2004 Ford Focus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Focus › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Ford Focus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2004 Ford Focus. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
387 complaints34 involved a crash13 involved a fire34 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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 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 system · Engine · Unknown or other
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
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…
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 diagnostic machines and it doesnt show anything. All I wanted from the corporate office was an engineer to let me know how to fix it. They must have heard the complaints since there are many. A recall wont do me any good since I will be having it looked at again this week. I am doing this for others who have the same problem. However, I would like to know exactly what has caused this.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
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
rear passenger door wont latch shut.Door flies open when making turns
- Service brakes · Structure › Body
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.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train · Structure › Body › Door
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Service brakes
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…
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 · Latches/locks/linkages
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…
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 · Engine
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…
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
"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
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…
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
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
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 · Exterior lighting · Steering
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
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
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 system
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 control
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…
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
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.
- Seats
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…
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
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
Shorted brake wires in trunk area blown fuse no start no brake lights would not shift into drive.
- Tires
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.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Steering
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…
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.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
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…
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 this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10205032Safety recall 05S27 - Rear door latch corrosion - requests for recall service action - built on or before 01/26/2005
- 10183768For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear door latches may experience corrosion in the pawl pivot area preventing proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. Initially, customers may experience difficulty closing the rear door that may eventually progress to a point where the rear door may not latch properly. If not latched properly, the door may open while driving.
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10058100Ford: due to high corrosion areas, where vehicles are operated for extended periods, lower control arm (lca) can separate from forward attachment of subframe. Model 2001-04 escape.
- 10058099Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10056643Ford: on some vehicles, operating for an extended time in high corrosion area, a safety recall 05s27 was issued, where rear door latches experience corrosion in pawl pivot area preventing proper engagement of pawl into catch. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10021051Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10019947Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10019375Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing.
- 10019081Mirfire diagnostic trouble codes p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, or p0304 - service tip.
- 10019076Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0L zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10019073Dtc p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303 and/or p0304 - service tip.
- 10018945Mtx-75 premature clutch failure.
- 10018934Neutral tow capability -- service kit requirements.
- 10017934Rear brake squeal.
- 10017922Difficult or unable to shift into 5TH gear.
- 10017884Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10014667Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014656Vent leak.
- 10014596Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014082Engine vibration at idle.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013416A/c condenastion leak.
- 10013391Transaxle noise at idle in neutral with clutch pedal released premature clutch.
- 10013384Stall after cold start in extreme low ambient temperature.
- 10013367Difficulty changing gears - unable to engage gears.
- 10013318Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10012971Unable to remove ignition key - service tip.
- 10012969Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0133, p1131 or p2195.
- 10012962No crank on start charging system warning indicator on driveability concerns and or malfunction indicator lamp on.
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011148Loss of intermittent wiper or wiper park function.
- 10009872Update 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. Supplement #1.
- 10009337Front wheel bearing replacement procedure. Service tip.
- 10009335Inoperative speed control system.
Every Ford Focus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.