Should I buy a 2015–2018 Ford Focus 1.5 Diesel Manual Mk3.5?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2015–2018 Ford Focus 1.5 Diesel Manual Mk3.5. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Moderate Likelihood

Wet timing belt degradation and debris contamination

May have no obvious symptoms at first, then a rattly start-up, oil-pressure warnings, or an 'Engine Service Now' message can appear.

How to check

Check dated service invoices for the timing-belt change and compare the recorded date and mileage with the service schedule.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

2High Likelihood

EGR valve and EGR system clogging

Hesitation, shakier idle, reduced pull at low revs, engine-management light, or repeated emissions faults.

How to check

Let it idle, then accelerate gently from low revs in a higher gear.

Estimated Repair Cost

£550

3High Likelihood

Turbo actuator or boost-control fault

Weak acceleration, intermittent limp mode, or a sudden loss of shove when overtaking or climbing hills.

How to check

Accelerate firmly from about 1,800rpm in third or fourth gear on an open road.

Estimated Repair Cost

£900

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 7.3% (1,453 failed / 19,859 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 10.7% (12,470 failed / 116,250 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 13.7% (21,101 failed / 154,010 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 17.3% (22,962 failed / 132,550 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 20.8% (18,592 failed / 89,265 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 22.7% (10,921 failed / 48,036 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 24.2% (5,560 failed / 22,935 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 24.1% (2,430 failed / 10,092 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 24.9% (1,104 failed / 4,436 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 25.9% (525 failed / 2,027 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2015–2018 Ford Focus 1.5 Diesel Manual Mk3.5

Ford Focus buying questions

Is a 2015–2018 Ford Focus worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2015–2018 Ford Focus 1.5 Diesel Manual Mk3.5, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Ford Focus (2015–2018)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Ford Focus?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually