Ford Focus II (DA3) (2004 – 2011)

Reliability score : 7.2/10

The second-generation Ford Focus (DA3), launched in late 2004 and facelifted in early 2008 (adopting the Kinetic Design), is based on the excellent C1 platform developed jointly with Mazda (Mazda 3) and Volvo (S40/V50/C30). It established itself as the benchmark in its category for road handling, offering an exceptional comfort/handling compromise thanks to its Control Blade multi-link rear suspension. Mechanically, this generation saw the massive integration of diesel engines from the PSA/Ford partnership (1.6 and 2.0 TDCi), alongside the 100% Ford 1.8 TDCi block. While the dynamic qualities and interior space are undeniable, overall reliability varies greatly depending on the engine chosen, with the 1.6 TDCi 109 hp alone accounting for a large proportion of the serious failures of this m

✅ Strengths

Exceptional chassis: precise steering and comfort/handling compromise
Interior space and boot volume (396 litres) among the best of its generation
Reliability of petrol engines (1.6 100 hp and 2.0 145 hp leading the way)
Enjoyment and robustness of the 2.0 TDCi 136 hp
Availability of very economical original Flexifuel (E85) versions
Cost of spare parts and ease of maintenance (excluding 1.6 TDCi)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous reliability of the 1.6 TDCi 109 hp (turbo, injectors, DPF)
Endemic problem of instrument cluster (dashboard) solders on all versions
Imperfect sound insulation (road and aerodynamic noise on the motorway)
Average interior plastic quality and assembly before the 2008 facelift
Fragile dual-mass flywheels on diesels (1.8 and 2.0 TDCi)
Electro-hydraulic power steering pump (EHPAS) prone to leaks or failures

🎯 Verdict

The Ford Focus II is a car with two faces. Featuring a brilliant chassis and excellent interior space, it makes a very smart purchase in its petrol version (especially the 1.6 100 hp blocks or Flexifuel versions) or with the robust 2.0 TDCi diesel. However, the very common 1.6 TDCi 109 hp is a real source of trouble that has ruined the model's reputation; it is to be avoided unless it has been scrupulously made reliable. Whatever the model, budget for the inevitable repair of the instrument cluster solders. This is a vehicle to NEGOTIATE with caution, exclusively targeting the good engine options.

Common issues

Défaillance du turbocompresseur (particulièrement sur 1.6 TDCi) High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 000 – 2 000 €

Vérifier historique d'entretien, vidanges régulières avec huile de qualité.

Encrassage du FAP et/ou de la vanne EGR Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 1 200 €

Privilégier trajets longs, éviter la conduite urbaine excessive.

Usure prématurée du volant moteur bi-masse et de l'embrayage Medium

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 1 200 – 2 000 €

Tester l'embrayage, écouter bruits anormaux au ralenti ou au démarrage.

Fuite ou défaillance des injecteurs diesel Medium

🔧 150 000 – 250 000 km

💶 300 – 700 € par injecteur

Surveiller consommation, fumée, et démarrage difficile.

Défaillance de la pompe de direction assistée électro-hydraulique Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 600 – 1 200 €

Vérifier l'assistance de direction, écouter bruits anormaux.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing belt	£500 – 1 000
Clutch	£1 000 – 1 700
Complete brakes	£300 – 600
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.