Known APK problem

Ford Focus III: exhaust and emissions

On the Ford Focus III the APK inspector finds exhaust and emissions problems 90% more often than on cars of the same age: at 11–12 years 0.8%, against about 0.4% nationally.

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

What is it?

A leaking exhaust, high emissions or problems with the catalytic converter or particulate filter.

Repair indication: mediuma targeted repair at the garage.

How to check it at the viewing

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the exhaust, catalytic converter or particulate filter?

By age

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

Age	Type	Focus III	95%-CI	National	Difference	n
7 – 8 years	A	0.5%	0.4 – 0.6%	0.2%	2.3×	10,043
7 – 8 years	B	0.3%	0.2 – 0.4%	0.5%	0.6×	10,043
9 – 10 years	A	0.6%	0.5 – 0.7%	0.3%	1.9×	13,017
9 – 10 years	B	0.5%	0.4 – 0.7%	0.8%	0.6×	13,017
11 – 12 years	A	0.8%	0.7 – 1.0%	0.4%	1.9×	13,611
11 – 12 years	B	1.4%	1.2 – 1.6%	1.4%	1.0×	13,611
13 – 15 years	A	0.6%	0.5 – 0.7%	0.5%	1.3×	14,526
13 – 15 years	B	1.4%	1.2 – 1.6%	2.8%	0.5×	14,526

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 11–12 years

Model	Exhaust and emissions	Vs. national
Ford Focus III	0.8%	1.9×
Audi A3 (8V)	0.4%	0.9×
Volkswagen Golf VII	0.2%	0.5×
SEAT Leon III	0.3%	0.7×
Peugeot 308 II	0.8%	1.8×
Volkswagen Golf VI	0.8%	0.6×

Looking at a Ford Focus III? Check that car

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

All weak spots of the Ford Focus III · Exhaust and emissions: which models more often · Checklist for this model

Frequently asked questions

Does the Ford Focus III often have exhaust and emissions problems?

Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 11–12 years the inspector found a exhaust and emissions defect on 0.8% of inspected Ford Focus IIIs, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (1.9×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

How do you check the exhaust and emissions on a used Ford Focus III?

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

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