Used Ford Focus: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 8,694 complaints across these 6 years; the 2014 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Focus from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	Total
Transmission	1,049	1,542	543	657	433	300	4,524
Fuel system	141	163	98	141	111	112	766
Engine	88	141	68	155	194	246	892
Steering	273	227	96	45	20	30	691
Electrical	151	172	42	45	26	27	463

Focus generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Fourth generation
2018–2023
- 2018first year
2021 update: Design refresh; Updated tech features
Third generation
2011–2018
2014 update: Minor exterior updates; Enhanced technology integration

Mileages where Focus problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
20,500–39,900 miles	Power steering assist loss	2014
24,000–82,000 miles	Fuel tank deformation and stalling	2014
24,000–80,000 miles	Transmission shudder and clutch failure	2013
24,300–29,000 miles	Power steering assist failure	2016
27,000–45,000 miles	Dual-clutch transmission clutch failure	2018
27,000–89,991 miles	Transmission clutch shudder	2015
30,000–40,000 miles	Door latch failure	2014
33,552–108,102 miles	Fuel system stalling	2015
35,000–71,000 miles	Power steering assist failure	2015
40,000–60,000 miles	Stalling after refueling	2018
40,000–75,000 miles	Power steering assist loss	2018
40,000–120,000 miles	Power steering assist loss	2013
41,000–56,000 miles	Overheating and coolant leaks	2014
45,000–68,500 miles	Full transmission replacement	2018

Every Focus recall to confirm

26 recalls cover the Focusyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 16 campaigns span more than one model year. One told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.