Ford Focus

All generations, specs and history

Updated 13 October 2026 Published 1 November 2019 Sources (8) Report an error

By Felix Hartmann, Automotive Technology & EV Contributor Reviewed by Oleksandr Hnatiuk

Built: 1998–2025
Generations: 4
Top power: 257 kW (349 PS)
New price: from about €18,700 (2018)

All specs

Timeline

Focus generations

Click a generation for its own page

I 1998–2005 II 2004–2011 C346 2010–2018 IV 2018–2025

I and II overlapped in 2004–2005, so II sits on a second lane

Focus I 1998–2005 · Sedan, Hatchback · 127–158 kW (173–215 PS)
Focus II 2004–2011 · Hatchback, Station wagon · 66–257 kW (90–349 PS)
Focus C346 2010–2018 · Sedan, Hatchback · 63–257 kW (86–349 PS)
Focus IV 2018–2025 · Sedan, Hatchback

Newest first · 4 generations since 1998

2018 IV 2018–2025 · Sedan, Hatchback
2010 C346 2010–2018 · Sedan, Hatchback · 63–257 kW (86–349 PS)
2004 II 2004–2011 · Hatchback, Station wagon · 66–257 kW (90–349 PS) I and II overlapped in 2004–2005
1998 I 1998–2005 · Sedan, Hatchback · 127–158 kW (173–215 PS)

All generations by year: Focus IV (2018–2025) · Focus C346 (2010–2018) · Focus II (2004–2011) · Focus I (1998–2005)

Which one is mine?

Pick the year of first registration to see which generation it is.

Focus IV 2018–2025
C346 2010–2018
Focus II 2004–2011
Focus I 1998–2005

Check by VIN

Which Ford Focus Mk3 to buy

Our verdict · Felix Hartmann

For most buyers, a post-2014 facelift car with the 1.0 EcoBoost (125 PS) or 1.5 TDCi and a manual gearbox is the best balance, provided the clutch recall has been done. Choose the 2.0 TDCi for high mileage and towing. If you need an automatic, look for later torque-converter versions or a PowerShift with documented repairs. The ST is a practical performance car; the RS is the enthusiast's choice.

Watch out

PowerShift dual-clutch judder and clutch wear (petrol and diesel automatics)
Coolant Degas hose leak leading to engine failure (1.0 EcoBoost)
Overheating and cylinder head cracks, fire risk (1.6 EcoBoost recall)
Clutch pressure plate fracture (EcoBoost manual, two recalls)

Watch-out points come from our verified ownership data, each with a source.

The third-generation Ford Focus (Mk3) is a compact family car built from December 2010 to 2018 in Europe as a hatchback, saloon and estate, facelifted in 2014. Engines range from the 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder to the 350 PS Focus RS, with Ti-VCT petrol and TDCi diesels. The Mk4 replaced it in 2018, and Focus production ended in 2025.

In short
Mk3 years: revealed in January 2010, built at Saarlouis, Germany, from December 2010; facelift shown at Geneva in 2014.
Engines: 1.0 EcoBoost 100–140 PS, 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost 150–182 PS, 1.6 Ti-VCT 85–125 PS, 1.5–2.0 TDCi 95–185 PS.
Performance versions: Focus ST with 250 PS and Focus RS with 350 PS and all-wheel drive.
Euro NCAP 2012: five stars, with 92% for adult occupant protection.

Size at a glance

Ford Focus IV
Volkswagen Golf Mk8

The Ford Focus IV is 94 mm longer and 36 mm wider than the Volkswagen Golf Mk8.

