What engines do Ford Focus use?

The Ford Focus has been powered by a mix of petrol and diesel engines that vary by generation and market, with core options including EcoBoost petrols (1.0L and 1.5L) and EcoBlue diesels (1.5L and 2.0L); older models also used Duratec/TDci engines, and high-performance variants used larger EcoBoost units.

Engine families used in the Ford Focus

Overview of the main engine families that have powered the Focus across its different generations.

Petrol engines

Key petrol options in the Focus lineup have been Ford EcoBoost units — small-displacement turbocharged three-cylinder and larger four-cylinder variants used in higher-performance models.

• 1.0L EcoBoost I3


• 1.5L EcoBoost I3


• 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (used in higher-performance models, including previous ST variants)


• 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (used in the Focus RS and some ST variants in earlier generations)

Petrol engines have served as the core offering in most European markets for efficiency and power, with performance variants using larger EcoBoost units.

Diesel engines

Focus has offered Ford EcoBlue diesel engines to deliver torque and efficiency for European buyers.

• 1.5L EcoBlue TDCi


• 2.0L EcoBlue TDCi

Diesel options have typically been popular in Europe, where long-distance driving and fuel economy are priorities.

Older and alternative engine options

Earlier generations of the Focus relied on Duratec petrol and Duratorq diesel families, which have largely been phased out in favor of EcoBoost and EcoBlue technology in most markets.

• 1.6L Duratec petrol


• 2.0L Duratec petrol


• 1.6L Duratorq TDCi diesel


• 2.0L Duratorq TDCi diesel (older variants)

These older engines appear on earlier models and may still be found in used examples in some markets.

Regional variations and notable variants

The exact engine mix varies by generation and market. In the United States, the Focus was largely phased out after 2018, with earlier models using Duratec petrol engines and performance versions introducing EcoBoost powertrains. In Europe and many other regions, EcoBoost petrol engines and EcoBlue diesels remain standard, with high-performance variants using larger EcoBoost units.

• United States/Canada: historic use of 2.0L Duratec petrol; Focus ST and RS variants have used EcoBoost powertrains (e.g., 2.0L EcoBoost in ST, 2.3L EcoBoost in RS) in earlier generations.


• Europe and other markets: widespread use of 1.0L and 1.5L EcoBoost petrol engines; 1.5L EcoBlue and 2.0L EcoBlue diesels; older stock may include older Duratec/Duratorq units in older-ons

Engine availability continues to reflect regional emission targets, taxes, and consumer demand in each market.

Summary

Across its generations, the Ford Focus has been powered by a mix of petrol and diesel engines. Core offerings today center on EcoBoost petrols (1.0L and 1.5L, with larger EcoBoost units used in performance variants) and EcoBlue diesels (1.5L and 2.0L), complemented by older Duratec/TDci options in earlier models. Availability varies by generation and region, with the Focus no longer sold in the United States since 2018 in regular dealerships.

What is the most reliable Ford Focus engine?

These Ford Focus TDCi engines relied on advanced common-rail technology and particulate filters. The 2.0 TDCi with 136 hp proved to be the most reliable and efficient engine of this generation, with a test consumption of only 5.0 liters per 100 kilometers and high long-term reliability.

What engine does a Ford Focus use?

The Ford Focus comes with a variety of engines depending on the model year, trim, and market. Common options include the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder, and high-performance engines like the 2.3-liter EcoBoost for ST and RS models. There are also different engine options internationally, such as the 1.5-liter EcoBoost and 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel in some European models.
 
Common engines by model year (North America)

• Standard: A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was standard on many models, like the 2014 and 2018 models. 
• EcoBoost: A 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine was available, particularly on the SE sedan, to improve fuel efficiency. 
• Performance:
  • Focus ST: A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 252 horsepower. 
  • Focus RS: A 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with around 350 horsepower. 

Common engines by model year (International)

• Standard: Engine options include the 1.5-liter EcoBoost (available in 150hp or 182hp versions) and 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel for high-mileage drivers.
• Performance: The 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine is used in the ST model. 

Other variations

• Electric: The Focus Electric was a battery-electric vehicle with a single electric motor. 
• Older Models: Other engines previously offered include 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.3-liter inline-fours. 

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

What car is Ford saying goodbye to?

Ford is saying goodbye to the Ford Focus and the Ford Escape. Production of the Focus ended in November 2025, and the Escape is scheduled to end production in 2026. This shift reflects Ford's strategy to focus on larger, more profitable, and electric models, and in Europe, it leaves the Mustang as Ford's only passenger car.
 

• Ford Focus: The final Focus was produced in November 2025, ending a 27-year run. The company discontinued it as part of a larger shift away from traditional compact cars towards a lineup of SUVs and electric vehicles. 
• Ford Escape: Production of the Escape is expected to end in 2026. While it has been a popular SUV, its discontinuation is part of the broader strategy to reallocate resources to new, more profitable segments, including electric vehicles.