Ford Focus DEH
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Focus IV (2018–2024, chassis DEH) is the last Focus ever — Ford ended production in 2025 with no successor. That makes the DEH the classic lease-return car; the 2026 used market is well supplied. The decisive advantage over the Focus III DYB: no PowerShift DPS6 — the new 8-speed torque-converter automatic is conventional and fundamentally more reliable.
Engine choice: The 1.5 EcoBoost (150/182 PS) is the most reliable petrol — timing chain, no wet belt. Head gasket issues on 2018–2020 cars (80,000–150,000 km, €1,200–2,500), significantly reduced from 2021. The 2.0 EcoBlue (150 PS) diesel — four-cylinder with timing chain, the economical choice for high-mileage drivers.
The 1.0 EcoBoost (125 PS) has the wet belt issue — the oil pump timing belt runs submerged in oil. Ford’s 240,000 km interval is unrealistic. Preventive replacement at 80,000–100,000 km recommended (€1,300–1,500). Ford WSS-M2C954-A1 oil spec is mandatory.
The 8-speed automatic judders on cold starts (oil viscosity, normal behaviour) — real failures from 150,000 km (€2,300–3,000 replacement gearbox). The 155 PS MHEV with manual: synchro ring failure in 1st/2nd gear — Ford has confirmed the issue internally; no improved parts exist (€800–1,500).
Focus ST (2.3 EcoBoost, 280 PS): timing chain (no wet belt), Brembo brakes. Solid with normal use — check suspension and clutch on any trackday car.
Test-drive checklist: 1.0 EcoBoost — run to temperature, check for oil loss (wet belt indicator). 8-speed R→D shift (>1 second delay?). MHEV 155 PS — 1st/2nd gear under load. Diesel — cold start smoke?
2026 market: 2018–2019 from €8,000–14,000. Facelift 2022–2023 €19,000–27,000. ST €20,000–32,000.
Insider pick: 1.5 EcoBoost 150 PS manual from 2021 — no wet belt anxiety, no synchro issue, no DPF. Less sought-after than the 1.0, so slightly below market price.
280 PS
Focus ST · Benzin
Focus ST Mk4 — Sharper Than a Golf GTI on a B-Road
Fun to Drive!90–116 PS
1.6L TDCi Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Focus DEH is available with 7 engine variants — from 86 to 280 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Ford 1.5L EcoBlue (Duratorq TDCi) 95 hp (70 kW), 116 hp (85 kW) and 120 hp (88 kW). Focus IV. Also ZTDA (95 hp). Modern and efficient — watch the AdBlue level.
- !! Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking from 140,000 km
Faulty injectors cause severe juddering and knocking on acceleration. Problem occurs from approx. 140,000–150,000 km. Multiple injectors become leaky or faulty simultaneously. Ford has replaced all 4 injectors in individual cases without a permanent fix.
Symptoms: Heavy juddering, knocking on acceleration, engine misfires, power loss - !! Timing Chain Premature Wear from 120,000 km
The 1.5 EcoBlue diesel can suffer from premature timing chain wear. Ford's recommended fix is to retrofit the weaker original chain with the reinforced 8mm version that is standard fit from 2023.
Symptoms: Rattling from engine area especially on cold start, engine warning light, rough engine note - !! Recall: Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42)
Ford recalled approx. 8,400 vehicles (production October 2014 to April 2015) because the camshaft sprocket can fracture due to material fatigue and damage the engine.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.0L EcoBlue Diesel 1995cc in the Focus ST DEH (MK4) — 190 hp / 140 kW, 400 Nm from 2,000 rpm. The only ST in the model's history with a diesel engine as a standalone variant. A Continental injector recall affects early examples (2019): injectors could release metallic particles and cause engine damage — check the service history carefully. AdBlue system and DPF increase maintenance requirements compared to the petrol variant. Buyers preferring the manual transmission are well advised — the 8-speed automatic can feel hesitant in Sport mode. The torque delivery makes it a genuine alternative to the petrol ST on B-roads.
- !! Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019) from 50,000 km
Continental injectors with a faulty internal coating (vehicles built Feb–Sep 2019). The coating delaminates and blocks the injector. Ford service action: free injector replacement (Ford TSB-20-2335). Affected vehicles: Transit, Ranger, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Edge.
