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
9 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.
Modern common-rail diesel of the EcoBlue generation with refined running, good torque and low consumption. The aftertreatment with DPF and partly AdBlue works reliably provided longer trips are driven regularly. EGR coking and NOx issues appear with lots of short trips; the timing chain is considered sound. With a suitable driving profile an efficient, everyday-capable unit.
- !! 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.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Strong modern common-rail diesel of the EcoBlue generation with hearty torque and smooth running, built around SCR aftertreatment with AdBlue. The NOx sensors and AdBlue system can cause trouble and should be checked for fault-memory entries. DPF and EGR need regular long-distance running; the timing chain is sound. With a suitable driving profile a commanding, efficient unit.
- !! 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.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Strong modern common-rail diesel of the EcoBlue generation with hearty torque and smooth running, built around SCR aftertreatment with AdBlue. The NOx sensors and AdBlue system can cause trouble and should be checked for fault-memory entries. DPF and EGR need regular long-distance running; the timing chain is sound. With a suitable driving profile a commanding, efficient unit.
- !! 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.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Eager three-cylinder turbo with a sprightly launch and strong pull from the small displacement, plus a likeable note. The main issue is the wet timing belt running in oil, which can snap or break down if the interval is overrun. Coolant loss at the cylinder head also occurs. Take belt changes seriously and check the cooling system, then a refined, fairly dependable engine.
- !! 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. - !! Oil pump drive belt fails – oil pressure loss from 80,000 km
A second wet belt drives the oil pump. If its tensioner arm fractures or the belt loses teeth, the debris clogs the oil pump pickup screen and oil pressure collapses. The result is oil starvation, engine damage and loss of power brake assist. Ford recall 23S64 covers Focus models of these years.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light, loud knocking from the engine, sudden power loss, heavy brake pedal, metal shavings in the oil.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Three-cylinder turbo with 48-volt mild hybrid, whose belt starter-generator provides smooth pull-away and a little boost without complicating the drivetrain. Like all of this family the timing belt runs in oil and demands strict intervals, or damage looms. The starter-generator and its belt drive are an extra maintenance point. Frugal, refined and pleasant to drive day to day.
- !! 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
Eager three-cylinder turbo with cylinder deactivation for frugal part-load running and surprisingly strong pull. Deactivation can contribute to uneven running with lots of short trips, but the real weak point remains the wet timing belt in oil with strict change intervals. Coolant loss is also worth watching. With clean maintenance a lively, efficient engine.
- !! 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.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Three-cylinder turbo with cylinder deactivation, tuned for good efficiency with decent mid-range pull. Deactivation works unobtrusively day to day but can cause slightly rougher running on cold starts and short trips. Coolant loss at the cylinder head is worth watching, as is the wet timing belt in oil. With intervals kept a refined, frugal unit.
- !! 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.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged performance engine with strong boost and hearty thrust across a broad rev band, with a grown-up note. Under sustained load intercooling and oil supply are stressed, so proper warm-up and clean oil matter. Keep coolant consumption in view. Treated with care a dependable, torquey unit with plenty of reserve on road and track.
- !! 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 - !! Coolant intrusion into cylinders (open-deck block) from 80,000 km
The open-deck design leaves thin spots between the cylinder bores where the head gasket sinks and cracks, letting coolant seep into the combustion chamber. It corrodes cylinder walls and causes catastrophic failure. Subject of a US class action, independent of the Focus RS recall.
Symptoms: Gradual coolant loss with no visible leak, white exhaust smoke, power loss, rough running, oil dilution, and in late stages overheating or engine fire. - !! Low-pressure fuel pump failure – recall 25S75/25V455 from 40,000 km
Internal jet-pump contamination makes the in-tank low-pressure pump overheat and fail in warm-tank, low-fuel conditions. The engine loses fuel pressure and stalls without warning. Recall covers 850,000+ vehicles (model years 2021–2023).
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall with no warning, part-throttle stumble, hesitation after restart, intermittent reduced-power mode, worst in hot weather with a low tank.
+ 8 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 93 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Focus DEH (2018–2024) — 84 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 8 problem engines: T1DA (1.6L TDCi), TZJA (1.5L TDCi), B7DA (1.0L EcoBoost), M9DA (1.5L EcoBoost), YZDA (1.5L EcoBoost), ZTDB (1.5L EcoBlue), 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) — Stay Away!: 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) — Stay Away!: Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking, Timing Chain Premature Wear, Recall: Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42). Power: 116–120 PS.
Focus (B7DA, 2018–2019) — Stay Away!: Oil Pump Timing Belt Disintegrating, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), Oil pump drive belt fails – oil pressure loss. Power: 86 PS.
Focus (B7DA, 2018–2021) — Stay Away!: Oil Pump Timing Belt Disintegrating, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), Oil pump drive belt fails – oil pressure loss. Power: 101 PS.
Focus (B7DA, 2018–2021) — Stay Away!: Oil Pump Timing Belt Disintegrating, Front Cover Seal Leaking — Coolant Loss (TSI 15-1070), Oil pump drive belt fails – oil pressure loss. 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, Coolant intrusion into cylinders (open-deck block), Low-pressure fuel pump failure – recall 25S75/25V455. 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