Ford Focus DA3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Focus II (2005–2011, chassis DA3, facelifted from 2008) is the low-drama Focus — no PowerShift trap, no EcoBoost complications, no MK1-scale rust. A solid used car if you know three key weaknesses.
Suspension is the main topic. TÜV reports are clear: wheel bearings wear early, wishbone bushings deteriorate. Wheel bearings cost €250–450/axle, full wishbone kit €400–700. Always buy with fresh inspection.
Diesel turbo oil line (pre-2008 FL): Oil feed pipe to turbo runs too close to exhaust manifold — coking and turbo failure. HHDA (1.6 TDCi, 90 PS) most affected. Ford rerouted from 2008 FL onward.
Petrol: HWDA (1.6L Duratec Sigma, 100 PS) is most reliable — timing chain, 250,000+ km. SHDA (1.6L Ti-VCT, 115 PS) has VCT rattle (€600–1,500). AODE (ST225, 225 PS) is the fun engine with Quaife LSD.
Diesel: QXDA (2.0 TDCi, 136 PS) is the best diesel — strong torque, timing chain, no 1.6 TDCi issues.
Test-drive: Cold start 1.6 TDCi (boost delay?), Ti-VCT cold rattle, boot for damp, wheel bearing drone at 80–100 km/h.
2026 market: Pre-FL from €1,500–3,500. Post-FL 2.0 TDCi €3,500–6,000. ST225 €4,000–9,000. RS Mk2 €15,000–35,000.
Insider pick: HWDA 1.6 petrol manual facelift (2008–2011) — no Ti-VCT rattle, no turbo oil line issue, cheap to run.
305 PS
Focus RS · Benzin
305 hp Five-Cylinder Turbo — the Loudest RS
Legendary!101–105 PS
1.6L Duratec 16V Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice150–182 PS
1.6L EcoBoost Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Ford Focus DA3 is available as Turnier and Hatchback — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Focus DA3 is available with 9 engine variants — from 60 to 349 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Ford 1.6L Duratorq TDCi 90 hp and 101 hp. Focus II and C-Max. Robust diesel engine — at higher mileage watch the DPF and EGR valve.
- !! Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure from 100,000 km
The copper sealing washers at the injector seat fail and allow soot to enter the engine oil. The soot blocks the mesh filter in the turbo oil feed. This is the primary cause of turbocharger damage on this engine. Replacing all injector seals is a known maintenance item.
Symptoms: Diesel smell inside the cabin, black deposits around injectors, smoke from the engine bay, subsequent turbocharger damage - !! Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation from 130,000 km
Soot from leaking injector seals blocks the fine mesh filter in the turbo oil feed (banjo bolt). Below 0.8 bar oil pressure the turbocharger fails. A complete repair includes the turbo, oil sump, oil strainer, oil filter housing and intercooler. Costs run to £1,300–£2,200.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo area, power loss, blue smoke clouds, oil in the intake tract - !! Leaking Injector Seals from 130,000 km
The injector fire rings and O-ring seals burn through, allowing combustion gases and fuel to escape into the cam cover area. Results in hardened oil deposits.
Symptoms: Diesel smell in the engine bay, oily grime around the cam cover, rough idle, visible smoke from the crankcase breather system.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 1.6L Duratorq TDCi 109 hp HP variant. Focus II. Also HHDB.
- !! Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure from 100,000 km
The copper sealing washers at the injector seat fail and allow soot to enter the engine oil. The soot blocks the mesh filter in the turbo oil feed. This is the primary cause of turbocharger damage on this engine. Replacing all injector seals is a known maintenance item.
Symptoms: Diesel smell inside the cabin, black deposits around injectors, smoke from the engine bay, subsequent turbocharger damage - !! Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation from 130,000 km
Soot from leaking injector seals blocks the fine mesh filter in the turbo oil feed (banjo bolt). Below 0.8 bar oil pressure the turbocharger fails. A complete repair includes the turbo, oil sump, oil strainer, oil filter housing and intercooler. Costs run to £1,300–£2,200.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo area, power loss, blue smoke clouds, oil in the intake tract - !! Leaking Injector Seals from 130,000 km
The injector fire rings and O-ring seals burn through, allowing combustion gases and fuel to escape into the cam cover area. Results in hardened oil deposits.
Symptoms: Diesel smell in the engine bay, oily grime around the cam cover, rough idle, visible smoke from the crankcase breather system.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 1.8L Duratorq TDCi (common rail) 100 hp (74 kW) and 115 hp (85 kW). Focus I and II. Long-lived with regular maintenance — DPF issues at higher mileage.