Symptoms: Hesitation, poor idle, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode - !! DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion from 80,000 km
Faulty injectors generate excessive soot that prematurely clogs the DPF. On the high-output variant (190 hp), soot also blocks the low-pressure filter of the dual EGR system. Repair requires simultaneous replacement of injectors AND DPF (TSB-20-2335). Replacing the DPF alone does not resolve the issue long-term.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2002, P02EC, P02FA, check engine light, power reduction - !! Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer from 100,000 km
The oil bath timing belt disintegrates and clogs the oil pump strainer with debris particles. The engine dies from oil starvation — bearings, crankshaft, camshaft and turbocharger are destroyed.
Symptoms: No prior warning: oil pressure drops, engine runs rough, then total destruction. Belt itself may look intact visually.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.0L EcoBlue Diesel 1995cc in the Focus ST DEH (MK4) — 190 hp / 140 kW, 400 Nm from 2,000 rpm. The only ST in the model's history with a diesel engine as a standalone variant. A Continental injector recall affects early examples (2019): injectors could release metallic particles and cause engine damage — check the service history carefully. AdBlue system and DPF increase maintenance requirements compared to the petrol variant. Buyers preferring the manual transmission are well advised — the 8-speed automatic can feel hesitant in Sport mode. The torque delivery makes it a genuine alternative to the petrol ST on B-roads.
- !! Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019) from 50,000 km
Continental injectors with a faulty internal coating (vehicles built Feb–Sep 2019). The coating delaminates and blocks the injector. Ford service action: free injector replacement (Ford TSB-20-2335). Affected vehicles: Transit, Ranger, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Edge.
Symptoms: Hesitation, poor idle, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, limp mode - !! DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion from 80,000 km
Faulty injectors generate excessive soot that prematurely clogs the DPF. On the high-output variant (190 hp), soot also blocks the low-pressure filter of the dual EGR system. Repair requires simultaneous replacement of injectors AND DPF (TSB-20-2335). Replacing the DPF alone does not resolve the issue long-term.
Symptoms: Fault codes P2002, P02EC, P02FA, check engine light, power reduction - !! Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer from 100,000 km
The oil bath timing belt disintegrates and clogs the oil pump strainer with debris particles. The engine dies from oil starvation — bearings, crankshaft, camshaft and turbocharger are destroyed.
Symptoms: No prior warning: oil pressure drops, engine runs rough, then total destruction. Belt itself may look intact visually.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
1.0 EcoBoost Gen4 in the Focus DEH (MK4). Chain-driven, mHEV-ready. More reliable than the wet-belt predecessor, but shares EcoBoost-typical cooling and carbon issues.
- !! Oil Pump Timing Belt Disintegrating from 80,000 km
Like all 1.0L EcoBoost generations, the B7DA relies on a wet belt running in oil for the oil pump. Wrong engine oil or overdue oil changes destroy the belt quickly and cause engine damage. Strict intervals (Ford 5W-20) are mandatory.
Symptoms: Oil pressure loss, engine noises, engine failure, sometimes no warning - !! Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070) from 60,000 km
The front cover seal on early 1.0 EcoBoost engines (up to approx. Feb. 2015) was not oil-resistant. Oil attacks the seal, leading to slow coolant loss. TSI 15-1070 addresses the problem.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible external leak, temperature warning, whitish steam from engine bay. - !! Coolant Loss at Hose Connections from 100,000 km
Despite the timing chain update, plastic couplings in the cooling system remain sensitive. Brittleness and leaks possible especially at high mileages.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, occasional temperature warning, coolant smell.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
1.0 EcoBoost mHEV in the Focus DEH with 48V mild hybrid. Belt-integrated starter-generator replaces the conventional alternator. Chain-driven. The electrical system requires additional maintenance attention.
- !! Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070) from 60,000 km
The front cover seal on early 1.0 EcoBoost engines (up to approximately February 2015) was not oil-resistant. Oil attacks the seal, followed by gradual coolant loss. TSI 15-1070 addresses the issue.
Symptoms: Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak, temperature warning, whitish steam from engine bay. - !! 48V Belt Starter-Generator (BSG) Faults from 100,000 km
The 48V mild hybrid belt-starter-generator (BSG) and associated power electronics can develop faults prematurely. Replacement is costly.
