2008 FORD FOCUS

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    door latch and hinge

    33 unsafe, 3 broken, 1 annoyance

    37
    incidents
    Typical range: 38,000–106,000 mi

    Median 60,000 mi, based on 35 reports (34% had no usable mileage)

    • "THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE WE HAVE HAD SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LEAK DUE TO A FAULTY SPLASH GUARD. WE HAVE HAD IT SERVICED BY FORD SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE ISSUE HAS COME BACK AGAIN, AND WE ARE NO LONGER IN WARRANTY…"~2,000 mi, complaint #960652
    • "CONCERNING A '08 FOCUS, 4 DOOR SE. CAR IS APPROXIMATELY 18MONTHS OLD AND HAS COVERED 38,000 APPROX.. REAR PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. WHEN USING POWER LOCKS, THE DOOR BUTTON WOULD FAIL TO MOVE. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS (LUCKY) THE DOOR COULD BE OPENED. THEN…"~38,000 mi, complaint #736518
    • "THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE THE CAR. THE REAR HANDLE SEEMS TO PULL NORMALLY BUT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT WORK. THE DOOR CAN BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE CAR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE PULLS OUT LOOSELY.…"~60,000 mi, complaint #929659
    • "THE VEHICLE HAS FLAWED LATCHING MECHANISMS. WITHIN 6 MONTHS, 3 OUT OF MY 4 DOORS FAILED TO CLOSE. THEY STILL WILL NOT CLOSE. I WAS TAKING A TURN, WHEN MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENED. I EVENTUALLY GOT IT TO CLOSE, HOWEVER AFTER SEVERAL USES, IT WILL NOT LATCH SH…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1154446
    • "HAVE PROBLEMS WITH PASSENGER DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS. DOOR WON'T LATCH AT TIMES AND POWER DOOR LOCK WON'T LOCK AT TIMES AND SOMETIMES WON'T UNLOCK OR BOTH."~180,000 mi, complaint #1350560
  2. #2

    airbag system

    23 unsafe

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=23, median 60,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I WAS MERGING INTO THE CENTER LANE WHEN A CAR FROM THE RIGHT SIDE WAS DRIVING IN MY LINE. I MOVE BACK IN MY LANE AND THE CAR STARTED FISH TALING AND WENT OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT THE GUARD RAIL TWICE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY MY SPEED WAS 55-60 MPH. THE C…"~6,300 mi, complaint #675882
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILU…"~26,899 mi, complaint #868807
    • "I WAS DRIVING NW ON SR626 ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN A WHITE CAR PULLED FROM STOP SIGN STRIKING MY CAR IN THE PASS SIDE, HITTING REAR TIRE AND BODY JUST IN FRONT OF TIRE AS I WAS SWERVING LEFT TO MISS CAR. AT IMPACT MY CAR SPUN 180 DEGREES SLIDING BACKWARDS INTO A DE…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1064570
    • "MY SON REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ABOUT 35 MPH AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY OTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED"~115,000 mi, complaint #1609628
    • "THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE."~234,000 mi, complaint #1574542
  3. #3

