2009 Ford Focus diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Ford Focus diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Ford Focus diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Ford Focus

  22.3% All 2009 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Headlight aim2.4× usual
  Ford Focus

  11.8% All 2009 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 5% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Ford Focus

  4.9% All 2009 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Diesel smoke emissions3.3× usual
  Ford Focus

  3.3% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar links8.3× usual
  Ford Focus

  2.5% All 2009 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2009 Ford Focus diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Ford Focus diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Tyres
  40% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2009 Ford Focus 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.

• Turbo failure (1.6 TDCi)

  1.6 TDCi diesel

  The 1.6 TDCi diesel’s turbo can fail, and it has to be replaced rather than repaired.

  At the viewing: Listen for whining or whistling, and watch for smoke or a lack of power when you accelerate.

  Source: Haynes: Ford Focus Mk2 common problems (2005-2011)

• Blocked particulate filter (1.6 TDCi)

  1.6 TDCi diesel

  The diesel particulate filter and the additive it needs often weren’t renewed on schedule. A clogged filter can push fuel into the engine oil.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the DPF and its additive have been done, and smell the dipstick for diesel.

  Source: Haynes: Ford Focus Mk2 common problems (2005-2011)

• Fuel leak from the injector return pipe (2.0 TDCi)

  2.0 TDCi diesel

  A badly fitted fuel return pipe on the injectors can leak and set off engine warning lights.

  At the viewing: Smell for diesel and look for wetness around the injectors on top of the engine.

  Source: Haynes: Ford Focus Mk2 common problems (2005-2011)

• Brake warning light on for no reason

  All engines

  A damaged speed sensor ring on a front hub can turn on the brake and ABS warning lights. The fix is a new hub.

  At the viewing: Make sure the brake and ABS lights go out after starting.

  Source: Haynes: Ford Focus Mk2 common problems (2005-2011)

• Creak from the front when pulling away

  All engines

  A driveshaft without enough sealant on its splines creaks as you set off.

  At the viewing: Pull away gently with the window down and listen for a creak.

  Source: Haynes: Ford Focus Mk2 common problems (2005-2011)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Ford Focus diesel

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

1. Has the turbo been replaced, and has the oil been changed on time?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Ford Focus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Ford Focus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Ford Focus diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?