Symptoms: Mild hybrid system warning, no regenerative braking, 12V battery not charging correctly. - !! Coolant Loss at Hose Connections from 100,000 km
Fragile plastic couplings on the coolant circuit. Embrittlement leads to leaks; particularly relevant as the mHEV system relies on stable operating temperature.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, temperature warning, coolant smell.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder in the Focus DEH. Shares the open-deck cylinder liner issue with other EcoBoost 1.5/2.0 engines (TSB 2019/2020). Revised block from mid-2019 is significantly more robust.
- !! Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress into Cylinders from 80,000 km
Open-deck design: hairline cracks between cylinder bores allow coolant into the combustion chambers. Ford TSB 2019/2020 recommends short-block replacement. Problem known up to approx. mid-2019.
Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, coolant loss without visible leak, rough cold start, oil-coolant emulsion. - !! Coolant Loss from Hose Defects from 70,000 km
The 1.5L EcoBoost (M9DA) shows recurring coolant loss from porous coolant hoses and faulty clamp fittings. Continued driving with insufficient coolant can crack the cylinder head. Ford issued a software update that limits power when coolant level is critically low.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, overheating warning, white smoke from exhaust, loss of cabin heating - !! Hairline Crack in Cylinder Block — Coolant Ingestion (up to 2019) from 60,000 km
Early 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinders (up to approx. March 2019) are prone to hairline cracks in the cylinder block. Coolant enters the cylinders and causes severe engine damage. Short-block replacement required.
Symptoms: Rough cold start, white exhaust smoke, coolant loss without external leak, engine warning light.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
134 kW variant of the 1.5L EcoBoost in the Focus DEH. Same open-deck block as M9DA, same TSB issues up to 2019. Higher boost pressure adds additional thermal stress.
- !! Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress into Cylinder from 80,000 km
Open-deck liner structure cracks from thermal expansion. Coolant ingress into combustion chambers causes severe engine damage. Ford TSB: short block replacement. Revised block from mid-2019.
Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, coolant loss without external leak, rough cold start, oil-coolant mixing. - !! Head Gasket Failure from 70,000 km
The 1.5 EcoBoost is prone to head gasket sealing issues. Coolant loss without visible external leak is an early warning sign. In confirmed cases gaskets have failed from as low as 34,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without external leak, white exhaust smoke, engine overheats on long runs - !! Cylinder Block Hairline Crack — Coolant Ingress (up to MY 2019) from 60,000 km
Early 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinder engines (up to approx. March 2019) are prone to hairline cracks in the cylinder block. Coolant enters the cylinders and causes severe engine damage. Short block replacement required.
Symptoms: Rough cold start, white exhaust smoke, coolant loss without external leak, engine warning light.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.3L EcoBoost ST with 206 kW in the Focus ST DEH (MK4) — same displacement as the RS engine but 144 hp less and more moderate boost. Chain drive instead of timing belt, no production recall for the head gasket. The open-deck block architecture remains structurally present; coolant loss documented on early examples (2019–2020) — revised block from mid-2020 is more robust. Carbon buildup on intake valves is inherent with GDI direct injection, but progresses more slowly on actively driven cars thanks to higher exhaust temperatures. Wastegate rattle (turbo actuator bushing wear) is a known issue, appearing earlier on cars driven gently. 7-speed automatic shifts harshly — often fixable via software update, a gearbox mechanics issue on some examples.
- !! Head Gasket Failure — Coolant Loss from 60,000 km
The 1.5 EcoBoost (Focus, Kuga from 2014) shows a concentration of head gasket failures due to a design weakness: narrow coolant passages between cylinders increase thermal stress on the gasket.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level with no visible leak, pressure in coolant reservoir, white exhaust smoke with coolant smell, temperature gauge spikes - !! Cooling System Stress Under High Load from 100,000 km
Open-deck cylinder liner under high turbo load. With regular track days without engine protection overheating can occur. Newer block than YVDA, but the same structural weakness remains latent.
Symptoms: Temperature warning during extended track use, coolant loss. - !! Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure from 120,000 km
Like all EcoBoost engines, the LPFP can fail at high mileage, especially if the fuel filter has been changed infrequently.
