FaultScore report
Owners have filed 157 complaints about the 2011 Ford Focus with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 20 worst.
FaultScore 36/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Focus.
How this is worked out157
Complaints
15
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
50,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
28%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 47,000 mi
Median failure at 45,183 miles
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 92,000 mi
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,000 mi
Median failure at 35,366 miles
Median failure at 35,366 miles
Median failure at 44,000 miles
Median failure at 52,500 miles
Median failure at 46,889 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 74,529 mi
Median failure at 41,553 miles
Median failure at 50,500 miles
Median failure at 36,484 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Ford Focus 4 DR FWD | — | — | — |
13% risk
|
| 2011 Ford Focus 2 DR FWD | — | — | — |
14% risk
|
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
POWER TRAIN
SEVERAL TIMES, MY BREAKS HAVE NOT RESPONDED WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, MY FOOT WILL BE TO THE GROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING. IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #11104294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
SEVERAL TIMES, MY BREAKS HAVE NOT RESPONDED WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, MY FOOT WILL BE TO THE GROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING. IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #11104294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY HUSBAND HAD RETURNED FROM THE STORE AND PULLED UP INTO OUR SLIGHTLY ANGLED DRIVEWAY, HE WAS CHECKING HIS RECEIPT FOR AN ERROR AND THOUGHT HE HAD THE CAR IN PARK. HE GOT OUT TO CARRY SOME BAGS UP TO THE PORCH AND WHEN HE RETURNED HE NOTICED THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. HE REACHED IN TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BECAUSE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE THE CAR STARTED ROLLING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, HE WAS ABLE TO REACH OVER AND GET IT IN PARK BUT IT DID NOT STOP ROLLING AND CONTINUED AT A GREATER SPEED PULLING HIM PARTIALLY OUT OF THE CAR AND DRAGGING HIM RESULTING IN A FRACTURED NECK, MASSIVE BRUISING ON HIS ABDOMEN AND DUE TO THE SHOCK OF THE INCIDENT KIDNEY FAILURE FOR THREE DAYS. WE REALIZE IT WAS HIS FAULT FOR NOT TURNING THE CAR OFF AND NOT HAVING IT IN PARK. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW CAME OVER IN HIS DODGE AND TRIED THE SAME THING AND HIS TRUCK IMMEDIATELY WENT IN TO PARK, IF HE OPENS HIS DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING EVEN SLIGHTLY THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY GOES INTO PARK. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FORD VEHICLE FANS BUT THIS IS HAVING US RETHINK OUR DECISION ON A NEW CAR. WE THINK WE KNOW WHY IT DID NOT STOP WHEN HE PUT IT IN PARK WHILE IT WAS ROLLING BUT THERE IS NOT A SAFE GUARD TO PREVENT THESE KIND OF ACCIDENTS ARE UNCALLED FOR. IF A YOUNG CHILD WERE TO GET IN THIS VEHICLE AND TAKE IT OUT OF DRIVE THERE COULD BE HORRIBLE CONSEQUENCES. THE CAR ROLLED ALL THE WAS DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY INTO THE STREET (APP. 60 FT DRIVEWAY), HE WAS STUCK IN BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR, AFRAID HE WAS GOING TO GET RUN OVER. HE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO FREE HIMSELF AFTER APP. 40 FT. MY GRANDSON HAS A FORD EDGE AND IT DID THE SAME THING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. IF THE ANGLE OF THE DRIVEWAY HADN'T BEEN WHAT IT WAS I AM SURE IT WOULD HAVE STARTED ROLLING BEFORE MY HUSBAND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11024840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD. THERE WERE FIVE OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10806768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD. THERE WERE FIVE OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10806768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
UPON ENTERING A SCHOOL ZONE AND DECELERATING TO 35 MPH, WHILE ENTERING INTO A LEFT CURVE THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP PREVENTING THE TURN INTO THE CURVE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF THE ROAD AND HITTING A ROAD SIGN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER MIRROR AND RIGHT REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #10730451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Forcus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering pump. The contact was informed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. In addition, the vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics multiple times for the same failure within the two years. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and instead turned in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised that the parts to repair the vehicle were discontinued. In addition, the contact was informed that the aftermarket parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I hit an animal in my way to work as I reported the accident to my insurance company they were going to cover the parts and have it towed to my choice as it was however the professional car shop wasn't able to fix the anti theft that caused my car to not turn over as I was then told to take it to the nearest Ford dealer to get it reprogrammed to the original status I was told that it would cost more to fix the problem then what my car was purchased for so my insurance company claimed a total loss of the vehicle, Oliver Ford Lincoln Mercury in Plymouth Indiana sold me a lemon as I was a customer to them for over 8 yrs and covid came in the middle of my lease being up on 2017 Ford fusion I asked if I could purchase my lease vehicle but was refused and told no because I was collecting unemployment benefits but for the last year and half I paid my car note out of my unemployment benefits money each month but they didn't seem to accept my money then, I have always been a Ford customer and drove 4 brand new Ford fusions and paid off each one with my hard earned money, I was devastated by the decision of being told that my unemployment money wasn't earned money, yes correct it wasn't earned Money that I paid into it was because of my employer who paid in for me as I worked enough for the company to take care of me while I suffered through no fault of my own a pandemic that should not be held as a turniquit over my ability to have transportation no matter what money is paid and where it comes from I felt disappointed discriminated and I will never buy or refer any customer or vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11605773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I did not crash the vehicle I bought it preowned
NHTSA complaint #11605320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
My car made grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic found a leak on Power Steering Pump & replaced it. My car has only 48,800 miles & there's a recall for Ford Trucks with the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11574454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Door latches inoperable. Cannot open from outside the vehicle. Passenger side front and both back doors. Back door passenger side door does not open from inside either. Had to pay $373 to Ford dealer to replace driver door latch because it wouldn't latch and made the dashboard not work. Latch codes as follows: driver 02717a (new), passenger 224100 (or 224188 cant see it clearly). Left rear 22418a Right rear cannot open door at all to see latch code. These 3 doors cannot be opened from outside and the rear right door cannot be opened at all. The contact is just inquiring if these door latches will be recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11571215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle, the engine was still running and attempted to shift into reverse(R), but the vehicle would not shift into reverse(R). The contact was able to shift into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had been informed by the mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
NHTSA complaint #11555145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side and both the rear driver’s and passenger’s side doors failed to open. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door was able to open by lowering the window and manually opening the door from the exterior door handle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front passenger’s and rear driver’s side door latches to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear driver’s side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11510988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
The lug nuts are corroded and we are unable to remove them for tire rotation.
