2004 Ford Focus

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 387 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Ford Focus years to avoid. Which Ford Focus years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
53,000 milesMedian miles at failure

292 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Ford Focus problems

167 of the 387 complaints (43%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System › Ignition71
000
Electrical System53
031
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch31
101
Steering14
102
Air Bags · airbags13
11011
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches11
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes10
211
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine9
000
Engine9
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
411

2004 Ford Focus electrical system problems

43% of all complaints

167 of the 387 complaints are about the electrical system. This is what owners describe:

  • will not start7% · 12
  • stalls4% · 7
  • loses steering assist or the wheel locks4% · 7
  • drains the battery or stops charging4% · 6

Share of the 167 electrical system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
50,000 mi
median of 128 reports
Peak year of filing
2008
36 electrical system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 5 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the electrical system
None
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 FORD focus. The contact stated that after inserting the key in the ignition the vehicle failed to start. The contact tried approximately six times. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer for diagnosis. After diagnosis they advised him that the ignition failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 28, 2012 at 118,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 FORD focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start with the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where the dealer advised that the ignition cylinder needed replacing. The manufacturer was contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 94,000.”
Owner complaint, filed May 14, 2012 at 94,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2004: 49 complaints, 9 about the electrical system'042005: 45 complaints, 14 about the electrical system2006: 42 complaints, 21 about the electrical system'062007: 40 complaints, 22 about the electrical system2008: 53 complaints, 36 about the electrical system'082009: 44 complaints, 27 about the electrical system2010: 29 complaints, 13 about the electrical system'102011: 17 complaints, 8 about the electrical system2012: 5 complaints, 3 about the electrical system'122013: 7 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2014: 13 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'142015: 9 complaints, 2 about the electrical system2016: 11 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'162017: 7 complaints, 2 about the electrical system2018: 3 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'182019: 7 complaints, 3 about the electrical system2020: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'202021: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2022: 3 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'222023: 1 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2024: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'242025: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'26Recall 05V030000 (door locks and latches)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 06E056000 (fuel system)Recall 08E050000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)Recall 12E007000 (equipment)NHTSA investigation AQ10001
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2004 Focus peaked in 2008, with 53 filed that year. No recall on file covers the electrical system, the subject of 43% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment12E007000
Filed Feb 24, 201210,006 vehiclesRide Control, LLC

Defect. RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

Risk. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E050000
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation

Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch05V030000
Filed Feb 1, 2005589,932 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

Risk. IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2004 Focus.

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion AuditAudit query AQ10001Closed
Opened Nov 18, 2010Closed Dec 28, 2015unknown or other

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of …

Technical service bulletins

60 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Focus. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 16engine 14electrical system 10door locks and latches 4suspension 4visibility 4brakes 2body and frame 1
04B16Service campaignAug 1, 2004seats

UPDATE SUPPLEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B16. THE FRONT SEAT HEATER ELEMENT PADS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY BONDED TO THE FOAM CUSHIONS. THIS MAY RESULT IN SHIFTING OR FOLDING UP OVERTIME, RESULTING IN UNEVEN HEATING OF THE SEAT SURFACES. ATTACHMENTS I-III. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT

19009Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2006electrical system

DTC P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 AND/OR P0304 - SERVICE TIP. *TT

18581Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2005electrical system

ERRATIC INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES AND/OR WARNING INDICATORS - SERVICE TIP. *TT

18411Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2005electrical system

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0133, P1131 OR P2195. *TT

18413Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2005electrical system

UNABLE TO REMOVE IGNITION KEY - SERVICE TIP. *TT

18379Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2005electrical system

BRAKE AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS ON AFTER HEC (HYBRID ELECTRONIC CLUSTER) REPLACEMENT. *TT

04174Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2004electrical system

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 10 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)
Filed Jan 13, 2026200,010 milesMI

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were three clicks before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 10 minutes. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled nearby train tracks. The contact waited for 10 minutes, restarted the vehicle, and drove the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where a handheld diagnostic test indicated that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately a month later. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel relay fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately three weeks later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,010.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 5, 2023FL

As I was stopped at red light it stalled as I drove thru. So I pulled over. Got out to open hood. It was smoking.struggled to open hood. Ran around to get towel to smother the fire. But it was too far gone. Man told me just leave it. It was total loss.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 7, 2022MA

2004 ford focus started bucking a few years ago, on occasions only. For months there was no problem and than it would buck. If I shut off the engine and waited a few minutes and started it, it would drive without bucking. Recently, it stalled while driving. Fortunately, I was on a country road and could pull over to safety. Now, on occasion, it wont start. Locks in park. After a while, I can get it out of park and start it. I do not drive it on highways since I am fearful of it shutting off. I have been to three garages for service and they cannot figure it out. I even wrote to the corporate office to ask them to let me know what the problem is. On line many people with 2004 ford focus have the same problem. It isnt just my car. Corporate office answered my letter requesting the vin number on which I gave them. After that, I did not hear from them again. I would think that they would have followed through on this since I told them that it has happened to others with the same vehicle. It stalled again a few days ago as I drove in my driveway. Everytime I try to start it, I hear the clicking sound. I go out once in a while to see if it will start. Sometimes, while in park, it wont start. Another time checking it our, it will start. But, I am not driving it anywhere. I am having it towed to another garage to see if they can figure it out. This car has less than 60,000 miles on it and everything else is good. I have spent a lot of money trying to get this resolved. It has been on

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 13, 2022WA

I was coming home one night, in my 2004 Ford focus, when another driver comes speeding up behind me. He then proceeds to pass me during a corner, cutting me off. I hit the brakes and lost control. Ended up rolling my vehicle with my 8 month old daughter and i. Back window exploded, and not a single air bags had deployed when I got into my accident.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 4, 2022IL

Rear passenger door wont latch shut.Door flies open when making turns

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Mar 10, 2020125,000 milesTN

IN JANUARY, I WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC CRASH. I APPLIED THE BREAKS TO MY VEHICLE (GIVING PLENTY OF TIME TO COME TO A STOP AND ONLY TRAVELING 20 MPH ) BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AS A RESULT, I HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. IT WAS AS IF THE BREAKS WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Aug 22, 2019250,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS DETECTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE KEY OVERHEATED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO DRIVE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT FURTHER MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT BOTH PASSENGER DOORS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR NEEDED EXTRA STRENGTH TO OPEN AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE UNKNOWN DEALERS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ENGINE VALVE WAS STUCK. THE CAUSE OF THE OTHER FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 24, 2019125,550 milesMA

MY BATTERY LIGHT SEEMS TO FLASH WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. CAR HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING TRY TO ACCELERATE OVER 50 MILES AN HOUR CAR WILL SHUT OFF. BACK HATCH ON WAGON SEEMS TO RELEASE ITSELF WHILE DRIVING WELL UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. HAVE REPLACED THREE THERMOSTAT AND THERMOSTAT HOUSING DUE TO OVERHEATING CAR WILL NOT TELL ME IS OVERHEATING IT WILL BOIL IN THE OVERFLOW RETURN TANK PRESSURIZE AND SHOOT THE CAP OFF?...

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 19, 2019WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V030000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). SHE STATED THAT DUE TO POOR DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS WOULD NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR WAS FULLY ATTACHED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND BOTH REAR DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2019VA

RECENTLY MY VEHICLE STEREO HAS BEEN MESSING UP. IT SOMETIMES SMELL A LITTLE BURNT. IT IS THE PASSENGER DOOR SPEAKER. IT SOUNDS AS IF IT'S A SHORTAGE INSIDE OF IT. SOMETIMES THE RADIO DASH FADES OUT. THE CAR HAS HESITATES SOMETIMES TO START. ONCE THE AC IS ON THE CAR STARTS RUNNING REALLY ROUGH AND YOU HEAR A KIND OF CLICK IS HARD TO EXPLAIN BUT I KNOW IT'S NOT NORMAL. AT SOMETIMES I AM UNABLE TO RUN THE AC MY WHOLE TRIP. MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS RECENTLY CAME ON I DID REPLACE THE COIL PACKS. ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 7, 2019180,000 milesOH

"TAKATA RECALL" TRUNK LID POPS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. I'M AFRAID THAT IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE LID WILL FLY UP. ALSO IF I POP THE LID WITH KEY FOB BREAK LIGHTS COME ON.

Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2019180,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED. ALSO, THE OXYGEN SENSOR, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, AND THROTTLE BODY SENSOR WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. SINCE 2016, THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, FACING UPWARDS. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY A SCHOOL TEACHER WHO WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIR INTAKE WAS LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND WATER ENTERED, WHICH DAMAGED THE SENSORS.T HE AIR INTAKE NEEDS TO BE POINTED DOWN TO PREVENT WATER FROM COMING IN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN IS INVALID. *TT*JB

Electrical System
Filed Feb 20, 2019122,000 milesHI

WHEN PUTTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND START THE CAR. IT WILL NOT START AFTER PULLING THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I AM PREGNANT EXPECTING A BABY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME AND MY BABY. IF I GO INTO LABOR AND NEED TO LEAVE TO THE HOSPITAL I CANNOT RISK THE CAR WILL NOT START BECAUSE THE KEY WON'T TURN THE IGNITION ON.

Steering
Filed Jul 16, 201875,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN JAMMED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (DAY FORD, 3696 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA) AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 201830,000 milesCA

MY VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED CAUSING ALTERNATOR TO DIE AND FALSE READINGS ON THE DASH WITH MULTIPLE ALERTS SUCH AS BATTERY, AIRBAG , OIL AND INCORRECT SPEED DIAL. THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT FAILED AT 30,000 MILES AND IF YOU SEARCH IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS VEHICLE'S. THE VEHICLE STALED AND DIED WHILE BEING DROVE IN TOWN AND THANK GOD IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 19, 2018110,000 milesCA

ALL OF THE BACKLIGHTING ON THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND BUTTONS BESIDE THE RADIO SCREEN IS INTERMITTENT. I DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. DUE TO THE RISK OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE WHAT SPEED I AM TRAVELING AT. I HAVE BEEN THE SOLE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP BACK IN 2004. NOTHING HAS BEEN MODIFIED ON THIS VEHICLE.

Suspension
Filed Nov 13, 2017151,239 milesIL

THE BOTTOM OF MY SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I CALLED FORD DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS BECAUSE OF THE AREA I LIVE IN THE VEHICLE HAS 151239 MILES

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 7, 2017150,000 milesAZ

ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE, FEB 2017. REPLACED AND CHECKED SYSTEM. JULY 30, 17 ALTERNATOR SMOKED AND MELTED INSIDE. , POSITIVE TERMINAL ON BATTERY WAS SO HOT THAT THE CONNECTOR WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. REPLACED. ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. PICKED UP CAR FROM REPAIR SHOP AND WITHIN ONE MILE THE ALTERNATOR MELTED ITS INTERNAL WIRING WIRING AND SMOKED. CAR IS BACK IN SHOP. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jun 27, 2017155,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A CAR HORN SOUND WHILE BEING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. AN INVESTIGATOR DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE ORIGINATED FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 31, 201775,000 milesNY

A/C RECALL I BOUGHT MY CAR USED AND THE A/C WAS WORKING. THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER, IT STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS AND THEY COULDN'T ORDER THE AIR HOSE IT NEEDED TO FIX IT BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WEREN'T SELLING THEM ANYMORE. WE TRIED HOSES FROM SIMILAR MODEL CARS, BUT COULDN'T FIX IT.

SeatsFire
Filed Feb 13, 201793,878 milesMI

PASSENGER HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN HEATED SEAT WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE AND FIRE STARTED. THERE WAS A FORD CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RECALL THAT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF: TSB 04B16. THE FIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE LEATHER SEAT AND HEATING MECHANISM. FORTUNATELY ONLY A PURSE WAS INJURED AND THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE FIRE FROM SPREADING. THE ATTACHED PICTURES SHOW THE SEAT DAMAGE. THE CAR ALSO SMELLS OF SMOKE. THE EXPERIENCE WAS EXTREMELY SCARY AND AWFUL.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 30, 201796,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE SERVICE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAME/CROSSMEMBER/K-FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 6, 201742,000 milesIL

SHORTED BRAKE WIRES IN TRUNK AREA BLOWN FUSE NO START NO BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE.

Tires
Filed Nov 30, 2016169,800 milesNM

BOUGHT FIRESTONE AFFINITY TOURING TIRES TWO YEARS AGO, AND ON MY REAR TIRE THE SIDEWALL BLEW A 4.5 " CHUNK OUT OF IT WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. I HAVE HAD MY ALIGNMENT CHECKED TWICE SINCE BUYING THE TIRES AND THEY ARE ROTATED EVERY 5-5.5K MILES. THE TIRES ARE 195/60/15. I CONTACTED FIRESTONE BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE.

SteeringCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 6, 2016170,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SECOND DEGREE BURNS FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHIPLASH, AND BURNS TO THE RIGHT ARM FROM THE AIR BAGS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND STOMACH BRUISES FROM THE SEAT BELT, WHICH ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 2016SC

THE CAR HAS HAD 5-6 REPAIRS OVER THE LAST 6 YEARS. 3 BATTERIES AND 2 ALTERNATORS. THE CAR DIES OUT WHILE DRIVING AND WONT RESTART WITHOUT A JUMPSTART, IS DEAD RANDOMLY OR ONLY CLICKS.JUST SPENT ANOTHER $200 ON AN ALTERNATOR WHEN THE KEY WONT TURN AND THE REAL PROBLEM OVER ALL THESE YEARS HAS COME TO LIGHT. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE CAR JUST DIEING WHEREVER AND WHENEVER.

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2016CA

WE HAD PURCHASE A 2004 FORD FOCUS AND WE HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS NOW. FOR THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE NOTICE THAT THE CAR OVERHEATS WELL THE NEEDLE WILL SHOOT UP TO THE HOT AND YOU CAN HEAR THE FAN/ENGINE WHATEVER OTHER COMPONENTS RUNNING LOUD AS IF ITS REVVING THE ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN SCARED A FEW TIMES BECAUSE IT WOULD ALSO STALL LIKE ITS ABOUT TO GO OFF AND A COUPLE TIME IT HAS WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT. WONDERING IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE? THE OVERHEATING HAPPENS VERY OFTEN IT HAPPEN DURING A SHORT DRIVE OR LONG DRIVE LIKE 12 TO 16 MILES. IT ALSO SEEMS TO DO IT A LOT WHEN I'M AT HEAVY TRAFFIC AND WHEN YOU SIT THERE FOR 3 LIGHTS TURNS BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF CARS I NOTICE IT OVERHEATS THEN. ALSO, ALWAYS OVERHEATS WHEN I GO TO COSTCO TO BUY GAS. DUE TO THE LONG WAIT FOR MY TURN TO PUMP GAS IT OVERHEATS THEN. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER OF THE WEATHER BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN COOL IN THE MORNINGS AND IT HAS DONE THAT AND ALSO DONE SO DURING HIGH NOON. HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCE IT DURING NIGHT TIME. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE? WE BOUGHT THIS FROM A PRIVATE PARTY SO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW WE CAN MAKE SURE IF THERE IS A RECALL WE WOULD BE CONTACTED. RECENTLY I CAN START THE CAR UP GO ONE BLOCK FROM MY DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR WILL OVERHEAT. VERY CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock
Filed Aug 2, 2016101,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK PANEL DID NOT LATCH INTERMITTENTLY AND THE TRUNK PANEL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS FOR THE TRUNK PANEL TO LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LATCHES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE NEARLY THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 12, 2016100,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 13, 2016NC

WHILE LEAVING WORK, I ATTEMPTED TO START MY VEHICLE, HOWEVER, WHEN I PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP, AND I COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE TO START. I LOOKED ONLINE AND APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE. I AM A POLICE OFFICER IN MY UNIFORM AND IT IS VERY UNNERVING TO BE STRANDED LIKE THAT.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 8, 2016142,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO JUMPSTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 31, 201688,500 milesMD

DRIVER WINDOW SHATTERED WITH PIECES OF GLASS FALLING ON SPOUSE. CAR WAS NOT MOVING. WINDOW WAS GOING UP. HAD INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACE WINDOW, SWITCH, REGULATOR. COST $490.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 4, 2016142,000 milesCA

MY CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND MY DASH LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER AND BEEP, MY RADIO GOES ON AND OFF BY IT SELF, THE REAR WIPER AND THIRD BRAKE LIGHT DO NOT WORK, AND NOW EVERYTHING DOES NOT WORK.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 1, 201688,000 milesOR

