NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Focus. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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 THAT THEY WILL BOTH BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE A CHILD WAS IN THE CAR IN THE HEAT OF THE SUMMER? HIS VEHICLE IS A 2008 FORD FOCUS S/SE/SES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,640.
THIS 2008 FORD FOCUS HAS HAD SLIPPING WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN 4TH GEAR FROM 30000 MILES WHEN I TOOK TO DEALER THEY SAID UNTIL IT HAS A COMPLETE FAILURE THEY WOULD NOT TAKE DOWN AND INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION.IT IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND I SOLD CAR TAKING A SIGNIFICANT LOSS. AT 58,000 THE 4TH GEAR COMPLETELY FAILED CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN OVER 30-40 MPH .IF THIS HAPPENED ON A EXPRESSWAY A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE HAPPENED.I'M AM SURE I AM NOT A UNIQUE FORD OWNER WITH THIS PROBLEM. FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND A RECALL ON THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EDGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO THE REVERSE POSITION AND THE SERVICE ENGINE, TRACTION AND TRANSMISSION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,500.
PARKED THE CAR AT A LOCAL STORE, WENT BACK OUT AND THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN, PASSENGER HAD TO CLIMB THROUGH DRIVERS SIDE TO ENTER AND EXIT. *TR
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 HAVE DONE MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS, ROTATIONS AND BALANCES TO TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK. I AM ON MY SECOND PAIR OF TIRES AND THEY ARE WEARING DOWN FAST. THERE IS ALSO A "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THAT I ASSUME IS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE AS ME, IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DEFECT ON THE VEHICLE. IF I CONTINUE TO GET THE "RUN AROUND" FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THEM AGAIN. I AM VERY DISPLEASED WITH THE LACK OF UNDERSTANDING AND CARELESSNESS FORD SHARES FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP FOR THEIR FAILURE TO CREATE A RELIABLE VEHICLE LIKE THE 2008 FORD FOCUS. *TR
I HAVE AN 08 FORD FOCUS S THAT HAS JUST UNDER 80,000 MILES AND THE CAR IS HORRENDOUS RECENTLY IT WON'T ACCELERATE IN LOW GEAR. YOU CAN PUT THE PEDAL DOWN BUT THE ENGINE RPMS GO UP BUT WON'T ACCELERATE UNTIL YOU SLIGHTLY LET THE PEDAL GO AND IT WILL JOLT FORWARD AND ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS ISN'T THE FIRST CASE FROM WHAT IM HEARING AND WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT ON FORDS TRANSMISSIONS BEING FAULTY AND OR DEFECTIVE. *TR
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 REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,203 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,400.
TRAVELED 1152 MILES FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO WISCONSIN. CAR HAD PROBLEMS WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED TO START THE ENGINE EACH TIME I WOULD STOP. WHEN I REACHED MY DESTINATION I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. I TURNED THE KEY AND COULD ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS AND TURN ON THE RADIO, WITH THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
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 DEEP DITCH, ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD, ROLLING ONTO DRIVERS SIDE THEN BACK ONTO ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AS I WAS TOSSED AROUND INSIDE CAR HITTING MY HEAD, NECK AND LEFT SHOULDER AREA CAUSING INJURY. I DID HAVE MY LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ON AND IN THE CORRECT POSITION. *TR
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
DRIVER DOOR LATCH REINFORCEMENT. 2001-PRESENT ? MANY FAILURES THIN POT-METAL PIECE THAT OPERATES DOOR LATCH FAILS POSSIBLY HINDERING EMERGENCY WORKERS FROM ACCESSING OCCUPANT. *TR
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. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED RUSTING AND CORROSION LOCATED WHERE THE SUNROOF WAS POSITIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
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. NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
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 SHUT. NEITHER WILL THE REAR DRIVER DOOR. THE DRIVER DOOR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT I HAD IT FIXED. BOTH BACK DOORS ARE CURRENTLY DUCT TAPED SHUT DUE TO HIGH PRICE OF PARTS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH A FOCUS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IF A DOOR OPENS WHILE DRIVING, SOMEONE WILL GET SERIOUSLY HURT IN A COLLISION. *TR