- !! Injector seal: "Black Death" failure from 120,000 km
The copper sealing washers at the injector seat fail under pressure and heat. Combustion gases blow past the injector and bake black, tar-like carbon onto the injector boss. Seized injectors require specialist tools for removal; the cylinder head sealing face can be damaged.
Symptoms: Black deposits around injectors, diesel smell, rough running, cylinder pressure loss - !! Turbocharger failure from 150,000 km
Turbocharger damage from oil starvation due to blocked oil supply passages, or from soot ingress via leaking injector seals. Repair costs are significant, as the sump and cooler must also be cleaned in addition to the turbo.
Symptoms: Whistling or grinding from the turbo area, severe power loss, oil entering the intake tract, blue exhaust smoke - !! High-pressure pump failure from 180,000 km
The high-pressure pump on the 1.8 TDCi frequently fails between 150,000 and 220,000 km. Metal wear particles contaminate the fuel system and injectors, often requiring the entire common-rail system to be renewed.
Symptoms: Engine cuts out suddenly, flashing glow plug light, poor throttle response, engine will not restart, blue smoke
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 1.8L Duratorq TDCi 116 hp. Focus II 2005-2006. Replaced by 2.0 TDCi for higher power.
- !! Injector seal: "Black Death" failure from 120,000 km
The copper sealing washers at the injector seat fail under pressure and heat. Combustion gases blow past the injector and bake black, tar-like carbon onto the injector boss. Seized injectors require specialist tools for removal; the cylinder head sealing face can be damaged.
Symptoms: Black deposits around injectors, diesel smell, rough running, cylinder pressure loss - !! Turbocharger failure from 150,000 km
Turbocharger damage from oil starvation due to blocked oil supply passages, or from soot ingress via leaking injector seals. Repair costs are significant, as the sump and cooler must also be cleaned in addition to the turbo.
Symptoms: Whistling or grinding from the turbo area, severe power loss, oil entering the intake tract, blue exhaust smoke - !! High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure from 180,000 km
The 1.8 TDCi high-pressure fuel pump typically fails between 150,000 and 220,000 km. Metal debris contaminates the fuel system and injectors, often requiring the entire common-rail system to be renewed.
Symptoms: Engine dies suddenly, glow plug light flashes, poor throttle response, engine will not restart, blue smoke trail
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 2.0L Duratorq TDCi 136 hp. Focus II top diesel. Also G6DB (110 hp).
- !! Injector Wear and Leaks from 150,000 km
Injectors on the 2.0 TDCi family show measurable wear from around 150,000 km. Leaking copper sealing washers allow combustion gases to escape ('Black Death'). Replacing one injector soon necessitates replacing all, as wear state is similar across the set.
Symptoms: Rough running, diesel knock, black soot deposits around injectors, power loss - !! High-Pressure Fuel Pump Metal Debris and Failure from 160,000 km
At higher mileages the high-pressure fuel pump wears internally and leaves metal swarf in the fuel filter. Particles can damage injectors. The pump can fail suddenly at motorway speed.
Symptoms: Gold-coloured metal particles in the diesel filter housing, engine enters limp mode or dies under full load, difficult cold start. - !! Timing Belt Premature Failure — Interval Too Long from 100,000 km
Ford specifies 200,000 km or 10 years as the change interval (automatic: 100,000 km). Belt documented with 15 cm of missing teeth at just 99,000 km. Belt snap destroys rocker arms and the camshaft.
Symptoms: No warning sign on belt snap — sudden engine stop on the motorway, loud hammering from the engine.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 1.6L Duratec (Sigma) 100 hp. Focus II standard petrol. Manual and automatic. Also HWDB, SHDA, SHDB.
- !! Timing Belt — Interference Engine, No Warning from 140,000 km
Sigma/Duratec 16V engines are interference engines with a timing belt. Ford specifies 150,000 km change intervals; workshops recommend 100,000 km. A skipped or tensioned belt causes total engine destruction.
Symptoms: No warning — sudden engine stop and complete destruction if belt snaps without replacement - !! Ignition Coil Failure — Misfires from 120,000 km
The pencil-type ignition coils in the Sigma/Duratec 16V family fail around 100,000–140,000 km. Problems typically appear at 1,500–2,500 rpm under load. Aftermarket coils (BERU ZS350) are considered more reliable.
Symptoms: Juddering and torque loss in the mid-rev range, fault code P030x, rough idle - !! Throttle Body Failure — Engine Management Warning from 160,000 km
The electronic throttle body on the 1.6 Duratec (e.g. Focus Mk2 petrol) often fails from 150,000 km through potentiometer wear or moisture ingress. Fault codes P2108 and P2176 appear; the original unit costs around £480.