Dimensions: Ford Focus IV vs Volkswagen Golf Mk8
Dimensions	Ford Focus IV	Volkswagen Golf Mk8	Difference
Length	4,378 mm172.4 in	4,284 mm168.7 in	+94 mm+3.7 in
Width	1,825 mm71.9 in	1,789 mm70.4 in	+36 mm+1.4 in
Height	1,454 mm57.2 in	1,456 mm57.3 in	−2 mm−0.1 in
Wheelbase	2,700 mm106.3 in	2,636 mm103.8 in	+64 mm+2.5 in
Boot	375 L13.2 cu ft	381 L13.5 cu ft	−6 L−0.2 cu ft

Compare in full

Dimensions: Ford Focus IV vs Opel Astra L
Dimensions	Ford Focus IV	Opel Astra L	Difference
Length	4,378 mm172.4 in	4,374 mm172.2 in	+4 mm+0.2 in
Width	1,825 mm71.9 in	1,860 mm73.2 in	−35 mm−1.4 in
Height	1,454 mm57.2 in	1,441 mm56.7 in	+13 mm+0.5 in
Wheelbase	2,700 mm106.3 in	2,675 mm105.3 in	+25 mm+1.0 in
Boot	375 L13.2 cu ft	422 L14.9 cu ft	−47 L−1.7 cu ft

Dimensions: Ford Focus IV vs Ford Focus C346
Dimensions	Ford Focus IV	Ford Focus C346	Difference
Length	4,378 mm172.4 in	4,358 mm171.6 in	+20 mm+0.8 in
Width	1,825 mm71.9 in	1,823 mm71.8 in	+2 mm+0.1 in
Height	1,454 mm57.2 in	1,484 mm58.4 in	−30 mm−1.2 in
Wheelbase	2,700 mm106.3 in	2,648 mm104.3 in	+52 mm+2.0 in
Boot	375 L13.2 cu ft	476 L16.8 cu ft	−101 L−3.6 cu ft

Running cost

Fuel · Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 125 (mHEV)

about 1,100 EUR fuel a year at 15,000 km

4.2 l/100 km · petrol at 1.75 EUR/l · change mileage, fuel price or version

Open calculator

Known problems

High

PowerShift dual-clutch judder and clutch wear (petrol and diesel automatics)

Juddering when pulling away, clonks and hesitant or harsh gear changes, worst in stop-start traffic.

Fix: Software update, input shaft speed sensor or a new clutch pack; fluid and filter change at three years.
Verified Source: CompleteCar.ie: Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018) used car buying guide, reliability, recalls, warranty
2011–2015
Critical

Coolant Degas hose leak leading to engine failure (1.0 EcoBoost)

Coolant loss and overheating, sometimes at speed, which can destroy the engine.

Fix: Dealer fits the modified Degas hose; confirm it is fitted before buying.
Verified Source: What Car? Used Ford Focus Hatchback 2011-2018 reliability and advice
2012–2013
Critical

Overheating and cylinder head cracks, fire risk (1.6 EcoBoost recall)

Low coolant leads to overheating; a cracked head can leak oil onto hot parts.

Fix: Recall adds a coolant level sensor and warning software that reduces power when coolant is low.
Verified Source: ADAC Gebrauchtwagen-Info: Ford Focus (2011-2018) Benziner
2011–2014
Critical

Clutch pressure plate fracture (EcoBoost manual, two recalls)

Burning clutch smell, loss of drive and power, smoke; fire in extreme cases.

Fix: Software that limits torque on worn clutches, or a new clutch kit under recall.
Verified Source: CompleteCar.ie: Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018) used car buying guide, reliability, recalls, warranty
2011–2018
High

Hairline cracks in the engine block (1.5 EcoBoost)

Rough cold start and steady coolant loss without a visible external leak.

Fix: Pressure-test the cooling system; a cracked block means a replacement engine.
Verified Source: Gebrauchtwagenberater: Ford Focus MK3 2010-2018 Probleme, Rueckrufe, Kaufberatung
2015–2018
High

Wet timing belt damaged by wrong oil (1.0 EcoBoost)

Usually no warning before failure; wrong or old oil softens the belt, which can lead to major engine damage.

Fix: Change the belt and use only the oil specification Ford lists; inspect the belt at services.
Verified Source: Gebrauchtwagenberater: Ford Focus MK3 2010-2018 Probleme, Rueckrufe, Kaufberatung
all years
Medium

Catalytic converter failure (1.0 EcoBoost)

Engine warning light with fault code P0420, sometimes from 70,000-80,000 km.

