When searching for a used car, knowing everything you can about particular makes, models, and model years will make all the difference. Some vehicles have a reputation for being reliable and having excellent longevity, while others are well known for serious issues, especially as they age. The Ford Focus is an example of a vehicle that has gained a poor reputation amongst owners and potential buyers for unreliability and costly repairs. This is mostly due to the vehicle’s PowerShift transmission, which had a flawed design that caused slipping, early failure, and shuddering. Knowing why the Ford Focus is an unreliable vehicle that should be avoided and how you can protect yourself will help you make the right choice for yourself and your wallet.

Why the Ford Focus Has a Reputation for Reliability Issues

The Ford Focus has a poor reputation for reliability, mainly due to the large number of serious recalls and warranty extensions that happened during its production run. One of the main reasons was transmission failure and drivetrain problems. There were widespread complaints about shuddering and jerky operation that caused Ford to issue statements and alerts to owners. There was also a steering recall for the 2012 to 2014 model years and a fuel system recall due to a faulty canister purge valve for the 2012 to 2018 model years. Because of these multiple problems and design flaws, the Focus quickly got a bad reputation for reliability, which continues to this day.

Ford Focus Model Years to Avoid (2012-2016)

While the Ford Focus has a poor reputation in general, there are some specific model years that are the most well-known for being unreliable. The 2012 to 2016 model years had the biggest, most expensive issues with the transmission and general drivetrain. Any kind of transmission problem can end up being incredibly costly. Should you purchase a Ford Focus from one of these model years, the odds are good that you will eventually end up needing an expensive drivetrain repair. Since the vehicle will be well out of the range of its original factory warranty, you will be solely responsible for getting those repairs done. This makes the 2012 to 2016 Focus a poor financial decision in the long run that will require repairs costing much more than what the car is worth.

Common Problems: PowerShift Transmission Failures

The Ford Focus was marketed as a simple, efficient vehicle that was perfect for urban driving and those who wanted a straightforward compact car. The problem was that Ford equipped it with a PowerShift transmission. This was a dual-clutch automatic that was supposed to improve fuel efficiency and provide a smooth, easy driving experience. In practice, though, the design was flawed due to the fact that it used a dry clutch instead of a wet clutch. This caused overheating quickly and wore out the gearboxes and the clutches themselves. When shifting, the car would jerk and shudder, and this increased friction caused early failures that required costly repairs.

In addition to the serious transmission problems that the Ford Focus had, there were other issues that gave it its poor reputation. One of the major ones was a problem with the power steering system. Many drivers reported that the power steering would suddenly cut out when driving at speed. This happened due to a poorly designed electrical system that had many glitches and failures at every level. Because of these significant problems, especially in specific model years, the Ford Focus should generally be avoided when searching for a used car.

How Transmission Issues Affect Resale Value and Repair Costs

Transmission issues are some of the most dreaded problems for used car buyers and owners. As one of the most costly repairs that a car owner has to make, a transmission replacement can make the vehicle a total loss. According to RepairPal, the cost of replacing a vehicle’s transmission ranges from $5,700 to $6,259. The Kelley Blue Book value of a 2014 Ford Focus ranges from $4,530 to $5,600. Should you purchase a used Focus and end up needing a transmission replacement, you will be spending much more than the vehicle is worth. On top of that, you will be without transportation for as long as it takes to put the new transmission in, making the Focus an unreliable and costly vehicle to purchase on the used market.

Why Warranty Coverage Is a Smart Move for Ford Focus Owners

If you already own a Ford Focus or are in a position to own one, having great coverage for it is your best possible option. While Ford issued many extensions for the factory warranty, the odds are good that it will no longer be valid by the time you get the vehicle. In that case, an extended warranty from a third-party provider, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), can help. With a quality protection plan on your side, you can be prepared for large repairs and get the help you need to pay for them when they come up.

Endurance Warranty offers a wide range of auto protection plans for vehicles of all kinds. With options available for everything from older high-mileage vehicles to top-of-the-line luxury and exotic cars, you can find a plan that will ensure that you don’t have to worry about serious issues and big-ticket repairs. Endurance even covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery. With an Endurance plan, you can rest easy knowing that you are covered if something goes wrong with your used car.

Protect Your Car No Matter What Reputation it Has With Endurance

The Ford Focus might not be known for longevity and durability, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most of it if you own one. Planning ahead and getting top-notch coverage can be a big weight off your shoulders. With a plan from Endurance, you can have the confidence you need whenever you are behind the wheel.

In addition to excellent coverage, Endurance customers also get access to a large suite of standard perks and benefits. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and travel interruption coverage. Plus, for a small activation fee, customers can access Elite Benefits, which include tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, windshield coverage, and more.

If you are ready for the best coverage for your used car, contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also shop online to get an instant price preview and make the right choice for your needs.

For more auto expert resources, check out the Endurance Warranty blog or our vehicle guides. There, you will find DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, and much more.