NHTSA complaint #11452041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
BACKING UP THE WHEEL BARELY TURNS AND IT LOCKS UP WHILE BACKING UP, MAKING TURNS, THE WHEEL LOCKS UP AS I MAKE TURNS LEFT AND RIGHT I'LL BRING IT TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THIS ISSUE PERSISTS EVERY YEAR I BUY A NEW POWER STEERING SYSTEM EVERY YEAR. I HAVE BROUGHT 3 POWER STEERING SYSTEMS FROM FORD 3 YEARS IN A ROW.IT'S DEADLY!
NHTSA complaint #11360025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
BACKING UP THE WHEEL BARELY TURNS AND IT LOCKS UP WHILE BACKING UP, MAKING TURNS, THE WHEEL LOCKS UP AS I MAKE TURNS LEFT AND RIGHT I'LL BRING IT TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THIS ISSUE PERSISTS EVERY YEAR I BUY A NEW POWER STEERING SYSTEM EVERY YEAR. I HAVE BROUGHT 3 POWER STEERING SYSTEMS FROM FORD 3 YEARS IN A ROW.IT'S DEADLY!
NHTSA complaint #11360025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LATCH LOCKED AND THE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW AFTER THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE WHITE FORD OF COEUR D'ALENE (315 W CLAYTON AVE, COEUR D'ALENE, ID 83815), AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE HIM TO REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH AGAIN AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE LATCHES WERE DIRTY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ONCE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR FAILED THEN ALL THE OTHERS WOULD FOLLOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. INVALID VIN.
NHTSA complaint #11350278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS ARE STUCK LOCKED AND THE DOORS CAN'T OPEN OR THEY STAY STUCK OPEN AND THE DOOR DOESN'T STAY SHUT. I'VE HAD THE LOCKS REPLACED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11309282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL THERE IS A RECALL ON 2011 FORD FOCUS, BUT NOT WITH MY VIN NUMBER. HOWEVER THERE IS A WHITE POWDER ESCAPING FROM THE CONNECTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE WHITE POWDER FORMS COLUMNS OF WHITE ON THE HORN ASSEMBLY OF THE STEERING WHEEL. SERVICE MAN TOLD ME IT COULD BE DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11246563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11235292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11235292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11235292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
MY 2012 FORD FOCUS IS EQUIPPED WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION AND HAS HAD ISSUES FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. SHUDDERING UPON START WAS THE BIGGEST ISSUE. CAR FINALLY STOPPED RUNNING AND WAS REPAIRED AT DEALER BUT NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS EXTREMELY NOISY AND WILL SLIP OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING, INCLUDING ON HIGHWAYS AT SPEED. TRANSMISSION WILL ALSO SLIP QUITE BADLY UPON LAUNCH AT TIMES WHICH CAN BE A CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #11231273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
TIRE SENSOR FAULT , DOUGLES TIRES LOOSING AIR
NHTSA complaint #11222827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
THE CLUTCH SYSTEM ON MY MANUAL 2011 FORD FOCUS WENT OUT. THE CLUTCH NOW PLAYS ON THE FLOOR BOARD WITH NO CATCH IN IT. THE GEARS WONT BUDGE. I RESEARCHED AND SEEN THE NEWER MODELS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAR. WHEN THE CLUTCH WENT OUT IT WAS ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY IN BRIDGE CITY, TX.
NHTSA complaint #11182451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE DOOR HANDLES, LATCH AND UNLOCKING MECHANISM FAIL, CAUSING THE DOORS TO REMAIN LOCKED. YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OR OR OUTSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #11174585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON FLAMINGO ENROUTE TO WORK SPEED LIMIT 45 MPH EACH DIRECTION I HAD THE YELLOW FLASHING LEFT ARROW AS I STARTED MY LEFT TURN THE CAR DIED NO POWER ANOTHER VECHICLE WAS APPROACHING FROM WEST TO EAST AS I WAS TURNING LEFT I TURNED MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND THE CAR CAME WITHIN INCHES OF HTTING ME. I HAD MY CAR TOWED AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR SERIAL NUMBER PART NUMBER 8S4Z-9E926-B I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS RISK AND LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION FURTHERMORE IT COST ME CLOSE TO 900.00 FOR THE PARTS AND REPAIRS
NHTSA complaint #11151298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER BECAUSE MY BRAKES WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #11143859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER BECAUSE MY BRAKES WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #11143859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER BECAUSE MY BRAKES WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #11143859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.