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 ASSURED ME THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. WHEN WE PICKED IT UP THEY SAID THEY LOOKED AT ALL THE BRAKES AND THEY WERE OK. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ON, SO I WENT AHEAD AND BOUGHT THE CAR. NOW, JUST A FEW DAYS AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF THE CAR THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. THE TIRES WERE MADE IN CHINA. THE BRAND NAME OF THE TIRES IS "GOODRIDE". I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THE CHINESE VALVE STEMS WERE RECALLED DURING CERTAIN YEARS. I WILL HAVE THE DEALER ALERTED AND GET A TIRE STORE TO CHECK THE TIRES AND VALVE STEMS. *TR
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 AGAIN. I WOULD DRIVE SOMEWHERE AND GO INTO A STORE, ONLY TO COME OUT AND CAN'T START MY CAR. SOME TIMES IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME OTHER DAYS JUST ONCE. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE ANOTHER PART THAT COULD COST OVER $800, WHEN THE FIRST TIME IT WAS OVER $250! THIS IS GETTING CRAZY AS I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE AND FIX THEM!! *JS
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 VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 02/11/14*LJ
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 THAT NEEDS THROTTLE BODY AND RESET. WHY SERVICE AREA OF THIS FORD COMPANY CHARGING ME IN THE AMOUNT OF $730.00 DOLLARS. THIS CAR IS A RECALL AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE TO GOING TO WORK, PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SAFETY HERE. FORD COMPANY PAY ATTENTION MY ISSUES. AT LEAST TO FIX THE ISSUES THROTTLE BODY FOR FREE FOR ANY FORD COMPANY SERVICES. *TR
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 AGAIN, JUST CHANGED IN APRIL 2014. *TR
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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK OR IN DRIVE, THE FRONT DRIVER, REAR DRIVER, AND REAR PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16F698000 (LATCHES, LOCKS, LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
I WENT SHOPPING WITH MY NIECE LAST YEAR AROUND THIS TIME AND I LOCKED MY CAR THE 2008 2 DOOR FORD FOCUS SES, I HAD COME OUT WITH IT POURING RAIN AND I GOT LOCKED OUT OF THE CAR ONLY INSTEAD OF THE KEYS BEING INSIDE THE VEHICLE IT JUST WASN'T WORKING. I RAN BACK INTO WAL-MART THINKING IT WAS THE KEYPADS BATTERY BUT NOPE SOON TO FIND OUT IT WAS WORKING FINE BUT THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO UNLOCK, SO I HAD TO CONTACT MY BOYFRIEND TO COME GRAB MY NIECE UNTIL THE LOCKSMITH GOT TO ME. HE CLICKED THE INSIDE UNLOCK BUTTON MANY MANY TIMES AND STILL COUPLING GET IN, WE TRIED USING THE ACTUAL KEY ITSELF STILL WOULDN'T WORK SO I HAD TO USE THE METAL ROD THAT'S NORMALLY USED FOR UNLOCKING THE CAR TO CLIMB FROM THE TRUNK AND GET THE LATCH THREW THE SEATS TO CLIMB ALL THE WAY THREW THE CAR SO ABOUT 5 HOURS LATER I FINALLY GOT INTO MY CAR AND OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR FIRST AND EVER SINCE MY OUTSIDE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT WORK. THIS HASN'T HAPPENED TO ME QUITE LIKE THIS BUT I'VE OWNED 6 FOCUSES THAT ALL THE DOOR HANDLES HAD TO BE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS LOCKOUT THING HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES SO I CAN'T EVEN LOCK MY CAR AND I KEEP THE WINDOW DOWN JUST INCASE. *TR
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 GOES AWAY WHEN YOU RESTART THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MECHANICS WHO STATED THEY COULD NOT SERVICE WHEN WRENCH LIGHT IS OFF. WHEN I DID TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC WHEN THE WRENCH LIGHT WAS ON THE MECHANIC PLUGGED UP A SYSTEM AND INFORMED ME THAT IT MUST JUST BE A SENSOR. I AVOID HIGHWAYS BECAUSE THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE AFTER 40-50MPH. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE. I RELY ON MY VEHICLE AND AM DISAPPOINTED, AFRAID AND UNCERTAIN WHAT TO DO. *TR
THIS DATE MARKS FIVE TIMES THAT DOOR LATCHES / LOCKS HAVE QUIT WORKING. CURRENTLY THE LOCKS WILL NOT WORK AND THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE PROBLEM FOUR TIMES UNDER WARRANTY. NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE RECURRING PROBLEM. THEIR REPRESENTATIVE STATED THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM FROM RURAL ROAD DUST CAUSING LATCH / LOCK FAILURE, THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WILL NOT HELP COVER ANOTHER LATCH REPLACEMENT. *TR
2008 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. *LD THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. *JS
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 TIRE WAS 500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THROTTLE CUT OUT SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CHECK ENGINE "WRENCH" WOULD LIGHT UP. ENGINE WOULD IDLE, BUT STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL WOULD DO NOTHING. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN WOULD TEMPORARILY FIX THE ISSUE. SEARCHING THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS TO BE A MASSIVE PROBLEM WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODIES. CANNOT BELIEVE FORD HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL. DANGEROUS!