Fix: Replace the catalytic converter after checking the oxygen sensors.
Verified Source: Auto Bild: Ford Focus gebraucht, TÜV-Report 2026 (23 May 2026)
all years
High

Undetected overheating, oil loss through the sump (2.0 TDCi recall)

Engine overheats without warning; in severe cases the sump is breached and all oil is lost.

Fix: Recall reprograms the engine control module for cars built July 2014 to 2015.
Verified Source: CompleteCar.ie: Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018) used car buying guide, reliability, recalls, warranty
2014–2015
Medium

Leaking thermostat housing (petrol and diesel)

Coolant level drops slowly, with damp residue around the housing.

Fix: Replace the thermostat housing and refill and bleed the cooling system.
Verified Source: Carbuyer: Used Ford Focus review 2011 to 2018 (Mk3), reliability and common problems
all years
Low

Suspension mounts, springs, rusty exhausts and lighting at the TÜV test

Clonks on full lock or over bumps, blowing exhaust, failed lamps and spring defects from the fifth test onwards.

Fix: Replace springs in pairs, renew suspension mounts and corroded exhaust sections.
Verified Source: ADAC Gebrauchtwagen-Info: Ford Focus (2011-2018) Benziner
all years

Specs by version

Engines

Version	Engine	Power	Drive
Diesel · 4 versions
C346 · 70 kW (95 PS)	Diesel	70 kW 95 PS94 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 1.6 77 kW (105 PS)	1.6 l · Diesel 1,600 cc	77 kW 105 PS103 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 88 kW (120 PS)	Diesel	88 kW 120 PS118 hp	Front-wheel drive
Focus IV · ST 2.0 EcoBlue	2.0 l · 4 cyl · Diesel 1,995 cc	140 kW 190 PS188 hp	Front-wheel drive
Petrol · 4 versions
Focus I · 2.0 127 kW (173 PS)	2.0 l · Petrol 2,000 cc	127 kW 173 PS170 hp	Front-wheel drive
Focus IV · 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 125 (mHEV)	1.0 l · 3 cyl · Petrol 999 cc	92 kW 125 PS123 hp	Front-wheel drive
Focus IV · 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 155 (mHEV)	1.0 l · 3 cyl · Petrol 999 cc	114 kW 155 PS153 hp	Front-wheel drive
Focus IV · ST 2.3 EcoBoost	2.3 l · 4 cyl · Petrol 2,261 cc	206 kW 280 PS276 hp	Front-wheel drive
Other · 10 versions
Focus I · 158 kW (215 PS)	-	158 kW 215 PS212 hp	Front-wheel drive
Focus II · 2.0 66 kW (90 PS)	2.0 l 2,000 cc	66 kW 90 PS89 hp	-
Focus II · 224 kW (305 PS)	-	224 kW 305 PS300 hp	-
C346 · 1.6 63 kW (86 PS)	1.6 l 1,600 cc	63 kW 86 PS84 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 74 kW (101 PS)	3 cyl	74 kW 101 PS99 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 1.6 92 kW (125 PS)	1.6 l · 3 cyl 1,600 cc	92 kW 125 PS123 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 102 kW (139 PS)	3 cyl	102 kW 139 PS137 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 1.5 110 kW (150 PS)	1.5 l 1,500 cc	110 kW 150 PS148 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 2.0 110 kW (150 PS)	2.0 l 2,000 cc	110 kW 150 PS148 hp	Front-wheel drive
C346 · 132 kW (179 PS)	4 cyl	132 kW 179 PS177 hp	Front-wheel drive

