I’m considering getting a 2012-2014 Ford Focus as my first car. Is it a good choice in terms of reliability? Any advice or things I should look out for would be helpful. Thanks!
If you can find a manual, go for it. But avoid the automatics—they’re notorious for problems.
I had a 2014 Focus and it had major transmission issues. Even though it was Ford-certified, they didn’t back up their product.
Shan said:
I had a 2014 Focus and it had major transmission issues. Even though it was Ford-certified, they didn’t back up their product.
Yeah, they work fine when you drive them off the lot, but those transmissions are terrible over time.
Shan said:
I had a 2014 Focus and it had major transmission issues. Even though it was Ford-certified, they didn’t back up their product.
And honestly, Ford slaps the certified badge on pretty much anything.
It depends a lot on the mileage and overall condition, but generally, the Focus ranks on the lower end of reliability in Ford’s lineup.
The automatics are junk, but a manual version can be a reliable daily driver. I know someone who had one for years without issues.
Stay away from the dual-clutch automatic transmission. I had two Titanium hatchbacks (2014 and 2015). Both needed clutch pack replacements under warranty within the first 10K miles. Other than that, the only issues were a fried EPAS on the '14 and a brake master cylinder leak on the '15, both covered under warranty.
Honestly, get an old Ford Ranger. It’s the best first car you could have.
Unless it’s a manual, I’d stay away. Automatic Focuses have a bad reputation. If you’re set on Ford, look into an Escape (especially the boxy models) or a Ranger. Otherwise, Toyota is a solid choice—those cars tend to last forever compared to others of the same generation.
From what I’ve heard, the CVT transmission is terrible. My son has a 2014 Focus with 110K miles and the regular automatic transmission, and it’s been a decent car for him so far.
If it’s an automatic, absolutely not. Ford really dropped the ball with those and pushed them out anyway. If you want a reliable Ford, consider a used Escape (boxy model with the 3.0), a Fusion, or an Escape with the 2.0 turbo or 2.5L NA engine. Stay away from the 1.5L or 1.6L engines.