The Ford Focus is spacious, comfortable, well equipped and good to drive, so what’s not to like? Plenty, apparently, because as of November 2025 the Focus will be no more.
It’s yet another victim of the lemming-like leap into SUVs, which seems to be a shame. After all, it’s been a big seller for years, which means there are thousands available on the used market. So if you want one, you’ll need to try and grab a good one sooner rather than later. In which case it’s probably best that you furnish yourself with knowledge of Ford Focus Mk4 common problems, and how to fix them. And that’s where Haynes comes in.
What recalls has the Ford Focus (2018-2025) been subject to?
The Ford Focus Mk4 has been a reasonably common visitor to the company’s dealerships over the course of its life, so it’s well worth making sure any recall work has been carried out by the previous owner:
- Around 2200 cars were recalled because of potentially faulty riveting on the rear seatbelt buckles. The 1284 cars were recalled because the lower ball joint could become detached from the hub, because of faulty welding on the wheel axle bolt holes.
- A number of cars fitted with the panoramic sunroof were recalled because the roof could become detached when driving.
- Incorrectly tightened 48v battery connections forced a couple of recalls, because the cables could overheat, with a risk of them catching fire.
- And more than 500 examples were recalled because the engine wiring loom could chafe on a transmission bolt.
What common problems does the Ford Focus Mk4 have?
The Ford Focus Mk4 is known to suffer a problem that causes the rear brakes to squeal loudly, both when driving forwards slowly, and when reversing. Some versions of the Focus are also said to suffer from an under-bonnet issue that causes rattles and vibrations in the cabin at certain revs.
The EGR valve can also cause the MIL (malfunction indicator light) to illuminate, because it’s blocked.
And some engines have been known to leak some oil, which is less than ideal.
Does the Ford Focus (2018-2025) have brake problems?
If you’ve got a Ford Focus Mk4 and dread pressing the brake pedal because of the tortuous squealing noise generated by the rear brakes, then you’re not alone.
Numerous owners have reported such an issue, which has been traced to an absence of shims on the rear brake pads.
The first solution is to remove the rear brake pads, then insert the shim kit (part number: 2 635 938) into the caliper. However, this requires a special Ford tool, so an easy solution is simply to replace the entire brake pads set, which is a procedure covered in full by your Haynes Focus Autofix.
Your ears (and nerves!) will thank you for carrying out this work, and you’ll save a load of money in the process.
Is your Focus making a vibrating noise?
Normally, when you start up your Ford Focus Mk4 you hear the whirr of the starter followed by the hum of the engine.
However, the Focus is known to suffer from a glitch that causes a rattling noise and some vibrations to emanate into the passenger compartment from the engine bay. This problem manifests itself when the engine is cold and running between 1500rpm and 2000rpm.
It’s something that would undoubtedly cause some consternation, but there is no need to worry unduly.
The problem is the heater hoses vibrating, and all that needs to be done is that you need to drain the cooling system, a procedure covered in your Haynes Focus Autofix, then release the hoses and fit double clips (part number: 1 556 973) where they join the engine.
After that, it’s a case of refilling your cooling system – another procedure covered by your Haynes Focus Autofix.
Are Mk4 Ford Focus EGR issues a thing?
There have been occasions on which the Ford Focus Mk4 has been known to flash up a warning light on the dashboard.
The problem afflicts Focus models fitted with the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, and is usually accompanied by the sobering glow of the malfunction indicator light (MIL).
First things first, plug in a fault-code reader. If this displays fault code P049B, it signifies insufficient flow at the EGR valve.
Thankfully, the fix is quite easy, and requires replacement of the mesh filter (part number: 2 532 932) and gasket (part number: 2 303 390) in the EGR valve.
The instructions for EGR valve replacement are contained in your Haynes Focus Autofix, so you’ll be back on the road with no warning lights in no time flat.
Does the Ford Focus Mk4 leak oil?
Owners have reported returning to their Ford Focus (2018-2025) to find a small puddle of oil gathering underneath the car. This is not good, because that oil should be inside the engine keeping everything friction free and efficient, instead of making the road look grubby.
The issue is the turbocharger oil return pipe connection, which can spring a small leak. The solution is to replace the turbocharger oil return pipe (part number: 2 191 027) and seals.
The information you need is contained within the turbocharger renewal procedure in Haynes Focus Autofix. It’s complex, but will save you a load of money, so don’t be intimidated.