Does the Ford Focus have shocks or struts?

The front suspension on the Ford Focus uses MacPherson struts, which combine a coil spring and a shock absorber in a single unit. The rear suspension varies by model year and market, with some Focus versions using a torsion-beam rear axle and others adopting an independent rear setup. In short: front = struts; rear = either torsion-beam with dampers or independent suspension, depending on the specific car.

To understand what this means for a particular Focus, it helps to know how the suspension is configured across generations and trims. The exact arrangement can affect ride characteristics, handling, and maintenance, and parts are often labeled as struts or shocks depending on whether the assembly is a combined strut unit or a separate dampers component.

Front suspension: MacPherson struts

In the Ford Focus, the front suspension is typically MacPherson struts. This design blends the coil spring with a single vertical shock absorber into one compact unit, mounted on each front wheel.

• Integrated spring-and-damper unit (strut assembly) on each front corner.


• Common across most Focus generations for a compact, space-efficient setup.


• Replacement and service often involve the full strut assembly, not just the dampers.

Overall, the front end uses struts as the primary damping mechanism, which is why many maintenance tasks refer to "struts" rather than separate shocks at the front.

Rear suspension: design varies by generation

The rear suspension configuration of the Ford Focus is not uniform across all years and markets. Depending on the generation and trim, buyers may encounter either a torsion-beam rear axle or an independent rear suspension, both with their own dampers and springs.

• Most hatchback and sedan Focus models use a torsion-beam (twist-beam) rear axle with coil springs, paired with rear dampers/shocks.


• Some European-focused variants and later generations employ independent rear suspension to improve ride quality and handling.


• In all configurations, the rear dampers are separate components from the springs in many setups, though nomenclature can vary (you may see “shocks” described for the rear dampers).

Because the rear suspension can differ by year and market, it’s best to verify the exact setup for a specific vehicle using the VIN, owner’s manual, or a repair guide for that model year.

Maintenance and part-replacement notes

For most Focus models, front-end service centers replace entire strut assemblies rather than individual dampers. Rear-end maintenance depends on the exact layout: with torsion-beam systems, you may replace dampers and springs together as a unit; with independent rear suspensions, individual components may be serviced or replaced separately.

How to identify your Focus’s suspension type

To determine the exact configuration on a given car, you can:

• Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications for that model year and market.


• Inspect the rear area: visible struts are a sign of independent rear suspension, while a torsion-beam setup usually lacks rear strut assemblies.


• Consult a dealership or a repair guide that lists the suspension layout by VIN.

Summary: The Ford Focus generally uses MacPherson struts in the front. The rear suspension is not uniform across all years and markets; it can be a torsion-beam with rear dampers or an independent rear suspension, with component naming (struts vs. shocks) depending on the setup. For precise information about a specific vehicle, verify against the model year, trim, and region.

Summary

Front: MacPherson struts (spring + damper as a single unit). Rear: design varies by generation and market (often torsion-beam with dampers; some variants use independent rear suspension). Always check the exact specifications for your car to know which components apply to maintenance and replacement.

How do I know if I have shocks or struts?

In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring. Check both front and rear wheels, as you might have both shocks on one axle and struts on the other.

How much does it cost to replace struts on a Ford Focus?

The cost to replace the struts on a Ford Focus ranges from approximately $1,000 to over $2,000, with a wide variation depending on whether you replace the front or rear, the year of the car, and the parts and labor costs. Labor costs are typically a significant portion of the total, with prices ranging from $150 to $300 per strut assembly to install. 
You can watch this video to learn about the cost of replacing shocks and struts: 54sAuto V Fix YouTube · Sep 5, 2024
Cost breakdown

• Labor: Expect to pay $150 to $300 per strut assembly for labor, which can increase the total cost significantly. 
• Parts: Prices for replacement parts vary. Aftermarket parts can be cheaper than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, but it's essential to confirm the parts are compatible with your specific model and year. 
• Wheel Alignment: A wheel alignment is often recommended or required after replacing struts, which adds another cost to the total. 

Factors that influence the final price

• Front vs. Rear: Replacing front struts is often more complex and may be more expensive than replacing rear ones. 
• Model and Year: The specific year and model of your Ford Focus can affect the part and labor costs. For example, a 2015 Ford Focus Electric rear strut replacement might cost between $1,020.67 and $1,545.76, while a 2009 Ford Focus L4-2.0L front strut replacement could be between $1,316.84 and $1,932.76. 
• Parts brand: Aftermarket parts are often less expensive than OEM parts, but it is essential to ensure compatibility before purchasing. 
• Location: The cost of labor and parts can vary depending on your location and local labor rates. 

Where to get a more accurate estimate

• YourMechanic: YourMechanic provides detailed cost estimates based on your specific vehicle year and model.
• Local Mechanics: Contact local auto shops or dealerships to get quotes for your specific vehicle.
• Reddit: Reddit users discuss the costs they've paid for parts and labor. 

What years of Ford Focus to stay away from?

The Ford Focus years to avoid are 2012-2016, due to major issues with the automatic PowerShift transmission. Other years to avoid include 2007 and 2008 for electrical and steering problems, and 2017–2018, which had lingering transmission and other issues, although fewer than previous years. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems in the 3rd generation Ford Focus: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Apr 13, 2022
Problematic model years

• 2007–2008: These models are associated with faulty electrical systems, door handle failures, and frequent issues with steering and suspension. 
• 2012–2016: This range is considered the most problematic, primarily due to the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which frequently failed and is expensive to repair. Problems included hesitation, jerking, and complete failure, often before 100,000 miles. Some models in this period also had issues with power steering and electrical glitches. 
• 2017–2018: While improved, these years still saw some lingering transmission problems and sporadic electrical issues. 

What to look for in other model years

• Manual transmission: The problematic issues mainly affected the automatic versions of the third-generation Focus (2012-2018). Models with a manual transmission from this period are generally considered more reliable. 
• Earlier models (pre-2012): While not entirely trouble-free, models before 2012, especially around 2011, are often seen as more reliable than their successors due to simpler transmissions. 
• Later models (post-2016): The 2018 and 2019 models are often praised for improved reliability and handling. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Ford Focus models: 1mCarAraCYouTube · Nov 13, 2023

Does a Ford Focus have shocks or struts?

The right Ford Focus shocks and struts are crucial, and different generations and even trim levels will require different parts. Along with selecting parts for the correct position, decide whether you'd like budget-friendly bare struts or time-saving loaded strut assemblies.