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Ford FOCUS 2008-2013
Low Risk

Ford FOCUS

2008-2013

The Ford FOCUS (2008-2013) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 25.2%, highlighting significant reliability issues.

The Ford FOCUS (2008-2013) presents a notable risk for potential buyers, particularly due to its overall MOT failure rate of 25.2%, based on 25,409 real MOT tests from DVSA data. This figure indicates that more than one in four vehicles fail their MOT, suggesting widespread reliability concerns.

Among the top defect categories, issues related to tyres, suspension, and brakes are prevalent, with failure rates of 115.02%, 90.17%, and 76.23% respectively. These statistics reflect a pattern of significant mechanical failures that can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards.

Furthermore, the failure rate increases with mileage, particularly for vehicles with over 120,000 miles, which show a staggering 32.8% failure rate. In comparison, vehicles with 0-40,000 miles have a much lower failure rate of 12.6%. This trend indicates that as the FOCUS ages, the likelihood of encountering serious engine defects and other mechanical issues rises sharply.

Given these statistics, potential buyers should approach the Ford FOCUS (2008-2013) with caution, particularly if considering higher-mileage examples. The combination of high failure rates and known reliability issues makes this model less desirable in the used car market.


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MOT National Comparison

21.54% MOT failure rate
178,817 tests analysed
Ford FOCUS
21.54%
National Avg
20.89%
Bottom 25% of all models Ranked #1,046 of 7,137

Top Defect Categories

tyres
94,787
suspension
62,770
brakes
61,649
lights
39,321
other
22,688

Ford FOCUS has a 21.54% MOT failure rate, 3% worse than the national average of 20.89%. It ranks in the bottom quarter of all models. Based on 178,817 MOT tests analyzed.

MOT defect breakdown

Defect Category % of Tests vs National Occurrences
tyres 115.02% — 7,445
suspension 90.17% — 6,383
tyres 87.29% — 8,721
brakes 76.23% — 4,483
lights 74.36% — 4,400
tyres 72.65% — 8,218
tyres 64.95% — 8,839
suspension 59.61% — 6,214

Failure rate by mileage

11.7%
0-40k
49,034 tests
21%
40-80k
73,102 tests
29.7%
80-120k
40,804 tests
33.7%
120k+
15,221 tests

Common problems

Problem Severity Typical Cost
Tyres issues High £50-£300
Suspension issues High £120-£800
Tyres issues High £50-£300

Data Source

DVSA MOT bulk data, 25409 tests analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2008-2013 Ford Focus is known for engine issues such as excessive oil consumption and timing belt problems. Repairs can be costly, often exceeding £500, depending on the extent of the damage.
The reliability of the 2008-2013 Ford Focus is concerning, with a MOT failure rate of 25.2%. This suggests that potential buyers should be cautious and consider a thorough inspection before purchasing.
Suspension issues in the Ford Focus can lead to repair costs ranging from £300 to £800, depending on whether components like shock absorbers or control arms need replacing. Regular maintenance can help mitigate these costs.
Yes, owners have reported frequent tyre wear issues, which can lead to premature replacements. It's advisable to regularly check tyre condition and alignment to avoid additional costs.
While the 2008-2013 Ford Focus offers good driving dynamics, its reliability concerns may deter potential buyers. If considering this model, ensure a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection and weigh the potential repair costs against the purchase price.