Below Average Reliability

2017 Ford Focus Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

3rd Generation (C346) · 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I4 / 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (ST) / 1.0L EcoBoost I3 · $9,000 - $13,500

Known Issues — 2017 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

1.0L EcoBoost with 6-speed manual: clutch can fracture and damage the transmission, with a fluid leak and fire risk

CRITICAL

Oil pump drive belt or tensioner can fail, losing oil pressure and stalling the engine

MODERATE

Engine block heater can crack and leak coolant, shorting out when plugged in (fire risk)

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
  • On a 1.0L manual, check the VIN for clutch recalls (18V845, 26V376) and ask whether the repair was redone
  • Check the VIN for the oil pump belt recall (23V905) and watch the oil-pressure warning light
  • Check the VIN for the block heater recall (26V011, 26V012) and do not plug in the heater until it is done

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
Transmission fluid (6-speed automatic)every 150,000 miles$120-$200

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