FORD FOCUS (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 82,066 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
82,066
Avg Mileage
47,654 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,500
Is the 2018 FORD FOCUS reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 6 years old, 89% of FORD FOCUSs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 82,066 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 47,654 miles.
How does the 2018 FORD FOCUS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 FORD FOCUS has 47,654 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a FORD FOCUS?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 2018 FORD FOCUS cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD FOCUS by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific FORD FOCUS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 FORD FOCUS
The 2018 FORD FOCUS is a small family car with a 1499cc diesel engine. 82,066 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 47,654 miles at 6 years old, FORD FOCUS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 FORD FOCUS Fuel Costs
The 1499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2018 FORD FOCUS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,500 (£125/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD FOCUS Reliability Trend
Newer FORD FOCUSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 FORD FOCUS
At 6 years old, the FORD FOCUS offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 82,066 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 FORD FOCUS
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (+2%) from 127,682 tests
- MERCEDES A (2019) 91% pass rate (+2%) from 89,588 tests
- MERCEDES A-CLASS (2017) 88% pass rate (-1%) from 82,055 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2017) 81% pass rate (-8%) from 80,031 tests