Is the 2021 FORD FOCUS reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of FORD FOCUSs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 20,441 tests. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2021 FORD FOCUS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), including £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 FORD FOCUS?

The 2021 FORD FOCUS has a 90% MOT pass rate based on 20,441 tests in 2026. This ranks 2429 out of 3373 cars from 2021.

Which year FORD FOCUS is most reliable?

The 2022 FORD FOCUS has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 1999 at 65%.

What is the average mileage for a 2021 FORD FOCUS?

The average mileage for a 2021 FORD FOCUS is 30,768 miles, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

FORD FOCUS (2021)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 20,441 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,355

£113/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£195

Flat rate/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1499cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1355/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

£905

Road Tax

Flat rate (post-2017)

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,355

Per month£113/mo

Per week£26/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 5 years old, 90% of FORD FOCUSs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 20,441 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 30,768 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 cars2429th of 3,373(top 72%)

Rank among FORD models428th of 1,167(top 37%)

vs national average+8%(82% avg)

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

vs FORD average+5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

30,768

Average miles

37,000

Expected for age

The average 2021 FORD FOCUS has 30,768 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2021 sits between the two at 90%.

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

£1,350/year

91%

+1%

FORD KUGA

2019 · 1997cc Diesel

£1,482/year

91%

+1%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,500/year

89%

-1%

KIA SPORTAGE

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,500/year

89%

-1%

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About the 2021 FORD FOCUS

The 2021 FORD FOCUS is a small family car with a 1499cc diesel engine. 20,441 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 30,768 miles at 5 years old, FORD FOCUS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

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 £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 2021 FORD FOCUS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.

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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 20,441 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2021 FORD FOCUS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD FOCUS(2021)	90%	£905	£195	Grp 12-25	£1355
MERCEDES A(2019)	91%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1350-£5
FORD KUGA(2019)	91%	£1037	£190	Grp 18-32	£1482+£127
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019)	89%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1500+£145
KIA SPORTAGE(2019)	89%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1500+£145

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.