I BROUGHT MY FIRST CAR IN MAY 2014. I STARTED NOTICING STEERING PROBLEMS 2-3 MONTHS AFTER I GOT IT. MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKING. SO ON AUGUST 22, 2014 ME & MY DAD TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY CAN SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND FIX IT (SINCE IT'S STILL UNDER WARRANTY) BUT ALL THEY DID WAS PUT STEERING FLUID IN IT AND A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE PROBLEM RETURNED. IN MARCH 2015 WE DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE FORD FACTORY DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE STEERING GOT VERY UNBEARABLE AND THEY TOLD US THAT THE RACK SUSPENSION WAS BAD BUT THEY COULDN'T WORK ON IT BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BROUGHT IT FROM ALREADY TOLD THE WARRANTY COMPANY THAT THEY ALREADY FIXED THE PROBLEM (WHICH THEY DIDN'T) SO THE ONLY WAY THE FORD FACTORY COULD WORK ON IT IS IF THEY FIX IT WITHOUT THE WARRANTY WHICH WOULD COST $1500-1600 (WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD, JUST RECENTLY LOST MY JOB) SO APRIL 7, 2015-APRIL 13, 2015 I LEFT MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP I BROUGHT MY CAR FROM SO THEY WILL HAVE MORE TIME TO COMPLETELY FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP THEY BASICALLY SAID THERE'S NOT MUCH THEY COULD DO AND THAT THE STEERING IS STILL ROUGH BUT NOT AS BAD SINCE THEY TOOK OUT THE OLD RACK SUSPENSION AND SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE, THEY DID NOT CHARGE US FOR THE WORK THAT THEY DID SO WE DIDN'T RECEIVE A RECEIPT AND THEY ONLY SHOWED US THE OLD RACK SUSPENSION THAT THEY TOOK OUT. SO IN CONCLUSION, MY STEERING IS STILL STIFF/ROUGH AND I'VE BEEN HEARING THAT IT MIGHT BE A RECALL ON THE CAR AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. I'M STRESSED AND NEED ANSWERS. PLEASE HELP! *TR
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 LEVEL. *TR
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 AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
I AM HAVING MAJOR ISSUES WITH STARTING MY VEHICLE. I WILL TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE TO FORCEFULLY TURN MY STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH BEFORE MY VEHICLE WILL START. THIS IS HAPPENING WITH BOTH KEYS THAT I OWN. ALSO I'M ON MY THIRD SET OF TIRES AS THEY ARE WEARING ON THE INSIDE VERY QUICKLY. I'VE HAD ALIGNMENT AFTER ALIGNMENT DONE AND NOTHING IS FIXING THE ISSUE. THIS IS MY SECOND FOCUS AND THIS 2008 COMPARED TO MY 2000 IS A PIECE OF JUNK. I SHOULDN'T BE HAVING SO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN MY 2008 FORD FOCUS. IT WAS A VERY HIGH SPEED IMPACT (EST. 60-70 MPH) THAT THREW ME INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAD A CERTIFIED MECHANIC RECORD THE COMPUTER AND LOOK AT THE DAMAGES. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED FROM THE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT SENSOR AS WELL AS THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR. I AM STILL DEALING WITH MY INJURIES A YEAR AND A HALF LATER. TWO VERTEBRAE IN MY BACK WERE CRUSHED. *TR
EVAPORATOR CORE LEAKING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION AT TIMES WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY JIGGLE THE IGNITION KEY FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SECONDARY KEY FOR THE IGNITION HAD TO BE USED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,0000.
2008 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS PULLING INTO HIS PARKING SPACE, WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD. HE IMMEDIATELY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH CAUSED THE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE TO BE THROWN FORWARD. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WAS ONE OF THE FOUR TIMES, THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.