Show all 18 versionsShow fewer versions

Performance

Show all 4 versions

Version	0–100 km/h	Top speed	Fuel consumption	CO₂
Diesel · 1 version
Focus IV · ST 2.0 EcoBlue	-	-	5.3 l/100 km44.4 mpg US · 53.3 mpg UK	140 g/km
Petrol · 3 versions
Focus IV · 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 125 (mHEV)	10.1 s 0–62 mph	200 km/h124 mph	4.2 l/100 km56.0 mpg US · 67.3 mpg UK	94 g/km
Focus IV · 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 155 (mHEV)	9.2 s 0–62 mph	211 km/h131 mph	4.1 l/100 km57.4 mpg US · 68.9 mpg UK	93 g/km
Focus IV · ST 2.3 EcoBoost	-	-	8.0 l/100 km29.4 mpg US · 35.3 mpg UK	183 g/km

Dimensions and weight

Show all 15 versions

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Kerb weight	Boot
Diesel · 4 versions
C346 · 70 kW (95 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 1.6 77 kW (105 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 88 kW (120 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
Focus IV · ST 2.0 EcoBlue	4,378 mm172.4 in	1,825 mm71.9 in	1,454 mm57.2 in	2,700 mm106.3 in	1,578 kg3,479 lb	-
Petrol · 3 versions
Focus IV · 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 125 (mHEV)	4,378 mm172.4 in	1,825 mm71.9 in	1,454 mm57.2 in	2,700 mm106.3 in	1,344 kg2,963 lb	375 l13.2 cu ft
Focus IV · 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 155 (mHEV)	4,378 mm172.4 in	1,825 mm71.9 in	1,454 mm57.2 in	2,700 mm106.3 in	1,344 kg2,963 lb	375 l13.2 cu ft
Focus IV · ST 2.3 EcoBoost	4,378 mm172.4 in	1,825 mm71.9 in	1,454 mm57.2 in	2,700 mm106.3 in	1,534 kg3,382 lb	-
Other · 8 versions
Focus II · 2.0 66 kW (90 PS)	4,488 mm176.7 in	1,840 mm72.4 in	1,497 mm58.9 in	2,640 mm103.9 in	1,272 kg2,804 lb	526 l18.6 cu ft
C346 · 1.6 63 kW (86 PS)	4,358 mm171.6 in	1,823 mm71.8 in	1,484 mm58.4 in	2,648 mm104.3 in	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 74 kW (101 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 1.6 92 kW (125 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 102 kW (139 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 1.5 110 kW (150 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 2.0 110 kW (150 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft
C346 · 132 kW (179 PS)	-	-	-	-	-	476 l16.8 cu ft

Verified Manufacturer and type-approval data from our catalog · Sources and methodology

Ford Focus at a glance: four generations

The Focus has been Ford's core compact model in Europe since 1998, sold as a hatchback, saloon and estate. The first generation won the 1999 European Car of the Year award, and total production of all four generations reached about 12 million. This page concentrates on the Mk3, the most common used Focus in Europe; the first and second generations have their own overview.

Generation	Code	Years	Body styles	Engines	Power (kW / PS)
Mk1	C170	1998–2004	3/5-door hatch, saloon, estate	1.4–2.0 petrol, 1.8 diesel, RS 2.0 turbo	up to 158 kW (215 PS) RS
Mk2	C307	2004–2011	hatch, saloon, estate, coupé-cabriolet	1.4–2.0 petrol, 1.6–2.0 TDCi, 2.5 five-cylinder ST/RS	up to 224 kW (305 PS) RS
Mk3	C346	2010–2018	5-door hatch, saloon, estate	1.0–2.3 EcoBoost, 1.6 Ti-VCT, 1.5–2.0 TDCi	63–257 kW (85–350 PS)
Mk4	C519	2018–2025	hatch, saloon, estate, Active	EcoBoost petrol and mild hybrid, EcoBlue diesel	up to ST 206 kW (280 PS)

The Mk2 Focus ST used a Volvo-sourced 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo, and the limited 2002–2003 Mk1 RS was built in 4,501 examples.

Ford Focus Mk3 overview: design, platform and facelift

The Mk3 was the first Focus developed as one global car for Europe, North America and Asia, on Ford's global C-car platform. It made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in January 2010, and European production started at Saarlouis in December 2010. The Focus was the world's best-selling car in 2012.

