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Ford Focus Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 7 model years, NHTSA lists 68 recalls and 12,615 owner complaints for the Ford Focus. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Ford Focus by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford Focus | 7 | 837 | |
| 2017 Ford Focus | 10 | 906 | |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 10 | 1,194 | |
| 2015 Ford Focus | 9 | 1,034 | |
| 2014 Ford Focus | 12 | 2,660 | |
| 2013 Ford Focus | 12 | 2,181 | |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 8 | 3,803 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Ford models.
Ford Focus: questions owners ask
Which Ford Focus year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Ford Focus model years with the most are the 2012 (3,803), 2014 (2,660) and 2013 (2,181). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Ford Focus years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2018 (837), 2017 (906) and 2015 (1,034), out of 7 model years from 2012 to 2018. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Ford Focus have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 7 Ford Focus model years, 68 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2013 (12), 2014 (12) and 2016 (10). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Ford Focus years have the most stalling complaints?
2,665 owner complaints across 7 Ford Focus model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2012 (629), 2014 (609) and 2013 (451) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most transmission shifting complaints?
1,820 owner complaints across 7 Ford Focus model years describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. The most were filed for the 2014 (529), 2012 (401) and 2013 (353) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most check engine light complaints?
1,365 owner complaints across 7 Ford Focus model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2012 (260), 2014 (240) and 2018 (206) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
1,358 owner complaints across 7 Ford Focus model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2014 (405), 2013 (267) and 2012 (251) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most transmission failure complaints?
661 owner complaints across 7 Ford Focus model years describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. The most were filed for the 2012 (145), 2014 (140) and 2013 (118) model years, out of 7 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most power steering complaints?
426 owner complaints across 2 Ford Focus model years describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. The most were filed for the 2012 (340) and 2013 (86) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most no-start complaints?
313 owner complaints across 5 Ford Focus model years describe the car failing to start. The most were filed for the 2012 (115), 2013 (71) and 2016 (46) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most overheating complaints?
201 owner complaints across 4 Ford Focus model years describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. The most were filed for the 2016 (59), 2017 (49) and 2018 (47) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Focus years have the most engine failure complaints?
92 owner complaints across 2 Ford Focus model years describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. The most were filed for the 2018 (59) and 2017 (33) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Ford Focus fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Ford Focus's first-time failure rate ranged from 10.1% for cars first registered in 2021 to 41.8% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were lights and electrics, suspension, tyres. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.