2011 Ford Focus
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 3686 |
| 2001 | 1761 |
| 2002 | 939 |
| 2003 | 977 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 441 |
| 2006 | 204 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3765 |
| 2013 | 2109 |
| 2014 | 2599 |
| 2015 | 1017 |
| 2016 | 1179 |
| 2017 | 895 |
| 2018 | 831 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
22% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
FORD FOCUS 2011, IGNITION KEY TUMBLER FAILURE, CAN NOT START CAR. TUMBLER IN IGNITION NOT WORKING, TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE AND REPROGRAM CAR, CAN ONLY BE DONE BY DEALER. CHECKED ON LINE, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, NO RECALL FOUND, WHY NOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171224
18% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
SEVERAL TIMES, MY BREAKS HAVE NOT RESPONDED WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, MY FOOT WILL BE TO THE GROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING. IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180627
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231114
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. A THROTTLE CONTROL/TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ALSO BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110509
15% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
14% of complaints: structure — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CPSC# I1250486A. 2010 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER STATED AS SHE WAS ENTERING THE CAR HER FOOT BECAME WEDGED BETWEEN THE PLASTIC CASING ON THE DOOR. *LN THE CONSUMER NEEDED HELP GETTING THE CASING OFF OF HER FOOT. SHE SUFFERED A MINOR INJURY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120605
Door latches inoperable. Cannot open from outside the vehicle. Passenger side front and both back doors. Back door passenger side door does not open from inside either.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240210
9% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
My car made grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic found a leak on Power Steering Pump & replaced it. My car has only 48,800 miles & there's a recall for Ford Trucks with the same problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240228
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Ford Focus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (17 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Ford Focus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Ford Focus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Focus?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Focus have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.