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Ford Focus — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Ford Focus model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
20
Years to Avoid
2014, 2012, 2000
Best Years
2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 1999
2018
1,069 complaints5 recalls4 invest.102 TSBs
2017
1,148 complaints8 recalls4 invest.173 TSBs
2016
1,539 complaints8 recalls3 invest.195 TSBs
2015
1,294 complaints7 recalls4 invest.127 TSBs
2014Avoid
3,577 complaints11 recalls3 invest.146 TSBs
2013
2,902 complaints11 recalls3 invest.153 TSBs
2012Avoid
4,950 complaints7 recalls3 invest.126 TSBs
2011Best Year
156 complaints0 recalls33 TSBs
2010Best Year
408 complaints0 recalls24 TSBs
2009Best Year
321 complaints0 recalls18 TSBs
2008Best Year
333 complaints2 recalls1 invest.19 TSBs
2007
524 complaints2 recalls1 invest.19 TSBs
2006Best Year
269 complaints2 recalls23 TSBs
2005
599 complaints5 recalls1 invest.55 TSBs
2004
499 complaints6 recalls1 invest.60 TSBs
2003
1,224 complaints7 recalls1 invest.109 TSBs
2002
1,198 complaints8 recalls5 invest.143 TSBs
2001
2,361 complaints14 recalls9 invest.180 TSBs
2000Avoid
5,152 complaints18 recalls13 invest.298 TSBs
1999Best Year
15 complaints0 recalls3 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Ford Focus Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2014, 2012, 2000 Ford Focus are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Ford Focus, consider the 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 1999 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

20 model years analyzed