Ford Focus reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Ford Focus is a family hatchback; the latest version we cover is the Mk4 (2018–2025). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 101 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 247 of 442, and 31.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (3.8% of tests). Boot space is 375 litres (1,354 with the seats folded).
Ford Focus key specs (Mk4 (2018–2025), 5-door hatchback)
Boot
375 litres (1,354 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,382 × 1,825 × 1,471mm
Power
85–280 PS
0–62mph
5.7–13.5 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2018)
2018–2025 models; figures vary by version. Sources: media.ford.com (archived), euroncap.com.
Ranked 247 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 15 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 905,513 Ford Focuses aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 31.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Ford Focus is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 11.4% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
31.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
11.4%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,000
Typical age at test: 10 years
Ford Focus MOT failure rate by age
Most common Ford Focus MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working3.8% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.0% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken2.9% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working2.1% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0% of tests
What the Ford Focus fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 15.2% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Suspension | 9.9% | About average |
| Tyres | 7.9% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Brakes | 5.2% | ▼ 32% less often |
| Visibility | 4.3% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.6% | About average |
| Body and structure | 3.1% | ▼ 22% less often |
| Steering | 1.3% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.6% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Wheels | 0.5% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
How big is the Ford Focus's boot?
The Mk4 (2018–2025) Ford Focus has 375 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,354 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 9th biggest of the 11 family hatchbacks we compare; the Skoda Octavia has the most, at 600 litres. The previous Mk3 (2011–2018) had 316 litres.
What MPG does the Ford Focus do?
Official economy for the Ford Focus ranges from 26.6 to 74.3mpg across the 371 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 48.7mpg and a typical diesel 64.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Ford Focus?
Any Ford Focus first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford Focus registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £760 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carFord Focus specs and running costs
Official figures for 371 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
26.6–74.3 mpg
CO2
99–237 g/km
Power
85–280 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Model Year Post 2024.00 1.0 EcoBoost (mHEV)125 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 116g | £200 | 29% |
| Focus Model Year Post 2024.00 1.0 EcoBoost (mHEV)155 PS · DCT7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 44.8 mpg | 143g | £200 | 34% |
| Focus Model Year Post 2024.00 2.3 EcoBoost280 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 36.2 mpg | 180g | £200 | 37% |
| Focus Model Year Post 2024.00 2.3 EcoBoost280 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 35.8 mpg | 180g | £200 | 37% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2024.00 1.5 EcoBlue88 PS · A8 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 115g | £200 | 29% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2024.00 1.0 EcoBoost92 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 116g | £200 | 29% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2024.00 1.0 EcoBoost (mHEV)115 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 115g | £200 | 29% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2024.00 1.0 EcoBoost (mHEV)115 PS · DCT7 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 117g | £200 | 29% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2024.00 2.3 EcoBoost206 PS · A7 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 35.8 mpg | 180g | £200 | 37% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2024.00 2.3 EcoBoost206 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 36.2 mpg | 180g | £200 | 37% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2021.75 1.5 EcoBlue95 PS · M6 · listed 2022 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 106g | £200 | 27% |
| Focus Model Year Post 2021.75 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · M6 · listed 2022 | Diesel | 70.6 mpg | 106g | £200 | 27% |
| Focus Model Year Post 2021.75 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · A8 · listed 2022 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 115g | £200 | 29% |
| Focus Model Year Pre 2021.75 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · A8 · listed 2022 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 115g | £200 | 29% |
| Focus Model Year Post 2022.25 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · A8 · listed 2022 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 115g | £200 | 29% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 371 versions.
What a Ford Focus costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 48.7mpg…
- diesel, typical official 64.2mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Ford FocusPrevious Ford Focus generations
Ford Focus Mk3 (2011–2018, 5-door hatchback)
boot 316 litres · 85–250 PS · 0–62mph 6.5–14.9 sec · Euro NCAP 5 stars (2012)
29.7% of Ford Focuses built 2011–2018 failed their 2024 MOT first time (all cars that age: 29.5%).
Buying a used Ford Focus?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Ford Focus with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Ford models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Ford Focus reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Ford Focus is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 101 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Ford Focus?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 3.8% of tests.
›How big is the Ford Focus's boot?
The Mk4 (2018–2025) Ford Focus has 375 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,354 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 9th biggest of the 11 family hatchbacks we compare; the Skoda Octavia has the most, at 600 litres. The previous Mk3 (2011–2018) had 316 litres.
›What MPG does the Ford Focus do?
Official economy for the Ford Focus ranges from 26.6 to 74.3mpg across the 371 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 48.7mpg and a typical diesel 64.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Ford Focus?
Any Ford Focus first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford Focus registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £760 a year.
›How many Ford Focuses fail their MOT?
31.5% of Ford Focuses aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 11.4% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Ford Focus combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.