    power windows and locks

    16 unsafe, 1 broken

    17
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=23, median 74,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "LOCKS FREEZE UP. THIS IS A 2008 FORD FOCUS 4 DOOR. 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASED BRAND NEW THE BACK DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. REPAIRED AT DEALER. APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER STARTED FREEZING UP AGAIN AND BEFORE I COULD GET IT IN TO GET R…"~9,000 mi, complaint #852842
    • "KEY LOCKS FOR FRONT DOORS AND DOOR LATCHES WON'T OPEN DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP, OF COURSE IT ISN'T COVERED. IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY LOCK YOUR DOOR WITH YOUR CHILD IN IT ON A HOT DAY, YOU CAN'T GET THEM OUT IN TIME. SHOULDN'T THE LOCKS AND LATCH…"~36,000 mi, complaint #929735
    • "MY FATHER IS DISABLED. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, HE HAS BEEN LOCKED INSIDE HIS CAR DUE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR NOT OPENING FROM THE INSIDE. HE HAS STRUGGLED TO CRAWL OUT OF THE PASSENGER'S DOOR. HE ALSO HELPS TO TAKE CARE OF HIS 91 YEAR OLD MOTHER. I PRAY…"~92,314 mi, complaint #1094330
    • "THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO SEIZE UP OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT A YEAR. NOW ONLY ONE DOOR WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK USING THE ELECTRONIC LOCKING SYSTEM. THE DOORS CAN BE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED MANUALLY BY PULLING AND PUSHING ON THE PLASTIC MANUAL DOOR LOCKS."~115,000 mi, complaint #1205087
    • "THE RIGHT REAR DOOR IS LOCKED SHUT AND CANNOT BE OPENED. THIS IS NOT THE RESULT OF ANY ACCIDENT OR OCCURANCE. THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE OR WITH THE KEY OR REMOTE OPERATOR. IF ANYONE IS TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR IF INGRES…"~212,023 mi, complaint #961156
  4. #4

    transmission automatic

    16 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 80,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROU…"~15,000 mi, complaint #709207
    • "MY FORD FOCUS ONLY HAS 61,000 MILES AND TRANSMISSION IS JUMPING HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING AND GOING IN REVERSE SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING BURNING. FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL NUMEROUS PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES I WILL BE CALLING FORD THIS IS RIDICULOUS I HAVE T…"~61,000 mi, complaint #1529330
    • "MY WIFE WAS CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY SHE GAVE GAS TO MOVE AND THE TRANSMISSION BAND BROKE ALMOST GOT HIT. THERE'S A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUSES TRANSMISSIONS AND SHOULD DEMAND A RECALL. CAR ONLY HAS 77000 MILES TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT BREAK WHEN GIVEN GAS. NE…"~77,000 mi, complaint #1037304
    • "WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IT SHIFTS HARD INTO GEARS AND THEN IT DOESN'T WANT TO STAY IN 4TH GEAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT DOWN SHIFTS AND THEN WANTS TO RUN 3,000 OR HIGHER RPMS WHILE DRIVING [REDACTED ADDRESS]."~97,000 mi, complaint #1303885
    • "CAR STARTED REVEING HARD AND THEN ACTING LIKE GEARS WERE SLIPPING AND NEXT DAY REVERSE IS OUT OF CAR AND CAN NOT DRIVE IT"~144,000 mi, complaint #1525826
  5. #5

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded, 12 unsafe

    14
    incidents
    Typical range: 68,000–126,000 mi

    Median 100,000 mi, based on 33 reports (3% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AROUND TWO MONTHS AGO THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WRENCH ICON ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES AND…"~56,000 mi, complaint #803198
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY JIGGLE THE IGNITION KEY FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1004099
    • "THE VEHICLE DOES NOT EXCEED 50 MPH. THE CAR WOULD STALL AND JUMP UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE UP HILL. THE CAR ALSO SHAKES CONTINUOUSLY AND ROARS LOUDLY WHEN 40-50 MPH IS REACHED. THE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING BUT THE WRENCH LIGHT ALSO…"~99,794 mi, complaint #1167339
    • "STARTING ISSUES RELATED TO IGNITION HOUSING AND OR SWITCH. HAD TO PAY $500 TO HAVE REPLACED. WAS TOLD BY REPAIR SHOP THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD VEHICLES ESPECIALLY THE FOCUS SERIES. THERE ARE ALSO NUMEROUS YOUTUBE VIDEOS DOCUMENTING THE SAME ISSUE…"~126,666 mi, complaint #1437892
    • "MY IGNITION SWITCH IS GETTING STUCK AND IT IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO TURN ON THE CAR. IT IS HARD TO TURN ON MY VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS MARKING ON MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, IT ISN'T ALLOWING MY VEHICLES MOTOR TO VENT OUT."~265,767 mi, complaint #1722432
  6. #6

