6 Best And Worst Years For The Ford Focus

Thinking about purchasing a new or a used car can be quite challenging if you do not have accurate information.

If you are planning on purchasing a Ford Focus, then it is a must for you to know about the Ford Focus models.

Although it is stated that this car is budget-friendly and a popular choice for people who are buying a car for the first time, it is still essential to look into these years so you do not end up making the wrong choice as some years are quite problematic whereas, some years will be beneficial.

Does the Ford Focus hold its value?

It is stated that Ford Focus is losing its value by 39%, and the resale value of Focus in 5 years will be 60.71%. Other than that, here are the best and worst years for Ford Focus.

Best Years for Ford Focus:

1. 2009
2. 2010
3. 2011
4. 2014
5. 2016
6. 2018

Worst Years for Ford Focus:

1. 2007
2. 2008
3. 2012
4. 2013
5. 2015
6. 2017

With that being said, let’s get into these years as I will be explaining them in further detail so you can have a better understanding.

Make sure to read until the end as I have answered some important, frequently asked questions!

List Of The Best Years For The Ford Focus: What Years To Buy

Here I will be listening down all the best years of Ford Focus that you can choose from according to your preference.

These model years gave the best performance and are also reliable while driving so drivers and passengers can have an enjoyable yet comfortable experience.

But that’s not all! They are also quite affordable and have little to no problems in their functionality or car parts, making them a safe car to buy.

Other than that, you will also be less likely to spend money on fixing the issues or replacing any component as these problems were barely reported on these models.

With that out of the way, here is the list of the best years for Ford Focus that you should most certainly get your hand on to.

#1 Best Year: 2009 Ford Focus

Starting with the first model in this list, you have the 2009 Ford Focus.

This 2009 model has one of the best fuel economies, the Sync interface is also said to be quite reliable since it allows voice control of MP3 players and cell phones.

The electronic system also tends to work smoothly, and the price is said to be reasonable compared to their competitors. You can find this model in either a Sedan or Coupe.

It also has four trim levels, and various other great features are included in the base S model and the SE model.

You will find one engine in this vehicle, the 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder, which will produce about 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque.

Lastly, you will also be able to enjoy the efficient and powerful five-speed manual as well as automatic transmission.

#2 Best Year: 2010 Ford Focus

Another outstanding year is the 2010 Ford Focus model because of its creative Sync system, excellent fuel economy, comfortable interior, smooth and reliable ride quality, and, most importantly, affordability.

These amazing aspects of this model make it stand out more and are preferred by various users. If you plan to buy a vehicle for the first time, then this option will be great for you.

This model has great features that will make your ride a worthwhile experience.

In the base S sedan, you will have 15-inch steel wheels, a satellite radio, a tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker audio system, and so much more.

Whereas, in the SE model, you will be getting 15-inch alloy wheels and complete power accessories, cruise as well audio controls, and so much more.

#3 Best Year: 2011 Ford Focus

The 2011 Ford Focus is a reliable option for sure. The appraisal value on this 2011 model ranges from about $1,646 up to $4,781, which makes it one of the most affordable vehicles.

You will surely enjoy your ride every time, as said by various satisfied users. It is stated that this vehicle will surely provide reliable transportation with extra comfort.

This compact Sedan provides outstanding trim levels such as S, SE, SEL, and SES trim levels. These trim levels have all unique features to offer, so you can pick whatever suits you best.

Other than that, the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine can produce 140 horsepower as well as 136 pound-feet of torque, so you can have the best riding experience.

#4 Best Year: 2014 Ford Focus

Now coming to the 2014 Ford Focus, you will be able to enjoy the amazing features this model has to offer.

If you love to have a quiet and peaceful ride, then this 2014 model is the right choice for you.

This car has great handling capabilities, an outstanding yet powerful engine, a luxurious interior, and a sufficient list of upscale and high-tech possibilities so you can have the best experience.

This model also barely has any difficulties associated with the design, so you do not end up with a problematic vehicle. You can find this in a Sedan and a four-door hatchback body style.

This model has three good trim levels in S, SE, and Titanium. Each trim level has high-quality characteristics that you can enjoy.

You can also have either the manual or automatic transmission that will make your engine more efficient, so you can go at a great mileage with them.

