Known APK problem

Ford Focus II: engine and drivetrain

On the Ford Focus II the APK inspector finds engine and drivetrain problems 2.1× as often as on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 0.8%, against about 0.4% nationally.

Illustration Ford Focus II

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

What is it?

Defects in the engine, gearbox or engine mounts.

Repair indication: largea substantial repair; have a garage look first.

How to check it at the viewing

Start cold and listen for ticking, watch for smoke and jerks when shifting.

Ask the seller: When was the timing belt or chain last replaced, and have there been engine or gearbox problems?

By age

Share of inspected Ford Focus IIs with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.

AgeTypeFocus II95%-CINationalDifferencen
13 – 15 yearsB0.8%0.6 – 1.1%0.4%2.1×5,832
16+ yearsB0.9%0.8 – 1.0%0.9%1.0×28,291

A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.

Comparable cars at 13–15 years

ModelEngine and drivetrainVs. national
Ford Focus II0.8%2.1×
Opel Astra J0.4%1.1×
MINI Mini R56/R550.3%0.8×
Nissan Pixo0.5%1.2×

Looking at a Ford Focus II? Check that car

Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Ford Focus IIs of the same age.

All weak spots of the Ford Focus II · Engine and drivetrain: which models more often · Checklist for this model

Frequently asked questions

Does the Ford Focus II often have engine and drivetrain problems?

Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a engine and drivetrain defect on 0.8% of inspected Ford Focus IIs, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (2.1×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

How do you check the engine and drivetrain on a used Ford Focus II?

Start cold and listen for ticking, watch for smoke and jerks when shifting.

Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know