Despite promising early reviews, the Ford Focus encountered some hurdles throughout its three generations. The worst years received dozens of recalls and feature drivetrain components that fail frequently.
Key Points
- When new, the first Ford Focus impressed buyers and the automotive press alike, selling nearly 300,000 units in the year 2000. but quickly had engine, electric, and transmission problems.
- The 2012-2016 Ford Focus is part of the largest transmission recall in history, and sales quickly dwindled. Those years should be avoided.
- Almost every generation suffered from numerous recalls, and the worst years of the Ford Focus have nearly 20 and the 2012 should be avoided at all costs.
2012 Ford Focus: Introduction of PowerShift Transmission Leads to Class Action Lawsuit
The Ford Focus debuted in 2000 but left the U.S. market after just three generations, ending with the 2018 model. It isn’t that surprising, since sales had dwindled. Part of the reason was the introduction of the PowerShift transmission, which the Ford Focus utilized from 2012 until 2016. The dual-clutch automatic was responsible for crippling depreciation on the used market and eventually lead to a class-action lawsuit in 2017.
Consumer complaints about the PowerShift transmission focused on issues such as shuddering, rough shifts, and hesitation. Edmunds consumers complain of entire transmission rebuilds in as little as 37,000 miles, among other problems like grinding and slipping. Just one look at Vehicle History’s reviews of the 2012 Ford Focus reveals plenty of transmission complaints.
Plus, there’s more. The 2012 Ford Focus suffered from 10 recalls. You can view them here on the NHTSA website, but we’ll look at some of the more concerning recalls here. The most serious three recalls were all issued because “doors may unexpectedly open,” which is exactly what it sounds like: Improperly-latched doors are prone to opening while in motion. Another recall was over issues with frequent stalling with no ability to restart. The problem is due to a faulty design in the canister purge valve.
2008 Ford Focus Brings Some Headaches Over Faulty Electrical System
The 2008 model year was also a bit of a rough one for the Ford Focus. It was the first of the second-generation body style and boasted new looks and an upgraded interior. Unfortunately, it also had some big problems. Most common seems to be complaints of the door handles not working correctly. Plenty of Focus owners have complained about this issue, both on enthusiast forums and even the NHTSA’s own website. Strangely, this was never addressed by the NHTSA and no recall was ever issued.
Another commonly reported problem area on these cars is the electrical system. At the time of this writing, there were 51 complaints specifically regarding the electrical system on the NHTSA’s site. You can view these and other issues here on Car Complaints, which range from serious (no ignition, stalling at speed) to potentially dangerous inconveniences (headlight failure). Again, there was no formal recall from the NHTSA regarding these issues.
Shockingly, the 2008 Ford Focus only ended up receiving three recalls through its lifespan. One only pertained to vehicles equipped with handicapped lifts. Essentially, a design flaw allowed the lift to be in motion even if an occupant was not properly restrained. Another recall only pertained to aftermarket lighting, and the last one was a serious airbag defect. The NHTSA reports that an incorrectly assembled airbag module may result in an airbag not deploying.
The 2008 Focus tried to make a great first impression, to pave the way for the future of the model as a whole. Unfortunately, the safety issues and electrical problems make this one of the worst model years.
2000 Ford Focus: Problematic Pre-2004 2.0L Zetec Engine & Ignition-related Issues are Cause for Concern
Up until roughly 2004, the Ford Focus used the 2.0 liter Zetec engine. This included the first-year Ford Focus. Unfortunately, these Zetec engines suffer from widespread reports of catastrophic failure because of dropping valve seats. This can occasionally even happen while driving, making it a severe safety risk. Due to a faulty design in the seat, it will eventually shatter, losing compression on the affected cylinder. Sometimes, shrapnel can also damage additional engine components. Surprisingly, no recall was ever issued, and crafty Focus owners have even resorted to fabricating their own workarounds.
Another extremely common problem is the ignition. Many reviews on Autoblog cite multiple replacements of the ignition or other ignition-related issues. Car Complaints backs up this info with over a hundred complaints just pertaining to the ignition.
Lastly, the 2000 Ford Focus represents the worst of the model’s lineup in terms of recalls. An almost unbelievable total of 18 recalls was issued for this vehicle. Some of these recalls are something out of a horror story.
For example, unexpected acceleration from the throttle not returning to idle sounds bad, until you get to something like a Nov. 2002 recall, which cites loose pinch bolts that can eventually separate from the ball joint, losing all control. And if you were wondering, just like the other cars on this list, the 2000 Ford Focus also has troubling door latches. A Feb. 2005 recall highlights the Focus’ poorly-designed door seals. Certain Focus cars can build up corrosion and eventually fail to seal correctly.
What to Consider if You’re Looking at a Ford Focus
In conclusion, the worst years of the Ford Focus tend to be the first vehicles of a new generation. Each generation of Focus has its own weak points. This highlights the importance of good maintenance and ensuring all recalls are taken care of before purchasing one. Even with perfect maintenance, the Focus is a car to avoid.
But especially in the case of the 2012-2016 PowerShift cars, some of these are simply impossible to remedy cost-effectively. Even if solved, there’s little guarantee of replacement parts lasting the lifetime of the car. While practical, stylish, and initially quite well-priced, be sure to avoid these years above all others.
Photos: Ford