An affordable hot hatch that punches well above its weight. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine is generally reliable with a timing chain (no belt changes), but avoid LSPI damage by never flooring it in high gear at low RPM. Main concerns: clutch wear on modified cars, electric power steering rack failures, rear wheelarch rust, and the fuel tank purge valve recall. Pre-facelift cars (2012-2014) had wiring loom issues causing rough idle. High theft target - invest in security. Manual gearbox examples are bulletproof; avoid if heavily modified without supporting upgrades.
Sudden loss of power steering assistance while driving · more· less
The Mk3 Focus uses an electric power steering rack that has a high failure rate compared to other vehicles. Symptoms include complete sudden loss of power assistance, intermittent failures on startup, or heavy steering at motorway speeds. The rack cannot be economically repaired - replacement is required. A reconditioned unit costs approximately €800 plus labor; new OEM units are significantly more. The subframe must be dropped for access, making this a 4-6 hour job. Different rack versions exist by model year, so ensure correct part sourcing.
Clutch wear/failure€700 - €1,100
Stock clutch limited to ~300hp; slips under hard acceleration · more· less
The OEM clutch is adequate for stock power but is the first failure point on modified cars. Even stock cars driven hard will wear the clutch faster. Test by accelerating hard from 2,000rpm in 3rd or 4th gear - if revs rise without corresponding speed increase, the clutch is slipping. Parts cost €450-700 (OEM or uprated), labor is approximately 4-6 hours. The dual-mass flywheel should be inspected during clutch replacement; if worn, budget an additional €300-500.
Rear wheelarch rust€300 - €800
Paint bubbling where rear bumper meets wheelarch - very common · more· less
This is one of the most common issues on the Mk3 Focus ST. Rust develops where the rear bumper rubs against the wheelarch, causing paint to bubble and eventually perforate. Ford does not honor the anti-perforation warranty for this specific area. Repair costs €300-400 per arch for proper rust treatment and respray. Left untreated, it spreads and becomes more expensive. Check both sides carefully - affected cars are very common.
Canister purge valve (CPV) malfunction€150 - €700
Causes stalling, erratic idle, fuel gauge issues, deformed fuel tank · more· less
This is a major recall issue (18S32) affecting 2012-2018 Focus models with the 2.0L EcoBoost. A faulty purge valve in the EVAP system can remain open when it shouldn't, sending liquid fuel into the system and potentially collapsing the fuel tank from excess vacuum. Symptoms include stalling, erratic idle, and rapidly changing fuel gauge readings. The fix involves a PCM reprogram and CPV replacement. If the tank is deformed, full repair costs can reach €700+. Verify recall completion before purchase.
Piston damage from full throttle at low RPM in high gear · more· less
Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) can cause catastrophic ringland failure in the EcoBoost engine. It occurs when demanding full boost below 3,000 RPM in 5th or 6th gear. The engine can be destroyed by a single LSPI event under certain conditions. Prevention: never floor it in high gear at low RPM; downshift first. Use quality synthetic oil (SP rated). Carbon buildup increases risk - consider walnut blasting at high mileage. A forged engine rebuild costs €4,000-6,000. This is rare on properly driven stock cars but explains many "mysterious" engine failures.
Pre-facelift cars (2012-2014) have a known issue with a wiring splice near the throttle body. Symptoms include poor idling with revs swinging between 400-1,300rpm, random stalling, and warning lights. US cars were recalled; UK/European cars were often ignored. The repair involves locating and fixing the faulty splice in the underbonnet wiring loom. Some specialists can fix this for €200-300; dealer diagnosis and repair can reach €500. Verify if remedial work was completed on pre-facelift cars.
Turbo bypass/diverter valve failure€150 - €300
Diaphragm ruptures from heat, causes boost leaks and turbo damage · more· less
The OEM bypass valve sits directly on the compressor housing where it's exposed to extreme heat. The diaphragm can rupture, causing boost leaks. If undetected, the ECU compensates by increasing turbo speed, potentially damaging the turbo. Symptoms include loss of power, boost-related fault codes, and hissing sounds. Many owners proactively upgrade to aftermarket units (GFB DV+, Turbosmart) for €150-250. OEM replacement is similar in cost. The Focus ST doesn't cope well with boost leaks - even small leaks cause poor running.
