Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford Focus, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 14 | 12% |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 10% |
| Electrical system | 10 | 9% |
| Structure | 9 | 8% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 8 | 7% |
| Steering | 6 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 5% |
| Wheels | 5 | 4% |
| Air bags | 3 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Forcus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and instead turned in the opposite direction. The vehicle was
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I hit an animal in my way to work as I reported the accident to my insurance company they were going to cover the parts and have it towed to my choice as it was however the professional car shop wasn't able to fix the an
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
My car made grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic found a leak on Power Steering Pump & replaced it. My car has only 48,800 miles & there's a recall for Ford Trucks with the same problem.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Door latches inoperable. Cannot open from outside the vehicle. Passenger side front and both back doors. Back door passenger side door does not open from inside either. Had to pay $373 to Ford dealer to replace driver do
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking and there was an abnormal sou
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side and both the rear driver’s and passenger’s side doors failed to open. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door was able t
NHTSA complaint: Latches/locks/linkages
The lug nuts are corroded and we are unable to remove them for tire rotation.
NHTSA complaint: Wheels
| Reliability raw | 69 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 73 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 97 | excellent |
| Performance | 45 | below average |
| Efficiency | 50 | average |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 14 of them (12%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 69/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 73/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 72/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.