Symptoms: Intermittent engine management warning, engine will not accept throttle input, idle fluctuations, occasional stumble on pull-away
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 1.6L Duratec Ti-VCT 115 hp. Focus II upgraded petrol from 2005.
- !! VVT Cam Phaser Failure — Cold Start Rattle from 100,000 km
The 1.6 Ti-VCT has undersized oil passages in the cylinder head (production up to 2007). The cam phaser gets oil-starved and rattles on cold start. Ford improved the design from spring 2007; older engines more commonly affected.
Symptoms: Diesel-like rattling on cold start that disappears after warm-up; power drop under hard acceleration - !! Ignition Coil Failure — Misfires from 120,000 km
The Sigma/Ti-VCT pencil ignition coils fail at around 100,000–140,000 km. Typical at 1,500–2,500 rpm under load. Aftermarket coils (BERU) are considered more reliable than budget alternatives.
Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss in the mid-rev range, fault code P030x on OBD, rough engine - !! Ti-VCT Cam Phaser Wear from 70,000 km
On the 1.6L Ti-VCT a small oil filter in the cylinder head clogs with metal swarf from the VCT sprocket and blocks the variable camshaft timing. Mainly affects vehicles built before 2007. Improved cam phasers were fitted from spring 2007.
Symptoms: Check engine light (P0011/P0014), power loss on a warm engine, rattling on cold start
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 1.8L Duratec HE 125 hp. Focus II. Also QQDB.
- !! Crankcase Breather (PCV) Blocked from 100,000 km
The Duratec HE is prone to crankcase breather clogging. Crankcase pressure forces oil past seals. The valve cover gasket and EGR valve should be checked at the same time.
Symptoms: Whistling or hissing noises, oil mist on engine, oil loss without visible external leak - !! Thermostat Fault — Risk of Overheating from 80,000 km
Duratec HE thermostats fail in both directions: stuck open → no warm-up; stuck closed → overheating with potential head gasket damage. Preventive replacement every 100,000 km advisable.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge wildly fluctuating or permanently at limit/red zone; heater output noticeably changed - !! Intake Swirl Flaps — Rattling and Breakage from 90,000 km
The plastic swirl flaps in the Duratec HE intake manifold break off from around 80,000 km. Fragments can enter the combustion chamber and cause severe damage. Ford dealers only supply complete intake assemblies for ~£520; repair kits available from £25.
Symptoms: Rattling from engine bay at 80,000–120,000 km, false air, power drop, check engine light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Ford 2.0L Duratec HE 145 hp. Focus II. Manual and automatic. RS2.5 is a separate engine.
- !! Crankcase Breather (PCV) Blocked from 100,000 km
The Duratec HE is prone to coking in the crankcase breather. Crankcase overpressure forces oil past seals. Valve cover gasket and EGR valve should be checked at the same time.
Symptoms: Whistling or hissing sounds, oil mist around the engine, oil loss with no visible external leak - !! Thermostat Failed — Overheating Risk from 80,000 km
Thermostats on the Duratec HE fail in both directions: stuck open — engine never warms up; stuck closed — overheating with potential head gasket damage. Preventive replacement every 100,000 km is advisable.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge strongly fluctuating or permanently in the warning zone; heater output significantly changed - !! Intake Manifold Swirl Flaps — Rattling and Breaking Off from 90,000 km
The plastic swirl flaps in the Duratec HE intake manifold break from around 80,000 km. Fragments can enter the combustion chamber and cause serious damage. Ford dealers only offer complete intake manifolds for ~€600; repair kits available from €30.
Symptoms: Rattling from the engine bay at 80,000–120,000 km, false air, power drop, check engine light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.5L five-cylinder turbo, 305 hp in the RS, 225 hp in the ST — Volvo heritage is audible. The sound is legendary: deep, throaty five-cylinder growl combined with turbo hiss, the exhaust bangs on full-throttle shifts. Loudest RS of the series. RevoKnuckle suspension (RS only) dramatically reduces the Mk1's torque steer — a wild beast turned into a controllable racing tool. RS 500 with 350 hp: larger intercooler, high-pressure pump, ECU remap — 500 examples, collector prices. Turbo bearing damage with neglected oil supply, check head gasket at high mileage. Oil changes every 10,000 km. Tuning: 400+ hp documented aftermarket. Early examples had exploding plenum chambers on misfires — Ford remap fixes this.
- !! Turbocharger Failure — Boost Drops Away from 120,000 km
The Volvo-derived 2.5T suffers turbocharger bearing damage when oil changes are neglected. High boost pressure with spirited driving accelerates wear. Nitrous and chip tuning significantly increase the risk.