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL: I LOOKED UP MY VIN NUMBER ON THE GOVT. WEBSITE MANY MONTHS AGO, AND FOUND THIS CAR HAS POTENTIALLY FAULTY TAKATA AIR BAGS. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO MOVE REPLACEMENT FORWARD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, SINCE FORD HAS YET TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL. THE DEALER SAYS THEY NEED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD USA AND WHEN I CALL FORD USA THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MOVE FORWARD ON A RECALL FOR THIS AIRBAG. THE DEALER ALSO SAID I COULD NOT BE GUARANTEED A SAFE AIR BAG IF THEY JUST REPLACED THE ONE I HAVE, SINCE THE REPLACEMENT MIGHT ALSO BE FAULTY, UNLESS IT WAS A SPECIAL REDESIGNED ONE AS ISSUED IN A RECALL SETTING. I CALLED DTVSH ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF FORD USA AND THEY RECOMMENDED I FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FTC. THE FTC CONTACT GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER: 69255063. I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING AROUND IN A CAR WITH A POTENTIAL BOMB IN THE STEERING WHEEL, OR LOANING IT TO FAMILY MEMBERS. THE DEALER EVEN SAID I COULD JUST QUIT USING MY CAR FOR THE YEARS IT MIGHT TAKE TO WAIT FOR THE RECALL (!!!) I THINK THEY SHOULD GIVE ME A LOANER IF THEY THINK ITS THAT SERIOUS, YET THEY DO NOT HAVE THE POWER TO MOVE FORWARD ON STARTING A RECALL. THEY HAVE THREE MODELS OF CARS FROM THE YEAR MINE WAS BUILT THAT ARE UNDER RECALL. PLEASE INITIATE A RECALL ON THE FORD FOCUS WAGON TO ENSURE IT IS REASONABLY SAFE TO DRIVE. THE TYPES OF ACCIDENTS THAT ARE KILLING PEOPLE FROM THE EXPLODING, SHRAPNEL FILLED AIR BAGS ARE LOW IMPACT AND OTHERWISE WOULD NOT BE FATAL. I DON'T WANT ME OR SOMEONE I

Steering
Filed Jun 11, 201580,100 milesFL

I PARKED THE CAR OVER NIGHT. IN THE MORNING ON MY WAY TO A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT I INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WAS LOCKED UP. THE KEY GOES INSIDE THE IGNITION BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN. I ONLY IMAGINE THE SAME SITUATION WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE, CAN IT HAPPEN? HAS IT HAPPEN? LET YOU BE THE JUDGE.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 29, 201588,000 milesNY

MY WIFE HAS BEEN DRIVING THE FOCUS STATION WAGON SINCE 2004. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE 'CLICKER' DID NOT ALLOW US TO CLOSE THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK; WE FOUND THIS OUT WHEN THE CLICKER DID NOT SOUND THE 'BEEP' WE ARE USED TO. WE TRIED TO MANUALLY LOCK THE DOOR, BUT THAT WAS ALSO INEFFECTIVE. THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS A REPAIR BY OUR LOCAL SERVICE STATION FOR APPROXIMATELY $500.00. THERE WERE TWO SEPARATE ISSUES. THE PRIMARY ISSUE, OF COURSE, WAS THE SAFETY OF THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER. THE SECOND ISSUE WAS THE ONGOING PROBLEM OF ENTRY TO THE AUTO WHEN UNATTENDED.

Electrical System
Filed May 29, 2015147,345 milesGA

CAR WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO KEY NOT WORKING IN THE IGNITION AND EMERGENCY REPAIR SERVICE IN PARKING LOT HAD TO BE DONE. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.JUSTANSWER.COM/NEW-QUESTION/OPTIONAL-INFORMATION.ASPX?TQID=423907452&PT=630&CATID=56411&R=AUTOBEEF&RPT=220#IXZZ3BAC4IRXZ

Engine
Filed Mar 31, 2015220,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR FILTER NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 18, 2015114,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A RATTLING TYPE NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR WHEEL AREA. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK ABSORBER PUNCTURED THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO RUSTING AND CORROSION OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 16, 2015PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT 27 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BRUISE KNEE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 201580,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHENEVER A BUMP OR A POTHOLE WAS HIT ON THE ROAD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED. 06/09/15 *BF

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Feb 25, 201590,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A SNOW EMBANKMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR DAMAGES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Seats
Filed Jan 8, 201570,000 milesPA

WHILE I AM DRIVING THE CAR AND IT IS MOVING, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT IS SUDDENLY DISENGAGING, MOVING BACK AND SO LEAVING MY DRIVING POSITION COMPROMISED, AS MY FOOT MOVES AWAY FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND MY ARMS ARE SUDDENLY OUTSTRETCHED REACHING FOR THE DRIVERS WHEEL SO THAT THERE IS A SUDDEN LOST OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AT THIS POINT. *TR

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 15, 2014770,714 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR SWUNG OPEN INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 770,714.

