2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints5.4× usual
  Ford Focus C-Max

  22.8% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  39% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  32% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Driveshafts and joints
  23% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Lights and electrics
  22% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• PowerShift automatic gearbox

  Automatic versions only

  Expert buying guides suggest avoiding the PowerShift automatic on this Focus. Early versions especially were troublesome.

  At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, ask for proof of gearbox fluid changes and test it in slow traffic for judder or hesitation.

  Source: Parkers: Ford Focus Mk3 buying guide

• Broken front coil springs

  Front springs can snap. You may hear a clonk when turning the wheel.

  At the viewing: With the car stopped, turn the steering from lock to lock and listen for a clonk or twang. Springs should be replaced in pairs.

  If it needs doing: Coil springs (pair), about £175–£400. ClickMechanic

  Source: Parkers: Ford Focus Mk3 buying guide

• Rattle from the flywheel

  A rattle as you switch the engine off can mean the dual-mass flywheel is failing, which is a big job alongside the clutch.

  At the viewing: Switch the engine off and listen for a rattle. Check the clutch doesn’t bite very high.

  If it needs doing: Clutch and dual-mass flywheel, about £650–£1,200. ClickMechanic

  Source: Parkers: Ford Focus Mk3 buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2011 Ford Focus C-Max diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?