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 DEFECT IN DESIGN AT A COST TO ME FOR $510.00. I'VE GONE ON-LINE AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SAFETY ISSUE. THE TIRES WEAR OUT REGARDLESS OF THE LENGTH OF WARRANTY USUALLY WITHIN 6K TO 30K MILES. THE TIRES WEAR OUT ON THE INSIDE CAUSING CUPPING EVEN WITH REGULAR TIRE ROTATIONS EVERY 6K MILES. I SPOKE WITH FORD AND THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEIR IS A PROBLEM. THE ON-LINE FORUMS REGARDING THIS ISSUE OTHER FORD OWNERS HAVE STATED THEY ALSO CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. *TR
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 INGRESS IS NEEDED IN AN EMERGENCY, THIS DOOR IS INOPERABLE. THERE IS A MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHICH MAKES THE DOOR UNUSABLE. *TR
THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR LATCH FAILED RESULTING IN THE DOOR NOT REMAINING CLOSED. THE DOOR HAD TO BE HELD SHUT WITH A BELT SO THAT IT COULD BE SAFELY DRIVEN. THANK GOD THAT NO ONE WAS IN THE BACK SEAT AS THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN HURT IF THE DOOR FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE AMATO FORD DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST (FOR WHAT WE ARE NOT SURE AS IT IS A MANUAL DOOR NO ELECTRONIC LOCKS OR WINDOWS) THAT COST 113 DOLLARS AND THEN TOLD US IT WOULD COST 385 DOLLARS TO FIX. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD FIX THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER BUT NEVER AGAIN WILL I PURCHASE A FORD VEHICLE IF THEY CARE THIS LITTLE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFETY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER, SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED, AS IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,300. UPDATED 1/17/13 *CN
AFTER ARRIVING AT DESTINATION, WENT TO OPEN DOOR, IT WOULD NOT OPEN, UNLOCK WOULD NOT WORK. DOOR IS LOCKED AND UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND EXIT OUT. NEEDED TO CRAWL OVER TO DRIVERS DOOR TO EXIT VEHICLE. *TR
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN HEAD ON COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING AND BACK PAIN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 1/23/13 *CN UPDATED 02/11/2013 *JS
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. WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR 3 DAYS AGO SOMETHING BROKE INSIDE THE DOOR. THE DOOR CAN BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE CAR. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW MECHANISM FAILED RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE MOTOR WILL GO DOWN BUT THE WINDOW WILL NOT. I CAN PULL IT DOWN BY PUTTING ONE HAND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE GLASS (AFTER OPERATING THE BUTTON THAT WOULD NORMALLY OPEN THE WINDOW) THE WINDOW CAN BE CLOSED USING THE BUTTON. *TR
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 SHOULD. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY REMAINED ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED VARIOUS UNKNOWN PARTS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED, BUT THE PARTS FOR THOSE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE NEEDED PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 DOOR HANDLES DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THEM BREAKING. I TALKED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HE SAYS HE HAS REPLACED OVER 10 OTHER 2007/08/09 FOCUS EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. NONE HOWEVER WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND OF COURSE BOTH OF MY BROKE AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THE COST WAS 142.00/PER THIS IS A HUGE DESIGN FLAW AS WELL AS COSTLY. *TR
DRIVERS SIDE, PASSENGER DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCK BY ANY MEANS. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHILE A CHILD WAS IN A SAFETY CHILD-SEAT AND COULD NOT BE ACCESSED THROUGH THE DOOR. THE UNLOCK BUTTONS ON THE DRIVERS DOOR HAD NO EFFECT, THE UNLOCK BUTTONS ON THE KEY BOB HAD NO EFFECT AND THE MANUAL LOCK/ UNLOCK BUTTON CAN NOT BE MOVE FROM THE LOCK POSITION. THE DOOR REMAINS LOCKED UNTIL REPAIRS CAN BE MADE. A QUICK WEB SEARCH SHOWS THAT THEIR IS NO SHORTAGE OF FOCUS OWNERS HAVING EXPERIENCE THIS SAME SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF THE CAR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE CHILD HAD TO BE IMMEDIATELY REMOVED? I FEEL THAT EVEN ALLOWING VEHICLES TO BE MANUFACTURED THAT DOES NOT HAVE FOOL PROOF MANUAL LOCK RELEASES FOR EACH DOOR IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND A GROSSLY NEGLIGENT THREAT TO EVERYONE EACH TIME THEY ARE IN A VEHICLE. IS IT REALLY THAT MUCH OF A STRETCH TO IMAGINE A VEHICLE INVOLVE IN AN ACCIDENT AND LOSING ELECTRICAL POWER AND NONE OF THE DOORS COULD BE UNLOCKED? SO, MY COMPLAINT IS NOT THAT SOMETHING BROKE OR FAILED TO WORK, BUT THAT ITS FAILURE COULD UNNECESSARILY CAUSE SUCH AN EMINENT UNNECESSARY THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. *TR
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 EVERY 2.5YEARS. THE HEATER/AIR-CONDITIONER FAN HAS SHORTED OUT 3 TIMES, THANKFULLY, NO FIRE HAS BEEN STARTED! ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS OCCUR ON STATIONARY OR MOVING VEHICLE. THE ONLY COMPLAINT THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP IS THE TIRE COMPLAINT. NO PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026