Heater hose coolant leak€100 - €550
Firewall connections leak coolant - often goes unnoticed initially · more· less
The heater hoses pass through the firewall into the cabin via quick-connect fittings that are prone to leaking. The leak is often absorbed by the firewall padding, so it can go unnoticed until significant coolant loss occurs. This is a known issue - forum members report weekly questions about disappearing coolant that turns out to be these hoses. DIY repair costs €50-75 for both hoses plus a €10 disconnect tool. Professional repair runs €400-550 due to labor. Replace both hoses at once. After 100,000km, proactive replacement is recommended.
Sound symposer vacuum leak€50 - €150
Symposer diaphragm fails causing rough idle and boost issues · more· less
The sound symposer pipes intake noise into the cabin. When its diaphragm fails, it can cause vacuum leaks leading to rough idle, shuddering, and stalling, as well as boost leaks under boost. Many owners install a symposer delete kit (€50-100) which eliminates the issue permanently and provides a cleaner engine bay appearance. The delete also provides a convenient boost/vacuum source for aftermarket gauges. This is a popular first modification that also prevents future problems.
Water ingress (tailgate/boot)€50 - €200
Water enters boot through seals, lamp clusters, or air vents · more· less
Water ingress through the tailgate area is so common it's described as "almost factory-fitted." Water enters through deteriorating tailgate seals, rear light clusters, or air vents, collecting in the spare wheel well and causing damp carpets. Check under boot carpet and in the spare wheel well for water or dampness. The fix involves removing lights and bumper, then sealing with silicone. Door seals also deteriorate and need regular lubrication. Budget €50-200 for seals and DIY repair; professional sealing costs more.
Reliable hot hatch with manageable weak points
The Focus ST Mk3 is considered one of the better hot hatches for reliability. The 2.0L EcoBoost is robust when driven properly (avoid LSPI), and many examples exceed 150,000km without major issues. The main concerns are the electric steering rack, rust, and recall-related items. Pre-facelift cars have additional wiring concerns. Properly maintained stock examples are very dependable; heavily modified cars need careful inspection of supporting modifications.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records essential. Verify oil changes at 12,500 mile/20,000km intervals with quality synthetic oil.
HPI/history check
Focus STs are high theft targets. Check for outstanding finance, stolen status, and accident history. Compare VIN on B-pillar sticker and dashboard tag with logbook.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds and watch for rough idle.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires wear faster on these cars due to suspension geometry.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including motorway speeds to get everything up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Clutch slip test
In 3rd or 4th gear at 2,000rpm, accelerate hard. If revs rise without proportional speed increase, clutch is worn.
Check rear wheelarches for rust
Look closely where rear bumper meets wheelarch for paint bubbling or rust. Very common issue not covered by Ford warranty.
Test power steering throughout drive
Feel for heaviness or intermittent assistance loss at any speed. Try full lock turns at low speed and cruising at motorway speeds.
Pre-facelift idle check (2012-2014)
Watch for revs fluctuating between 400-1,300rpm at idle. This indicates the wiring loom fault. Ask if remedial work was done.
Verify fuel tank recall completed
Recall 18S32 for canister purge valve. Check with Ford using VIN. Look for erratic fuel gauge or rough idle as symptoms of incomplete recall.
Check boot for water ingress
Lift boot carpet and check spare wheel well for water, dampness, or water staining. Very common issue.
Inspect modification quality
If modified, verify supporting mods are present (clutch for power mods, intercooler for tune). Check for quality of installation and reputable brands.
SYNC system functionality
Test all infotainment functions. Check for crashes, freezing, or Bluetooth connectivity issues. Software updates often help.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Canister purge valve / fuel tank (18S32)Verify completed
Enter the VIN at Ford's recall lookup tool (owner.ford.com) to verify all recalls have been completed. The fuel tank/purge valve recall (18S32) is particularly important as it affected nearly 1.3 million Focus vehicles.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all Mk3 STs
Anti-perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply (2012-2013 expiring)
Extended warranty optionsAvailable through Ford dealers
All Focus ST Mk3s are outside their original factory warranty. The 12-year anti-perforation warranty may still apply to later cars, but Ford specifically excludes the rear wheelarch rust issue from this coverage. Third-party extended warranties are available but check exclusions carefully.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.