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8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$70
Average Mileage:
43,250 miles
Total Complaints:
19 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (17 reports)
  2. replace temp sensor (1 reports)
  3. throttle body replacement (1 reports)
2010 Ford Focus engine problems

engine problem

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2010 Ford Focus Owner Comments

problem #19

Jul 012019

Focus SES 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought a used 2010 Ford Focus SES with only 38000 original miles in excellent condition around 7/1/2019. After about a week of driving it I noticed an ever increasing vibration little by little coming from the front of the car at idle. Being very mechanically inclined and a " car guy" my whole life I knew right away what the problem was. Even Though this car only had 38000 miles on it, it had been sitting in a garage with minimal use for many years. Meaning that motor mounts are made of rubber and metal and we all know how poorly rubber lasts over time.

So the first thing I did was go straight to Ford online to figure out what and how many of what I was going to need since I did not own the certified Ford service/repair manuals from Ford for this car yet. I Never cheap out on service/repair manuals. I always go with the manufacturer only and I always go with OEM parts unless there's an upgrade appropriate to my needs. I Never Ever skimp on parts for any of my vehicles that can be found IN MASS on amazon or ebay. Like, parts from unknown manufacturers from China for prices that are way too low. Never do this.

Anyway, i found that there is only ONE oil filled motor mount on the passenger side and an upper rubber transmission mount on the drivers side and a lower trans mount under the car. When mounts are to be replaced, all of them should be done at the same time to avoid improper wear. But since I could only afford a little over $100 at the time after paying the full price of the car in full, I decided to just replace the oil filled motor mount only. This made a massive improvement but even after replacing the 2 trans mounts a short time later correctly and doing research online regarding this vibration issue I've come to realize that this is a problem due to poor design since the problem still remains. It will be a reoccurring issue for the life of the car and there are no upgrades available from Summit or Jeggs. When it comes to design flaws, you can fix it 1000 times and it still won't ever work right.

- Mike R., Camarillo, CA, US

problem #18

Feb 122017

Focus

  • Manual transmission
  • 160,000 miles

I have a 2010 Ford Focus, about 160,000 miles on it, and recently the check engine light came on and stayed on, and the temperature gauge light would come on after about 15-20 minutes of driving. Just today I was stopped in traffic, and when it started to move, my car stalled and wouldn't restart. I pushed it to the side of the road, and after about 10 minutes, I was able to start it up and drive home. The past few weeks, the temperature gauge would light up every day like this and I couldn't use my A/C - this was a daily occurrence.

I did some research online and found a forum in which a gentleman mentioned he was having the same problem, and the solution mentioned was to replace the cylinder head temperature sensor. I watched a few videos on YouTube on how to replace the sensor, bought a new one for $26.00, and had it changed in about 10 minutes. I did drive my car around for a while to see if the fix held, and even though it's only been a few hours, I have a feeling the sensor fix worked.

My check engine light was on due to a loose gas cap. I tightened that and the light went off.

- Angela B., Arcadia, FL, US

problem #17

Oct 272016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

I replaced spark plugs" mass airflow sensor because that was the code and the wrench light came on periodically . Cleaned all components to do with the intake. Still no results. I did read that this is an ongoing mystery with this model and people have spent hundreds with no results. This is very dangerous when it stalls out of no where at a stop light or any stop. The person behind you thinks your going to proceed and you apply the gas and no response do to motor shut off. Now if this causes my family to get hurt and Ford does nothing about this ongoing problem with many of the focuses then I will definitely start a law suit. This needs to be corrected ASAP and come up with a solution. Not very good on Fords part on not giving a @#^&% on a any citizen. They sell a car and that is all they care about. If this was a single problem than ok then but it is not so they(Ford) has opened themselves up for a law suit!

