7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$390
Average Mileage:
86,450 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace catalytic converter (1 reports)
  2. run some laquer thinner (1 reports)
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problem #2

Nov 282017

Focus ZX3 2.0 Zetec

  • Manual transmission
  • 142,850 miles

Got a P0420 Check Engine Light code due to the Catalytic converter being clogged, run a gallon of Lacquer Thinner in the fuel system and that did the trick, but it will need to be replaced soon.

- Rick B., Springfield, MO, US

problem #1

Oct 112005

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

So, I bought the car used in 2005 at a Ford dealership. It came with a carfax report as being in tip top shape. We were elated to find the car for the price. After owning the car for under two weeks, we took it in for standard tune-up, oil/fluid change, other minor prevention procedures.

Apparently the car had received regular maintenance service for the life of the car. But it only took 1 tune up before the catalytic converter needed to be completely replaced. The shop found an aftermarket version, (with screw plate) for $750 but would have to wait 2 weeks for the parts to arrive from dealership.

The car was completely out of commission and I hadn't owned it for over 2 weeks. Talk about quality workmanship! The shop owner said that he'd seen dozens of the Focus models with exactly the same problem or something a little bit less severe. He said all came with factory parts and all had to be replaced before 60000 miles.

- tobsta79, Orem, UT, US