Ford Focus

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 25 model years from 1,667,318 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

77%

Total Tests

1,667,318

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (91%)

Years Covered

About the Ford Focus

The Ford Focus was MOT tested 1,667,318 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 25 model years (1998 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 77%. That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 58,336 tests. The 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. With a 26 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Focuss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 105,722 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 23,275 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Ford brand average of 85%, the Focus is 8 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Ford models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 999cc)

£1,177

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,632

Per month£136/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the Ford Focus?

vs average of all models-5% (82% avg)

vs Ford brand average-8% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread26 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Ford Focus by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	92%	810	23,275 mi
2021	90%	20,441	30,768 mi
2020	91%	58,336	35,324 mi
2019	89%	93,803	41,996 mi
2018	89%	82,066	47,654 mi
2017	89%	109,241	57,591 mi
2016	87%	109,880	66,788 mi
2015	85%	129,337	75,436 mi
2014	80%	131,119	83,264 mi
2013	78%	132,292	90,803 mi
2012	78%	123,008	97,038 mi
2011	75%	115,331	103,292 mi
2010	75%	101,132	104,468 mi
2009	74%	105,193	105,899 mi
2008	73%	90,659	109,505 mi
2007	73%	77,121	108,772 mi
2006	73%	56,257	109,516 mi
2005	71%	41,794	108,237 mi
2004	69%	29,927	105,988 mi
2003	68%	22,313	99,363 mi
2002	69%	17,885	103,596 mi
2001	68%	10,188	105,162 mi
2000	67%	4,627	104,538 mi
1999	65%	4,250	109,114 mi
1998	66%	308	105,722 mi

Questions about the Ford Focus

Is the Ford Focus reliable?

Across its 25 model years in our data (1998 to 2022), the Ford Focus averages a 77% MOT pass rate, from 1,667,318 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year Ford Focus has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford Focus has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%, a 26 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.