- cfeagles, Newport Richey, FL, US

problem #16

May 192016

Focus 6 cylnder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

i've had my car at my mechanics for 2 weeks now. He has done everything he knows how to do including purchasing a new tool to work on the idle. I have taken great care of my car and gotten every maintenance and oil change as needed and scheduled. I rely on my car everyday. My mechanic said he was unable to fix this problem and is not charging me for working on it the past 2 weeks. He said it should work fine just idle ruff especially when running the air conditioner. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the car and all they can say is bring it in and we will have our mechanics look at it. If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it

- Donna B., Maumelle, AR, US

problem #15

May 032010

Focus ES 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

I have mentioned to the dealer from day when I bought this 2010 Ford.

Focus that it didn't go well up Thompson hill. They flushed transmission fluid right away and then at 60,000 recommended time. I also had body throttle replaced, spark plugs replaced early. Also, had door switch problems when one day old. Also had burnt wires in door at 15,000 miles fairly new or earlier. Had master technician look at it right away. Never gave me a lemon law issue or anything. A part had to be replaced that controls all electrical when it was new.

I am at 89,000 miles and notice the rough idle is getting worse!!! Very annoying on the brake pedal and shaking. When I drive, it drives smoothly. I keep up with my car and its maintenance and didn't deserve this. Since I paid off my car I was hoping to have it for awhile. I also had a battery replaced a few winters ago, cell was bad on it. Had wheel bearing and tie rod gone. Also had left wheel oil leaking, had to replace that a few years ago. Dependable, it has never stranded me on highway I-35 nor would I want to be stranded. I get my oil changed every 5,000 miles or earlier. I also had a back rear window switch get fixed five times and finally it goes up and down. That has been an issue from day one-all door switches!!!

Well, all major parts replaced- thank god it was at earlier mileage or I would of put the lemon law on it. Wouldn't want to pay for all these damn parts. I did pay for the wheel barring and wheel leaking in two days. $1200.00 damage. Wish they would make cars more reliable with parts. They don't lube anything or clean anything at Ford dealers. They only replaced air filter once. I always ask to check coolant and filter now on my oil changes. Actually, I go under the hood and make sure everything is legit. I will mention it again, the rough idle, it gets me no where. They always say, its sounds like a bad alternator you always had. I get it tested and they say it's fine. I go to the same dealer-no where else and still get the run around. They only look when your stalled or something bad happens. Oh, it was the wire harness that went at 1,000 miles. Pretty bad, huh. Burnt wiring and I drive with my child every day!!!! Well, I will drive it till 100,000 miles due to defective paint on hood seem-cost me $600 to repaint it.

Well, that's my story. I love that the fuel is nice, traction control and it gets me to my places. Hope this helps someone out there. I feel frustrated too on the rough idle!!! I keep up with wear-n-tear stuff too!!!

- Desiree S., Superior, US

problem #14

Jun 112014

Focus ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

My 2010 Ford Focus just stalls out when I'm at a red light or stop sign. The service department at the dealership has no idea why, buy wants to charge me $600 to do some flushing of the engine, but they aren't sure that it's even going to fix the problem. This started happening last summer and I thought it was a bad tank of gas. It stopped all winter long and now that It's hot out again, it's started stalling out.

Update from Sep 13, 2018: After taking my focus to 3 different mechanics and paying three diagnostic fees, I found some information online regarding the throttle body. My dad and I replaced it ourselves and I have never had this problem since. It was definitely the throttle body.

- kryarnall, Poway, CA, US

problem #13

Mar 142014

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,096 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ford Dealership auto repair in my town have been ripping people off for years. I had an F150 and it was running bad.--I had an oil change, tune up etc, and even washed it before taking to the Ford auto repair.....so I just casually dropped it off and they gave me a ride back to my business. About 5-6 hours they called me with the bad news. They said it was my engine and they repaired, and its going to cost $800 to get it back.

Then I asked them how that could have happened. They told me I brought the truck in with no oil in it and it blew the engine. I told them that was impossible because I just got an oil change the day before and no oil was in my garage and I had it washed right before I brought it in and had the car wash guys check the oil and look under my hood and see if they could see anything wrong.

I had to go back and get certified letters from all my witnesses and my receipts from the oil change, tune-up, and car wash, and wrote a very long letter telling my side of the story. I proved they were wrong and eventually they sent me back my $800....months later.

