Research · Compact Cars

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.

Combined MPG
28–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
113
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Ford Focus as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

113 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2011 – May 2026
  1. Electrical system25
  2. Power train20
  3. Latches/locks/linkages17
  4. Structure14
  5. Steering10
  6. Vehicle speed control9
  7. Wheels6
  8. Air bags6
  9. Suspension5

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 yearNHTSA complaints
20003,738
20011,790
20021,014
20031,017
2004387
2005441
2006205
2007391
2008250
2009229
2010287
2011113
20123,803
20132,157
20142,661
20151,034
20161,196
2017906
2018838
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

25 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2019Electrical system, Electronic stability control (esc), Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11235292

Power train

20 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2023Power trainODI 11555145

Latches/locks/linkages

17 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2023Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11510988
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Focus FWD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253429$2,150306
Focus FWD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,200317
  • Focus FWD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    25 city · 34 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Focus FWD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    25 city · 33 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Ford Focus as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 164Vehicle 163
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

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).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026