2015
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Ford Focus Change Vehicle

Sporty handling, relatively low noise, and a well-done interior make the Focus feel more like a small sports sedan than a humdrum compact. Though not blazingly fast, the Focus does get good fuel economy. Several flaws keep it from being one of our top-rated small cars, though. The most irksome of those is the PowerShift automatic transmission, which stumbles at low speeds.
Alerts
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2015
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Ford Focus

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and side air bags available. ESC available 2001-2003, 2009; standard from 2010. Side and head protection air bags standard from 2008.
Road Test

Sporty handling, relatively low noise, and a well-done interior make the Focus feel more like a small sports sedan than a humdrum compact. Though not blazingly fast, the Focus does get good fuel economy.

Several flaws keep it from being one of our top-rated small cars, though. The most irksome of those is the PowerShift automatic transmission, which stumbles at low speeds. While updates have improved refinement, this transmission is still hesitant in stop-and-go traffic and sometimes transmits drivetrain vibrations through the cabin. Rear-seat space is tight for this class, with little leg room for two adults and very cramped quarters for three people. A more minor consideration is the radio controls, which are needlessly confusing.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door hatchback
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Sequential
  • 1-speed Direct
  • 5-speed Manual
  • 6-speed Manual
Engines Available
  • electric (143 hp)
  • 1-liter 3 turbo (123 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (160 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (252 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Ford Focus owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

"Car shakes roughly when shifting, sounds like there is something tumbling inside of transmission"

Anonymous, MI (2015 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Dealer stated it has a automatic manual trans that bucks and shifts roughly especially during warmer weather"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The ride is not smooth and acts like it will stall"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Ford Focus S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Bucks and studdders when starting to move"

Anonymous, TN (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The transmission has been "notchy" since I leased the car. Sometimes it pops out of fourth gear if it is not very firmly shifted into that gear"

Anonymous, VA (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Not a smooth transition between gear changes, vehicle will often jerk when shifting. Here's the kicker, apparently this is a known issue for this model because the dealer can't get us into see the car until July (we made the call back in March)"

Patrick J., VA (2015 Ford Focus ST 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"hesitant shifting, shuddering, shaking when starting or re-accelerating under 40 mph"

Anonymous, AL (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Slipping transmission

"Seemed like clutch was not grabbing when transmission shifted"

Robert L., OR (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Has a hitch in the shifting at lower speeds"

Anonymous, AL (2015 Ford Focus Titanium Unsure)

"SELECT SHIFT TRANSMISSION THEY ALL SLIP"

Anonymous, BC (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Xmission slips when starting from a standing stop"

Anonymous, FL (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The car would jerk at when starting from a full stop. It was not smooth when shifting gears"

Anonymous, MA (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The TCM was reprogrammed but did not solve the problem. Service department has indicated that they can do nothing else unless engine light indicates a problem. Ford has extended the warranty on the transmission"

Anonymous, FL (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

"After a few weeks, clutch started slipped and rough shifting. Dealer said it was a software issue. Installed new software. Still had issue. Re-evaluated as clutch. Replaced under warranty. Drives great now"

Anonymous, IA (2015 Ford Focus S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"car jerked on take off as clutch slipped"

Albert F., VA (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Purchased it used. Clutch was a bit jerky, brought to dealership and they replaced clutch under warranty"

Jon K., MN (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The stutter has not been corrected"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Ford Focus S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"This is the second Ford Focus (had a 2012) that required major transmission work. Hope Ford got it right this time"

Anonymous, FL (2015 Ford Focus SE Unsure)

"Shifting was difficult. Clutch was examined and needed repolacement. Ford replaced it under warranty"

Anonymous, VA (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Clutch was replaced"

Anonymous, PA (2015 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Slippage in transmission. Replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, MN (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Vibration and shudder"

James R., WI (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"There was a design error in the original transmissions. It has been replaced twice. The new tranny works fine"

Steven W., MN (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint under front edge of hood flaking off exposing bare steel"

Anonymous, ON (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Squeaking

"Rear brake caliper was coming loose"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Focus ST 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

"Wipers kept stopping even during heavy rain. Dealer replaced several parts but no fix. Engineer from Ford came and found some substance coating windshield. Had dealer clean and polish until substance was removed. Wipers now work fine. I had to go back 5 times before this was fixed"

Anonymous, FL (2015 Ford Focus SE Unsure)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Oil pan gasket was twisted when installed at the factory"

Jim F., AZ (2015 Ford Focus SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Would randomly stop working with a SD Card error. 3 system modules replaced by dealer"

Anonymous, VA (2015 Ford Focus Titanium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Coolant leak due to manufacture defect. Car was in shop for 13 days. Ford covered everything under warranty"

Brian T., AL (2015 Ford Focus SE 1.0-L 3 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"Vehicle would not engage drive power due to software bug"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Focus Electric Electric)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering leaks

"The poweer steering went out within 2 months after purchase and I was unable to drive the car. They had to replace the whole thing"

Anonymous, TX (2015 Ford Focus Titanium Unsure)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

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