Symptoms: Boost drops to ~0.3 bar, power loss, whistling from the turbo area, oil loss at the turbo - !! Head Gasket — Overheating Damage from 150,000 km
The highly stressed 2.5T can suffer head gasket failure when overheated (coolant loss from turbo damage). Repair costs are very high. Check coolant level regularly, especially after turbo failure.
Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant level drops, coolant smell inside the cabin - !! Cylinder Wall Crack from Overheating from 160,000 km
The 2.5L five-cylinder turbo is prone to cylinder wall cracks, especially after coolant loss from split hoses. Coolant mixes with engine oil, causing bearing damage. Complete engine replacement is often the only economic option.
Symptoms: Milky emulsion on the dipstick, white steam from the exhaust, rapid coolant loss, overheating warning
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.5L five-cylinder turbo, 305 hp in the RS, 225 hp in the ST — Volvo heritage is audible. The sound is legendary: deep, throaty five-cylinder growl combined with turbo hiss, the exhaust bangs on full-throttle shifts. Loudest RS of the series. RevoKnuckle suspension (RS only) dramatically reduces the Mk1's torque steer — a wild beast turned into a controllable racing tool. RS 500 with 350 hp: larger intercooler, high-pressure pump, ECU remap — 500 examples, collector prices. Turbo bearing damage with neglected oil supply, check head gasket at high mileage. Oil changes every 10,000 km. Tuning: 400+ hp documented aftermarket. Early examples had exploding plenum chambers on misfires — Ford remap fixes this.
- !! Turbocharger Failure — Boost Drops Away from 120,000 km
The Volvo-derived 2.5T suffers turbocharger bearing damage when oil changes are neglected. High boost pressure with spirited driving accelerates wear. Nitrous and chip tuning significantly increase the risk.
Symptoms: Boost drops to ~0.3 bar, power loss, whistling from the turbo area, oil loss at the turbo - !! Head Gasket — Overheating Damage from 150,000 km
The highly stressed 2.5T can suffer head gasket failure when overheated (coolant loss from turbo damage). Repair costs are very high. Check coolant level regularly, especially after turbo failure.
Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant level drops, coolant smell inside the cabin - !! Cylinder Wall Crack from Overheating from 160,000 km
The 2.5L five-cylinder turbo is prone to cylinder wall cracks, especially after coolant loss from split hoses. Coolant mixes with engine oil, causing bearing damage. Complete engine replacement is often the only economic option.
Symptoms: Milky emulsion on the dipstick, white steam from the exhaust, rapid coolant loss, overheating warning
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust on sills and wheel arches Despite full galvanising, sills and wheel arches rust heavily, especially at the junctions between the wing and the bumper. The tailgate rusts under the roof spoiler when water ingresses. Symptoms: Visible bubbling and brown discolouration at the sill lower edge, wheel arch, and boot area. from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Rust at the rear bumper/wheel arch junction Up to model year 2007, water accumulates at the junction between the rear bumper and wheel arch, leading to rust. Ford had to carry out multiple repaints. Check carefully before buying. Symptoms: Blistering and rust spots on the rear wheel arch, particularly around the bumper attachment point. from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Rust on wheel arch edges and boot floor Wheel arch edges are almost universally affected without cavity wax treatment. Water penetrates through rear light seals and spoiler fixings into the boot floor, which then corrodes from the inside. Symptoms: Paint bubbling at the wheel arch-to-bumper transition, damp smell in the boot, rot beneath boot lining | High |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2026
The Focus DA3 stands out at inspection with suspension and steering defects; the front axle shows significant wear.
2025-11Top Reported Issues
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Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 139 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Focus DA3 (2005–2012) — 127 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. 10 problem engines: F9DA (1.8L TDCi), G8DA (1.6L TDCi), HHDA (1.6L TDCi), HJBA (1.8L TDCi), M2DA (1.0L EcoBoost), JQDA (1.6L EcoBoost), R9DA (2.0L Ti-VCT), T1DA (1.6L TDCi), JQDB (1.6L EcoBoost), G8DA-44kW (1.6L TDCi 60PS). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Electronics, Cooling. Considered reliable: HWDA (1.6L Duratec 16V).
Focus (F9DA, 2005–2015) — Stay Away!: Injector seal: "Black Death" failure, Turbocharger failure, High-pressure pump failure. Power: 101 PS.
Focus (G8DA, 2005–2011) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 90–95 PS.
Focus (HHDA, 2005–2012) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 105–116 PS.
Focus (HJBA, 2005–2007) — Stay Away!: Injector seal: "Black Death" failure, Turbocharger failure, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure. Power: 116 PS.