The 2014 facelift, shown at the Geneva Motor Show, brought a trapezoidal grille, slimmer headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen that replaced many buttons, sharper steering and chassis revisions, plus the 1.5 EcoBoost and new diesels. The saloon was not sold in the UK.

The chassis uses MacPherson struts at the front and Ford's multi-link Control Blade rear suspension, with electric power steering and disc brakes all round. Torque Vectoring Control, which brakes the inside front wheel in corners, was standard on most versions.

Focus Mk3 engines and gearboxes

Engine	Power	Torque	Notes
1.0 EcoBoost (3-cyl. turbo petrol)	74–103 kW (100–140 PS)	–	140 PS from the facelift
1.6 Ti-VCT petrol	63–92 kW (85–125 PS)	–	Naturally aspirated, timing belt
1.5 EcoBoost petrol	110–134 kW (150–182 PS)	–	From 2014 facelift
1.6 EcoBoost petrol	110–134 kW (150–182 PS)	240 Nm (177 lb-ft)	Pre-facelift
2.0 EcoBoost (ST)	184 kW (250 PS)	360 Nm (266 lb-ft)	6-speed manual
2.3 EcoBoost (RS)	257 kW (350 PS)	475 Nm (350 lb-ft)	All-wheel drive
1.6 TDCi diesel	70–85 kW (95–115 PS)	–	105 PS ECOnetic
1.5 TDCi diesel	70–88 kW (95–120 PS)	–	From 2016
2.0 TDCi diesel	110–136 kW (150–185 PS)	–	185 PS in the ST diesel

Gearboxes were five- and six-speed manuals and the six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic (DPS6), with conventional torque-converter automatics on some later engines. The Ti-VCT 1.6 with 105 or 125 PS could be ordered with the PowerShift, as could the diesels.

Focus ST, RS and Electric

The Focus ST arrived in summer 2012 with a 2.0 EcoBoost of 184 kW (250 PS) and a six-speed manual; a 2.0 TDCi ST diesel followed in 2015. The Focus RS went on sale in 2016 with a 2.3 EcoBoost of 257 kW (350 PS), all-wheel drive with a Drift Mode, and 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. It was built at Saarlouis.

The Focus Electric used a 23 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with a range of about 122 km (76 miles) and a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph). A 33.5 kWh battery and CCS fast charging arrived for 2017, and European production ended by April 2017.

Dimensions and boot space

Parameter	Metric	Imperial
Length (hatch / saloon / estate)	4,358 / 4,534 / 4,556 mm	171.6 / 178.5 / 179.4 in
Width	1,823 mm	71.8 in
Height (hatch and saloon / estate)	1,484 / 1,505 mm	58.4 / 59.3 in
Wheelbase	2,648 mm	104.3 in
Boot, saloon	372 L	13.1 cu ft
Boot, estate (seats up / folded)	476 / 1,502 L	16.8 / 53.0 cu ft

Focus Mk3 fuel economy and running costs

The 1.0 EcoBoost and the 1.5 and 1.6 TDCi diesels are the economical choices, while the ST and RS are performance cars with matching consumption. Owners report that small turbo petrols use noticeably more fuel than their official figures when driven hard or fully loaded. The 1.6 Ti-VCT has a cambelt that must be changed on schedule; check the service history for it.

Focus Mk3 safety rating

Euro NCAP tested the Mk3 in 2012 and awarded five stars, with 92% for adult occupants, 82% for children, 72% for pedestrians and 71% for safety assist. Depending on version, equipment included Active City Stop low-speed braking, lane-keeping aid, blind-spot information and traffic sign recognition.

Focus Mk3 reliability and known faults

The Mk3 is generally regarded as dependable, with the diesels slightly more robust than the petrols, but some faults are well known:

PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox: juddering, clunks and poor shifts on the dry-clutch DPS6. Ford replaced clutches and updated software for affected cars.
Clutch pressure plate recalls: 1.0 and 1.5 EcoBoost manuals built from June 2015 to August 2018, and a separate recall for some 2011–2013 cars.
2.0 TDCi built from July 2014 to 2015: engine software recall over undetected overheating.
1.6 EcoBoost: 2017 recall over engine overheating and fire risk from poor coolant circulation.
Other faults: clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear, coolant loss from the thermostat housing, stop/start faults from weak batteries, and water in the front door handles affecting keyless entry.

