2010 Ford Focus Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

42Engine complaints

14.6%Of all 287 complaints

#3Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL50 · 17.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42 · 14.6%

ENGINE42 · 14.6%

POWER TRAIN38 · 13.2%

Unspecified / other26 · 9.1%

Share of the 287 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2010 Ford Focus overview page.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10557857 — filed 12/30/2013

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE…”NHTSA complaint 10542157 — filed 09/05/2013

“WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 15 MPH, MY CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WASN'T ON THE GAS. I LOOKED AT MY DASH TO…”NHTSA complaint 10520452 — filed 06/18/2013

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Ford Focus have engine problems?

Engine is the #3 most-reported problem area on the 2010 Ford Focus: 42 of 287 complaints on file (14.6%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2010 Ford Focus have in total?

287 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 22 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 19 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.