Ford Focus 2nd generation (2005–2010)
Generation-specific owner insights from 28+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
1,160
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2005–2010
7
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Overview
Ford Focus (2nd generation, 2005-2010)
Overall Sentiment
Owners overwhelmingly praise this generation as extremely reliable, durable, and cheap to own, with many reporting high mileage (200k-300k+ miles) with only routine maintenance. The 2.0L Duratec engine and conventional automatic or manual transmissions are considered bulletproof, and the car is valued as simple, inexpensive transportation. The most common criticism is severe rust on rocker panels and subframes, especially in salt-belt regions, which owners say kills more of these cars than mechanical failure. No significant differences between early and late model years are noted in the discussions.
Sentiment Confidence Level
High
Frequently Mentioned Competitors
Honda Fit, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Scion tC, Nissan Versa, Nissan Sentra
Positioning vs Competitors
Owners position this Focus as a reliable, cheap-to-fix alternative to Honda and Toyota, with one stating the engine and transmission reliability is "greater than a Corolla or Civic from the era." It is seen as more fuel-efficient than some competitors (35-40 mpg reported), and parts are described as inexpensive and widely available. The Nissan Versa's CVT is specifically warned against, with owners noting the Focus's conventional automatic is repairable and preferable.
Best Version According to Owners
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The 2008-2010 model years are most frequently mentioned positively, and the SE trim is referenced often, but no single version is identified as the best.
Recommended Configurations
Owners strongly recommend the manual transmission, calling it "practically bullet-proof." The automatic transmission from this generation is considered reliable and not affected by the issues that plague 2012+ models. The 2.0L Duratec engine is universally praised. No specific model year within the generation is singled out for avoidance.
General Recommendations
This generation is recommended for anyone needing a cheap, reliable commuter, especially first-time car buyers or those on a tight budget. Owners advise inspecting for rust on rocker panels, rear door bottoms, and the subframe before purchase, particularly in salt-belt states. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is recommended. The car is described as easy and cheap to work on for DIY owners.
Reported Issues
Rust on rocker panels and subframe — Frequency: very frequent
Motor mounts (especially passenger side) failing, causing vibration at idle — Frequency: recurrent
Long crank / slow start due to fuel pressure bleeding off (fuel pump check valve or regulator) — Frequency: recurrent
Suspension components worn or dry-rotted due to age — Frequency: recurrent
Plastic heater hose cracking with age — Frequency: isolated
Ignition switch failure — Frequency: isolated
AC evaporator failure (expensive dash-out repair) — Frequency: isolated
Valve cover gasket leak — Frequency: isolated
Serpentine belt needing replacement around 90k miles — Frequency: isolated
Remarks
Owners consistently note that this generation is far more reliable than the 2012-2016 models, which are criticized for a problematic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2005-2010 Focus is frequently described as "one of the best cars Ford has ever made" and "the most reliable non-truck Ford has made in the last 30 years." The coupe body style is noted as somewhat rare and desirable for its longer front doors. Analysis based on approximately 28 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 287 | 0 | vehicle speed control |
| 2009 | 229 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 204 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2005 | 440 | 5 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2006 · 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.
2006 · 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 BELI
2005 · equipmentcampaign 12E007000
RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERV
2005 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 05V030000
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AN
2005 · 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.
2005 · 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 BELI
2005 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIAT
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.