Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018): known problems and buying guide

Avoid petrol cars with the dry PowerShift. Then check the EcoBoost cooling recall, power steering, suspension and timing belt history.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.0 EcoBoost, 125 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€432	€6,990	653	Petrol	M1DF	Manual (6)	2014–2018
1.5 TDCi, 120 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€409	€6,900	382	Diesel	XWDE	Manual (6)	2014–2018
1.0 EcoBoost, 100 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€420	€6,299	284	Petrol	M2DC, SFDB	Manual (5)	2014–2018
1.5 EcoBoost, 150 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€467	€8,490	190	Petrol	M8DE	Manual (6)	2014–2018
1.5 TDCi, 120 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research	€389	€7,200	147	Diesel	XWDE	Automatic (dual-clutch) (6)	2014–2018
2.0 EcoBoost, 250 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€525	€13,990	133	Petrol / Petrol (98)	R9DC	Manual (6)	2014–2018
1.0 EcoBoost, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€438	€9,497	92	Petrol	M1DH	Manual (6)	2017–2018
1.5 TDCi, 95 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€403	€6,500	89	Diesel	XXDD	Manual (6)	2014–2018
1.0 EcoBoost, 125 PS, 6-speed automatic Research	€438	€9,190	78	Petrol	M1DF	Automatic (6)	2015–2018
1.5 EcoBoost, 182 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€475	€9,100	76	Petrol	M9DH	Manual (6)	2014–2018
RS, 350 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research	€633	€29,900	75	Petrol (98)	YVDA	Manual (6)	2016–2018
1.5 EcoBoost, 150 PS, 6-speed automatic Research	€458	€10,240	73	Petrol	M8DE	Automatic (6)	2014–2018
2.0 TDCi, 150 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research	€438	€6,000	66	Diesel	T7DB	Automatic (dual-clutch) (6)	2014–2018
2.0 TDCi, 150 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€447	€7,499	54	Diesel	T7DB	Manual (6)	2014–2018

Show all 14 variants

Most common: the dry PowerShift automatic on petrol cars shudders and wears its clutch, EcoBoost engines have cooling faults, and power steering can fail.
Reliability: 2/5, because the dry PowerShift and EcoBoost cooling faults are costly.
DIY: 2/5, because clutch, cooling and steering repairs need a garage. Lights, door seals and basic checks are simple.
Prefer: a 1.6 EcoBoost with proof that the coolant-sensor recall work was done. Avoid: a petrol car with the dry PowerShift that shudders when it pulls away.

1.0 EcoBoost petrol (125 PS): see the 1.0 EcoBoost guide.
1.5 EcoBoost petrol: hairline cracks in the cylinder block can cause total engine failure.
1.6 EcoBoost petrol: poor cooling can overheat the engine, and the cylinder head can crack.
1.6 Ti-VCT petrol (naturally aspirated): cam adjusters (phasers, which vary valve timing) fail.
Dry PowerShift (DPS6, also called 6DCT250): six-speed automatic with a dry clutch. Petrol cars only.
Wet PowerShift (6DCT450): the gearbox in the 2.0 TDCi diesel. It is a different gearbox from the dry one.
1.5 and 1.6 TDCi diesel: diesel particulate filter (DPF, which traps soot) problems.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Dry PowerShift clutch shudder	Petrol cars with the dry PowerShift	Not stated	No confirmed price
Electric power steering faults	Cars with electric power steering	About 100,000 km and up	No confirmed price
Wet PowerShift clutch basket	2.0 TDCi with the wet PowerShift	Not stated	No confirmed price
EcoBoost cooling, head and block cracks	1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost petrol	Not stated	No confirmed price
Clutch on EcoBoost manuals	Manual EcoBoost petrol cars	Not stated	500 to 1,350 EUR, Germany, year not stated
Diesel particulate filter	1.5 and 1.6 TDCi diesel	Not stated	No confirmed price
Suspension springs, dampers and mounts	All	Not stated	No confirmed price
1.6 Ti-VCT cam adjuster and phaser problems	1.6 Ti-VCT petrol	Not stated	No confirmed price

Drive the car from rest and in traffic. Shudder or jerky shifts point to the dry PowerShift clutch.
Look for a power steering warning, and check the steering on full lock.
On a 2.0 TDCi, ask about shifting faults and clutch work. Plastic spacers in the clutch basket can break.
Check the coolant level and ask about overheating. Ask for proof that the coolant-sensor recall work was done.
On a 1.0 EcoBoost, the timing belt runs in oil. Ask for the change record and the oil used.
On a manual, test the clutch uphill and under hard acceleration. Ask whether the clutch pressure plate recall work was done.
Ask about diesel particulate filter work, and check for filter or engine warning lights.
Check the springs, shock absorbers, axle mounts, lights and exhaust. German inspections flag springs, dampers and lights, and exhausts rust with age.
Check the starter, alternator, battery and coolant or heater hoses. German sources list these as common breakdown causes.
Check the door seals. They can come loose.

Operational	€150
Workshop	€151
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€128
Total per month	€429
New-car depreciation (not included)	€65

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.