2019 Ford Focus: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2019 Ford Focuss, from 53,319 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2019 Ford Focuss than on all cars registered in 2019.
- Brake pads1.6× usualFord Focus18.2% All 2019 cars11.1%Rough price £80–£180
At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Track rod end3.6× usualFord Focus4.3% All 2019 cars1.2%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
By area
The share of 2019 Ford Focus MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes24% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics8% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension7% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Timing belt that runs in oil (1.0 EcoBoost)1.0 EcoBoost petrol
The 1.0 EcoBoost’s timing belt sits in the engine oil. Missed or wrong-spec oil changes can make it break down and block the oil pickup, which can wreck the engine.
At the viewing: Ask for a full service history with regular oil changes, and whether the timing belt has been changed when due.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,521 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 30,344 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 47,246 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 63,270 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 63,324 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 74,174 | Tyres 35% |
| 2014 | 72,213 | Tyres 36% |
| 2013 | 70,325 | Tyres 36% |
| 2012 | 64,331 | Suspension 40% |
| 2011 | 59,423 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 49,593 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 48,664 | Suspension 51% |
| 2008 | 39,015 | Suspension 54% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2019 Ford Focuss registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score