The Ford Focus has been a favorite compact car for many years, but how long can it last? If you’re considering buying a Ford Focus, you may be wondering about its longevity. In this blog post, we’ll look at the longevity of the Ford Focus based on real-time customer reports. Moreover, we will discuss what you can do to ensure your car lasts as long as possible. Read on to learn all about the Ford Focus and its durability.
The estimated lifespan of the Ford Focus
Based on the engine, transmission, and other technologies used in Ford Focus, manufacturers estimate that a well-maintained Ford Focus should last around 200,000 miles. In other words, if you drive 15000 to 20,000 miles per year, you could expect to get 13 to 16 years out of your Ford Focus. It is the estimated figure. But does Ford Focus really hit this longevity potential? To get the answer to this question, look at the reports by various car owners. They have shared personal experiences with their Ford Focus.
Real-time customer reports
When it comes to the longevity of a Ford Focus, customer reports are a great way to understand how long they can last in different scenarios. According to reviews from forums and social media sites, many people have reported that their Ford Focus has lasted them for up to 250,000 or more with proper maintenance. Others have reported being able to keep their car running for nearly 17 years with minimal repairs. However, it is important to note that these were new models, not older used cars.
How reliable is Ford Focus, according to J.D Power?
Ford Focus has generally earned good ratings from J.D. Power, earning 79 out of 100 in their vehicle dependability survey. However, Ford Focus models made between 2012 and 2017 have earned an average score of 65 out of 100. It is less than the score of newer models or fourth-generation, i.e., 2018 onwards. According to owner reviews, the 2018 to 2021 Ford Focus earned 79 /100 for their dependability and 4.39 out of 5 stars overall.
The performance of these models indicates that the modern Ford Focus is quite reliable with plenty of potentials to be a long-lasting vehicle. In terms of mileage, the 2020 Ford Focus has 51-54 combined mpg, with certain hybrid variations providing even better mileage numbers. It indicates that this model may also be economical enough to serve you longer.
Ford Focus lifespan vs. other compact cars
Regarding compact cars, the Ford Focus is often seen as a reliable and sturdy option. But how does its longevity compare to other models? The following table shows the average lifespan of different popular small car models compared to the Ford Focus.
| Vehicles | Lifespan |
| Ford Focus | 200,000 miles |
| Honda Civic | 200,000 to 300,000 miles |
| Hyundai Elantra | 150,000 to 250,000 miles |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | 100,000 to 150,000 miles |
| Kia Forte | 150,000 to 200,000 miles |
| Mazda Mazda3 | 200,000 to 250,000 miles |
| Nissan Sentra | 250,000 miles |
As you can see in the chart, the Civic and Nissan Sentra are the only two vehicles with more lifespan than Ford Focus. The rest compact cars have an equal or less average lifespan than Focus. Ford Focus owners don’t need to worry much about their car’s longevity compared to similar vehicle models. Moreover, when you give proper care and maintenance to your Ford Focus, you can expect an even longer lifespan.
It’s important to remember that the actual life expectancy of your car depends on how well you maintain it. Even if your car model may be built to last, taking good care of it will ensure you get the most out of it for years to come. Good maintenance habits, such as regular oil changes and tire rotations, can help significantly extend your car’s life. Furthermore, avoiding driving in harsh weather conditions such as snow and rain can also help increase its durability.
Common problems with Ford Focus
Despite being reliable for 13-16 years, there are still some common problems with the Ford Focus. And you should be aware of them. However, these problems will not start showing at the early stages of ownership. If you regularly maintain your Ford Focus and take it in for scheduled services, many of these issues can be avoided.
Transmission problems
The Ford Focus has a six-speed automated manual transmission called “PowerShift.” It is an electronically controlled dual-clutch transmission. Unfortunately, these transmissions have been prone to problems since their introduction in third-generation models. Common problems include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, hard shifting, and overheating. These problems are usually caused by wear and tear on the clutch plates and are compounded by oil contamination or low fluid levels. Some owners have even reported complete transmission failure due to these issues.
Suspension issues
The suspension system in the Ford Focus has also been known to cause some trouble for owners. This issue has been reported in the first and second-generation Ford Focuses. Worn suspension components can lead to squeaking, rattling, and uneven tire wear. Another problem that can occur is when too much weight is applied to one corner of the vehicle, leading to premature tire wear and unbalanced steering while cornering.
Ignition problems
Another common problem the owners reported is related to the ignition switch. Many drivers said their vehicle’s engine wouldn’t start intermittently because of defective switches. In extreme cases, the key would get stuck in the ignition slot. In addition, many Focus owners report faulty electrical wiring. It can cause various issues, from dim lights to random misfires and jerking motion during acceleration. It is highly recommended to consult with a certified mechanic for any electrical issues as soon as possible.
Power steering failure issues
Power steering failure is another common problem that many Focus owners reported. This issue generally occurs when the power-steering pump or the power-steering control module (PSCM) fails, resulting in an inability to control the vehicle’s direction and speed. However, some Ford Focus vehicles may also suffer from a loss of power-steering pressure due to a blocked hose or loose connector at the system’s high-pressure line.
Average annual maintenance cost of Ford Focus
Owning a Ford Focus can be expensive, but regular maintenance can help keep it in top condition for years. The average annual maintenance cost of a Ford Focus is $569. This cost includes services such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and more. It is somewhat higher than the other compact cars’ annual repair cost.
To sum up
That’s all about the longevity of the Ford Focus. Whether you buy an older model or the latest Ford Focus, taking good care of it is the key to getting the most out of it for long periods. If you don’t pay attention to warning signals like oil life percentages, tire pressures, etc., your vehicle will start showing expensive damages. It, in turn, affects the lifespan of your Ford Focus. Hence, maintain your car well if you want to drive it for more than 200,000 miles.