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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
1,130 complaints7 recalls5 invest.107 TSBs
2017
1,193 complaints10 recalls5 invest.178 TSBs
2016
1,579 complaints10 recalls4 invest.200 TSBs
2015
1,336 complaints9 recalls5 invest.131 TSBs
2014Avoid
3,638 complaints12 recalls3 invest.147 TSBs
2013
2,930 complaints12 recalls3 invest.154 TSBs
2012Avoid
4,988 complaints8 recalls3 invest.127 TSBs
2011Best Year
157 complaints0 recalls33 TSBs
2010Best Year
409 complaints0 recalls24 TSBs
2009Best Year
323 complaints0 recalls18 TSBs
2008Best Year
336 complaints2 recalls1 invest.19 TSBs
2007
524 complaints2 recalls1 invest.19 TSBs
2006Best Year
273 complaints2 recalls23 TSBs
2005
600 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