Before buying, check the VIN for completed recalls and drive automatic cars from cold.

Rivals: how the Focus compares

The Focus Mk3 competed with the Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra J, Peugeot 308 and Toyota Corolla. Reviewers usually rated its steering and handling as the best in the class, while the Golf scored for cabin quality and refinement. Ford's smaller Fiesta and the Kuga SUV share many engines with the Focus.

The Ford Focus Mk4 (2018–2025)

Unveiled on 10 April 2018, the Mk4 moved to a new platform with production in Germany and China. It added the raised Focus Active, a Vignale luxury trim, Sync 3 and the CoPilot360 driver aids, and was facelifted for Europe in October 2021. No Mk4 RS was built. Ford announced in 2022 that the Focus would end around 2025 as it shifted to electric cars and crossovers, and production at Saarlouis finished in 2025. The full Ford range is in the Ford catalogue.

Ford Focus evolution in numbers

Did you know?

The Ford Focus ran for 27 years, from 1998 to 2025, over 4 generations in our catalog.
The longest-running generation is the Focus C346 (2010–2018): 8 years.
The biggest jump in power came with the Focus II: up to 257 kW (349 PS), 99 kW more than the Focus I.
The most powerful Ford Focus is not the newest: the Focus II (2004–2011) offered up to 257 kW (349 PS), the Focus IV up to 206 kW (280 PS).

Most powerful version, kW

Focus I · 1998158 kW (215 PS)
Focus II · 2004257 kW (349 PS)
Focus C346 · 2010257 kW (349 PS)
Focus IV · 2018206 kW (280 PS)

Length, mm

Focus II · 20044,488 mm
Focus C346 · 20104,358 mm
Focus IV · 20184,378 mm

Figures from the 1cars catalog: power is the strongest version of each generation; generations without the figure are left out.

Ford Focus: first vs latest generation

Spec	Focus I	Focus IV	Change
Years	1998–2005	2018–2025	20 years apart
Most powerful version	158 kW (215 PS)	206 kW (280 PS)	+48 kW (+30%)

Oldest and newest generation in the 1cars catalog. Power is the strongest version of each; other rows are shown only when both generations have the figure.

Owning a Ford Focus

Common problems, best and worst years, maintenance and running costs - only data checked by our editors, with sources.

Best years

2015–2018 - From about 2015 Ford fitted a wet-clutch or torque-converter automatic that resolved the PowerShift judder, and the early 1.0 EcoBoost hose fault is behind it. Verified Source: CompleteCar.ie: Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018) used car buying guide, reliability, recalls, warranty

Years to avoid

2011–2013 - 1.0 EcoBoost cars built 2012 to early 2013 can lose coolant and fail without the Degas hose fix, and 2011-2013 cars have a clutch pressure plate recall. Verified Source: What Car? Used Ford Focus Hatchback 2011-2018 reliability and advice

Questions and answers

What are the most common Ford Focus problems?

PowerShift dual-clutch judder and clutch wear (petrol and diesel automatics) (2011–2015): Juddering when pulling away, clonks and hesitant or harsh gear changes, worst in stop-start traffic.; Coolant Degas hose leak leading to engine failure (1.0 EcoBoost) (2012–2013): Coolant loss and overheating, sometimes at speed, which can destroy the engine.; Overheating and cylinder head cracks, fire risk (1.6 EcoBoost recall) (2011–2014): Low coolant leads to overheating; a cracked head can leak oil onto hot parts.; Clutch pressure plate fracture (EcoBoost manual, two recalls) (2011–2018): Burning clutch smell, loss of drive and power, smoke; fire in extreme cases.; Hairline cracks in the engine block (1.5 EcoBoost) (2015–2018): Rough cold start and steady coolant loss without a visible external leak..