    alignment and pull

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 30,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES ON THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR ALIGNMENT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAIL…"~8,000 mi, complaint #826519
    • "I JUST HIT THE 100,000 MILE MARK ON MY 2008 FOCUS, I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AFTER A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AT 20,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES, MY CAR WAS SHAKING REALLY BAD AND MAKING ALOT OF ROAD NOISE. THEN AT 84,000 MILES I HAD TO PUT ON MY 4TH SET OF TIRE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #974426
    • "TIRES WEAR UNEVEN ON 2008 FORD FOCUS WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY IN BAD WEATHER. SO FAR 2 SETS OF TIRES HAVE BEEN WORN OUT AND WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD I AM BEING BOUNCED ALL AROUND. THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. *TR"~30,000 mi, complaint #727238
    • "ON THIRD SET OF TIRES RATED FOR 75K TO 80K BECAUSE OF MANUFACTURE DEFECT. CAR IS IN SHOP HAVING ANOTHER FRONT & REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE AFTER PURCHASING NEW TIRES AGAIN. SHOP SAYS THEY RECOMMEND INSTALLING AFTER MARKET CAMBERS THAT WILL HOPEFULLY HELP THE D…"~79,000 mi, complaint #961916
    • "GOING THROUGH REAR TIRES. CAUSING IT TO ACT LIKE REAR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE ON WET PAVEMENT. HAD AN ALIGNMENT DINE ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO AND HAD GOOD TIRES ON IT, THEY ARE NOW BALD. ALSO BACK END SLIDES WHEN HITTING EVEN SMALL BUMPS. FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1644846
  7. #7

    starter

    4 stranded, 6 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 80,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHEN I PUT KEY IN IGNITION MOST TIMES IT DOESNT CATCH AND CAR DOESNT TURN ON. I HAVE TO PUSH HARDER TO CRANK CAR ON OR TAKE KEY OUT SEVERAL TIMES AND KEEP TRYING UNTIL IT CATCHES. SOMETIMES WHEN I PULL KEY OUT PART OF IGNITION SWITCH PULLS OUT A LITTLE AND CAR…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1615523
    • "YES LATELY OVER THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS I'LL PUT MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND GO TO START MY CAR NOTHING HAPPENS AT ALL NO CLICK NO NOISE NO LIGHTS COME ON. SO I WILL THEN PROCEED TO TURN THE CAR KEY BACK TO THE STARTING POSITION THEN TRY TO START MY CAR AGAIN…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1270562
    • "THE IGNITION SWITCH,WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION IT SOMETIMES STICKS IN THIS POSITION AND STICKS IT DOES THIS EVERY OTHER TIME WHEN I TURN ON THE VEHICLE IT FEELS THE KEY IS GOING TO GET STUCK IN THE STARTING POSITION IT DON'T SPRING BACK THE WAY IT…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1085869
    • "I PURCHASED MY CAR USED AND WAS VERY HAPPY WITH IT FOR THE FIRST 3 YEARS, BUT NOW I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. I HAVE HAD ONE PART REPLACED, BUT THEY ARE TELLING MY THAT IT IS JUST A TEMPORARY SOLUTION AS AFTER ONLY 2 WEEKS IT WOULD HAPPEN A…"~83,000 mi, complaint #1075196
    • "OUR 2008 FORD FOCUS HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY HARDER TO CRANK. WE HAVE BEEN HAVE TO APPLY PRESSURE WHILE TURNING THE KEY AND NOW IT WON'T START AT ALL. I AM NOW STRANDED AT WORK UNTIL I CAN GET SOMEONE TO COME PICK ME UP. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS A PIN INSIDE T…"~179,288 mi, complaint #1340313
  8. #8

    key fob and immobilizer

    9 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION KEY NOT GOING IN THE IGNITION. THAT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. *JS"~4,000 mi, complaint #1066701
    • "CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND I COULD NOT GET IT STARTED. STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION TO GET THE CAR STARTED. HAVE TO KEEP THE KEY PUSHED IN, STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET IT STARTED AND SOMETIMES WOULD TAKE 10 TIMES. NOT A GOOD THING IN TRAF…"~77,000 mi, complaint #1190439
    • "2008 FORD FOCUS - 2 DR DRIVER DOOR ONLY KEYED ENTRY POINT... LOCKED CAR CAME BACK ...DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN WITH KEY .CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AFTER THE 1ST TIME JUST LEFT UNLOCKED. TOOK CAR FOR OIL CHANGE FORGOT TO TELL THEM DON'T LOCK AND OF COURSE THEY…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1243199
    • "VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE KEY HAVING CONTACT WITH THE IGNITION. WHEN KEY IS TURNED, IT DOES NOTHING TO START THE ENGINE. KEY MUST BE PUSHED IN WHILE TURNING FOR IT TO START. PROBLEM KEPT GETTING WORSE UNTIL THE KEY WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. REPLACE…"~110,000 mi, complaint #998609
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. INITIALLY, THE KEY HAD TO BE PUSHED DOWN FOR IT TO TURN AND START THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, THE CONTACT HAD TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND WIGGLE IT…"~167,845 mi, complaint #1618367
  9. #9

    throttle and pedal

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 65,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THERE IS A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE WITH 08 AND NEW FORD FOCUS. THE THROTTLE BODY DEFECT, LEANS THE FUEL MIXTURE CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE ALL POWER, BUT IDOLS KEEPING YOUR POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. YOU THEN HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART CAR ONLY…"~32,233 mi, complaint #732192
    • "I HAVE A FORD FOCUS 2008 AND MILEAGE OF 41,000 I DROVE THE CAR TO WORK THE CAR ABRUPTLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR IS BRAND NEW WHEN I PURCHASED AND NEVER USE MUCH. I WENT TO FORD SERVICE CENTER AND CHECK IT OUT AND SAID THERE IS A PROBLEM T…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1022977
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD SIMILAR TO A WRENCH. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO HESITATE AND JERK EXCESSIVELY. THE…"~64,000 mi, complaint #802203
    • "THE CAR HESITATES AND STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP (ESPECIALLY ON A HILL). SOMETIMES THE "WRENCH" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MALFUNCTION). WHEN THE WRENCH" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON IT DOES NOT STORE A CODE. WHEN IT STALL…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1153586
    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY THROTTLE CONTROL/TRANSMISSION LIGHT JUST POPS ON AN I LOSE A GREAT AMOUNT OF POWER AND ACCELERATION. I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW AN HAD THE SENSOR ON THE THROTTLE BODY WHICH SEEMED TO HELP FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS THEN THE…"~150,802 mi, complaint #1672652
  10. #10

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 6 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 30,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "FACTORY PIRELLI TIRES TREAD DEPTH AFTER ONLY 15191 MILES ON NEW 2008 FORD FOCUS SES---2 TIRES @ 2/32 AND 2 TIRES @ 3/32. DEALER AND PIRELLI WON'T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. (CAR DRIVEN IN LOCAL SMALL TOWN). NOT HAPPY! *TR"~15,191 mi, complaint #947074
    • "COUNTING THIS SET OF TIRES THIS IS THIRD SET, ORIGINAL, SET BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP WERE I PURCHASED CAR AND THEN GOODYEAR TIRES. EACH SET LASTED AROUND 20,000 MILES. ALWAYS BACK PASSENGER SIDE WEARS COMPLETELY SLICK. THEY HAD TO REPLACE FRONT TIE ROD ON ONE…"~29,000 mi, complaint #850687
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK 395 TIRES, SIZE P195/60/R15, DOT BJCFPDFH3207. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SINCE HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE TIRES. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INSIDE OF THE TIRES…"~30,000 mi, complaint #871854
    • "ON 4/9/09 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND I NOTICED SLIGHT VIBRATION COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR PIRELLI P6 TIRE ON MY 2008 FORD FOCUS. I CHECKED THE TIRE AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY VISIBLE SIGN OF DAMAGE. ON THE WAY HOME THE VIBRATION GOT MORE SEVERE. ON ARRIVING HOME…"~35,302 mi, complaint #732754
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS EQUIPPED WITH A SET OF UNIROYAL TIGERPAW TIRES, SIZE 205/50/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TI…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1008719
  11. #11

    brake hydraulics

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HAD TO FIRMLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANU…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1133453
    • "BOUGHT THIS CAR 4 YEARS AGO WITH 18,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE 41,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ABS HYDRAULIC PUMP IS LEAKING. COST TO REPAIR IS A THOUSAND. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. *TR"~41,000 mi, complaint #1061556
    • "THE BREAK MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN LEAKING SINCE 70,000 MILES. SINCE THEN, THE BREAK OIL HAS BEEN ADDING WHENEVER A PARKING BREAK LIGHT WAS TURNED ON. I HAVE DRIVEN MORE THAN 10 DIFFERENT USED AND NEW CARS IN DOMESTIC AND IMPORT. THIS IS FIRST TIME TO HAVE THE…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1457946
    • "ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AND HITTING A BUMP AT THE SAME TIME THE PETAL WENT ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THE FOURTH TIME THE PETAL DROPPED NEARLY TO THE FLOOR DURING HARD BRAKING. WITH THE ENGINE OFF PUMPING THE BRAKES A COUPLE OF TIMES THE PET…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1345513
    • "IF YOU HIT YOUR BRAKES AND THE ABS ACTIVATES MOMENTARILY BECAUSE YOU HIT A BUMP WHILE BRAKING OR JUST BECAUSE YOU HIT THE PEDAL A BIT TOO HARD, A LOSS OF BRAKES OCCURS. THE VALVE INSIDE THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACTIVATION OF THE ABS FAILS TO…"~229,000 mi, complaint #1688826
  12. #12

    suspension struts shocks

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2008 FORD FOCUS AND MOST COMPARE TO MINE. THE SUSPENSION ON THESE VEHICLES ARE TERRIBLE. THE CAR WILL VIBRATE, RUMBLE AND RUIN TIRES. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH ONLY 6,000 MILES ON IT. I…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1074083
    • "I WENT AND GOT NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT IN SEP.2009 AND WITHIN 10000 MILES ON 03-06-10 MY TIRES WERE CHOPPED ON THE INSIDE THE DEALER WERE I HAD GOT MY CAR FROM HAD TOLD ME THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE ALIGNMENT SO I WENT BACK WERE I GOT THE TIRES DONE THEY HAD TO…"~30,485 mi, complaint #822647
    • "I HAVE A 2008 FORD FOCUS, I HAVE REPLACE THE TIRES ON IT 3 TIMES ALREADY DUE TO WEAR THERE IS ONLY 37,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND FROM THE FORD DEALER THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE SUSPENSION ON THESE CARS AND ITS GONING TO CAUSE…"~36,000 mi, complaint #770349
    • "THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLES SUSPENSION SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE I HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES ON IT 4X THE REAR SUSPENSION CUPS THE TIRES AND MAKES IT BOUNCE I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS AND I BOUGHT IT A 52.000 MILES N FOR THE LAST 4 YRS I…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1227326
  13. #13

    glass and windshield

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "MY. 2008 FORD, FOCUS HAS FACTORY INSTALLED SUNSHINE SHIELD ON ALL WINDOWS. IT HAS BECOME IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THROUGH THE BACK WINDSHIELD, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, THE INSTALLED SHADE HAD BECOME FOGGY! MY CAR EATS TIRES WHICH HAVE TO BE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY EV…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1264092
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT AND THEN GLASS STARTED ENTERING THROUGH MOON ROOF SHADE"~126,000 mi, complaint #1318554
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 66 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW AND WINDSHIELD GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE…"~236,000 mi, complaint #1525615
  14. #14

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DOES NOT SECURE THE SEAT BELT AFTER INSERTION. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEATS BELT IS MORE LIKELY TO UNLATCH FROM THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER. T…"~25,000 mi, complaint #742744
  15. #15

    wheel or rim

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE EXCESSIVE NOISES IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIRES ON HIS VEHICLE WHERE DEFECTIVE A…"~10,000 mi, complaint #769189
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE HAS PIRELLI P6 TIRES, SIZE P205/50/R16. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS BEGAN VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TH…"~18,000 mi, complaint #800907
    • "AT 60,000 MILES THE CAR STARTED CHEWING UP TIRES AND STILL IS. THE FIRST SET IT DID THIS TO WERE WORN TO THE WIRE UNDER THE RUBBER BEFORE IT WAS NOTICED. IT HAS CHEWED UP TWO MORE SETS SINCE THEN ALL IN UNDER 10,000 MILES AND THE TIRES ARE RATED FOR APPROX. 5…"~60,000 mi, complaint #936526
    • "I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER AT LOVING LINCOLN MERCURY IN LUFKIN TEXAS. WHILE TEST DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED 1) THAT THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A LIGHT GRINDING NOISE WHILE COMING TO A STOP. 2) THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON. THE SALESMAN ASSURE…"~70,866 mi, complaint #1034405
  16. #16

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "SAME EXPERIENCE! A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO D…"~45,000 mi, complaint #917975
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS ON ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP…"~54,203 mi, complaint #1072220
    • "ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, USUALLY AT SPEEDS AROUND 67 MPH, THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER AND GOES TO IDLE. IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE, BUT IDLES AT 1100 RPMS. THE FIX IT LIGHT TURNS ON. ONCE PULLED OVER, I TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THEN RESTART. IT RUNS ROUGHLY FOR A MOMENT…"~62,000 mi, complaint #790610
  17. #17

    other

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I PURCHASED A '08 FORD FOCUS- 4DR SDN SE IN MARCH '08 FROM MARK MARTIN FORD IN BATESVILLE, AR. JULY '08, DOORS LOCKED & WOULDN'T OPEN. SINCE THE ORIGINAL DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE, IT'S BEEN RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP 14+ TIMES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR R…"~130,442 mi, complaint #871163
  18. #18

    steering rack mechanical

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WENT OFF ROAD IN GRASS TO AVOID A HEAD ON CRASH WHEN MERGING BACK ON TO ASPHALT TIE ROD SEPARATED FROM RACK AND PINION CAUSING CAR TO LOOSE CONTROL CRASHING IN TO A TELEPHONE POLE. *TR"~1,090 mi, complaint #656272
    • "POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENT. MY 2008 FORD FOCUS STARTED HAVING POWER STEERING ISSUES AROUND 55000 MILES. IT WOULD BECOME INTERMITTENT IN POWER ASSIST TO THE POINT IT WOULD CAUSE THE STEERING TO FEEL IT WAS JUMPING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. TOOK INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP…"~57,000 mi, complaint #832001
  19. #19

    suspension arms and bushings

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO EMIT LOUD NOISES WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT…"~28,000 mi, complaint #915251
    • "The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a c…"~159,625 mi, complaint #1976818
  20. #20

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ABS PUMP IS MALFUNCTIONING. CAR HAS "SOFT PEDAL" THAT IS NOT RESOLVED BY REPLACEMENT OF MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE BOOSTER OR THOROUGH BLEEDING OF THE BRAKES (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC BLEEDING OF THE ABS). IN ADDITION, AFTER ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES OF DRIVING, THE BRAKES…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1463010
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PORCARO FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], RACINE, WI 53406 [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMI…"~127,000 mi, complaint #1668459
  21. #21

    engine internal

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE OIL FILT…"~20,000 mi, complaint #877364
    • "I HAVE AN 2008 FORD FOCUS SE I BOUGHT IN 2016 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH PASSENGER SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING IN PLACE, DOORS NOT LOCKING/UNLOCKING PASSENGER SIDE, AND THE BIGGEST PROBLEM I HAVE EXPERIENCED TWICE IS THE ENGINE REVVENING UP AND MAKING STRANGE NOISES…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1409217
  22. #22

    engine mounts

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. IN THE PROCESS, THE M…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1491121
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS BEGAN TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VIBRATION WAS CAUSED BY SAGGING…"~58,000 mi, complaint #883715
  23. #23

    parking brake

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, IT ERRONEOUSLY ROLLED FORWARD AND MADE CONTACT WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO EITHER OF THE VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. T…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1584299
  24. #24

    power steering hydraulic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE POWER STEER…"~5,000 mi, complaint #892938
    • "VEHICLE HAS BECOME DIFFICULT TO STEER. POWER STEERING PUMP IS LEAKING FLUID. *TR"~35,000 mi, complaint #891645
  25. #25

    tpms

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED TO WARN OF LOW PRESSURE IN RIGHT REAR TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO FAIL, RESULTING IN INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE AUTO HAS NO SPARE, ONLY AN INFLATION SYSTEM, WHICH DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *TR"~12,400 mi, complaint #710868
  26. #26

    unintended acceleration

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICL…"~74,000 mi, complaint #1028902
  27. #27

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE IT FIRST HIT THE CAR LOT WITH 15 MILES ON IT. SINCE PURCHASE, I HAVE CHANGED THE WHEEL BEARINGS 9 TIMES! THIS IS SCARY AS THE BEARINGS CAN BREAK APART AND CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! NOW, THE BEARING IS BAD…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1126690
  28. #28

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "CAR TRIES TO DRIVE ITSELF WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE ( STATIONARY) & THE MALFUNCTION ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT IN THE CITY.LIGHTS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED SINCE PURCHASE. NO BACKSEAT LIGHTS WORKING.CAR ISLES RANDOMLY AND WILL NOT STOP UNTIL STITCH TO NEUTRAL AND TH…"~119,000 mi, complaint #1528627
  29. #29

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE GAS PEDAL GOES WITH GAS AND DECELERATES ON ITS OWN. BRAKE BOOSTER DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE MOTOR SHAKES AND LOOSES HORSEPOWER."~256,756 mi, complaint #1722412
  30. #30

    corrosion and rust

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS RUSTING AT THE BOTTOM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1242164
  31. #31

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE SPARK PLUGS KEEP BLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. SO FAR, 3 OUT OF 4 HAVE COME OUT. SOME MORE THAN ONCE AFTER REPAIRING WITH A HELICOIL."~200,000 mi, complaint #1341146
  32. #32

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING NEARLY EMPTY AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WAS ON. I PLACED 3.6 GALLONS OF FUEL INTO THE TANK, AND THE GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL WAS A SLIGHT BIT UNDER 1/2 TANK. VEHICLE HAS A 12 GALLON GAS TANK; FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING AN INACCURATE LEVE…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1002768
  33. #33

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "HEAD RESTRAINT FOR DRIVER'S SEAT CAME OUT OF THE SEAT DURING A REAR-END COLLISION. *TR"~31,848 mi, complaint #730596
  34. #34

    sunroof

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A LOUD POPPING NOISE OCCURRED AS THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED WHEN THE DEFECT OCCURRED. AFT…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1046776
  35. #35

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The trunk when pulled open will drop down. I pulled my trunk door all they way up went to get something inside the trunk it came down and hit me on the head. This has happened before I was able to catch it before it hit me. This time it hit me on the top of th…"complaint #1889393
  36. #36

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. THE MOTOR WAS STILL MAKING NOISE, BUT NO MOVEMENT OCCURRED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR TH…"complaint #662224
  37. #37

    wiring harness

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "CONSTITUENT WRITES IN REGARDS TO SWITCH ASY IGNITION FAILURE ON 2008 FORD FOCUS. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS FOR THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY. *JS"complaint #1661747

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD FOCUS directly.