Ford Focus DAW
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
215 PS
2.0L Turbo Benzin
215 hp front-wheel drive — torque steer as character
Legendary!170–173 PS
2.0L Duratec HE Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice101–116 PS
1.8L TDCi Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Ford Focus DAW is available as Turnier and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Focus DAW is available with 10 engine variants — from 75 to 215 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Ford 1.8L Endura-DI (Diesel, 75 PS) has the C9DA (1.8L Endura-DI) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.8L Endura-DI Turbo (Diesel, 90 PS) has the BHDA (1.8L Endura-DI Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.8L TDCi (Diesel, 101–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: F9DA (2001–2004, Stay Away!) und F9DA (2001–2004, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.8L TDCi!
The Ford 1.4L Zetec-SE (Benziner, 75–80 PS) has the EYDA (1.4L Zetec-SE) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.6L Zetec-SE (Benziner, 101 PS) has the FYDA (1.6L Zetec-SE) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.8L Zetec-E (Benziner, 116 PS) has the EYDB (1.8L Zetec-E) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 2.0L Duratec HE (Benziner, 170–173 PS) has the Duratec-HE-2.0-FLH (2.0L Duratec HE) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 2.0L Zetec-E (Benziner, 131 PS) has the ALDA (2.0L Zetec-E) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford Focus RS (Benziner, 215 PS) has the ALDA (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Ford Focus ST170 (Benziner, 170–173 PS) has the ALDB (2.0L Zetec-E ST170) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust on sills and wheel arches Sills and rear wheel arches rust from the inside out. Vehicles from approximately 150,000 km often have widespread corrosion. Always check with a magnet before buying. Symptoms: Visible bubbling and brown discolouration at sill lower edge and rear wheel arch. Hollow sound when tapping. from 120,000 km | Medium | |
| Rust on tailgate and door lower edges Door lower edges and tailgate frequently show early rust spots, particularly at seal contact areas. Water collects in the folds and attacks the metal. Symptoms: Blistering and rust at door lower edges, brown discolouration on the tailgate frame, paint lifting. | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 71 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Focus DAW (1998–2004) — 64 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: F9DA (1.8L TDCi). Typical issues affect Rust, Electronics, Body, Suspension. Considered reliable: Duratec-HE-2.0-FLH (2.0L Duratec HE).
Focus (C9DA, 1999–2004) — Be Careful: Injection Pump: Wear from 150,000 km, Lucas Injection Pump Fails — Engine Cutout, Camshaft Sensor Failure. Power: 75 PS.
Focus (BHDA, 1999–2004) — Be Careful: Injection Pump: Wear from 150,000 km, Delphi Injection Pump Pressure Control Valve Faulty, Camshaft Sensor Failure. Power: 90 PS.
Focus (F9DA, 2001–2005) — Stay Away!: Injector seal: "Black Death" failure, Turbocharger failure, High-pressure pump failure. Power: 101 PS.
Focus (F9DA, 2001–2004) — Stay Away!: Injector seal: "Black Death" failure, Turbocharger failure, High-pressure pump failure. Power: 116 PS.
Focus (FYDA, 1998–2004) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Engine Destruction on Snap, Individual Ignition Coil Failure — Misfires, Thermostat Housing Cracks and Loses Coolant. Power: 101 PS.
Focus (EYDB, 1998–2004) — Be Careful: Timing belt — engine damage on failure, Timing belt tensioner failure, Ignition coil failure — misfires. Power: 116 PS.
Focus (ALDA, 1998–2004) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Engine Destruction on Snap, Timing Belt Tensioner Premature Wear, Ignition Coils Failed — Misfires. Power: 131 PS.
Focus (EYDA, 1999–2004) — Be Careful: Timing belt — engine damage on failure, Individual ignition coil failure — misfires, VCT filter clogged. Power: 75–80 PS.
Focus (ALDB, 2002–2004) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Engine Destruction on Snap, Extremely Thin Piston Rings — Oil Maintenance Critical, Ignition Coils Failed — Misfires. Power: 170–173 PS.
Focus (ALDA, 2002–2003) — Be Careful: Chargecooler Water Pump Fails — Heat Damage Possible, Chargecooler Hoses and Metal Pipe Corroded, Wastegate Sticking — Boost Spikes. Power: 215 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee