Ford Focus years to avoid and best years
Newer Ford Focus years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2014 has the most complaints per year, at 249 (2,656 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. From 2015 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 45 (from 834 complaints), 2015 at 45 (from 1,030 complaints), and 2016 at 51 (from 1,192 complaints). On the 2014 Ford Focus, 1,131 of 2,656 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
Ford Focus reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Ford Focus. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 → Fewest | 45 | 834 | 7 | Powertrain | 38.3 |
| 2017 → | 59 | 903 | 10 | Powertrain | 35.9 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 51 | 1,192 | 10 | Powertrain | 36.2 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 45 | 1,030 | 9 | Powertrain | 37.7 |
| 2014 → Most | 249 | 2,656 | 12 | Powertrain | 37.9 |
| 2013 → | 204 | 2,110 | 12 | Powertrain | 37.9 |
| 2012 → | 219 | 3,801 | 8 | Powertrain | 38.9 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- 5W-20 (2.0L, most trims); 5W-30 (ST) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15 (S) to 235/40R18 (ST); RS 235/35R19
Known issues for this generation
Focus models from 2012-2016 built with the optional PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission (DPS6) developed a well-documented pattern of rough shifting and repeat repairs to the clutch and clutch seals, the same underlying defect covered in the nationwide Vargas v. Ford Motor Co. class action settlement (final approval March 2020) that also covers 2011-2016 Fiesta owners. NHTSA found no evidence that the transmission is a safety risk and did not order a recall; in August 2019 Ford extended the clutch warranty to seven years or 100,000 miles on roughly 560,000 affected Focus and Fiesta cars. Only PowerShift-equipped cars are covered by the settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Focus years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 45 (from 834 complaints), 2015 at 45 (from 1,030 complaints), and 2016 at 51 (from 1,192 complaints).
Which Ford Focus year has the most owner complaints?
2014 has the most complaints per year, at 249 (2,656 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. On the 2014 Ford Focus, 1,131 of 2,656 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Ford Focus owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Ford Focus years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2015 on, complaints per year fall.
What generation is the 2015 Ford Focus?
3rd generation (2012-2018), the last Focus generation sold in the US.
Does the Ford Focus have PowerShift transmission problems?
2012-2016 automatic Focus models with the optional DPS6 dual-clutch transmission were covered by a 2020 class-action settlement and a 2019 clutch warranty extension; NHTSA did not order a recall.