I’ve been checking out reviews on the Ford Focus ST, and most say they’re pretty reliable overall. I need a car and just want honest opinions about how reliable the ST really is. A couple of mechanic friends told me a Honda or Toyota would be a safer choice for reliability. What do you guys think?
Depends on how well they’ve been cared for. Finding one that hasn’t been modded or abused can be tricky. Mine wasn’t taken care of, and I’ve had to put a ton of money into fixing it. It’s better now, but wow, fixing someone else’s mess is not fun.
@Flynn
Yeah, it’s tough, but not impossible. I drove 8 hours round trip to get mine, but it was worth it for one that was clean and taken care of.
Fenix said:
@Flynn
Yeah, it’s tough, but not impossible. I drove 8 hours round trip to get mine, but it was worth it for one that was clean and taken care of.
Mine’s in good shape, except for some suspension issues and a sloppy front-end swap done by the previous owner.
I got a 2018 and put 35k miles on it in the first year. I’m at 136k now, and I’ve only done basic maintenance. Zero issues. It’s been rock solid.
Nyle said:
I got a 2018 and put 35k miles on it in the first year. I’m at 136k now, and I’ve only done basic maintenance. Zero issues. It’s been rock solid.
Thanks for the info! I’ll try to find one with lower mileage.
Nyle said:
I got a 2018 and put 35k miles on it in the first year. I’m at 136k now, and I’ve only done basic maintenance. Zero issues. It’s been rock solid.
Same here. Mine’s a 2017 with 101k miles, no problems at all.
Nyle said:
I got a 2018 and put 35k miles on it in the first year. I’m at 136k now, and I’ve only done basic maintenance. Zero issues. It’s been rock solid.
I just got a 2019 with 40k miles. Have you had any issues with carbon buildup?
We got my wife’s 2014 brand new. It’s only got 55k miles now. Only issue was a rat that chewed through the boot on the half-shaft while we were away. Fixed it myself. Not the car’s fault at all. Great car—go for it if you find a good one.
I have a 2017 with 82k miles. The only non-maintenance repair was a wheel bearing, but honestly, that was because of how I drive. 
Mal said:
I have a 2017 with 82k miles. The only non-maintenance repair was a wheel bearing, but honestly, that was because of how I drive.
How does driving style affect a wheel bearing?
@Jessie
Hard cornering and fun driving put more lateral stress on the bearings, which wears them out faster.
Ellis said:
@Jessie
Hard cornering and fun driving put more lateral stress on the bearings, which wears them out faster.
Got it, thanks for explaining!
Ellis said:
@Jessie
Hard cornering and fun driving put more lateral stress on the bearings, which wears them out faster.
Got it, thanks for explaining!
No problem, always happy to share what I’ve learned!
Had mine for 3 years, no problems at all.
2014 ST3 here. Bought it in 2020 with 44k miles. It’s got 101k now, and the only thing that went wrong was a seized handbrake. Super reliable, even with how hard I drive it.
I had a 2013 from 60k to 120k miles over 4 years. It was tuned for most of that time, and I wasn’t gentle with it. The only issue was the radiator fan control, which was an easy fix. Still running great with the family member I sold it to.
It’s funny you’re asking this here. Did you think we’d all tell you, “No, these cars are trash”? Seriously though, get one. They’re great if you take care of them, and this forum is full of people who can help if you have questions. Hope you find the perfect one!
@Camden
LOL, you caught me. I just needed convincing. They do seem solid, but my mechanic friend keeps pushing me toward a Honda. I’m trying to learn more about cars, though.