Ford Focus, a compact car line by Ford Motor Company, was launched in 1999, and its production ceased in 2018. This car appealed to families and budget-conscious buyers due to its strong fuel economy and smooth driving experience. However, not all models of the Ford Focus maintained consistent quality, with several years plagued by significant flaws.
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Ford Focus Years To Avoid List
Knowing which model years to avoid is crucial for considering a Ford Focus. Despite its popularity and sales success, certain years of the Focus are notorious for reliability issues.
The following model years of the Ford Focus are advised to be avoided due to various problems:
- 2000 Ford Focus: Issues include engine blowouts, transmission failure, unresponsive ignition keys, and faulty air conditioning, heating, and suspension systems.
- 2001 Ford Focus: Problems with the engine, interior accessories, windows, windshield, and fuel system.
- 2002 Ford Focus: Engine and transmission failures, ignition key troubles, and issues with windows, windshields, and the transmission system.
- 2003 Ford Focus: Problems include engine and transmission failures, faulty ignition keys, electrical system errors, and defective interior and exterior accessories.
- 2007 Ford Focus: Issues like a dead alternator, excessive tire wear, engine and suspension problems, and instability over bumps.
- 2012 Ford Focus: Problems with transmission, power steering, and multiple shifting issues, including shuddering and vibrating during acceleration.
- 2013 Ford Focus: Transmission and electrical power steering failures, fuel system errors, paint issues, and jerking during acceleration.
- 2014 Ford Focus: Grinding noises, shuddering, transmission and engine failures, and hesitations and jerking when starting from a stop.
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Ford Focus Common Problems
Ford Focus Engine Problems
Many models experienced fluctuating engine RPMs, stalling, and abrupt dying during operation. The 2000, 2001, and 2003 models had significant engine issues, including blown engines requiring costly repairs or replacements.
Additionally, some models faced pre-ignition issues at low-speed RPMs, causing internal damage such as pistons. Data from several websites and various consumer reports support this information.
Ford Focus Transmission Failure
Many Ford Focus owners have reported issues with the car’s transmission system, particularly complete failures. This problem became prominent with the 2011 Focus, which featured the PowerShift automatic transmission. Initially meant to enhance performance, the PowerShift worsened the issue, leading to widespread transmission problems in models from 2011 to 2016.
These cars often experienced delayed acceleration, surges, tremors during drives, and persistent jerking or vibrating when changing gears. Owners reported aggressive hesitation during acceleration and inaccurate downshifting, with some facing the cost of a complete transmission replacement.
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Ford Focus Steering Failure
The 2012 Ford Focus model showed signs of steering system failures, particularly with the electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system. Users reported that the EPAS would unexpectedly shut down while driving, potentially locking up as soon as the car was started, increasing the risk of accidents. Ford later replaced the EPAS with hydraulic power steering to improve driving power and mileage.
However, this change did not resolve the issues, leading to insufficient steering power and sometimes abrupt failures on the road. Some models also had defective torque sensors, further complicating steering control.
Ford Focus Ignition Key Issue
A recurring issue across various Ford Focus model years is the ignition key problem, where the key fails to fit or turn in the ignition. Sometimes, the key may become stuck, often linked to issues with the PowerShift transmission system. This problem poses significant inconvenience and potential safety risks to users.
Ford Focus Exhaust and Fuel System Problems
Ford recalled over a million Focus models (2012-2018) due to defects in the exhaust system, specifically a faulty purge valve. This defect could indirectly damage the fuel system, leading to power loss, malfunctioning fuel gauges, or incapacity to continue the engine after a booth. The root cause was incomplete software updates, necessitating Ford’s recall in 2017 for additional reprogramming.
Which Ford Focus Years Are Safe?
Several websites report on the Ford Focus model years and offer valuable insights into the best years for purchasing a used Ford Focus. According to their analysis, the following model years are recommended:
- 1999 Ford Focus
- 2006 Ford Focus
- 2009 Ford Focus
- 2010 Ford Focus
- 2011 Ford Focus
- 2015 Ford Focus
- 2016 Ford Focus
- 2017 Ford Focus
- 2018 Ford Focus
Notably, according to several websites’ graphical data representations, 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2018 are highly favored.
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Last Words
The Ford Focus is a top choice for those seeking a sporty yet economical compact car. However, buyers are limited to used models since their production has ceased. It’s crucial to discern which model years of the Ford Focus are worthy of investment. This article aims to guide prospective buyers in making informed decisions about which Ford Focus years to avoid and which to consider.
In addition to these major issues, Ford Focus models have faced other significant problems, including door latch failures, broken windows or windshields, electrical system malfunctions, premature tire wear, suspension issues, and faults in the air conditioning, heating, and interior and exterior accessories.