Ford

Focus (2nd)

2008-2011 · Compact Sedan ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.6)
864 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
75 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Ford Focus → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (13.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (14.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Ford Focus Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.6)
162 complaints 40.5 per year
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
30
electrical
29
transmission
28
engine
18
wheels tires
18

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (30 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (29 complaints)
Transmission Issues (28 complaints)

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 132 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
702 complaints 95.8 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
142
body
134
other
100
transmission
96
engine
82

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (142 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (134 complaints)
Transmission Issues (96 complaints)

Same engine used in

+119 more
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Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Focus regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (171 complaints)
electrical critical
Body/Trim Issues (164 complaints)
body critical
Transmission Issues (124 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (100 complaints)
engine critical
Wheels & Tires Issues (95 complaints)
wheels_tires critical

Recalls (2)

08E050000Nov 7, 2008serious
Exterior Lighting

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."

07V541000Nov 20, 2007serious
Air Bags

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.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2011 Ford Focus problems?

The 2008-2011 Ford Focus has accumulated 864 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Body/Trim, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Focus engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2011 Ford Focus was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2011 Ford Focus a good used car?

The 2008-2011 Ford Focus can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 864 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2011 Ford Focus have?

The 2008-2011 Ford Focus has 864 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2011 Ford Focus?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2011 Ford Focus vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Focus?

Before buying a used Ford Focus, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Body/Trim, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 864 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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