Used Ford Focus buying guide (2011–2018): common problems and what to check
The third-generation Focus, sold from 2011 to 2018 and facelifted in 2014, is one of the most common family hatchbacks on the used market. It drives well and parts are cheap, but a few known faults are worth checking before you buy.
By CarKept · Sources checked
What Ford Focus MOT results show
76.3% of 1,386,084 Ford Focus MOT tests passed in 2024, across every generation of the model. Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Ford Focus tested at 0–3 years pass 91.8% of the time, compared with just 64.4% at 15+ years.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Ford Focus comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 84.1% to 70.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
The areas it most often fails on:
- Lights and electrics: in 60.7% of failed tests. 29.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.3% at 0–3 years.
- Suspension: in 39.6% of failed tests. Rare on young cars, but 27.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- Tyres: in 27.4% of failed tests.
- Brakes: in 21.7% of failed tests. 12.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.6% at 0–3 years.
- Windscreen and wipers: in 13.1% of failed tests. 7.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.3% at 0–3 years.
Avoid early PowerShift automatics
Early automatic Focuses used Ford’s dry-clutch PowerShift gearbox. Parkers describes problems ranging from juddering to complete clutch failure. It was later replaced with a tougher wet-clutch version, which needs its fluid and filter changed every three years.
On a test drive, pull away gently several times and crawl in slow traffic if you can. Any judder, clunk or hesitation is a reason to walk away. Most specialists would steer you towards a manual.
EcoBoost engines: wet belt and coolant hose
The 1.0, 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost engines in this Focus use an oil-bathed wet timing belt, which can break down over time and contaminate the oil. Parkers recommends replacement every eight to ten years or 100,000 miles, at a cost of £1,000 or more, so a car that has already had it done is worth more.
Early 1.0 EcoBoost cars, from 2011 to 2013, were recalled over a plastic coolant pipe (the degas hose) that could split. Check the recall work has been completed.
Water leaks and suspension noises
Parkers reports windscreen bonding failures that let water in. Look for damp carpets and stale smells, and listen for crunching noises from the screen over bumps.
Front coil springs can break. With the car stationary, turn the steering wheel from side to side and listen for a clonk or twang. Springs should be replaced in pairs.
Doors, electrics and recalls
Check every door locks and unlocks, and that the bottom door seals are secure. Lights that pulse or flicker when the headlights come on can point to a failing alternator.
Run the registration through GOV.UK’s recall checker and ask for proof that any outstanding work has been done.
Before you buy any Ford Focus
Check its MOT history. Enter the registration below to see every past test, including failures, advisories and the mileage recorded each time. Repeated advisories for the same thing, or a mileage that goes backwards, are worth asking about.
Check for open recalls on GOV.UK, and ask for proof the work was done.
Ask for the service history, with invoices. Most of the problems above are made worse by missed or late servicing. How to check Ford service history.
Looking at a Ford Focus?
Enter its registration for the full MOT history: every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
Frequently asked questions
- Which Ford Focus years should I avoid?
- Be wary of early automatics with the dry-clutch PowerShift gearbox, and early 1.0 EcoBoost cars (2011–2013) unless the degas hose recall has been completed. A manual Focus with a documented timing-belt change is the safer choice.
- When does a Ford Focus EcoBoost need its timing belt changed?
- Parkers recommends every eight to ten years or 100,000 miles for the Focus’s wet belt, and says the work costs £1,000 or more. Ask for the invoice showing when it was last done.
- Is the Ford Focus PowerShift gearbox reliable?
- The early dry-clutch PowerShift has a poor reputation, with problems from juddering to clutch failure. Its wet-clutch replacement is more robust but needs a fluid and filter change every three years.