I let it go and forgot all about that and moved on...I thought the little Ford Focus cars were too cute and I wanted one. I figured all the people working there who did that to me in the auto repair were probably fired, but I was still very cautious about them taking my car off and not letting me see them repair it.....

Guess they kept it on their computer because when I did take my 2010 Ford Focus in a couple weeks ago, I was in the waiting room 30 min when they popped in and said I would need a new carburetor for $800. I panicked and went out of there and asked for my car. I paced the intake area at the Ford auto place and was very anxious to get my car back. I knew I was going to have to pay for a $69 plus tax for them to tell me what was wrong by hooking it up to their computer.....and I didn't have a problem with that but after they brought back those memories of $800 to get my truck back I just wanted to run out of there..... It still took them a good 45 min with me demanding my car to be brought back to me.

I told them it was sputtering and trying to go dead when I was at a red light idling. And I just figured it was in need of a fuel filter and tune-up...because I haven't had my first tune up yet. The service guy said I was not ready for a tune up yet. After I left, I noticed my Ford manual was not in my car. Also, the service tech wrote down the wrong thing I told him....so the mechanic was looking for something that I didn't even say. I called back and told the tech he wrote down the wrong thing but he save himself by saying that he didn't write everything down, but he did tell the mechanic....

Oh well, they called me about 4-5 times the next day practically begging me to bring my car back in so they could finish the diagnostic test. So I drove over there and when I pulled in my car was sputtering and shaking worse than ever...they all heard it. The mechanic came out with a machine and hooked it up and he said nothing showed up but he needed to take my car to the back and hook it up to another machine. I panicked and said I was in a hurry and didn't have time to let him take my car and I would come back. I never went back....I still need to figure out what is wrong with my car.

I did see someone on here with the same problem but didn't know how to comment at the time because I had to sign up as a member. maybe I will go back and try to find it. I do remember the intake tech saying it could be the fuel system because it sounded like the fuel was not flowing smooth....Who knows? But I have to have it fixed and I am totally broke and moving and Christmas is coming and I am homeless so I may also be car-less too. I'm exhausted just thinking about it....I'm trying to figure it out myself, but I am no mechanic. Just figured whatever was wrong with my car, was someone else out here with the same problem? I don't have 30,000 miles on a 2010 Ford Focus yet. I didn't expect anything this big to happen when I service my car so regularly. I just didn't get it done at the dealership...and we know why!!!!

- Tonya H., Dothan, AL, US

problem #12

Jul 082014

Focus ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

So far we have spent $450.00 on this problem. We started with Mcfarland Ford in Brigham City, UT for a diagnosis. They told us it was the cooling fan and wanted $675.00 to fix it. We ordered one ourselves for $168.00 and installed it. Didn't help. We took it to AutoZone and had them plug it in for a code and the code that flagged was a crank shaft sensor for $20.00. We ordered it and changed it. Didn't help. In trying to fix the idle my husband broke the throttle so we bought a new throttle body for $150.00 and hoped that maybe that would help the idle and it would stay over 1 to keep going. Didn't help. We changed plugs and wires...,it is still running like crap! So frustrated!

- Stacey K., Ogden, UT, US

problem #11

Jun 012014

Focus SE 2.0L Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

I bought this car October 2009 and have changed oil and air filters on a regular basis. Recently the car started to idle roughly and almost stall. I put fuel injector cleaner in, but the problem persist. The car only has 32000 miles on it and has not been driven hard.

- omchugh, Strongsville, OH, US

problem #10

May 032014

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,500 miles

Rough and variable idle, typically 550 to 800 RPM, stalls occasionally. Cleaned throttle body off the car. Cleaned MAF, installed new air filter. Checked for Vacuum leaks. Problem still exists. Any suggestions or should I just go buy a new throttle body.

- europa74, Montgomery, OH, US

problem #9

Aug 052013

Focus Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is my wife's car, She has the oil changed religiously and at a ford dealer. After the last oil change the car developed an idle problem. I did not find time to investigate till now which is the end of October.

- Mike B., Greensboro, MD, US

problem #8

Jan 012010

Focus SE 2.0L 14

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

Within a year after purchasing my new Ford Focus the brakes began vibrating, when suppressed. This has become progressively worse and might coincide with the servicing of the vehicle. It also smells bad which leads me to think that they are contaminating the fluids under the hood, such as the oil, transmission fluid, etc. The car is driving so bad now that there is vibration in the wheel and the car as it is moving. I have complained to the dealership since it first occurred and they insist what I am noticing is normal for the vehicle. I am the only person who has access to this car and I only drive it a few miles a day and nothing happened to it under my care.

- sdiane, Frederick, MD, US

problem #7

Jun 242013

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

just got my 2010 focus on the 22nd of june and is in the ford repair shop due to idle issues and stalling at red lights smh lets see how this goes they claim it might b the throttle body or the computer needs to be reprogrammed trust me i got the lemon law papers ready

- Joshua W., Warren, MI, US

problem #6

Dec 132011

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 10,000 miles

While driving the Focus through stop and go traffic with the A/C or heater on, while sitting at a light or stop sign, the idle crashes to 500 rpm. It has stalled twice. It has been to the Ford dealer twice. They cannot find anything wrong. The idle falling is normal they claim. I'm taking it to a different dealer.

Really pissing me off. Ford claiming it's normal is really infuriating.

- Paul B., Medford, OR, US

problem #5

Sep 012012

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

The car idles very very rough. It shakes the car. I have had it to the dealership (matthews in Marion Ohio) 4 times and they still can't find the problem. I am now considering trading it in before it cost me a fortune in repair cost.

- Ken T., Marion, OH, US

problem #4

Oct 042011

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

Noticed when driving in stop and go traffic, or in the city that when I would stop the car would idle real low and act like it wanted to die. Luckily it never died on us, but took it into dealership and they thought it was a sensor and changed it. Left and it immediately started acting up again. Went back and they changed another sensor, and also mentioned it might be due to "topping" off the tank when filling up. Made sure we haven't topped the tank off anymore and it worked great for couple of months, but now it is doing it again, but not as often or severe.

- Anthony N., Heartland, TX, US

problem #3

Jan 252012

Focus SES 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,457 miles

The car has been idling rough for a few months now and will occasionally stall out. It also throws a trouble code saying it's running lean. After checking a few basic things we took it to the dealer where after a couple hours they found a bulletin saying that a faulty electronic throttle body might be causing the issue. They replaced it under emissions warranty the next day and in their testing concluded that it "might have helped" but the issue was still there. After another hour of diagnosis they've now told us it's a faulty brake booster that is only covered under the bumper to bumper warranty (which has expired) and that it's a $700 job. Has anyone else experienced this? Why is a brake booster failing after 45k miles?!

- Jason L., Augusta, ME, US

problem #2

Mar 262011

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,760 miles

This is a continuing problem with my 2010 ford focus SE. I picked up my car, after being in the dealer service for a second time, for idling rough or stalling periodically at stops. Drove appx. 10 miles and made it through a couple of stops. Then at a red light, without warning or lights, the car totally stalled. I just love having cars blow their horns at me. I restarted the car, turned it around and drove back to the dealer. What a way to spend another Saturday. I'll update when or if I get my car back. If anyone has had this problem with their Focus, please tell me how it was fixed.

- karenoh, Louisville, OH, US

problem #1

Feb 192011

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

My 2010 Ford Focus SE was taken in and had a transmission leak fixed in February 2011. The car was idling rough and stalling at that time. One month later on March 17, 18, 19 2011 the car started the idling rough and stalling again. No warning lights. All the dash lights come on when the car totally stalls out. I took the car back to the dealer again and due to no computer codes or lights, they can not find or fix the problem. They test drove the car and could not duplicate it. I was told to pick up the car and bring it back again if it happens. The Ford customer care service department could offer no solution either. This car only has appx. 13,600 miles on it. I will post again when, not if, it happens again. Does anyone know how to make the computer record the problem when it happens?

- karenoh, Louisville, OH, US

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