Last updated: 2026-08-24

2014 Ford Focus
RELIABILITY SCORE: 52/100 (MIXED)

2014 Ford Focus Reliability Report

The 2014 Ford Focus scores 52/100 ("Mixed"). With 14 recalls and 2651 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

14

Complaints

2651

Complaint Rate

120.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$569

Annual Fuel Cost

$1,900–$2,350

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity24/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact47/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity66/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (1542)
  • STEERING (227)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (172)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2014 received a third generation facelift update for the Third generation (C346).

  • Changes: Minor exterior updates; Enhanced technology integration.
  • Year 4 in this generation (2011–2018).
  • 3rd generation Focus (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

2011: Third generation (C346) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2014: This Model Year (Refresh)

2014 received a third generation facelift update for the Third generation (C346).

Should You Buy the 2014 Ford Focus?

A 52/100 score puts the 2014 Ford Focus in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2014 received a third generation facelift update for the Third generation (C346).

Complaint volume sits above average at 2651 owner complaints alongside 14 recalls. Issues in power train and power train (3084) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train and power train (3084) at the top of the inspection checklist.

Compared to the 2015 Ford Focus, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2013 Ford Focus for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (13%)
  • +Complaint rate in line with Sedan segment average (early data)

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • POWER TRAIN: Frequent issues with the 2014 Ford Focus transmission, particularly the... (1542 complaints)
  • STEERING: Sudden loss of power steering, grinding noises, and steering wheel stiffness (227 complaints)

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 14 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (1542)
  • STEERING (227)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

14

recalls on record

Park It

The 2014 Ford Focus has 14 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

120.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 120.7

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

69

Crashes

10

Fires

47

Injuries

1

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2014 Ford Focus Recall Details

14 recalls have been issued for the 2014 Ford Focus. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V3690002026-06-09

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.

Consequence

An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.

26V0110002026-01-15

EQUIPMENT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

20V3310002020-06-08

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Consequence

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

Showing 10 of 14 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2014 Ford Focus? Check its history first

Every 2014 Ford Focus has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2014 Ford Focus NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 11.6%

Safety Technologies

Rearview Video Systems (Optional)Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford FocusRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$569

vs $526 avg for compact cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Focus
$569
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Ford Focus Resale Value

The Ford Focus is estimated to retain about 48.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Ford Focus model overall and is not specific to the 2014 model year.

Value Retained
48.1%

after 5 years

Depreciation
51.9%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
329

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Ford Focus depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

26–32 MPG

Running cost: $2,450–$2,900/yr

Fuel + repair

23–28 city / 31–39 hwy MPG

Electric

76 mi range

Fuel cost: $700/yr

Fuel only

32 kWh/100mi · 3.6 hrs @ 240V

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2014 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Focus SFE FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM6)283932$1,900
Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM6)273630$2,050
Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)273630$2,050
Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM6)263630$2,050
Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)263630$2,050
Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 5-spd263529$2,100
Focus FWD FFV 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 5-spd263529$2,100
Focus FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd233126$2,350
Electric trims
TrimDriveTrans.RangekWh/100miFuel Cost
Focus ElectricFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)76 mi32.0$700

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2014 Ford Focus.

  • Inspect for transmission shudder during test drive

  • Check for accurate fuel gauge readings

  • Test power steering for smooth operation

  • Verify recall completion for Transmission Control Module

  • Ensure clutch and transmission engage smoothly

  • Check for any dashboard warning lights

  • Inspect for any unusual noises during acceleration

2014 Ford Focus Common Problems by Component

2651 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

1542
POWER TRAIN (1542)STEERING (227)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (172)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (161)ENGINE (141)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (112)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (65)FUEL SYSTEM (51)Other (180)

POWER TRAIN

1542 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2014 Ford Focus transmission, particularly the dual-clutch system. Common symptoms include shuddering, jerking, and slipping during gear changes, with some experiencing difficulty accelerating or the vehicle failing to respond to the accelerator pedal. These issues often manifest at low mileages, with some owners noting problems as early as 6,000 miles, and continue to occur at higher mileages. Safety implications are evident, with reports of crashes and injuries linked to sudden loss of propulsion, especially when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the potential for costly repairs.

1542 complaints total19 crashes3 fires10 injuries

STEERING

227 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the steering system of the 2014 Ford Focus, primarily involving sudden loss of power steering, grinding noises, and steering wheel stiffness. Complaints frequently mention the "Steering Assist Fault" warning message and describe situations where the steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver or fails to return to the center. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from approximately 32,000 to 167,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with 12 complaints involving crashes, 1 involving a fire, and 6 injuries reported, emphasizing the potential risk of loss of steering control. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these patterns and the associated safety risks.

227 complaints total12 crashes1 fire6 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

172 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring electrical system issues in the 2014 Ford Focus. Common symptoms include the engine failing to turn off, windshield wipers malfunctioning, and problems with the transmission such as jerking and stalling. Complaints frequently mention these issues occurring around 60,000 to 120,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with some complaints involving crashes, fires, and injuries. Used car buyers should be aware of potential electrical malfunctions that could affect vehicle operation and safety.

