Used car guide · 1998–2026

Ford Focus common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Ford Focus, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 2,787,159 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2026 Ford Focus

Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Ford Focus as a whole.

3,684registered new in 2026 so far
2029first MOT due
Petrolmost common fuel (also diesel)
What to check on a 2026 car
  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998

Generation guides: Ford Focus Mk3 (2011–2018) · Ford Focus Mk4 (2018–2025)

What usually goes wrong with a Ford Focus?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Timing belt that runs in oil (1.0 EcoBoost)

    Cars registered 2012–2025 · 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

  • Oil pump belt that runs in oil (2.0 EcoBlue diesel)

    Cars registered 2018–2025 · 2.0 EcoBlue diesel (most Ford 2.0 diesels from about 2018)

    The 2.0 EcoBlue diesel drives its oil pump with a belt that runs in the engine oil. As it wears it can shed rubber and cut oil pressure, which can wreck the engine. Ford has shortened the change interval on the Transit to 6 years or 100,000 miles.

    At the viewing: Ask when the oil pump belt was last changed, and watch for an oil-pressure warning light.

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

  • Turbo failure (1.6 TDCi)

    Cars registered 2004–2010 · 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)

  • Cambelt changes often skipped

    Cars registered 1998–2003 · All engines

    A failed cambelt can wreck the engine, and because the job can cost close to what the car is worth, some owners skip it. Many specialists advise changing it more often than 100,000 miles or ten years, especially on diesels.

    At the viewing: Check the service history for a cambelt change.

    Source: What Car?: Ford Focus (1998-2004) reliability

  • Coolant pipe that can split (early 1.0 EcoBoost)

    Cars registered 2011–2014 · Early 1.0 EcoBoost petrol

    On early 1.0 EcoBoost Focuses a small plastic coolant pipe could split and overheat the engine. Ford issued a fix.

    At the viewing: Ask whether the coolant pipe fix was done, and check the coolant level.

    Source: Parkers: Ford Focus Mk3 buying guide

  • PowerShift automatic gearbox

    Cars registered 2011–2018 · 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

    Cars registered 2011–2018

    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

  • Blocked particulate filter (1.6 TDCi)

    Cars registered 2004–2010 · 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)

    Cars registered 2004–2010 · 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)

  • Catalytic converter failure

    Cars registered 1998–2003 · Petrol

    Fault code P0420 means a failed catalytic converter, which is rarely worth fixing on all but the best cars.

    At the viewing: Make sure the engine light is off, and ask whether a code reader has been plugged in recently.

    Source: What Car?: Ford Focus (1998-2004) reliability

6 more known faults

  • Sill rust

    Cars registered 1998–2003 · All engines

    The sills can corrode with age.

    At the viewing: Look along and under the sills for rust.

    Source: What Car?: Ford Focus (1998-2004) reliability

  • Rattle from the flywheel

    Cars registered 2011–2018

    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

  • Gearbox oil leak (1.4 and 1.6 petrol manual)

    Cars registered 2004–2010 · 1.4 and 1.6 petrol, manual

    Oil can leak from the gearbox, usually where the right-hand driveshaft seal was damaged.

    At the viewing: Look for oil under the gearbox and around the right-hand driveshaft.

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

  • Brake warning light on for no reason

    Cars registered 2004–2010 · 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

    Cars registered 2004–2010 · 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)

  • Electrical faults, wet lights and windscreen heater

    Cars registered 1998–2003 · All engines

    Electrical parts are prone to fail, water gets into the headlights and tail lights and blows bulbs, and the Quickclear heated windscreen elements fail.

    At the viewing: Check all lights for water inside, and test the heated windscreen.

    Source: What Car?: Ford Focus (1998-2004) reliability

Common Ford Focus MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Sub-frame

    up to 4.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011.

    Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

  • Suspension arm

    up to 3.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

    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.

  • Individual direction indicators

    up to 3.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Coil springs

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2009.

    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.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 1.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    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.

Diesel

  • Sub-frame

    up to 2.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

    Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

  • Coil springs

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Suspension arm

    up to 4.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

    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.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

    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.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 2.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    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 aim

    up to 2.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    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.

Ford Focus MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2017 Ford Focus did best (82% passed first time, 2 points above all 2017 cars) and the 2013 did worst (63%, 4 points below all 2013 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202391%92% -11,106
202290%89% +115,220
202188%87% +137,645
202087%87% +0109,516
201984%85% -1164,617
201883%83% +0141,023
201782%80% +2189,550
201679%77% +2190,185
201576%74% +2223,949
201467%70% -3221,326
201363%67% -4217,909
201263%64% -1201,769
201159%62% -3189,450
201057%60% -3162,457
200957%59% -2166,345
200856%57% -1140,354
200757%57% +0121,609
200657%56% +188,093
200554%57% -365,488
200452%57% -547,198
200353%57% -435,763
200253%58% -528,429
200153%60% -716,460
200053%61% -87,477
199951%63% -123,978
199847%65% -18243 (small sample)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Ford Focus

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. Has the oil pump belt been changed, and is there a full service history?
  3. Has the turbo been replaced, and has the oil been changed on time?
  4. When was the cambelt last changed, and is there a receipt?
  5. Has the Ford fix for the coolant pipe on the 1.0 EcoBoost been done?
  6. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the Ford Focus as on other cars the same age.)

Looking at a Ford Focus?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score