2005 Ford Focus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 Ford Focus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2005 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.
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
441 complaints43 involved a crash9 involved a fire41 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
My rear passenger door latch is corroded. It is difficult to open, it sometimes fails to open. I have children under the age of 3 in the backseats of my car. I do not want the latch to fail and the door to open while in motion. It is available for inspection upon service. Problems started to appear…
My rear passenger door latch is corroded. It is difficult to open, it sometimes fails to open. I have children under the age of 3 in the backseats of my car. I do not want the latch to fail and the door to open while in motion. It is available for inspection upon service. Problems started to appear within the last year and has persisted to the point of being very difficult to open. No warnings or messages prior, since it is a body issue. Has not been inspected by any professionals.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Service brakes
In a rear end accident the airbags never deployed. The seat belt also didn't catch me and my chest hit the steering wheel. I pressed hard on the breaks but it didn't feel like it was slowing down. I now have a fractured sternum and cannot drive or work. I have filed insurance claims and been to the hospital. No one was in the car with me. There were no warning lights/signs before.
- Engine
I was driving my car and the engine started on fire. It ruined the entire engine. It was not overheating. All my fluids were full. I don't know why it happened.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Fuse continued to blow out causing entire left side of lights from front to back to turn off until new fuse replaced old. Was connected to continued lifting of hatchback on wagon model. Electrical harness was arcing and insulation flaking off and would have caused a fire had not the harness been…
Fuse continued to blow out causing entire left side of lights from front to back to turn off until new fuse replaced old. Was connected to continued lifting of hatchback on wagon model. Electrical harness was arcing and insulation flaking off and would have caused a fire had not the harness been replaced. This had been on and off for approximately 2 years starting with blowing out the bulbs then the fuse started blowing out in jan 2021. Midas replaced harness this march. car IS a 2005 focus wagon,
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that while stopped, she would notice that her vehicle would bounce up and down. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the engine mounts were defective and needed to be replaced immediately. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that while stopped, she would notice that her vehicle would bounce up and down. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the engine mounts were defective and needed to be replaced immediately. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and but offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 53,085.*dt consumer stated mechanic stated engine mounts were bad and needed to be replaced.*jb
- Suspension
My vehicle will not pass inspection due to the frame being all rusted & full of holes.
- Engine · Exterior lighting · Seat belts
Motor mounts are bad and makes the engine rattle and vibrate tail light will not work I've changed fuse bulb and sockets still nothing and driver seat belt gets stuck
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered abnormally while attempting to move from a stopped position. The vehicle was taken to bell ford located at 2401 w bell rd, phoenix, az 85023, where some unknow repairs were performed however, the failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered abnormally while attempting to move from a stopped position. The vehicle was taken to bell ford located at 2401 w bell rd, phoenix, az 85023, where some unknow repairs were performed however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to babbitt ford located at 11 n verde st, flagstaff, az 86001, and was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was returned to babbitt ford where it was diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a defective ring in the transmission which need to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Wheels
On july 7, 2015, I bought 4 tires 117632 affinity touring bl p195/60r15 87T with a 70,0000 mile warranty. I paid $415.58 which included four of the before mentioned tires; nevada recycling fee; lifetime new tire wheel balance labor; lifetime rubber valve; scrap tire recycling fee; and tire…
On july 7, 2015, I bought 4 tires 117632 affinity touring bl p195/60r15 87T with a 70,0000 mile warranty. I paid $415.58 which included four of the before mentioned tires; nevada recycling fee; lifetime new tire wheel balance labor; lifetime rubber valve; scrap tire recycling fee; and tire installation. I bought these tires at firestone complete auto care green valley 220 north stephanie street, henderson, nevada 89074, phone#702-434-0692. I had 59,284 miles on my car. on december 31, 2019, because of the tires going flat and the wear bar too low for me to drive safely on these tires, I had to buy four new tires. I had 106,125 miles. I still had 23,159 miles left on my 70,000 miles warranty. I bought 4 114572 primewell ps830 195/60r 15 88hbl dot#y9k5d8hk3210 tires prie $47.99. the firestone located at 1323 boulder city parkway, boulder city, nevada 89005 phone#294-0098 gave me a credit of $26.80 for all four tires charging $41.29 for each tire. I paid a total of $303.20 for these tires. I am very upset that I had to buy cheaper tires because the better tires I bought did not last the full $70,000 miles.
