Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2017) reliability
Ford Focus Mk3 built around 2017: about average at the MOT
Ford Focus Mk3 models built around 2017 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Ford Focus Mk3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
17% of MOT tests on Ford Focus Mk3 models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 21% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Ford Focus Mk3 models built around 2017 involves the tyres.
Based on 613,028 tests of Focus models registered 2011-2017.
About 1 in 50 Focus Mk3 MOTs (2.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 77,844 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 20 Focus Mk3 MOTs (5.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).
Based on 77,844 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk3 fail rate by age
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 14 years old.
How the Focus Mk3 compares
At each age below, see how the Focus Mk3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 364,901 tests across 17 Ford models, built around 2017 (8 years old).
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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 Mk3.
- 1
Volkswagen up!
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96.7%
More still registered at 10 years: 97%, against 90% for the Ford Focus Mk3.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
15,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2017
- 2
DS 4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.7%
No clear edge over the Ford Focus Mk3 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,860 MOT tests on cars built around 2017
- 3
Suzuki Celerio
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.7%
- Dangerous
- 3.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.5%
Lower fail rate: 13.8%, against 17.1% for the Ford Focus Mk3, both built around 2017.
8,362 MOT tests on cars built around 2017
- 4
DS 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 26.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.9%
No clear edge over the Ford Focus Mk3 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
12,054 MOT tests on cars built around 2017
- 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
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 all8 of the 95 Focus Mk3 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 4 Critical
- 4 more
Top concerns
- Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture
- Clutch pressure plate may fracture
- The engine cylinder head may crack
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Focus Mk3 cars built around 2017
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 85 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2017 (8 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Focus tests (not specific to Mk3).
How Focus Mk3 cars have aged
How Focus Mk3 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.
How each part holds up as Mk3 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk3 cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2013-2016 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 car | 8 years | 9 years | 10 years | 11 years | 12 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 7% | 6% | 10% | 32% | 60% |
| Brakes | 11% | 14% | 17% | 20% | 23% |
| Emissions | 7% | 8% | 11% | 12% | 16% |
| Tyres | 35% | 28% | 34% | 37% | 36% |
| Lighting | 7% | 13% | 18% | 27% | 34% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | 1% | 1% | 2% | 3% |
| Bodywork | No figure | No figure | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 1% | 3% | 5% | 7% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2013-2016 build-year band, from 85 to 3,415 cars at each age.
Mk3 variants compared
Focus Mk3 variants built around 2017
The fail rate for each Focus Mk3 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- FOCUS15.9%48,645 tests
Diesel
- FOCUS19.1%29,162 tests
Most common issues on Ford Focuses of this age
This list covers every Ford Focus built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 120.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.1%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 39.2%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 47.1%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 54.9%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 77,844 tests
Looking at a Ford Focus Mk3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2017) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 77,844 8-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.