Ford Focus (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 20,441 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,674

£140/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1499cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1,674/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Diesel1499cc5 years old20,441 tests31k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1499cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,674

Per month£140/mo

Per week£32/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Ford brand average of 85%.

90% of MOT tests on Ford Focuss from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 20,441 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 30,768 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models2397th of 3,336(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models426th of 1,136(top half)

vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)

vs 2021 models average-2%(92% avg)

vs Ford average+5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

30,768

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 Ford Focus had 30,768 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2021 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+1%

Ford Kuga

2019 · 1997cc Diesel

£1,852/year

91%

+1%

Volkswagen Polo

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

-1%

Kia Sportage

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

-1%

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About the 2021 Ford Focus

The 2021 Ford Focus is a small family car. Our records list a 1499cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 20,441 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 30,768 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Focus owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2021 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 £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2021 Ford Focus?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,674 (£140/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Ford Focus 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.

Buying a Used 2021 Ford Focus

At 5 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 20,441 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Medium risk

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Low risk

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2021 Ford Focus stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Focus(2021)	90%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674
Mercedes A(2019)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674same
Ford Kuga(2019)	91%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852+£178
Volkswagen Polo(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£150
Kia Sportage(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2021 Ford Focus

Is the 2021 Ford Focus reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2021 Ford Focuss ended in a pass, from 20,441 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 Ford Focus cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,674 a year (£140 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Ford Focus?

90% of 20,441 MOT tests on the 2021 Ford Focus ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2397th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom half).

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% and the 1999 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2021 Ford Focus?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Ford Focus is 30,768 miles, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.