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact's daughter owns a 2005 ford focus. While driving at an unknown speed, the rear passenger door opened on its own. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road and closed the rear passenger door. The contact was also informed by his…
TL* the contact's daughter owns a 2005 ford focus. While driving at an unknown speed, the rear passenger door opened on its own. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road and closed the rear passenger door. The contact was also informed by his daughter that both rear doors failed to open. The contact associated the failures with nhtsa campaign number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failures. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Today my accelerator got stuck when pulling into a parking lot with my kids. I was luckily not going more than 10mph and was able to quickly put the car into neutral and stop the car without hitting anyone or anything. Earlier in the day I noticed it took a little more effort to push the gas pedal…
Today my accelerator got stuck when pulling into a parking lot with my kids. I was luckily not going more than 10mph and was able to quickly put the car into neutral and stop the car without hitting anyone or anything. Earlier in the day I noticed it took a little more effort to push the gas pedal down, but not by much and after the car resting for several hours, it wasn't an issue anymore. I wasn't expecting it to be an issue later on. as far as electrical issues go; my headlights do not like to stay on. I have to play with the wires where they connect to the headlights in order for them to turn on, but they often do not stay on, and they frequently will turn off and on while driving, sometimes it's just one side, or alternating sides. This has been an issue for over a year and everytime I have work done to fix it, it only fixes it temporarily and it's back to doing this all over again.
- Structure › Body
The front door handles quit working and there's no way to get door open???? Front door handles quit working. Cant get in my car
- Power train · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
This car has delayed reaction or no reaction at all to pressing the gas pedal. It doesn't go, it'll move a little bit, but mostly just fevs really high then all of a sudden it'll kick in and bolt forward, while driving on highway or from a complete stop, doesn't matter. The car lunges a lot…
This car has delayed reaction or no reaction at all to pressing the gas pedal. It doesn't go, it'll move a little bit, but mostly just fevs really high then all of a sudden it'll kick in and bolt forward, while driving on highway or from a complete stop, doesn't matter. The car lunges a lot, forward and sideways while driving at 60 mph or faster. accelerates sometimes on its own. this car IS very scary to drive and has no business being on a freeway...ever!
- Steering · Wheels
The steering wheel has been fall apart the last ten years, and your not covering it. IS that nother ford better idea?
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
The backseat doors will not latch and or lock. They have to be held together with zip ties. The randomly opened while I was driving down the road. This IS a serious safety concern, as I cannot use my care to transport my child. I know other versions of this same vehicle have had a safety recall…
The backseat doors will not latch and or lock. They have to be held together with zip ties. The randomly opened while I was driving down the road. This IS a serious safety concern, as I cannot use my care to transport my child. I know other versions of this same vehicle have had a safety recall issued for this, and I am curious as to why my specific model was left out when I am experiencing the same problems. This car IS no longer driveable.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
The exhaust manifold cadillac convertible causes slight noise and leaks connecting. To the engine. I think ford should take a look this car seems to have muffler and exhaust problems causing a lot to be repaired out the pocket on the highway it seems to suck air stall a little whole in motion
- Air bags · Electrical system
The icon seat belt indicator comes and goes as lit and then some times it IS not visible when vehicle IS in motion (engine running).
- Electrical system · Structure › Body › Door
The wiring between the hatch door and the body IS deteriorated with a broken wire for the license plate light and the insulation cracked and missing on many of the other wires. this IS a real hazard as shorts could occur affecting all the rear lights that are controlled with these wires. luckily…
The wiring between the hatch door and the body IS deteriorated with a broken wire for the license plate light and the insulation cracked and missing on many of the other wires. this IS a real hazard as shorts could occur affecting all the rear lights that are controlled with these wires. luckily I read on a youtube report about this problem. I detected the problem with the vehicle parked in my garage while investigating the lighting problem.
- Unknown or other
I have had my idler pulley bolt break four times in the last two years. Each time this happens, I have nearly ran off of the road. I have taken it to ford and they claim they have never heard of it happening even though I have told them I have found numerous reports of the same thing happening to…
I have had my idler pulley bolt break four times in the last two years. Each time this happens, I have nearly ran off of the road. I have taken it to ford and they claim they have never heard of it happening even though I have told them I have found numerous reports of the same thing happening to other ford owners. This IS very scary as it happens unexpectedly and ford doesn't seem to think it IS a serious issue. I have seen BMW has had two recalls for this exact issue and an wondering if there IS anything we can do to urge ford to take the same stance on their faulty parts. Here IS a link with lots of concerns about the fords idler pulley bolt repeatedly breaking: https://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/duratec-performance-2003-2007/296298-another-broken-idler-pulley-bolt.html the fourth time it broke on me was november 28, 2018.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that the master key failed to function properly when attempting to lock and unlock the vehicle. As a result, the contact constantly had to use the key fob. Also, during inclement weather below 30 degrees, the vehicle was extremely hesitant.…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that the master key failed to function properly when attempting to lock and unlock the vehicle. As a result, the contact constantly had to use the key fob. Also, during inclement weather below 30 degrees, the vehicle was extremely hesitant. The contact had to wait for a moment to ensure that the vehicle would start and not shut off. The contact also heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine area. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failures was unknown. Schicker ford (3300 s kings highway, st. Louis, missouri 63139, (314) 664-4100) was contacted, but did not diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vin and failure mileage were not available.
