Ford Focus ST review - Reliability & safety
"The Focus ST is very safe but owner satisfaction needs to improve"
The Focus ST is based on one of Britain's most popular cars, so there shouldn't be too much trepidation around buying one. Safety is particularly impressive, with Ford pulling out all the stops to keep occupants safe, but reliability isn’t praised by owners.
Ford Focus ST reliability
Lots of the Focus ST’s technology is 'off the shelf' and already tried-and-tested from many of the brand’s other models, such as its electronics and SYNC 4 infotainment system. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is a development of the motor seen in the previous-generation Ford Focus RS.
The Ford Focus ST isn’t specifically featured as a model in the 2024 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but the standard Focus hatchback came in 45th place out of the top 50 models. Ford as a brand came in a disappointing 30th place out of 32 manufacturers, with just 20.8% of owners reporting an issue with their Ford in the first year, which is lower than average.
Safety
When the Ford Focus was crash-tested in 2018, it achieved a full five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, but it’s worth noting the test regime has become more regimented since, so it’s a bit outdated.
The Focus is covered in an array of ultrasonic sensors, cameras and radars to help warn the driver of danger and help them react, or even brake automatically. Lane assist, evasive steering assist and parking aids are all fitted, along with traffic-sign recognition. The Focus ST was also the first of its models in Europe to be offered with a head-up display, helping the driver concentrate on the road ahead.
