Focus (2nd)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 132 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Focus Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Focus, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2008-2011 Ford Focus
On a used 2008-2011 Ford Focus, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (171), the body and structure (164) and the transmission and drivetrain (125). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 171 owner complaints on the 2008-2011 Ford Focus about the electrical system.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on the 2008-2011 Ford Focus about the body and structure.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 125 owner complaints on the 2008-2011 Ford Focus about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints on the 2008-2011 Ford Focus about the engine.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 95 owner complaints on the 2008-2011 Ford Focus about the wheels and tires.
Recalls (2)
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2011 Ford Focus complaints?
Owners have filed 868 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2011 Ford Focus. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the body and trim and the transmission.
Is the 2008-2011 Ford Focus a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 868 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2011 Ford Focus. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2011 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA has 868 owner complaints on file for the 2008-2011 Ford Focus as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2008-2011 Ford Focus?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2008-2011 Ford Focus vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Focus?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the body and trim and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Focus?
The 2011 Ford Focus received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (13.0% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 868 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.