- Air bags
Estn reventadas las bolsas de aire.
- Air bags · Exterior lighting · Seat belts
Bought a 2005 ford focus in april, 2018. told sales man that airbag engine light remains on. Was told IS ok. On 6/112018, called customer service ford cooperate spoke with a lady. She ask for vin number, I gave it to her. She said 2005 focus has no airbag recall. I told her that air bag light…
Bought a 2005 ford focus in april, 2018. told sales man that airbag engine light remains on. Was told IS ok. On 6/112018, called customer service ford cooperate spoke with a lady. She ask for vin number, I gave it to her. She said 2005 focus has no airbag recall. I told her that air bag light stays on since we bought the car. She didn't take interest on that. I asked her what company made 2005 ford focus airbag? she would not tell me. I called local ford dealer in wesley chapel fl. Told service tech same thing that I told cooperate of engine light airbag always stays on. He too said IS nothing. That vin number IS no recall. I asked him as well which company put airbags in 2005 focus, was it tahkata? He too wouldn't answer me. So I email mr. W.ford to explain above situation with airbag light and who placed air bags in 2005 focus. Have not heard from him or his office, explained to mr. Ford, that airbag light being always on and his dealers want to charge me $200 to check engine light IS absurd. When this IS a national safety recall. That we as their paying customers deserve an answer and better treatment. can you please tell me if this IS a safety violation? Would like to hear from you. thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).? *pm
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the instrument panel failed to function. The contact then replaced a fuse for the instrument panel however, the failure recurred after 24 hours. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Hatchback wiring harness between body and hatchback, has multiple wire insulation failure and wire breakage causing fuses to blow and non-functioning parking lights, reverse lights, break lights, instrument column lights, and uncontrolled release of electrical trunk while driving.
- Vehicle speed control
2005 ford focus ZX5 s. Consumer writes in regards to concerns with unintended acceleration. *Ld the consumer requested information if any into an investigation concerning speed control. *Js
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.
- 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.
- 10034585Ford: premature front/rear tire wear and/or vehicle drift on wet or snow covered roads. If performing an alignment, record all align-ment angles prior to any adjustments, and enter in warranty claim if applicable.
- 10022286Fuel fill slow early shut off.
- 10021051Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10021042Increased brake pedal efforts required on initial stopping after cold start at high altitude.
- 10020173Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10019947Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10019815Rear tire wear - rear toe specification correction.
- 10019802External liftgate release switch non-functional on manual door lock equipped vehicles.
- 10019083Mil on/rough running - mutiple dtcs -0201, p0202, p0203 or p0204 present in the powertrain control module (pcm).
- 10019081Mirfire diagnostic trouble codes p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, or p0304 - service tip.
- 10019073Dtc p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303 and/or p0304 - service tip.
- 10019072Windshield wiper relay - clicking noise.
- 10018945Mtx-75 premature clutch failure.
- 10018934Neutral tow capability -- service kit requirements.
- 10017939Long crank/hard start - 2.0L and 2.3L engine with mtx-75 transaxle.
- 10017934Rear brake squeal.
- 10017923Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017922Difficult or unable to shift into 5TH gear.
- 10017915Clunk or pop noise from front suspension over bumps - service tip.
- 10017884Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10017878Slow fill or premature shutoff when filling the fuel tank.
- 10016804Increased brake pedal efforts required on initial stopping after cold start at high altitude.
- 10014667Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014656Vent leak.
- 10014636Inability to play home made cd on single cd audio system without MP3 capability.
- 10014596Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014310Weld bonding procedure.
- 10014274Luggage compartment lid will not open/re-latches when opening with remote transmitter or luggage compartment lid release switch.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014082Engine vibration at idle.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013431Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2004.
- 10013430Clutch returnability issues - service tip.
- 10013416A/c condenastion leak.
- 10013411No crank with diagnostic trouble code dtc b16011 and or pats security access issues.
Every Ford Focus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.