Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Ford Focus LW is known for (2011–2016), 7 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Smell for petrol around the rear after the drive, and listen for a loud whoosh when the fuel cap comes off.
Why it matters: A cracked fuel tank leaking fuel is a fire hazard and a tank replacement.
What to look for: Look for a flashing gear indicator, a failed start, or the engine revving without the car pulling.
Why it matters: Loss of drive at speed is a safety hazard, and a TCM replacement plus clutch relearn is the typical remedy.
What to look for: Ask for a Ford dealer VIN check on the driveshaft recall, and listen for a front clunk when pulling away briskly.
Why it matters: A fractured halfshaft means sudden loss of drive and possible damage to surrounding components.
What to look for: On the drive and when parking, feel for the steering suddenly going heavy or notchy, and watch for a steering warning.
Why it matters: Losing power steering assist suddenly, especially mid-corner or while parking, is a safety risk, and the usual fix reported is a replacement steering rack or control module.
What to look for: Close every door at normal force, then pull the outside handle to confirm it is fully latched.
Why it matters: A door that is not properly latched can open while driving, and a faulty switch in the same latch can also keep the interior light on and drain the battery.
What to look for: Drive away gently from a stop several times and in stop-start traffic, feeling for judder through the seat or clunky shifts.
Why it matters: This is the single most consequential buy-decision item on small Fords of this era: a regulator-litigated defect pattern, repeat clutch replacements, and a resale market that discounts it. The Federal Court ordered Ford to pay a $10 million penalty in April 2018 over how it handled these complaints.
What to look for: Press the carpet in both front footwells for dampness and smell for a sweet coolant smell inside.
Why it matters: Left alone the car can run low on coolant and overheat, and some shops quote a full heater matrix replacement with the dash removed, which is an expensive repair.
Got a question about a Ford Focus LW? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.