2011 Ford FocusRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 113 owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve electrical system (25) and power train (20). The EPA rates it 28–29 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system25
- Power train20
- Latches/locks/linkages17
- Structure14
- Steering10
- Vehicle speed control9
- Wheels6
- Air bags6
- Suspension5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
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
- 8
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 10
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Electrical system
“MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”
Power train
“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 sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle, the engine was still running and attempted to shift into reverse(R), but the vehicle would not shift into reverse(R). The contact was able to shift into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had been informed by the mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.”
Latches/locks/linkages
“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 to open by lowering the window and manually opening the door from the exterior door handle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front passenger’s and rear driver’s side door latches to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear driver’s side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,150 | 306 |
| Focus FWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| 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
2011 Focus questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Focus have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Ford Focus problems?
Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (25), power train (20), latches/locks/linkages (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Ford Focus get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Ford Focus at 28–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).