Symptoms: Power loss under full throttle, code P0087, hard starting.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics issues — SYNC 3 and driver assistance systems Early 2018–2019 model years had significant electrical issues: failed parking sensors, a faulty SYNC 3 system, defective stop-start and Auto Hold functions. Software updates resolve many problems. Symptoms: Parking sensors not responding, SYNC screen freezes or will not boot, driver assistance systems switch off incorrectly. | Low | |
| SYNC 3 infotainment crashes and freezes The SYNC 3 system freezes regularly on early DEH models (2018–2020), stops responding to touch input or shows a black screen. Software updates improve the issue. Symptoms: Screen goes black or stops responding to input. System restarts itself or stays frozen. from 30,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2026
The current Focus generation shows almost no defects at inspection. Brake disc wear is the only notable issue.
2025-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025
The current Focus scores solidly in the breakdown statistics with no particular anomalies.
2025-04Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
BMW 2er U06
Compact (2022–2025)
Honda Civic Type R FL5
Compact (2022–2026)
Hyundai Elantra N CN7 N
Compact (2022–2025)
Opel Astra L
Compact (2022–2025)
Peugeot 408 E3
Compact (2022–2026)
Renault Megane V-EV
Compact (2022–2025)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 76 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Focus DEH (2018–2024) — 67 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 6 problem engines: T1DA (1.6L TDCi), TZJA (1.5L TDCi), M9DA (1.5L EcoBoost), YZDA (1.5L EcoBoost), TXDA (2.0L EcoBlue), EcoBlue-2.0-Focus-STH (2.0L EcoBlue). Typical issues affect Electronics, Other, Steering, Rust.
Focus (T1DA, 2011–2019) — Stay Away!: Injector Seal 'Black Death' Failure, Turbocharger Failure from Oil Starvation, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 101–109 PS.
Focus (TZJA, 2012–2019) — Stay Away!: DPF Internal Cracking, Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42), EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Ingestion. Power: 105 PS.
Focus (ZTDB, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking, Timing Chain Premature Wear, Recall: Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42). Power: 95 PS.
Focus (TXDA, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 150–151 PS.
Focus (EcoBlue-2.0-Focus-STH, 2018–2026) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Wet timing belt blocks oil pump strainer. Power: 150–151 PS.
Focus (TXDA, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 185–190 PS.
Focus (ZTDB, 2022–2024) — Be Careful: Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking, Timing Chain Premature Wear, Recall: Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42). Power: 116–120 PS.
Focus (B7DA, 2018–2019) — Be Careful: Oil Pump Timing Belt Disintegrating, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), Coolant Loss at Hose Connections. Power: 86 PS.
Focus (B7DA, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Oil Pump Timing Belt Disintegrating, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), Coolant Loss at Hose Connections. Power: 101 PS.
Focus (B7DA, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Oil Pump Timing Belt Disintegrating, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), Coolant Loss at Hose Connections. Power: 125 PS.
Focus (M9DA, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress into Cylinders, Coolant Loss from Hose Defects, Hairline Crack in Cylinder Block — Coolant Ingestion (up to 2019). Power: 124 PS.
Focus (M9DA, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress into Cylinders, Coolant Loss from Hose Defects, Hairline Crack in Cylinder Block — Coolant Ingestion (up to 2019). Power: 150–151 PS.
Focus (M9DA, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress into Cylinders, Coolant Loss from Hose Defects, Hairline Crack in Cylinder Block — Coolant Ingestion (up to 2019). Power: 182 PS.
Focus (YZDA, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress into Cylinder, Head Gasket Failure, Cylinder Block Hairline Crack — Coolant Ingress (up to MY 2019). Power: 150–151 PS.
Focus (Y5DC, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Head Gasket Failure — Coolant Loss, Cooling System Stress Under High Load, Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure. Power: 280 PS.
Focus (XZGA, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), 48V Belt Starter-Generator (BSG) Faults, Coolant Loss at Hose Connections. Power: 125 PS.
Focus (XZGA, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), 48V Belt Starter-Generator (BSG) Faults, Coolant Loss at Hose Connections. Power: 155 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 DEH have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Focus DEH? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Ford Focus DEH engine is the most fun? +
Is the Ford Focus DEH worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Focus DEH? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee