The 2014 Ford Focus only lasts around 150,000 miles with a lot of serious transmission and engine problems. At $6,775 to $13,225, it’s cheap, but not worth buying when there are so many expensive parts that break.
Is the 2014 Ford Focus a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 5/10 – 2014 is a bad year for the Ford Focus since there are still a lot of transmission problems. Owner reviews complain about high repair costs, transmission issues, as well as a rundown interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 5/10 – Interior materials are cheap with a lot of plastic, seats are less comfortable than competitors, while cargo space is good in the hatchback model.
- Reliability 4/10 – Mechanical problems are widespread on the 2014 Ford Focus. We recommend avoiding models from 2012–2015 with some quality improvements in 2016.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is average from the base 4-cylinder engine while the turbocharged motor offers more power than most competitors.
- Safety 7/10 – The Focus earns an overall 5-star rating in government crash tests. Safety technology is poor with standard rear drum brakes, as well as an optional rearview camera.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 33 MPG, giving 409 miles of range from the 12.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $31 cheaper than average at $184 per month.
- Value 5/10 – The 2014 Focus is cheaper than other compact cars although the extensive mechanical problems make it one buyers should avoid since repair costs are high.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Focus?
- Consumer Reports says the Ford Focus has a clunky automatic transmission with very low overall owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Focus a 2.3/5 praising the responsive steering, but doesn’t like the cramped back seats.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Focus at 3.7/5 enjoying the cargo space in the hatchback however owners don’t like the lack of safety features.
What Common Problems Does the 2014 Ford Focus Have?
Common problems found on the 2014 Ford Focus include hesitation while shifting between gears, the engine stalling while driving, along with complete power steering system failures. Overall, these problems are more severe than in other compact cars, leading to high repair costs.
Hesitation while shifting between gears is a widespread complaint from owners at around 25,000 miles. There are a lot of transmission problems reported on the 2014 Focus which can cause it to hesitate. The most likely sources of the problem are a worn out clutch, or a broken transmission control module. Replacing the clutch costs around $1,000, while a new control module is $1,750.
The engine stalling while driving is another problem mentioned by owners in the first 50,000 miles. Replacing the spark plugs, which cost about $400, solves the problem in some cases. In other situations, the entire ECU needs to be replaced at a cost of over $1,500.
Complete power steering system failures show up on a lot of Focus models at around 75,000 miles. The entire rack and pinion assembly wears down as the cars get older. The only way to fix the problem is by replacing it. Changing out the assembly is expensive, costing over $2,500 depending on local labor rates.
There are 12 serious recalls on the 2014 Focus, which is much worse than other compact cars. The most serious recalls cover the fuel delivery module, which can crack, leading to fuel loss. Many of the other recalls cover wiring as well as canister valves, which all need to be addressed by a Ford dealership.
How Long Will the 2014 Ford Focus Last?
A well-maintained 2014 Ford Focus may last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $564 per year.
Since nearly all 2014 Ford Focus models on the market will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the transmission oil cooler for $600, drive belts & pulleys, which cost $350, as well as the steering gears, which cost around $700.
It just had one small problem with the transmitter system. However, that problem is not too significant and is easy to overcome.
Yes. It has been very reliable. I have not had any problems with it. That is saying a lot because I drive it pretty hard.
Again, beyond the wonky transmission, the vehicle has allowed for me to travel for work quite a bit.
It is a very reliable car. In the time I have been driving it, there has been no issues that I know of with the car.
It is a very reliable car, the only problem I have is the snow build up in the tires during winter. The car handle also is sticky but otherwise it is good.
My ford focus is rather reliable. There are a couple issues with it shaking when moving gears, that has not been fixed yet.
I haven't had any issues so far, I would say it is reliable. I only had one issue but it was electrical and therefore very minor.
The 2014 ford focus se is very reliable. I can see myself having it for a long time. It needs a better torque converter.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is basic in entry-level Ford Focus models. There’s an available MyFord Touch package that includes an 8-inch touchscreen, which is better than average. Safety technology is lacking, the only optional feature available is a rearview camera.
Is the 2014 Ford Focus a Good Value?
No, the 2014 Ford Focus is a bad long-term value since there are a lot of mechanical problems. Blue book values range from $6,775 to $13,225, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,810 to $24,115. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Focus?
There are four models of the Ford Focus available for 2014, from the base S to the high-performance ST.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Power Front Windows
- Air Conditioning
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
SE is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Sync Voice Activated Stereo
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
- Optional 8-Inch MyFord Touch Stereo With Navigation
Titanium is next in the lineup with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- 10-Speaker Sony Stereo System
- Remote Start
- Rearview Camera
- Keyless Ignition
ST is the sportiest model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Limited Slip Differential
- Turbocharged Motor
- Sport Suspension
- Unique Exterior Styling
What Engines Come In the Ford Focus?
- The standard engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 160 horsepower while getting up to 33 MPG.
- An available upgrade on the ST model is the very strong turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder which generates 252 horsepower at up to 26 MPG. Performance is excellent, taking 6.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ford Focus Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Focus?
The 2014 Ford Focus is not very comfortable with seating for up to 5 people. Seats throughout the cabin are less supportive than in other compact cars, and the interior materials feel cheaper than average as well.
Passenger room is worse than average with limited legroom in the back seats of both the sedan and hatchback models.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Focus Have?
Cargo space is average with enough room in the trunk of the sedan to fit 3-4 suitcases. There’s more space in the hatchback model, which has enough room for 4-5 suitcases behind the back seats, and over 7 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Ford Focus was launched in 2012, which was discontinued in the United States after the 2018 model year due to declining sales.
2012: Fully redesigned for the third generation with a new interior, exterior, as well as technology.
2013: Both the SEL model and SE Sport package discontinued.
2014: No major changes.
2015: Minor exterior changes, updated stereo system, as well as a new more efficient engine offered.
2016: Sync 3 stereo system added, automatic transmission available on the 1.0L EcoBoost.
2017: No major changes.
2018: No changes, final model year before the Focus was discontinued.
How Does the Ford Focus Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Focus is one of the worst compact cars you can buy from 2014 since there are so many widespread problems. We recommend avoiding it at all costs since it’ll spend a lot of time in the shop.
The Chevy Cruze is another compact car which costs about $500 more. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Cruze, however, the Ford Focus is quicker if you go with the ST model. We recommend staying away from both cars for 2014 since they have a lot of mechanical problems.
The Ford Escape is an SUV available from Ford which costs around $4,000 more. Off-road capabilities and cargo space are both better in the Ford Escape, while the steering is more responsive in the Ford Focus. We recommend avoiding both for 2014 since they have terrible transmissions.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Focus?
Yes. It is. I love it. The car looks really nice. It is black (my favorite color). I also love how smooth the acceleration works in the car and how quickly you can stop/start it. You can also leave it for a long time without driving it and it still works.
Yes. It is a blast to drive and it has been super reliable. It handles great and has plenty of power. The seats feel like they are hugging me when I drive.
Yes, it only has a wonky transmission. Beyond that it is reliable. It has serviced me through many commutes with little need for service.
Yes, it is very safe and easy to drive, and it has lasted in my family through many years. I would recommend it to others.
Yes, it is a good vehicle and has lasted me 4 years so far without too many problems. All of my sisters have a ford focus also.
Yes, it is a good and rather reliable vehicle. However, there has been two recalls since I have bought it two years ago.
Yes, it has amenities that I appreciate such as Bluetooth, good steering, good size, efficient on gas, I like the meters that say how many miles I have till empty.
Yes the 2014 ford focus se is a great vehicle. It is very reliable and sleek. Needs a better torque converter.