Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a compact car produced in the US from 2000 to 2018 that slotted between the Fiesta and the Fusion in the Ford family. Sales of the Focus were decreasing in the US since its peak sales of over 250,000 units in 2012, and it has been discontinued as Ford deliberately shifts its focus to more profitable truck and SUV lines.

The Focus was available as a hatchback or sedan, in six different trim levels – S, SE, SEL, Titanium, ST and RS. It offered four different engine options – 2-liter 4-cylinder; 1-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder; 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder; and 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder – and an all electric option from 2012. The Focus was touted for its impressive fuel economy and sporty handling but it was plagued with problems and recalls in its 18-year life.

The most common complaints about the Focus relate to the transmission. The NHTSA receives numerous complaints about shuddering, jerking, problems shifting gear, and failure to accelerate, such as those for the 2016 model which you can see here. A class action lawsuit regarding the highly problematic Ford PowerShift dual-clutch transmission (2012-2016 models) was finally settled in early 2020 but no recall was ever issued. Other Focus problems include a defective canister purge valve, which can cause complete loss of engine power while driving, and led to a recall of 1.46 million vehicles in North America in 2018, followed by a second recall in 2019 on already repaired vehicles. The Focus also shares some of the Ford family traits of problems with door latches, the MyFord Touch system and the electronic throttle body.

If you are experiencing problems with your Focus, you may be entitled by law to a refund, replacement vehicle, or compensation, including attorneys’ fees. Contact us by phone or via our website to find out how we can help you.