IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Ford Focus Mk2 (C307)

2009 brought the 305PS Focus RS Mk2, a widened five-cylinder hatch with a Quaife differential. Only 4,501 were built worldwide and Britain took the biggest share, making low-mileage examples strong money today.

What changed for 2009

  • •Focus RS Mk2 launched with 305PS and 440Nm from a revised 2.5-litre five-cylinder
  • •Quaife automatic torque-biasing differential and a widened front track
  • •RS-specific body kit, 19-inch wheels and Recaro seats
  • •RS500 run of 500 cars followed in 2010, 101 of them allocated to Britain

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front tyre and brake wear from the RS's torque and aggressive geometry
  • !Corrosion behind the widened rear arches if mud traps are blocked
  • !Modified or remapped RS cars failing emissions and lambda checks
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

1.6 TDCI Turbo Failure

SeriousEngine

Carbon buildup in the oil feed pipe starves the turbo of oil. Repeated failures occur if the system isn’t flushed properly.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Whining/Sirening noise from turbo, Loss of power, Black smoke

What to Inspect:
  • Check service intervals (should be 10k miles max)
  • Inspect turbo for play
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Instrument Cluster Solder Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Dry solder joints on the cluster PCB cause various errors, including "Engine Systems Fault" and immobiliser issues.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£200
Warning Signs:

Gauges dropping to zero while driving, Car refusing to start, Dashboard lights flickering

What to Inspect:
  • Tap the dashboard to see if symptoms change
  • Check for U-series fault codes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Alternator Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Alternators frequently fail on the 1.6 and 2.0 diesel models, often without warning.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£400
Warning Signs:

Battery warning light, Burning smell, Whining noise from engine bay

What to Inspect:
  • Test battery voltage with engine running
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2009 Ford Focus Mk2 (C307)

  • Verify the RS build number and check the Ford RS certificate and history file
  • Inspect the front tyres for inner-edge scrub and the wheels for kerb damage
  • Walk away from remapped cars without supporting dyno and warranty paperwork
20082010–2011
Check a 2009 Ford Focus Mk2 (C307) by Registration