Research · Compact Cars
2010 Ford FocusRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 287 owner complaints for the 2010 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (50) and power train (45). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
287
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2010 Ford Focus as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
287 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2010 – Jun 2026
- Vehicle speed control50
- Power train45
- Electrical system43
- Engine42
- Latches/locks/linkages31
- Structure24
- Suspension19
- Fuel/propulsion system17
- Wheels15
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,738 |
| 2001 | 1,790 |
| 2002 | 1,014 |
| 2003 | 1,017 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 441 |
| 2006 | 205 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3,803 |
| 2013 | 2,157 |
| 2014 | 2,661 |
| 2015 | 1,034 |
| 2016 | 1,196 |
| 2017 | 906 |
| 2018 | 838 |
- Crashes reported
- 22
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 19
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Vehicle speed control
50 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AND HESITATED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.”
Power train
45 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while leaving the parking lot and attempting to shift into reverse(R), the gear shifter failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,264.”
Electrical system
43 reports1 fire
“I WENT TO USE MY KEYLESS ENTRY AND IT WOULDN'T WORK I ASSUMED IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I CHANGED IT STILL DOESN'T WORK.SO I WAS HAVING TO UNLOCK IT BY THE KEY. I WENT TO UNLOCK MY CAR AND THE KEY WOULD ONLY TURN HALF WAY SO I HAD TO CALL A LOCK SMITH TO UNLOCK MY CAR. NOW I CANT OPEN MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE NOR CAN I LOCK MY CAR PERIOD THE LOCK BUTTON DOESN'T UNLOCK ALL THE LOCKS SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T UNLOCK ANY AND THE TWO BACK DOORS WONT EVEN OPEN HALF THE TIME EITHER”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus FWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| Focus FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Ford Focus as of Nov 10, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2010 Focus questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Focus have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2010 Ford Focus problems?
Owners filed 287 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (50), power train (45), electrical system (43). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Ford Focus get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Ford Focus at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026