Focus (G6DA, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Injector Wear and Leaks, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Metal Debris and Failure, Timing Belt Premature Failure — Interval Too Long. Power: 133–140 PS.
Focus (G8DA-44kW, 2005–2011) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 60 PS.
Focus (G8DA, 2006–2012) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 95–105 PS.
Focus (G6DA, 2008–2011) — Be Careful: Injector Wear and Leaks, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Metal Debris and Failure, Timing Belt Premature Failure — Interval Too Long. Power: 110–116 PS.
Focus (T1DA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 90–101 PS.
Focus (T1DA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 101–109 PS.
Focus (T1DA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 109–116 PS.
Focus (TYDA, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Injector Wear and Leaks, High-Pressure Pump Metal Debris and Failure, Premature Timing Belt Failure — Interval Too Long. Power: 136–140 PS.
Focus (TYDA, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Injector Wear and Leaks, High-Pressure Pump Metal Debris and Failure, Premature Timing Belt Failure — Interval Too Long. Power: 163 PS.
Focus (SHDB, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: VVT Cam Phaser Failure — Cold Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Failure — Misfires, Ti-VCT Cam Phaser Wear. Power: 116–120 PS.
Focus (QQDA, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Crankcase Breather (PCV) Blocked, Thermostat Fault — Risk of Overheating, Intake Swirl Flaps — Rattling and Breakage. Power: 125 PS.
Focus (AODA, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Crankcase Breather (PCV) Blocked, Thermostat Failed — Overheating Risk, Intake Manifold Swirl Flaps — Rattling and Breaking Off. Power: 145 PS.
Focus (HUBA, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure — Boost Drops Away, Head Gasket — Overheating Damage, Cylinder Wall Crack from Overheating. Power: 224–226 PS.
Focus (Volvo-B5254-Focus-ST, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearing Wear from Spirited Use, Cylinder Wall Cracking from Overheating, Coolant Loss from Head Gasket. Power: 224–226 PS.
Focus (HUBA, 2009–2011) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Failure — Boost Drops Away, Head Gasket — Overheating Damage, Cylinder Wall Crack from Overheating. Power: 305 PS.
Focus (Volvo-B5254-Focus-ST, 2009–2011) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearing Wear from Spirited Use, Cylinder Wall Cracking from Overheating, Coolant Loss from Head Gasket. Power: 305 PS.
Focus (Volvo-B5254-Focus-ST, 2010–2011) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearing Wear from Spirited Use, Cylinder Wall Cracking from Overheating, Coolant Loss from Head Gasket. Power: 349 PS.
Focus (M2DA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Wet Timing Belt Dissolves in Wrong or Old Oil, Degas Hose at Coolant Expansion Tank Fractures, Oil-Bath Timing Belt Disintegrates. Power: 101 PS.
Focus (M2DA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Wet Timing Belt Dissolves in Wrong or Old Oil, Degas Hose at Coolant Expansion Tank Fractures, Oil-Bath Timing Belt Disintegrates. Power: 125 PS.
Focus (PNDA, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: VVT Phaser Faulty — Cold Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Fault — Misfires, Cam Phaser (Ti-VCT) Faulty. Power: 86 PS.
Focus (PNDA, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: VVT Phaser Faulty — Cold Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Fault — Misfires, Cam Phaser (Ti-VCT) Faulty. Power: 101–105 PS.
Focus (PNDA, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: VVT Phaser Faulty — Cold Start Rattle, Ignition Coil Fault — Misfires, Cam Phaser (Ti-VCT) Faulty. Power: 120–125 PS.
Focus (JQDA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Recall 17S09: Missing Coolant Level Sensor, Recall 18S07: Clutch Pressure Plate Can Fracture, Cylinder Head Crack from Unreported Overheating. Power: 150 PS.
Focus (JQDA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Recall 17S09: Missing Coolant Level Sensor, Recall 18S07: Clutch Pressure Plate Can Fracture, Cylinder Head Crack from Unreported Overheating. Power: 182 PS.
Focus (R9DA, 2011–2018) — Stay Away!: Dual Clutch (6DCT450) Wear, Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber, Fuel Pump Failure. Power: 170 PS.
Focus (R9DA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Dual Clutch (6DCT450) Wear, Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber, Fuel Pump Failure. Power: 160 PS.
Focus (JQDB, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Head Cracks from Overheating, Turbocharger Overheating Under Full Load, Recall: Missing Coolant Level Sensor (17S09). Power: 150 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Focus? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Focus DA3 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Focus DA3? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Ford Focus DA3 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Ford Focus DA3 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Ford Focus DA3 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Focus DA3? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee