TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 4/15/15*CN UPDATED 9/22/2017*CN
2007 Ford Focus complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2007 record →
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MPH. HIT A PATCH OF ICE ON THE UNTREATED ICY ROADS IN GLOCESTER RI . CAUSED ME TO INCREASE SPEED WHILE SPINNING IN CIRCLES . ENDED UP HITTING A TREE WITH THE FRONT QUARTER PANEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DESTROYED EVERYTHING ON THAT SIDE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CHASIE IN THE FRONT!! NEXT I SPUN AGAIN HITTING THE FRONT BUMPER ON THE RIGHT SIDE! AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND THEY SHOULD HAVE AT THE SPEED AND VELOCITY THE CAR HIT THE TREE AT! *TR
THE VEHICLE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHICH MAKES IT EASIER FOR CAR THEFT TO OCCUR. THERE IS NO WAY OF GETTING THE VEHICLE KEY OUT YOURSELF. THE VEHICLE STARTS, BUT WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF, THE KEY REMAINS STUCK IN THE VEHICLE IGNITION. *TR
MY THROTTLE HAS STUCK OPEN ON MY FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK SEVERAL TIMES SINCE RIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING. IT IS BEING CHECKED AT MY DEALERSHIP CURRENTLY, AND WAS CHECKED AFTER THANKSGIVING FOR ANY PROBLEMS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY DURING WARMER WEATHER, BUT HAS SINCE RETURNED. *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THIS VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL FISHTAILING OF THE REAR END. I HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE DRIVING IN THE SNOW, THE TIRES ARE IN EXTREMELY GOOD CONDITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED PRIOR TO THE TRIP. THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE TIRES OR MAINTENANCE. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SUSPENSION. AFTER THE INCIDENT, A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS OF THIS VINTAGE. IT IS BEYOND BELIEF THAT FORD IS UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE. WE WERE LUCKY TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND GET OFF THE ROAD ALIVE. ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT FORD DIRECTLY HAVE PROVEN UNSUCCESSFUL. *TR
REAR TAILLIGHT BULB BLOWS OUT AS IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN WIRING. BULB WILL LOOK BLACK, EVEN THE SOCKET HAS BLACK DISCOLORATION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM SINCE WE PURCHASED CAR IN 2009 WITH BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHTS. TO DATE I HAVE REPLACED ABOUT 15-20 BULBS TO THE EXTENT I PURCHASED TWO (2) BOXES OF BULBS A SOCKET WRENCH AND CORRECT SOCKET TO KEEP IN CAR TO REPLACE BULBS EACH TIME IT HAPPENS.
WARNING LIGHT ON DASH FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG POPS ON AT TIMES. THE INDICATOR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CONSOLE WILL ALSO LIGHT UP AS IF SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT. THE WARNING LIGHT WILL STAY LITE FOR DAYS AND AT TIMES WEEKS AND THEN JUST GO OFF. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO RESET AS THE OWNER MANUAL EXPLAINS TO , BUT IT HASN'T WORKED. I'VE TAKEN IT TO A MECHANIC (FIRESTONE) TO INQUIRE OF ISSUE. I WAS TOLD IT MAYBE ELECTRICAL. I'VE EVEN TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP'S AUTO REPAIR DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. 99% OF TIME SINCE I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE NO ONE HAS RIDDEN IN MY PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. SO THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS WHAT IF THE AIRBAG, WHICH SEEMS TO BE FAULTY, DOESN'T DEPLOY. *TR
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO FAILED TO STOP IN TIME. THE VEHICLE THAT IMPACTED HIT MY CAR WAS GOING A SPEED OF 50MPH. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MY 2007 FORD WAS PUSHED A FEW FEET. 3 WKS OF REPAIR WORK WAS REQUIRED TO THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I UNDERWENT FOUR MONTHS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR NECK AND BACK PROBLEMS THAT I STILL DEAL WITH TODAY. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME REALIZED THE LIGHT WAS RED AND I STOPPED, HE WAS ABLE TO TURN HIS VEHICLE A BIT TO USE THE IMPACT OTHERWISE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. *TR
WIRING INSIDE OF BOOT TO THE HATCHBACK (LIFTGATE), POWERING THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, LOCK FOR HATCHBACK, AND REAR WIPER IS BROKEN CAUSING SHORTS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG WIRING AND CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ..UPDATED 12/02/14 *BF UPDATED 01/07/15*JB
IS MY AIR BAG FOR MY CAR ON THE RECALL LIST?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY HAD INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS REGARDING THE AIR BAG. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
JUST AS A PREFACE, I SENT THIS SAME DESCRIPTION OF MY AIRBAG PROBLEM TO FORD AND THEY WERE UNWILLING TO HELP IN ANY WAY. I PURCHASED MY USED 2007 FORD FOCUS FROM A BEASLEY FORD DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 2010. NOT EVEN ONE YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN APRIL 2011, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER. SHORTLY AFTER, IT JUST STAYED ON. I NOTICED THAT THE CENTER DASH PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT, THE ONE THAT SENSES A SITTING PASSENGER, WAS ALSO FLICKERING FROM TIME TO TIME AND WOULD SPORADICALLY COME ON OR OFF. IN MAY 2010, I CALLED BEASLEY FORD AND THE WOMAN SAID THAT IT WOULD BE $88.00 TO DIAGNOSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY FOR THIS MATTER. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND DECIDED TO SPEND THE $88 DOLLARS TO HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT DIAGNOSED. I WAITED FOR AN HOUR AND FORTY-FIVE MINUTES. I WAS CALLED TO THE SERVICE CENTER. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT HE NEEDED ANOTHER TWO HOURS WITH MY CAR TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HE HAD ALREADY SPENT ONE HOUR TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND HE WAS ABLE TO NARROW IT DOWN TO 3-4 POSSIBLE CAUSES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE ANOTHER $88.00 PER HOUR, TOTALING $167.00, JUST TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG. I TOLD THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I CALLED AND THE WOMAN SAID IT WAS $88 DOLLARS AND NEVER TOLD ME IT WAS $88 DOLLARS PER HOUR. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS, I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR PARTS, WHICH COULD BE UPWARDS OF $617.00 IF THE AIRBAG NEEDS
FRONT LEFT TIRE BLEW CAUSING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR IT WENT OFF ROAD AND SLAMMED INTO A DITCH. FRONT BUMPER AND QUARTER PANEL DAMAGE, FRONT AXLE BROKE, RIMS DENTED, SUSPENSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO NAME A FEW. ALMOST 5000.00 IN DAMAGE. PERSON JERKED FORWARD ENOUGH TO HAVE CUTS IN THE CHEST/SHOULDER BY THE SEAT BELT YET THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
DASHBOARD EXTREME HEAT. WIRING FOR AIRBAG SWITCH NO LONGER WORKS. AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. SWITCH ON DASH NO LONGER WORKS. *TR
REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK EVEN WHEN BUTTON IS PRESSED MANUALLY OR THE REMOTE IS USED. DEFECTIVE PART. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR CHILDREN TO SIT IN THE BACK SEAT AS DOOR WILL NOT LOCK OR CHILD PROOF LOCK WILL NOT ENGAGE. DOOR CAN BE OPENED WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. . *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOOR LATCHES FAILED TO LATCH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
BATTERY LIGHT LIGHTENED, ABS LIGHT CAME ON, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LINES WENT TO ZERO, CAR JERKED A FEW TIMES, THEN DIED. TRIED TO START IT AND JUST CLICKED, GOT A JUMP START AND GOT IT HOME. BROTHER CHECKED IT OUT, FIXED ALTERNATOR. NOW IT IS ALMOST A MONTH LATER AND SAME THING. *TR
IN THE NEWS REPORTS SHOW OF HOW AT HIGH TEMPERATURES THESE AIRBAGS IMPLODE FOR NO REASON. AT 90F TRAVELING 30 MPH UP THE HILL THE SIDE AIRBAGS EXPLODED WITHOUT THE VEHICLE HITTING ANYTHING. CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE LOCAL DEALER HAD CALLED FORD CORP. FORD MOTOR CO DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS AS THIS SHOULD BE AT LEAST COVERED UNDER LEMON REGULATION OR AT MOST $100 DEDUCTIBLE FROM MY FORD ESP EXTENDED PLAN. THEY MADE A LOT OF EXCUSES&NEGLECTED TO FIX IT. THEY REMAINED INDIFFERENT. I TRIED TO CALL FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER FOR THE WEST TERRITORY. THE PERSON WOULD NOT FIX THE CONCERN NOR GIVE AUTHORIZATION TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. I LEFT SEVERAL VOICE MAILS AT [XXX] WITH NO RESPONSES. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS. HERE'S ONE EXAMPLE HTTP://WWW.WPTV.COM/MONEY/CONSUMER/BMW-CHRYSLER-FORD-HONDA-MAZDA-NISSAN-AND-TOYOTA-AIRBAG-RECALL-EXPANDS-TO-SEVEN-CAR-COMPANIES. OTHER EXAMPLES WERE ARTICLES OF HOW CAR COMPANIES DON'T WANT TO RECALL THESE AIRBAG ISSUES BECAUSE IT HAS COSTLY REPAIRS. THE 2008 FORD FOCUS HAD AIRBAG PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED AT. IT SEEMS LIKE FORD HAS GIVEN THE LOCAL DEALER A HARD TIME&DOESN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY WITH WHAT THEY HAD SOLD. FOR PRIVACY REASONS AS THIS MAY BECOME PUBLISHED I'M WITHHOLDING PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME DIRECTLY NHTSA WE CAN REVIEW THIS...UPDATED 09-15-14 *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
I BOUGHT A FORD FOCUS 2007 CAR WHICH IS A LEMON BUT DIDN'T FALL UNDER THE ORIGINAL LEMON LAW DUE TO THE FIRST TRANSMISSION NOT GOING UNTIL 16 MONTHS. THIS CAR CURRENTLY HAS HAD A TOTAL OF 5 TRANSMISSIONS PUT IN WITH THE LAST ONE IN OCT 2013. WITH THE ONE TRANSMISSION- FLUID LEAKED ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK HOME FROM THE SHOP APRIL 11, 2011. THE NEXT MORNING I TOOK GARBAGE DOWN- DIDN'T SEE IT, FELL & BROKE MY WRIST TFCF TEAR, SUBSEQUENTLY RESULTING IN SURGERY & THE LOSS OF MY JOB AS WELL AS MUCH PAIN WHEN I NEVER HAD AN ARM ISSUE IN MY LIFE. ONE TRANSMISSION ONLY LASTED 6 WEEKS TOTAL. THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS AT AROUND 20-22,000 MILES. THIS BRAND NEW CAR DID NOT PASS MY FIRST PA INSPECTION-WHAT NEW CAR DOESN'T PASS AN INSPECTION? CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW & ONLY HAS 137,000 MILES CURRENTLY AFTER 7 YEARS. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE SEATBELTS WILL JAM OR COME UNDONE & OFF FOR NO REASON, HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON & OFF AT TIMES, THE LIGHTER SWITCH ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHEN THE CAR BATTERY WAS JUMPED IT MELTED SOME PLASTIC ON THE CAR, THE AIR BAGS SHOW AS BEING OFF ALL THE TIME AND NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES. WE HAVE CALLED FORD SO MANY TIMES INCLUDING AT THE VERY BEGINNING WHEN ALL THE PROBLEMS BEGAN & THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR HELP US. THEY (FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE) HAVE BEEN TERRIBLE TO WORK WITH-LACKING CARE/COMPASSION IN REGARDS TO OUR VEHICLE & SITUATION. WE WERE FORCED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE SINCE WE TOOK OUT A LOAN ON IT. I PAID $18,000 FOR THIS CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE ENGINE POWER DECREASED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ENGINE REVVED RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR FIFTEEN DAYS WHILE WAITING ON THE REPLACEMENT PART TO BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 02/02/15*LJ UPDATED 08/24/2017*CT
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN AND THE ENGINE RAN OVER 2,000 RPM. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP AND ALMOST CAUSED THE CAR TO REAR END STOPPED TRAFFIC. *TR
SOMETHING IN THE CAR MAKES A SQUEAKY NOISE AIR CONDITIONER GAVE OUT. *TR
MY AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING TO SOON ONLY ABOUT 4 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT MY COMPRESSOR WAS OUT COMPLETLY. I ALSO HAVE CHANGED MY LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT ABOUT 4 TIMES WHY? ANOTHER PROBLEM I HAVE IS MY REAR END TIRES KEEP WEARING OUT WAY FASTER THAN THE FRONT TIRES WHY? ALSO WHILE I DRIVE MY CAR SQUEAKS THE NOISE COMES FROM MY DASH AND UNDER MY DASH MORE SO WHEN I DRIVE SLOWER LIKE AROUND TOWN ALSO WHY? *JS
I WAS LEAVING THE STORE WHEN I FELT MY CAR SLIP A LITTLE BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT. THEN A FEW MOMENTS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE OVER DRIVE STARTED BLINKING OFF AND THE CAR WENT TO REDUCED POWER MODE. I TOOK IT TO O'REILLY'S THEY PLUGGED IT IN AND SAID IT WAS THE SHIFT SOLENOID E. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER PLACE AND THEY TALKED ABOUT JUST REPLACING THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION!! THE CAR ONLY COST ME $5400 WHY WOULD I PAY 4K FOR A TRANSMISSION!! WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS YET I HAVE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE SAY THE SAME THING WITH NEW CARS AND LESS MILES THEN MINE, WHAT IS FORD DOING???......NOTHING!! BUILT FORD TOUGH MY [XXX]!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
WHEN I FIRST NOTICED, IT WAS AROUND THE 45 MPH WHEN I FELT THE JERKING OF THE VEHICLE. AS TIME WENT ON IT STARTED TO DO THAT AT 35 AND (SOMETIMES OR) 45 MPH. THIS PAST TUESDAY 3RD OF JUNE 2014 IT STARTED TO DO THIS AT 15, 25, 35, AND 45 MPH FROM SITTING AT THE RED LIGHT AND MOVING FORWARD. AFTER GETTING A TUNE-UP.. IT IS A LITTLE BETTER BUT IT STILL DOES THAT AT 35 AND SOME TIMES AT 45. *TR
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY APPEARS AND FAILS TO EXTINGUISH AT STARTUP. VEHICLE PURCHASED FROM BELL FORD IN PHOENIX AZ. HAD BATTERY & ALTERNATOR FAIL ON FREEWAY IN PHOENIX PRIOR TO 2012 YET AFTER 2010. SAME VEHICLE REQUIRED NEW BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AT PEP BOYS PASADENA TEXAS APPROX. 2011-2012 AND MULTIPLE BATTERY CHANGES IN 2014. LATEST NEWS IS THAT NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE SHOWS CORROSION NEAR TERMINAL. SEE ALSO DATE COMPLAINT FILED: 05/27/2014 COMPONENT(S): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , EXTERIOR LIGHTING , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DATE OF INCIDENT: 08/24/2013 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10594425 REF. HEAVIER GAUGE CABLE ON 2008 THAN 2007, P/N 14300A,14300B (MFR.) *TR
I WAS HIT IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION BY ANOTHER CAR ON FEB. 28, 2013. THE CAR WAS TOTALED, BUT THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD AND AFTER REQUESTING THAT I SEND THEM PICTURES OF THE CAR, THEY CONCLUDED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MY INJURIES. I HAD PREVIOUSLY OWNED SEVERAL FORD VEHICLES, AND CONVINCED MY DAUGHTER THAT IT WAS A GOOD DECISION TO PURCHASE A BRAND NEW FORD. UNFORTUNATELY, SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE FROM THE TIME SHE GOT IT. THE CD PLAYER BROKE WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY TOLD HER AT THE DEALERSHIP THE $750.00 CD PLAYER WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, BUT SHE'D HAVE TO PAY $150. FOR THE LABOR. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER RARELY LIT UP WHEN SOMEONE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, BUT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FINE. JUST LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER REPORTS I'VE HEARD, IT HAD STARTED MAKING STRANGE NOISES LONG BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, BUT WE WERE UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. BEFORE THE CAR WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I HAD REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, SHOCKS, A/C COMPRESSOR, AND I CAN'T SAY HOW MANY TIMES I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES. *TR
NHTSA 10023297 CONTENTS RE: NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE CORROSION, SUBSEQUENT HEAVIER GAUGE REF. P/N 14300 / 14301 OEM HISTORY OF ALTERNATOR/BATTERY REPLACEMENT BEYOND NORMAL DUE TO CORROSION OF CABLING FOIA THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, OR FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552, AS AMENDED), GENERALLY PROVIDES ANY PERSON WITH THE STATUTORY RIGHT, ENFORCEABLE IN COURT, TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION IN EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCY RECORDS. THIS RIGHT TO ACCESS IS LIMITED WHEN INFORMATION IS PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY ONE OF FOIA?S NINE STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS. FEDERAL REGISTER PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE FEDERALREGISTER.GOV WEBSITE AND THE VARIOUS EDITIONS OF THE DAILY FEDERAL REGISTER, THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR), FEDERAL REGISTER/CFR INDEXES, AND THE PUBLIC LAWS POSTED ON THE FEDERAL DIGITAL SYSTEM (FDSYS.GOV) ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUEST FOR RECORDS PROVISIONS OF THE FOIA. UNDER THE FOIA, OUR PUBLICATIONS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH NUMEROUS SOURCES, INCLUDING THIS WEBSITE, GPO?S FDSYS.GOV WEBSITE, THE GPO BOOK SALES PROGRAM, AND NEARLY 1,250 GOVERNMENT DEPOSITORY LIBRARIES LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE NATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REFERENCE GUIDE. THIS GUIDE PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING INFORMATION FROM US (FOR BOTH OPERATIONAL AND HISTORICAL RECORDS) USING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FOIA REGULATIONS (36 CFR 1250). READ THE TEXT OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 FORD FOCUS, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS MAKING UNUSUAL NOISES BUT DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL THE NOISES GREW PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND MORE ALARMING. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THAT I WAS PERHAPS IN THE WRONG GEAR SO WHEN I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT, I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF, THEN BACK ON AGAIN. THAT SEEMED TO ALLEVIATE THE SOUNDS MOMENTARILY AND I DROVE A DISTANCE BEFORE THE SOUNDS STARTED TO OCCUR AGAIN. AS I STARTED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THESE NOISES, I NOTICED THAT THE GAS PEDAL WAS TREMBLING SO I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND CONTACTED MY UNCLE, WHO IS A FISHERMAN BY TRADE. HE HAS DONE A LOT OF MECHANICAL WORK ON THE ENGINES INSIDE OF HIS 32-FOOT, COMMERCIAL-SIZED FISHING BOAT, SO I FRANTICALLY ASKED HIM WHAT I SHOULD DO. HE HAD ME DO A SERIES OF CHECKS INCLUDING CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS, THE COLOR, AND THE ODOR. I REPORTED TO HIM THAT THE FLUID LEVELS SEEMED ADEQUATE AND THE COLOR NORMAL BUT THERE WAS PERHAPS A SLIGHT BURNT SMELL. THE ?OD IS OFF? LIGHT WAS ALSO FLASHING AND SO HE THOUGHT IT WAS MOST LIKELY A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BUT THAT IT COULD BE A BELT ISSUE AS WELL. HE SAID THAT IT WOULD BE SAFEST TO GET BACK INTO THE CAR AND OFF THE FREEWAY, ONTO SURFACE STREETS AND RETURN HOME UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IF THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HE THOUGHT IT WAS QUITE STRANGE THAT I WAS HAVING THESE ISSUES AND I WAS ONLY AT 86,000 MILES. I CAUTIOUSLY DRO
MY CAR WAS HIT HEAD ON, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT FELLED TO HOLD AND ALL THE SLACK CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO HIT THE DASH. THE AIR BAGS FELLED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY HURT OR WORSE, COULD HAVE WENT THROUGH THE WIND SHIELD. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR AND WOULD GET A WRITTEN RESPONSE IN SIX WEEKS. RECEIVED A PHONE CALL A FEW DAYS LATER TELLING ME TO WORK WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO GET IT REPAIRED. I ASKED TO BE COMPENSATED FOR DRIVING THIS CAR FOR SEVEN YEARS WITH AN DEFECTED SEAT BELT WITH I PURCHASED NEW. FORD SHOWED NO INTEREST IN THIS ISSUE. *TR
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND THE KNOB TO CHANGE YOUR AIR SETTING TO DEFROST BROKE, WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSE MY WINDSHIELD TO ICE UP AND FOR ME TO GO IN THE DITCH.I TOOK THE CAR INTO FORD 3 TIMES TO GET IT FIXED UNTIL THEY TOLD ME THE MAIN BOX THAT CHANGES WHICH DIRECTION THE AIR COMES OUT WAS BROKEN ($2,000 FIX) AND THE MECHANIC SAID ITS COMMON ON FOCUS'S. I ASKED WHY IT WASN'T RECALL AND THEY SAID ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, I RESPONDED "SO YOUR WINDSHIELD FREEZING OVER AND GOING IN THE DITCH BECAUSE OF IT ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE?" THEN HE AGREED, BUT I GUESS FORD DOESN'T STILL. *JS
I HAD DIFFICULTY OPENING DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, THE HANDLE WOULD "STICK OR CATCH". I WOULD HAVE TO RELEASE AND TRY AGAIN, SOMETIMES THIS WOULD SOMETIMES I HAD TO REPEAT THE PROCESS BEFORE IT WOULD OPEN. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED ALONG WITH ANOTHER ISSUE THAT WAS RESOLVED. I WAS TOLD DOOR HAD NO PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED ON AND OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS. THIS PAST SUNDAY I WENT TO ENTER CAR AND ALMOST PULLED DOOR HANDLE OFF AS IT SEEMED TO RELEASE FROM EQUIPMENT IT WAS ATTACHED TO. I NOW CANNOT OPEN THAT DOOR AND HAVE TO ENTER THROUGH PASSENGER DOOR. MILEAGE ATTACHED IS APPROXIMATION. *TR
MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A 4 CAR ACCIDENT, HE WAS THE THIRD CAR IN THE ACCIDENT. THE FIRST CAR CLAIMS THAT ANOTHER CAR AHEAD OF HER STOPPED SHORT AND TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR SHE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES CAUSING THE SECOND CAR TO HIT HER IN THE BACK. MY SON COULDN'T STOP IMMEDIATELY SO HE HIT THE SECOND CAR IN THE BACK., THEN THE FOURTH CAR HIT [XXX] ON THE BACK WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO DENT THE WHOLE HOOD AND BROKE THE RADIATOR AND CAVE THE FRONT BUMPER INTO THE MOTOR. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. MY SON HAD TO GO IN THE AMBULANCE SINCE HIS CHEST WAS HURTING AND HIS NECK GOT STIFF AND SORE THAT HE COULDN'T MOVE IT. HOWEVER I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T ENGAGE EVEN WHEN MY SONS CAR GOT HIT WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO DENT HIS WHOLE FRONT END. PLEASE ADVICE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
