Ford Focus: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 159,990 Ford Focus cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1998 and 2026.
In a sample of 394 cars, 63.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (13.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 1.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Ford Focus
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13.7% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 13.5% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12.4% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 12.2% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 12.2% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 6.9% |
| Tyre damaged | 6.9% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 6.1% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 6.1% |
| Dipped beam pattern incorrect | 4.1% |
Share of 394 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 11.4% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.9% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 159,990 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 1998 to 2026 |
All Ford Focus passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 3 |
| 2026-05-21 | electrical system | – | 58,775 |
| 2026-04-24 | other | – | 1 |
| 2026-04-09 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 0 |
| 2025-10-02 | other | – | 120 |
| 2025-09-04 | electrical system | – | 2,591 |
| 2025-01-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 13,297 |
| 2024-07-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 626 |
| 2024-07-01 | other | – | 141 |
| 2023-07-21 | electrical system | – | 6 |
| 2023-07-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 485 |
| 2022-09-05 | suspension | serious | 53 |
| 2022-09-05 | electrical system | serious | 530 |
| 2022-06-29 | windows and wipers | – | 5 |
| 2022-03-09 | electrical system | – | 1 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Ford Focus fail the APK?
In a sample of 394 cars first registered 2012–2021, 63.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Ford Focus?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (13.7%), tyre tread depth insufficient (13.5%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (12.4%).
Does the Ford Focus have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 1.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Ford models
Fiesta · Kuga · Ka · Puma · C-Max · Mondeo · Fusion · Ecosport · Mustang · B-Max · S-Max · Explorer · Transit · Galaxy · Grand C-Max
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.