Ford Focus 2018 Problems

The fourth-generation Ford Focus launched in April 2018 and, given the previous generations' long model runs, it is likely there won't be a new generation model launched until at least 2025.

The oil change process hasn't really changed much in the last 100 years of internal combustion engines, as you need to drain the old oil out, remove the old oil filter, fit a new filter, refit the drain plug and top up the engine with the correct amount of oil. However, some modern cars (like Fords) have sensors in the oil pump that cause problems if you take longer than 10 minutes to change the oil. For this reason I recommend taking your car to a qualified mechanic to have the oil changed to avoid costly engine repairs.

Pop out the side trim panel next to the centre console using a plastic trim removal tool, and then remove the plastic trim surrounding the gear shifter console. There is a T20 Torx bit holding the back of the shifter trim down, so remove that. Pop off the trim panel above the temperature and fan controls (housing the passenger airbag warning light), then disconnect the wiring connector for the passenger airbag warning light. Remove the four T20 Torx bits holding the fascia to the car, then put the car into Drive (or 2nd gear if a manual), pop up the gear shifter boot, then pop out the rest of the shifter and fan control plastic trim. Pop the radio and vent panel out by pulling on the opening under the hazard light button, then unplug the radio wiring.

The radio unit is held in by two T20 Torx bits.

Ford Focus four-door sedans are 4538mm long, while the five-door hatch comes in slightly shorter at 4360mm for the Trend, Titanium, and Sport, and the ST's bodykit pushes this model to 4362mm long. The body-kitted all-wheel-drive RS model is longer again at 4390mm.

Walk to the rear of your car and look directly at the back. Near the right-hand taillight should be a badge telling you which model you are looking at. This will either say, Trend, Titanium, Sport, ST or RS. The Focus range runs from the Trend at the bottom up to the sporty ST, with the high-performance RS standing out on top.

The simplest way to program a Focus smart key fob is to take the car to a Ford dealer or qualified locksmith and have them program it for you. Modern cars need to have their keys coded to the computer which runs the car's electrical and security systems, and this requires specialist software.

Ford's Focus uses a Halogen H7 bulb in its low-beam socket. Open the bonnet and remove the two Torx screws holding the headlight in place, then lift the headlight forward and out of the car. Unplug the wiring connector on the back, then remove the rubber boot weather seal on the back of the headlight. Undo the grey clip holding the headlight bulb in place, then remove the old bulb. Refitting the headlight is the opposite process. Adjusting the headlight aim should be done by professionals to ensure the light doesn't blind oncoming traffic, while also properly illuminating the road in front of the car.

The Ford Focus Sport is rated to tow 1100kg worth of braked trailer or 750kg unbraked. The ST and RS models are not rated to tow any weight due to their performance suspension.

All Ford focus models are front wheel drive except for the turbocharged RS performance car, which is an all-wheel-drive.

Properly maintained and serviced, Ford's Focus model should be a good and reliable car. While not as well-finished as some premium offerings from Audi or Mercedes-Benz they are good machines that can last for many years. The Focus RS is a genuine fire-cracker of a performance car.