Ford Focus 2nd generation (2005–2012)
Generation-specific owner insights from 88+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2005–2012 Focus?
5,716
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2005–2012
19
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2005-2012 Focus consistently describe it as one of the most dependable and durable compact cars they have owned, with many reporting 200,000 to 400,000 miles on original drivetrains with only routine maintenance.
8 problems reported (1 very frequent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentRust on rocker panels and under doors
- IsolatedLong crank before start due to fuel pressure regulator or check valve
- IsolatedRough idle or vibration from worn rear engine mount
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedBrake booster failure causing hissing and loss of brake pressure
- IsolatedHeater control switch air distribution mode door failure
- IsolatedA/C failure requiring expensive repair
- IsolatedThermostat replacement
- IsolatedEVAP purge valve failure
The version owners recommend
The 2008-2011 model years with the 2.0L Duratec I4 and the 5-speed manual (MTX-75) transmission are the consensus best choice. Owners describe the 2008-2011 cars as the most reliable Focus ever built, with the bugs worked out. The 2005-2007 cars are considered decent but slightly behind. The 2012 model year is the one to avoid due to the dual-clutch automatic.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Honda Fit and Dodge Dart.
Is a 2005–2012 Focus right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2005-2012 Focus consistently describe it as one of the most dependable and durable compact cars they have owned, with many reporting 200,000 to 400,000 miles on original drivetrains with only routine maintenance. Praise centers on the reliable Duratec 2.0L I4 and MTX-75 manual transmission, strong fuel economy, low running costs, and simple, cheap-to-own transportation. Criticisms are limited and specific: rust in northern climates (especially rocker panels), and the fact that the 2012 model year introduced the problematic dual-clutch automatic that owners strongly warn against. The 2008-2011 model years are repeatedly singled out as the most reliable of the generation, while the 2012 model year is treated with caution due to the transmission change.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners generally position this generation as a cheap, reliable commuter that competes well on durability and value, though many acknowledge that a Corolla or Civic is the safer statistical bet for long-term reliability. Several owners note the Focus is often cheaper than equivalent Japanese compacts, making it a strong value if the manual transmission is chosen. The Mazda3 is mentioned as a replacement by owners who moved on from the Focus. The Dodge Dart is described as a worse proposition than the Focus. The Ford Fusion is repeatedly recommended as a more reliable automatic alternative within the same brand.
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly recommend the manual transmission over the automatic for this generation. The 2.0L Duratec I4 is the only engine cited for the 2nd gen Focus. Buyers are advised to look for a well-maintained example with service history, ideally under 100,000 miles, and to inspect for rust on the rocker panels and under the doors. The 2011 model year is specifically noted as still using the older 4-speed automatic, which owners consider fine, unlike the 2012+ dual-clutch.
General recommendations
This generation is recommended for first-time buyers, commuters, and anyone wanting cheap, dependable transportation. Prefer the 2008-2011 model years with the manual transmission. Avoid the 2012 model year automatic. Inspect thoroughly for rust, especially in northern states and Canada, as it is the most common reason these cars are retired. A pre-purchase inspection is advised, and owners note that maintenance history matters more than mileage.
Remarks
The 2nd generation Focus is widely regarded by owners as a high-value used car, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles. The main drawback is rust in cold climates. The 2012 model year is a transition year that introduced the dual-clutch automatic, which owners strongly criticize; buyers should confirm the transmission type before purchase. Analysis based on approximately 88 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,801 | 8 | power train |
| 2011 | 113 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2010 | 287 | 0 | vehicle speed control |
| 2009 | 229 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2008 | 250 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 391 | 2 | air bags |
| 2006 | 204 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2005 | 441 | 5 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2012 · fuel system, gasoline:storagecampaign 18V735000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
2012 · fuel system, gasoline:storagecampaign 19V515000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
2012 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 16V643000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
2012 · equipmentcampaign 12E035000
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Yakima Products, Inc. for use on model year 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus vehicles. This recall is being conducted by Yakima, not by Ford. Certain combined Q-Tower and Q128 Clip rooftop rack systems, part numbers 8000124 and 8000728, do not fully contact the door frame.
2012 · visibility:windshield wiper/washer:switch/wiringcampaign 12V149000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FOCUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 2011. A SEAL IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE MISSING.
2012 · exterior lightingcampaign 13V335000
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013. Due to a wiring incompatability, the front side marker lamps may not function. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2012 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 20V331000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
2012 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:evaporative emissions:canistercampaign 26V369000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
2008 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 08E050000
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
2008 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 07V541000
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
2007 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 08E050000
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
2007 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 06E056000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
3 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.