2018 Ford Focus petrol: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2018 Ford Focus petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Ford Focus petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% 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
  17% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  7% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  4% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  3% 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 2018 Ford Focus petrol

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.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (1.0 EcoBoost)

  1.0 petrol (EcoBoost and non-turbo)

  Ford’s 1.0 three-cylinder petrol uses a timing belt that runs in the engine oil on most cars. If oil changes are late or the wrong oil is used, the belt breaks down and sheds rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some later cars have a timing chain instead: a Ford dealer can tell you from the VIN. Ford’s change interval is 10 years or 150,000 miles, and the belt isn’t covered by warranty.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history with the right oil, and when the belt was changed. An oil-pressure warning light, a rattle or a rough idle are warning signs.

  Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt

• 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 2018 Ford Focus petrol

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

1. Has the timing belt been changed, and is there a full service history with the right oil?
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?