Below Average Reliability

2014 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

3rd Generation (C346) · 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I4 / 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (ST) · $5,500 - $9,500

Known Issues — 2014 Ford Focus

CRITICAL

PowerShift dual-clutch automatic (DPS6): shudder, hesitation, harsh or failed shifts and clutch wear

CRITICAL

Canister purge valve can fail and stall the engine without warning, with no restart

CRITICAL

Door latch component can break so a door does not latch, or looks latched when it is not

CRITICAL

Some August 2014 builds have incorrectly assembled steering gears that can impair steering

CRITICAL

Some May 2014 builds have a fuel delivery module that can crack and lower fuel pressure, stalling the engine

What to Inspect

  • Drive from a stop and through low-speed stop-and-go on a warm transmission; shudder, lag or a jerk on take-off is the PowerShift fault
  • Check the VIN for the canister purge valve recall (18V735, 19V515, 26V369) and ask for proof the PCM update and valve repair were done
  • Confirm the door latch recalls were done, then check that every door latches with one firm push
  • Check the VIN for the steering gear recall (14V514) and feel for loose or notchy steering
  • Check the VIN for the fuel delivery module recall (14V525); look for hard starting or stalling

Maintenance costs to expect

ServiceIntervalCost
Oil changeevery 10,000 miles or 12 months$50-$80
Tire rotationevery 10,000 miles or 12 months$25-$50
Cabin air filterevery 20,000 miles$15-$30
Engine air filterevery 30,000 miles$20-$40
Spark plugsevery 100,000 miles$80-$150
Engine coolantat 100,000 miles or 72 months, then every 50,000 miles or 36 months$100-$180
Dual-clutch transmission fluid (PowerShift)every 150,000 miles$150-$300
Manual transmission fluidevery 150,000 miles$80-$150

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