Engine
Filed Nov 17, 2014184,000 milesSC

THE CAR CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS , OUNCE WHILE DOING 60MPH, THE OTHER TIME DOING 35MPH. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 5, 201425,000 milesSD

HEAD ON COLLISON WITH ANOTHER CAR. CARS IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. I GOING DOWN ONE OF THE BUSIEST ROADS IN TOWN AND I COULDNT STOP IN TIME. FRONT OF MY CAR HAS SIGNIFICANT UNDRIVABLE DAMAGE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 14, 2014120,000 milesMA

IGNITION LOCK STUCK. KEY WOULD NOT WORK. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. IGNITION HAD TO BE REPLACED. COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS DEPENDING ON WHERE CAR WAS PARKED. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2014116,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Steering
Filed May 14, 2014100,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS IT ABNORMALLY BEGAN STEERING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 23, 2014145,600 milesAZ

VERY DANGEROUS FAULT OR DEFECT FOUND ON MY CAR. A FUEL LINE THAT RUNS ALONG THE TOP OF THE ENGINE IS CONTACTING AN OPPOSING METAL BRACKET. THIS CHAFFING CONDITION HAS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE. THE FUEL LINE IS PROTECTED WITH PADDED SILVER TAPE; THE TAPE AND PADDING HAS BEEN ENTIRELY CUT BY THE BRACKET AND HAS CREATED A CUT MARK ON THE FUEL LINE. NO FUEL LEAKED BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION. HAD THIS GONE WITHOUT DISCOVERY, THE FUEL LINE WOULD HAVE LIKELY BURST AND ALLOWED FUEL TO SPILL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. THE METAL BRACKET CREATING THIS HAZARD IS A MOUNTING POINT FOR AN AIR BYPASS VALVE (3S41-9F491-AC). THIS VALVE AND MOUNTING BRACKET IS A COMPONENT UNIQUE TO THE PZEV VARIANT OF THE FORD FOCUS. PICTURES OF THIS DEFECT HAVE BEEN POSTED IN AN ONLINE PUBLIC FORUM LOCATED HERE-> HTTP://WWW.FOCUSFANATICS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=407090 THE TITLE OF THE FORUM THREAD IS "DANGER - FUEL LINE BEING CUT ON A 2004 PZEV". *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 387, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2018837730Above average
20179001020Above average
20161,1841020Above average
20151,022940Above average
20142,6061291Do not drive
20132,11212123Fatalities reported
20123,7708155Fatalities reported
2011113000Routine
2010287040Above average
2009229023Fatalities reported
2008250200Above average
2007391272Fatalities reported
2006205231Fatalities reported
2005441590Above average
2004 — this page3876131Fatalities reported
20039777171Fatalities reported
20029398201Fatalities reported
20011,76114478Fatalities reported
20003,686181189Fatalities reported
199911000Routine

Compare every Focus year →

2004 Ford Focus: questions buyers ask

Is the 2004 Ford Focus a good car?

It is not among the Focus years to avoid. Owners filed 387 complaints, against about 900 for a typical Focus year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (43%).

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Focus?

The electrical system: 167 of the 387 complaints (43%) are about it. Owners most often say it will not start (7%), stalls (4%) and loses steering assist or the wheel locks (4%). The typical report comes at 50,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Focus have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 24, 2012. The largest, 05V030000, covered 589,932 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2004 Ford Focus problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 53,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 50,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 Ford Focus?

Yes, once. AQ10001 ("Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit") was opened Nov 18, 2010 and closed Dec 28, 2015.

Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Ford Focus?

The manufacturer filed 60 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (16), the engine (14) and the electrical system (10). They include a service campaign, 04B16, filed Aug 1, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 24, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.