Ford Focus years to avoid (and the best years)
12,806 NHTSA owner complaints and 24 recalls across 9 model years, 2010 to 2018. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 12,806complaints
- 24recalls
- 345reported crashes
- 51reported fires
- 270reported injuries
- 9reported deaths
Which Ford Focus years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Focus years to avoid are 2012, 2014 and 2013. The typical Ford Focus year has 1,018 complaints on file.
- 2012: 3,768 complaints, 3.7 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Transmission shudder and jerky shifting.
- 2014: 2,601 complaints, 2.6 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Transmission shudder and jerking.
- 2013: 2,110 complaints, 2.1 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Transmission shudder, jerking and hesitation.
What are the best Ford Focus years?
The Ford Focus years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2011 (113) and 2010 (287). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 834 | 0.8× | 7 | 15 | 11 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2017 | 895 | 0.9× | 10 | 18 | 16 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2016 | 1,180 | 1.2× | 10 | 27 | 24 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2015 | 1,018 | 1.0× | 9 | 31 | 28 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 2,601 | 2.6× | 12 | 68 | 46 | Approach with caution | Transmission shudder and jerking |
| 2013 | 2,110 | 2.1× | 12 | 49 | 28 | Approach with caution | Transmission shudder, jerking and hesitation |
| 2012 | 3,768 | 3.7× | 8 | 107 | 88 | Approach with caution | Transmission shudder and jerky shifting |
| 2011 | 113 | 0.1× | 0 | 8 | 10 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2010 | 287 | 0.3× | 0 | 22 | 19 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 433 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain147 (34%)
- Structure & body97 (22%)
- Steering, suspension & tires59 (14%)
- Other systems54 (12%)
- Electrical & infotainment46 (11%)
Recalls (24)
Fuel system · 26V369000 · Jun 2026 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 26V376000 · Jun 2026 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 26V011000 · Jan 2026 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 26V012000 · Jan 2026 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine · 23V905000 · Dec 2023 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V331000 · Jun 2020 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fuel system · 19V515000 · Jul 2019 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 18V845000 · Nov 2018 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Fuel system · 18V735000 · Oct 2018 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 18V169000 · Mar 2018 · model years 2015, 2016
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Seat belts · 17V528000 · Aug 2017 · model year 2017
The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Structure · 17V052000 · Jan 2017 · model year 2016
Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Safety · 16V698000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Safety · 16V643000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Electrical system · 15V813000 · Dec 2015 · model years 2013, 2014
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 15V436000 · Jul 2015 · model year 2015
If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V005000 · Jan 2015 · model year 2014
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 14V525000 · Sep 2014 · model year 2014
A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 14V514000 · Aug 2014 · model year 2014
The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 14V495000 · Aug 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V335000 · Aug 2013 · model years 2012, 2013
Without the proper illumination of the side maker lamps, the vehicle may be less visible in night time conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 13V085000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2013
The operator may incorrectly believe the child lock is engaged. However, the door may be opened from the inside, increasing the risk of injury to an unrestrained child.
Safety · 12E035000 · Oct 2012 · model years 2012, 2013
Without proper contact of the rooftop rack clip to the door frame, there is insufficient clamping pressure and friction. The system may slide off the vehicle when loaded with accessories, possibly becoming a road hazard to other vehicles or causing injury to pedestrians.
Body & glass · 12V149000 · Apr 2012 · model year 2012
WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE CONNECTOR, RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR, REDUCING VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.