#5 Best Year: 2016 Ford Focus

Wanting to have a luxurious interior but also a quiet ride, then the 2016 Ford Focus has got you covered.

It is stated that this model will be a smart choice for those who are looking for a Sedan or a four-door hatchback.

This model now has a Sync 3 touchscreen interface which will work efficiently and quickly.

This model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as well as a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder so you can have the best response from the EPA estimated fuel economy.

If you choose a Focus Electric trim level, you will be able to go about 75 miles in between charges.

This model has a six-speed automatic transmission that can be best used with a 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine for a smooth ride all the time.

#6 Best Year: 2018 Ford Focus

According to many experts, the last model in this list, the 2018 Ford Focus, is said to be the best choice.

This is because this model has an expert rating of 6.7 out of 10, which is above average and considered rather good.

If you choose an SEL hatchback with a 2.0-liter engine, then you will be able to enjoy various extraordinary elements of this vehicle.

This model has a dual-zone scrimmage control, rear parking sensors, high-performing fuel economy, and extra cargo space.

You will be happy to know this vehicle works great on bumps and has sport steering yet amazing handling, especially with turns.

You will have a quiet ride even when going at high speed. Other than that, the high-tech options this model offers will surely make the entire riding experience even better.

List Of The Worst Years For The Ford Focus: What Years To Avoid

Here I will be discussing the worst years of Ford Focus that must be avoided at all costs.

Since you have already read the best years section, you should also know about the worst so you can understand why they need to be ignored because of the various issues.

In each year, many complaints accumulated bigger as they started affecting the vehicle’s components, which affected the entire riding experience.

These problems also led to people paying a lump sum of money to fix the issues, and some even had to replace components but still faced the same issues again after some time.

If you do not want to face these problems, then keep on reading this list of the terrible years for Ford Focus.

#1 Worst Year: 2007 Ford Focus

Starting with the first model year in this list, you have the 2007 Ford Focus.

This model has been recalled two times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because of its problems.

It is stated that the interior design and the quality are poor and tend to fail in performance.

It is worth mentioning that this 2007 model received a “Poor” rating in the IIHS side crash test, which was done excluding the optional side airbags.

The common issue with this model is that it has a weak body since many people reported complaints regarding it.

Some problems are water or air leaks, cracked seals, suspension issues, power steering, loose components, malfunctioning heating system, electrical failure, and so much more.

#2 Worst Year: 2008 Ford Focus

This model should be avoided at all costs, the 2008 Ford Focus has over 500 complaints reported which is a huge number, so one can only imagine how many problems this model might have.

This model has reliability issues that make people have a disturbing experience while driving. The most common issue with this car is the dreaded excessive tire wear.

It is stated that this issue usually happens once the car reaches around 35,000 miles on the road. Besides that, it also has climate control system issues.

The A/C system might turn on and off randomly or not work at all completely.

The engine block might also be another issue found in this model, as it tends to make squeaks or rattling sounds while riding.

#3 Worst Year: 2012 Ford Focus

According to the carcomplaint.com site, the 2012 Ford Focus must be avoided no matter what as it has over 5000 complaints.

You should also know that this model has been recalled about seven times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This is quite shocking but understandable because of the problems related to this model. It does not have a good fuel economy, and the vehicle cannot go at high speed.

In addition to that, the PowerShift automatic transmission is also not efficient at all as it tends to wobble a lot, even at low speeds.

Other than that, the power steering also fails randomly on the road, which can risk the safety of you and your family.

#4 Worst Year: 2013 Ford Focus

Here you have the 2013 Ford Focus model recalled ten times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

You will be surprised to know that Consumer Reports gave this 2013 model a terrible reliability rating of 1 out of 5 because of the various issues associated with it.

This just makes it pretty obvious that this model is not reliable at all.

Moving on, the most common issues were related to the transmission system. This tends to be so serious that the drivers lose their control while driving on the road.

Other than that, people had electrical system issues as well, such as steering wheel controls failure, camera sensors failing, communication system or GPS issues, and so much more.

#5 Worst Year: 2015 Ford Focus

Coming to the 2015 Ford Focus, the main issue with this model is with the PowerShift automatic transmission, as it tends to stumble a lot, especially at low speeds.

This model has been recalled six times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Other than that, this car also had a dual-clutch transmission system failure because that was not chosen accurately for this model.