What are the best years for the Ford Focus?

2015–2018: From about 2015 Ford fitted a wet-clutch or torque-converter automatic that resolved the PowerShift judder, and the early 1.0 EcoBoost hose fault is behind it..

Which Ford Focus years should you avoid?

2011–2013: 1.0 EcoBoost cars built 2012 to early 2013 can lose coolant and fail without the Degas hose fix, and 2011-2013 cars have a clutch pressure plate recall..

Data checked November 5, 2026 Used Ford Focus buying guide

Image credits · Photos from Wikimedia Commons under free licences

Ford Focus I · Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ford Focus II · Photo: Cutlass / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Ford Focus C346 · Photo: Dinkun Chen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Rivals

Compare with…

Compare Ford Focus with

Volkswagen Golf full comparison
Opel Astra full comparison
Kia Ceed quick spec comparison

EV version
Volkswagen Golf
In production

Years
1974–present
Body
Hatchback, Convertible
Fuel
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Power
37–235 kW (50–320 PS)
8 generations
- Mk3
- Mk4
- Mk5
- Mk6
- Mk7
- Mk8
- +2 earlier
Focus vs Golf
EV version
Opel Astra
In production

Years
1991–present
Body
Sedan, Hatchback
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel, LPG / CNG
Power
42–206 kW (57–280 PS)
6 generations
- F
- G
- H
- J
- K
- L
Focus vs Astra
Kia Ceed
Ended 2025

Years
2006–2025
Body
Hatchback, Station wagon
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel
Power
66–150 kW (90–204 PS)
3 generations
- I
- JD
- III
Focus vs Ceed
Toyota Corolla
In production

Years
1966–present
Body
Sedan, Station wagon
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Power
73–103 kW (99–140 PS)
12 generations
- E100
- E110
- E120
- E140/E150
- XI
- E210
- +6 earlier
Focus vs Corolla

Popular comparisons

Ford Focus in our rankings

More economical than 93% of ranked cars in the 1CARS catalog (No. 21 of 329).

Ford Focus photos 43

Show all 43 photos

Ford Focus videos 5

Ford Focus video 1
Ford Focus video 2
Ford Focus video 3
Ford Focus video 4
Ford Focus video 5

FAQ

What years was the Ford Focus Mk3 made?

European production ran from December 2010 to 2018, with a facelift shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The Mk4 replaced it in 2018, and Ford ended Focus production in 2025.

What are the common problems of the Ford Focus Mk3?

The best-known faults are judder and poor shifting on the PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox, clutch pressure plate recalls on 1.0 and 1.5 EcoBoost manuals, coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and dual-mass flywheel wear.

Is the Ford Focus Mk3 safe?

Yes. Euro NCAP awarded it five stars in 2012, with 92% for adult occupant protection and 82% for child occupants. Active City Stop low-speed braking was available on many versions.

How much power does the Focus RS Mk3 have?

The Focus RS uses a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder with 257 kW (350 PS) and 475 Nm, all-wheel drive and a Drift Mode. It reaches 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Is the 1.0 EcoBoost a good engine?

The 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder offers 100 to 140 PS with low official fuel use and suits everyday driving. Check that the clutch recall on 2015–2018 manual cars was done and that coolant levels are stable.

When did Ford stop making the Focus?

Ford announced in 2022 that the Focus would be discontinued around 2025, and production at the Saarlouis plant in Germany ended in 2025. Ford's compact range now relies on crossovers such as the Kuga.

Data sources

Data checked by an editor against the sources below.

1cars archive: Ford Focus Mk1 and Mk2: The First Two Generations in Detail
The text of this article (1cars archive)
Wikipedia - Ford Focus
Am-online
Wikipedia - Ford Focus (third generation)
Euro NCAP - Jeep Compass Disappoints Honda Civic Impresses
Wikipedia - Ford Focus (fourth generation)
EEA CO₂ monitoring (European Environment Agency, CC BY 4.0)

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