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Ford Focus Mk2 (2005-2010) reliability

At a glance

Ford Focus Mk2 built around 2010: about average at the MOT

Ford Focus Mk2 models built around 2010 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Ford Focus Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Ford Focus Mk2 models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ford Focus Mk2 models built around 2010 involves the suspension.

Ford Focus Mk2
average reliability2005-2010HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 303,750 tests of Focus models registered 2005-2010.

About 1 in 15 Focus Mk2 MOTs (6.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 74,402 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Focus Mk2 MOTs (8.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 74,402 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
27,62531.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
74,40231.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
59,22731.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
52,71731.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
43,74431.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
31,29331.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
14,74232.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the Focus Mk2 compares

At each age below, see how the Focus Mk2 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 282,080 tests across 11 Ford models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFord average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
27,62531.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
74,40231.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
59,22731.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
52,71731.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
43,74431.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
31,29331.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
14,74232.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Focus Mk2.

  1. 1

    Toyota IQ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    4.4%

    Lower fail rate: 22.3%, against 31.1% for the Ford Focus Mk2, both built around 2010.

    6,492 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Renault Modus

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.4%

    No clear edge over the Ford Focus Mk2 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,603 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Nissan Pixo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.3%
    Dangerous
    6.1%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 31.1% for the Ford Focus Mk2, both built around 2010.

    5,341 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Nissan Micra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.8%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 5.5%, against 8.7% for the Ford Focus Mk2.

    23,011 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

90%of all Ford Focus cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

95 recalls in all

12 of the 95 Focus Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 7 more

Top concerns

  • The engine cylinder head may crack
  • Fire may occur
  • Risk of fire

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Focus Mk2 cars built around 2010

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 4,720 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
65%
Emissions
26%
Drivetrain
14%
Bodywork
4%
Steering
4%

Wear items

Lighting
63%
Tyres
57%
Brakes
39%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 25% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2010 (15 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Focus tests (not specific to Mk2).

1.4 to 2.0 litres31.3%53,213 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres17.2%3,616 tests
How Focus Mk2 cars have aged

How Focus Mk2 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (56,954 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (54,733 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (51,347 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (46,892 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (42,349 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (57,933 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (53,434 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (48,807 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (42,701 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (36,581 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (59,619 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (52,818 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (46,460 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (39,229 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (32,380 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (60,565 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (51,123 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (43,177 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (34,679 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (27,598 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (49,558 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (40,624 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (33,091 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (25,893 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (20,116 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (42,999 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (33,397 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (26,205 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (19,680 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (14,742 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as Mk2 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension65%66%61%67%
Brakes39%42%42%52%
Emissions26%26%26%28%
Tyres57%59%58%60%
Lighting63%64%63%64%
Drivetrain14%12%8%6%
Bodywork4%3%5%7%
Steering4%6%6%10%
Corrosion25%24%24%26%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 4,720 to 6,941 cars at each age.

Mk2 variants compared

Focus Mk2 variants built around 2010

The fail rate for each Focus Mk2 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FOCUS30.4%56,727 tests

Diesel

  • FOCUS33.4%17,471 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Ford Focuses of this age

This list covers every Ford Focus built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    26.6%
    Advisory: 26,419Fail: 6,362 (19% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    26.6%
    Advisory: 27,904Fail: 2,323 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    15.5%
    Advisory: 21,564Fail: 344 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    13.4%
    Advisory: 12,177Fail: 2,920 (19% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.4%
    Advisory: 10,954Fail: 2,919 (21% of the times it was found)

Based on 74,402 tests

Looking at a Ford Focus Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Ford Focus Mk2 (2005-2010) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 74,402 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 303,750 MOT tests on Ford Focuses first registered between 2005-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.