty ignition key, an electrical system error, as well as faulty interior and exterior accessories.
- 2007 Ford Focus: The vehicle is experiencing dead alternator, excess tire wear, engine, suspension and rattling and wobbling issues while going over bumps.
- 2012 Ford Focus: The vehicle experienced transmission failure, power steering failure, multiple shifting issues, shuddering and vibration when taking off.
- 2013 Ford Focus: This vehicle is experiencing mechanical issues such as transmission and electrical power steering failure, fuel system error, paint problem, and jerks and hesitates while taking off.
- 2014 Ford Focus: The vehicle experienced grinding noise, shuddering issue, transmission failure, and engine failure; in addition to badly hesitating and jerking while starting from a stop position.
Why These Ford Focus Years Are Worth Avoiding?
This section will provide a brief overview of the most common issues making certain Ford Focus years undesirable.
1. Engine Issue:
Frequent engine RPM fluctuating is a common issue experienced by many Ford Focus owners. According to CarComplaints.com and consumer reports, there have been numerous complaints of Focus engines stalling or abruptly dying during operation, as well as jumping RPM while shifting into the parking position.
This problem appears to be most prevalent in early models such as the 2000-2003 Focuses.
Furthermore, some consumers have claimed that their car’s engine has blown up due to pre-ignition occurring on lower speed RPM; this happens when fuel-air mixture ignites before the spark plug can fire up and damages internal components like pistons.
The repair or replacement of these parts often leads to costly repairs for Focus drivers, making frequent engine fluctuations an important issue for Ford owners to keep an eye out for.
2. Transmission Fault:
In recent years, Ford Focus owners have become increasingly aware of several issues with the car’s transmission system.
The problems are especially prevalent in models equipped with the PowerShift automatic transmission released between 2011 and 2016.
It has been reported that these vehicles often experience delays in acceleration or surging and trembling during drives, as well as difficulty shifting gears from one to another. In severe cases, users may need to completely replace their vehicle’s entire transmission system – a costly undertaking.
Ford has taken steps in recent years to address customer concerns regarding this issue by making repairs more accessible and affordable for customers who qualify under its Warranty Extension Program. Additionally, they recently announced a settlement program offering cash payments to those affected by past PowerShift transmissions issues on certain vehicles purchased or leased before May 17th 2017.
3. Steering Fault:
The 2012 Ford Focus faced several complaints shortly after its release, with many users claiming that the Vehicle’s EPAS (electronic power-assisted steering system) tended to shut down while driving. As a result of this issue, Ford opted to replace the initial electronic power-assisted steering system with hydraulic power steering in order to ensure more MPG and extra power while driving.
Unfortunately, this did not resolve the problem as some Focus models came with defective torque sensors that could not send accurate information to the ECU, resulting in insufficient or loose steering power which caused abrupt breakdowns on roadways.
4. Ignition Key Problem:
The Ford Focus model has had a number of major issues that have been reported over the years. One of the most common problems is related to the ignition key, where it either refuses to fit or turn in when needed, or gets stuck in the ignition.
This problem is mainly caused by Powershift transmission system errors or failure.
It is important for owners to be aware of this problem so they can take appropriate action if they experience it with their vehicles.
5. Exhaust and Fuel System Problem:
In 2017, Ford had to recall more than a million units of Focus models released between 2012 and 2018 due to an exhaust system error.
The defective purge valve in the exhaust systems of these Focus models was found to be the cause of this issue, with potential damage done to their fuel systems as well. Reports from Consumer Reports indicated that people noticed major power loss, fuel gauges malfunctioning or difficulty in restarting engines when stalled. This was attributed by Ford Motor Company to incomplete software updates in these vehicles, leading them to recall all affected cars accordingly.
Besides these common issues noted above on recalled Focus models, other problems were also reported such as door latch failure, broken windows/windshields, electrical system errors and tires wearing out quickly or suspensions failing.
Other interior and exterior accessories have been noted for having defects too; all this has led owners of the affected vehicles demanding service from Ford’s side. Ford Motor Company is now taking necessary steps towards replacing faulty parts on recalled Focus cars so that customers can experience their driving pleasure without any further hindrance.
Which Ford Focus Years Should You Buy Used?
According to the FORD FOCUS MODEL YEAR COMPARISON report, the following years of the Focus model are considered the most reliable.
- 1999 Ford Focus
- 2006 Ford Focus
- 2009 Ford Focus
- 2010 Ford Focus
- 2011 Ford Focus
- 2015 Ford Focus
- 2016 Ford Focus
- 2017 Ford Focus
- 2018 Ford Focus
It is evident that the most preferred Ford Focus models are from 2011, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The Ford Focus has been an ideal choice for those looking for a sporty yet budget-friendly compact car. Unfortunately, it is no longer in production and can only be found in used models. It is important to know which Focus years are worth investing money in before purchasing one. After reading the article, potential buyers should have a better understanding of Ford Focus years to avoid and those that are more reliable investments.