We’re considering getting a second car, and the 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback caught our eye. We’d be going for the automatic version, not the ST models. Are these cars reliable? Anything specific to watch out for?
The automatics from 2014 to 2016-2017 are notorious for issues. They’ll cost you more to fix than the car is worth. If you’re set on a Focus, go for a manual or look at a 2018+ model.
Dakota said:
The automatics from 2014 to 2016-2017 are notorious for issues. They’ll cost you more to fix than the car is worth. If you’re set on a Focus, go for a manual or look at a 2018+ model.
Is the 2018 model actually good?
Just don’t do it.
2.0 engine with the manual? Yes.
2.0 engine with the automatic? Absolutely not.
Nope. Stay away. In over five years with mine, I’ve gone through four transmissions, several software updates, oil seals, and a TCM. It’s still barely holding on, and I’ll probably need to take it in again soon.
Yikes. Thanks for the heads-up! Guess I’ll start looking at other options.
Eden said:
Yikes. Thanks for the heads-up! Guess I’ll start looking at other options.
If you really want a Focus, make sure it’s not the DCT automatic! I’ve had both a 2013 and 2012 manual, and they’ve been rock solid with minimal maintenance.
It’s a great car, and it’s on track to become one of the best-selling used cars in its class.
Avoid the 2012-2018 2.0 automatic. The 1.0 Ecoboost model has a different automatic transmission and doesn’t have the same issues.
I’ve got over 200,000 miles on my 2013 with a 5-speed manual. It’s been great and easy to maintain.
Ira said:
I’ve got over 200,000 miles on my 2013 with a 5-speed manual. It’s been great and easy to maintain.
Nice! I’ve got a ’14 5-speed, and it’s good to see someone else having a positive experience. Manuals really do make a difference with these cars.
@Hadi
Totally. Just learned how to rev-match downshifts last year too. Makes driving even more enjoyable.
I had a 2015 SE that blew a head gasket at 90,000 miles. Wouldn’t recommend it.
If you want an automatic, consider a Ford Escape or Fusion instead. Alternatively, the 1.0L 3-cylinder Focus has a traditional hydraulic automatic transmission.
Brett said:
If you want an automatic, consider a Ford Escape or Fusion instead. Alternatively, the 1.0L 3-cylinder Focus has a traditional hydraulic automatic transmission.
Are you thinking of the Ford EcoSport?
@Weston
Nope, the Focus has a 1.0L version. The oil pump can be an issue, but the transmission is solid.
This car has a tendency to self-destruct randomly. Just a heads-up.
I’ve had my 2018 Focus for four years with no issues. I believe they fixed some of the transmission problems in the last model year.
Niko said:
I’ve had my 2018 Focus for four years with no issues. I believe they fixed some of the transmission problems in the last model year.
Would you still recommend a 2018 going into its fifth year?