CPSC:I1430512A. 2007 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER STATED THE CAR REV'S UP AND ACCELERATED WITH HER OUT FOOT BEING ON THE GAS. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD TO APPLY BOTH FEET TO THE BRAKE, IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
MY CAR WAS IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS WE HIT A POWER POLE HEAD ON GOING AT LEAST 50 MPH. I WASN'T THE DRIVER. AT IMPACT BOTH THE DRIVER AND MYSELF HAD OUR HEADS CRASH INTO THE DASHBOARD. THE DRIVER SMASHED HIS HEAD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND I HIT THE AREA ABOVE THE GLOVE BOX. MY HEAD ALSO HIT THE PASSENGER DOOR. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY TO THE GROUND. MY CONCERNS ARE THAT WITH AN ACCIDENT OF THAT MAGNITUDE, NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN THE CAR. ALL 4 PASSENGERS RECEIVED MULTIPLE SEVERE INJURIES. I'M AWARE THAT IN SOME SITUATIONS AIR BAGS CAN MAKE THINGS WORSE, BUT IN THIS CASE I'M SURE THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN US VIOLENTLY SLAMMING OUR HEADS AND FACES ONTO THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL. I'M ALSO INTERESTED IN SEEING WHY THE SEAT BELTS DIDN'T CONSTRICT US FROM MOVING THAT FAR FORWARD. *TR
I HAVE A 2007 FORD FOCUS, I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR TIRES 4 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE MECHANIC SAID ALL FOCUS EAT REAR TIRES. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. THANKS FORD. *TR
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT OCCASIONALLY FAILS TO FASTEN PROPERLY. IT SEEMS TO CLICK INTO PLACE, AND THERE'S NO WARNING LIGHT OR CHIME, BUT THEN SOMETIMES IT COMES LOOSE AGAIN AFTERWARD WHILE I'M DRIVING. SOMETIMES I CAN TELL THAT SOMETHING SEEMED MAYBE OFF -- I'LL GIVE IT A TUG, AND MAYBE HALF OF THOSE TIMES I HAD A SUSPICION, IT POPS FREE. IT'S HAPPENED PROBABLY ABOUT 10 TIMES IN THE TIME I'VE OWNED THE CAR (SINCE 2010), MOST RECENTLY TODAY (3/22/14), SO IT'S NORMALLY FINE. AND IT ALWAYS GOES IN FINE AGAIN AFTERWARD. I DON'T KNOW IF THE OTHER BUCKLES ARE ALSO AFFECTED, BUT I'M NORMALLY THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR. *TR
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AND PARKING WHEN MY GEAR SHIFTER FELL APART IN MY HAND. LITERALLY THREW UP A SPRING AND THE BUTTON POPPED OFF I MANAGED TO GET IT ACROSS THE STREET TO ADVANCED AUTO PARTSWHERE THE WORKER WAS KIND ENOUGH TO KIND OF FIX IT FOR ME. I HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT BEING ON THE ROAD AND IT FALLING APART AGAIN THIS IS SO UNSAFE. THANK YOU [XXX] THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AS I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS HERE ON THE SAME THING. ALSO THIS CAR HAS HESITATED WHEN DRIVING AND SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. FRIGHTENING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, HEAD, AND SPINAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OF A LOW BATTERY, THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE ELECTRICAL POWER WHILE DRIVING. AT FIRST, I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN I NOTICED MY RADIO STOPPED PLAYING. UPON LOOKING AT MY RADIO, I REALIZED THE LIGHTS WERE COMPLETELY OFF, INCLUDING THE CLOCK--WHICH STAYS ON EVEN IF I TURN THE RADIO OFF. I NOTICED I WAS VERY COLD, AND MY DEFROST HAD STOPPED WORKING. THINKING IT WAS HOPEFULLY JUST A BLOWN FUSE, I CONTINUED ON MY WAY TO WORK, DRIVING CAUTIOUSLY. MY CAR DID SOUND LIKE IT WAS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AS MUCH AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I MADE IT TO WORK FINE, AND EVEN CHECKED ON IT DURING MY LUNCH HOUR--IT STARTED UP FINE, LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING WAS WORKING, WITH NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATING ON THE DASH. THINKING IT WAS FINE, I DROVE HOME THAT NIGHT WITH THE INTENTION OF BRINGING IT TO THE SHOP TO CHECK THE BATTERY OVER THE WEEKEND. WHILE DRIVING HOME (IN THE DARK) THAT EVENING, I MADE IT ALMOST TO MY APARTMENT. I NOTICED AGAIN THAT MY RADIO SUDDENLY STOPPED PLAYING. I LOOKED AT THE RADIO, AT WHICH POINT I SAW THE TEXT DISPLAY "LOW BATTERY." I BEGAN TO NOTICE EVERYTHING DIMMING--THE DASHBOARD, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND EVEN MY HEADLIGHTS. I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO GET TO MY APARTMENT OK. THE NEXT MORNING I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO GET TO THE SHOP. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR DRIVERS OF 2007 FORD FOCUSES HAVING IDENTICAL ISSUES, I WAS NERVOUS ABOUT DRIVING TO THE SHOP. NOT KNOWING IF MY CAR WOULD SUDDENLY DIE ON ME, AND IF I WOULD BE ABLE TO USE MY HAZARD LIGHTS, OR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. UPDATED 02/27/14*LJ
UPPER PORTION OF GAS TANK COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. *TR
MONITOR FAILED AND CLOCK SPRING IN STEERING COLUMN LOST CONNECTIVITY CAUSING AIR BAG SYSTEM TO NO LONGER OPERATE. REPAIRS TO MAKE SYSTEM OPERABLE AGAIN RESULTED IN CHARGES OF OVER $900. NO ACCIDENT WAS INVOLVED TO CAUSE THE FAILURE. PARTS RELATED TO SAFETY THAT SHOULD HAVE LASTED AS LONG AS THE CAR WAS OPERABLE FAILED RESULTING IN EXPENSIVE REPAIR COSTS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT FIRST REPLACED THE TIRES IN 2007 AND HAD REPLACED ALL OF THE TIRES AT LEAT FOUR TIMES SINCE THE FIRST FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF AN ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL IN AND OUT MAKES IT TURN OFF, SO I SUSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG HAS A BAD CONNECTION. SEARCHING ONLINE, IT SOUNDS LIKE THE CLOCK SPRING GOES BAD. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT INFLATE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 12/20/13*CN THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON 9/11/13. UPDATED 12/16/13
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000.KMJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,200.
I NOTICED A VIBRATION THAT SEEMED TO INCREASE OVER TIME OF ABOUT 2 WEEKS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A WHEEL BEARING AND RECOMMENDED I REPLACE THE REAR TIRES DUE TO SEVERE CUPPING. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL CONTACTS WITH ABOUT 10,000 MILES ON THEM AND SHOULD HAVE LASTED THE NEXT 5 YEARS. I WENT TO THE TIRE SHOP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT FORD FOCUSES ARE KNOWN TO HAVE ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS AND WILL DESTROY THEIR TIRES PREMATURELY. RESEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND 47 SUCH COMPLAINTS OVER THE YEARS RELATING EXACTLY TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED. THE PROBLEM IS THE REAR SUSPENSION IS CAMBERED IN TOO MUCH AT THE TOP AND FORD NEVER MADE THE SUSPENSION ADJUSTABLE. MINE MEASURED 1/4 INCH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE 15 INCH RIM COMPARED TO THE BOTTOM. THIS SITS THE CAR ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE TIRE CREATING THE PREMATURE WEAR. FORD MUST KNOW THIS PROBLEM EXISTS. *TR
Reading these
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2007 Ford Focus → · Every Focus year → · How the figures are calculated →