Ford Focus, a used car that is not recommended for your safety

The Ford Focus was one of the most popular HB cars and sedans in the United States, however it was discontinued when the brand decided to focus entirely on SUVs and pickups. The Focus can still be bought as a used car, however Consumer Reports does not recommend it after analyzing the various problems it can cause.

When buyers are looking for a used car or hatchback, they will find some great looking used models. And while these models, depending on the model year, can look pretty cool, the more you look at them, the less attractive they look. Despite the popularity of the new models, this car suffered from serious problems that raised serious questions about its state of use.

Drivers and critics have found reasons to love this compact car and hatchback when it was new. A long list of recurring questions and issues makes a used model far from ideal. Due to a long list of issues and concerns, a used model is not recommended.

transmission problems

Throughout its life, the Ford Focus has suffered from many problems. One of the biggest problems that plagued this latest generation compact car was the transmission. The PowerShift automatic transmission seemed like a great innovation, but the combination of a dual-clutch transmission and a dry clutch system caused problems. 2011-2016 models suffered more stuttering when shifting, clutch failure, stalling while driving, and loss of power on acceleration. These transmission problems cost Ford money through a class action lawsuit. 

Exhaust system problems

While the transmission issue was arguably the most serious issue affecting the car, models from 2012 to 2018 also suffered from issues with the exhaust and fuel systems. Millions of models have been recalled due to a faulty purge valve in the exhaust system. This can result in loss of power, fuel gauges not working properly, and the vehicle not being able to start after stopping.

Problems in the email address

Another big issue was that the 2012 model had steering issues. Many drivers reported that the electronic steering system would accidentally fail while driving, increasing the risk of accidents. Also, when the system stopped working, the steering wheel could be completely locked after starting the car.

When did Ford stop making the Ford Focus?

In April 2018, Ford decided to ban all sedans from the US market, including the long-running Ford Focus. For many, this news did not come as a surprise because of the many problems that arose. But, without a doubt, this left a gap in the competitive segment.

The Ford Focus is still available in Europe, and it's a completely different model from the US: with completely different styling, a few different engines, and a bunch of other features, the European version feels more like a distant relative.

Should I buy a used Ford Focus?

Despite all this, many drivers would consider one of these models in the used car market. There are many used models and many of them are well equipped. But if you don't want to be without a car waiting for repairs for many days, or if you don't want to risk much more problems, you should avoid a sedan or hatchback.

Consumer Reports does not recommend that any buyer look at a used Ford Focus model due to the low reliability ratings received over many years of production. Even models like the 2018 model, which don't have as many common issues, still score poorly in overall quality. 

If you're serious about choosing a Ford Focus, consider the Ford Focus ST, which avoids many of the headaches that other models suffer from. But you still need to be careful and do your research before buying. 

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