2011 Ford Focus problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2011 Ford Focus is among the quieter years of the Focus on NHTSA's books: 157 complaints (86% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (28), transmission (20), and latches & locks (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
157
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
17
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other Focus years?
What are the most common 2011 Ford Focus problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 28 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 20 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 17 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 16 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Other | 12 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 10 | 6% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 9 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“UPON ENTERING A SCHOOL ZONE AND DECELERATING TO 35 MPH, WHILE ENTERING INTO A LEFT CURVE THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP PREVENTING THE TURN INTO THE CURVE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF THE ROAD AND HITTING A ROAD SIGN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER MIRROR AND RIGHT REAR DOOR AND QUARTER…”
“SEVERAL TIMES, MY BREAKS HAVE NOT RESPONDED WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, MY FOOT WILL BE TO THE GROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING. IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS ON ALL FOUR DOORS MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOCKING MECHANISMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.…”
“THE BACK DOORS WOULD POP OPEN OFTEN, NOW WE HAVE TO KEEP THE PASS, SIDE DOOR IN THE BACK LOCKED BECAUSE IF WE USE IT WONT STAY CLOSED.AND NOW THE PASS, SIDE DOOR IN THE FRONT WONT UNLOCK. WE HAD IT CHECKED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY GREASED IT.ONE THING THAT ALSO HAPPENED WAS THE PAINT WAS…”
“MY HUSBAND HAD RETURNED FROM THE STORE AND PULLED UP INTO OUR SLIGHTLY ANGLED DRIVEWAY, HE WAS CHECKING HIS RECEIPT FOR AN ERROR AND THOUGHT HE HAD THE CAR IN PARK. HE GOT OUT TO CARRY SOME BAGS UP TO THE PORCH AND WHEN HE RETURNED HE NOTICED THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. HE REACHED IN TO TURN THE CAR…”
2011 Ford Focus — common questions
Is the 2011 Ford Focus reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 157 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Focus year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2011 Focus problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (28 complaints), transmission (20 complaints), latches & locks (17 complaints).
Does the 2011 Ford Focus have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Focus.
Which Ford Focus years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Focus years to avoid are 2000, 2012, 2014, 2013, 2001, 2016, 2015, 2017, 2018. The cleanest record among Focus years belongs to 1999.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.