172 complaints total7 crashes1 fire9 injuries
ENGINE (141 complaints)

ENGINE

141 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2014 Ford Focus engine, with common symptoms including stalling while driving, engine failure, and the check engine light illuminating. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling at various speeds, from highway to city driving, and some describe the engine failing to restart immediately. These problems often arise around mileage ranges of 84,000 to 150,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with reports of crashes and fires, as well as instances where the vehicle suddenly loses motive power, posing risks during highway driving. Buyers considering a used 2014 Ford Focus should be aware of these potential engine issues and their implications for safety and reliability.

141 complaints total2 crashes4 fires3 injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (112 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

112 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2014 Ford Focus frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly involving the canister purge valve and fuel tank deformation. Common symptoms include stalling after refueling, difficulty starting, erratic fuel gauge readings, and the check engine light illuminating with codes such as P1450 and P0442. These issues often occur around 60,000 to 80,000 miles, with some owners experiencing them shortly after warranty expiration. Safety implications include potential vehicle stalling while driving, which can lead to loss of control, as evidenced by at least one reported crash. Buyers should be aware that while some units have been recalled for similar issues, others with identical symptoms are not covered, leading to out-of-pocket repair costs.

112 complaints total1 crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (65 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

65 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2014 Ford Focus frequently report issues with the transmission control module (TCM), leading to symptoms such as shuddering, loss of power, and difficulty in shifting gears. Complaints often describe the vehicle stalling or shutting down unexpectedly, particularly while driving, with some reports of the car failing to go into reverse unless restarted. These issues are commonly noted at various mileage points, with some owners experiencing problems as early as 31,400 miles. Safety implications are significant, with six incidents involving crashes due to loss of control or sudden stalling. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially since some owners report prolonged repair times due to parts availability.

65 complaints total6 crashes
STRUCTURE (44 complaints)

STRUCTURE

44 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2014 Ford Focus frequently report issues with door latches failing to secure, particularly affecting rear doors. Complaints describe symptoms such as doors swinging open unexpectedly or failing to latch, forcing some owners to use ropes or cords to keep doors closed while driving. These issues are often reported around 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Additionally, some complaints involve difficulty obtaining recall repairs due to parts availability or VIN exclusions, despite having similar latch problems. Safety implications are noted, including a crash and a fire incident, as well as reports of injuries, highlighting potential risks associated with these structural failures.

44 complaints total3 crashes1 fire5 injuries
AIR BAGS (18 complaints)

AIR BAGS

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2014 Ford Focus frequently report issues with airbag deployment failures during crashes, with 13 of 18 complaints involving accidents and eight injuries reported. Common symptoms include airbags failing to deploy during collisions at various speeds, with some reports noting that seat belts did not lock. In some cases, the airbag warning light illuminates intermittently, indicating potential electrical issues that affect deployment. These problems are noted across a wide range of mileages, from as low as 2,000 to over 84,000 miles. The described failures often result in significant vehicle damage and pose safety risks, highlighting a critical area of concern for potential buyers considering this model.

18 complaints total13 crashes8 injuries
SUSPENSION (15 complaints)

SUSPENSION

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2014 Ford Focus frequently report issues with the vehicle's suspension, particularly noting noises such as popping in the front end and sagging that leads to tire rubbing. These complaints often occur alongside transmission problems, with some owners mentioning a hesitation or jerking when accelerating, which has caused near accidents. The suspension issues are reported at various mileage points, with some noted around 44,000 miles. Safety implications are evident as at least two complaints involve crashes, although the direct link to suspension failures is not clear. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns as they consider the vehicle's reliability and potential repair needs.

15 complaints total2 crashes
SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

9 complaints

Owners of the 2014 Ford Focus frequently report issues related to the vehicle's braking system, particularly involving the ABS module and brake calipers. Common symptoms include illuminated ABS warning lights and grinding noises from the brakes, with some reports indicating faulty brake calipers. Complaints often mention these problems occurring around 30,000 to 90,000 miles. Safety implications are highlighted by one incident where a vehicle unexpectedly moved in reverse, resulting in an injury. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring brake-related issues and consider the potential for unresolved safety concerns.

9 complaints total1 injury

When Do 2014 Ford Focus Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

10,000–90,000 milesTransmission shudder
60,000–80,000 milesFuel system failures
25,000–32,000 milesSteering system failures

Best & Worst Ford Focus Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Focus Years to Buy

The best Ford Focus year is 2018 with a reliability score of 59/100, rated mixed. Other strong picks include 2015 (59/100) and 2017 (58/100).

Ford Focus Years to Avoid

No Ford Focus years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Ford Focus maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

Ford Focus Reliability Score Trend

Ford Focus reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 56/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Focus reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201354/100Mixed
201452/100Mixed
201559/100Mixed
201656/100Mixed
201758/100Mixed
201859/100Mixed

Ford Focus Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
201859/100+1Mixed7825
201758/100+2Mixed10897
201656/100-3Mixed111189
201559/100+7Mixed111027
2014(selected)52/100-2Mixed142651
201354/100Mixed122105

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2014 Ford Focus reliable?
The 2014 Ford Focus has a "Mixed" reliability rating (52/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 14 recalls and 2651 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Focus?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2014 Ford Focus include: POWER TRAIN (1542 complaints), STEERING (227 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (172 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (161 complaints), ENGINE (141 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2014 Ford Focus have?
The 2014 Ford Focus has 14 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2014 Ford Focus expensive to maintain?
The 2014 Ford Focus has estimated annual repair costs of $569/year, which is $43 more than the compact cars average of $526. Its reliability score of 52/100 and 2651 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2014 Ford Focus without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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