Because of this issue, people had trouble shifting gears, leakage, slipping transmission, trembling while accelerating and so much that leads to people getting a replacement but the problem still occurs after some time.

#6 Worst Year: 2017 Ford Focus

This is that model in this list of worst years. The 2017 Ford Focus cannot go at a faster speed.

According to the Consumer Reports site, this car has been tested on both the four-cylinder as well as the three-cylinder turbo, which showed about 29 mpg overall.

This model has been recalled five times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The major problem found in this vehicle is with the transmission system, such as slipping or stalling transmission, shifting roughly, clutch adjustment or replacement, problems with the torque converter, and so much more.

Another common issue is also with the engine as it will require compile replacement because of poor performance and many parts of it getting damaged.

What Are The Most Common Problems With The Ford Focus?

So now that you know the best and worst years of the Ford Focus, you can already comprehend the common problems with the Ford Focus easily.

You will be surprised to know that over 5000 complaints have been reported over 23 models by various disappointed owners of this vehicle.

It is also worth mentioning that this vehicle has a low-reliability rate and is ranked in 40th place out of 42 Ford models for overall reliability.

So the most common problems are the transmission system, door latch failure, power steering (EPAS) failure.

I will explain this below in detail, so keep on reading!

1. Transmission System Failure

The problem is with the PowerShift transmission as it tends to delay acceleration as well as jerk continuously, especially when drivers change gears.

Another common problem is that this also tends to surge and tremble while driving, which can be annoying.

The vehicle also hesitates a lot while accelerating and also cannot downshift accurately. This problem is so serious that people have to replace the transmission completely.

Related: What Are The Ford Focus Transmission Problems?

2. Door Latch Failure

This is another serious problem in the Ford Focus because it causes the doors to open randomly on the road while driving.

The “door ajar” warning lights might turn on, indicating the door is not locked even when it is perfectly closed and locked in place.

The problem can also be because of faulty pawl springs that might need replacing.

3. Power Steering (EPAS) Failure

The electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system was replaced by the hydraulic power steering so the Ford Focus can have better and more MPG as well as extra power while riding.

However, this issue went the opposite and made it deliver loose steering power while driving as well as sudden breakdowns on the road which can create hazardous situations on the road.

There will also be a defective torque sensor that will not send accurate information to the ECU. This issue can cost up to $1500 for repairs.

Related: Why Won’t My Ford Focus Start?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What Is The Best Used Ford Focus To Buy?

It is stated that the best Ford Focus to buy is the Titanium trim level. It is the best option all-around but not for the engine. As for ST-Line, it is best for insurance but not for the engine.

As for the years, the best used by Ford Focus would be the 2009 Ford Focus because it is rated 4 out of 5 for reliability and is said to be quite safe for drivers.

Q2. How Many Miles Will A Ford Focus Last?

The First Focus can last from about 200,000 miles up to 400,000 miles and even more.

However, you need to note that this mainly depends on how well you take care of the vehicle and keep a maintenance check regularly.

It is also stated that if you do not take care of the vehicle, then it will only last around 50,000 to 150,000 miles.

Q3. Which Year Does The Ford Focus Have Transmission Problems?

The transmission problems occurred in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 as well as 2017 Ford Focus model years.

The main issue was with the PowerShift automatic transmission, which led to problems with shifting gears, stalling transmission, shuddering, and so much more.

Q4. How Long Does A Ford Focus Transmission Last?

According to the information provided by the transmissionrepaircostguide.com site, it is said that the Ford Focus transmission can last from about 80,000 up to 180,000 miles easily.

However, it is also important to take good care and provide regular maintenance to all the Ford Focus components so they can perform and last longer.

Q5. Does Ford Focus Hold Its Value?

The moment you start driving the car, the price of it will start to drop right away. Ford Focus does not hold its value because it is stated that it is losing around 39% of its value.

It is also worth mentioning that according to the caredge.com site, the 5-year resale value of Ford Focus is around 60.71%.

Conclusion

Now you know the best and worst years for Ford Focus, it will not be difficult for you to choose the right model for yourself.

I would highly recommend you purchase the 2009 Ford Focus because it has great reliability and safety ratings as well as outstanding features that will keep you entertained throughout the ride.

Other than that, just be sure to avoid the worst years as they consist of the most common transmission problem that can ruin the car’s performance and other components and also cost a lot for repairs.