2008 Ford Focus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Focus › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Ford Focus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2008 Ford Focus. Newest first.
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 vehicles fail to conform to the requirements specified in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the driver air bag module may not have been properly assembled.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may prevent the driver air bag from properly deploying and reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace your driver air bag module free of charge. the recall began on november 20, 2007. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Owner complaints
250 complaints21 involved a crash20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
N/a
- Service brakes
The brakes went to the floor and the whole car locked up. When I pressed the brakes to slow down it felt like something on the brakes just fell apart. I was in a car accident because of this I hit another car no no
- Unknown or other
Starter has always been difficult but now key stuck in ignition and won't start either
- Air bags
I purchased a 2008 Ford Focus from my father (now deceased). The airbag warning light has been on. When I had the OBD read, it came back with code # B2294 indicating a fault in a control module. My research makes me believe this vehicle should be included in NHTSA# 07V541000 (Ford # 07C19)…
I purchased a 2008 Ford Focus from my father (now deceased). The airbag warning light has been on. When I had the OBD read, it came back with code # B2294 indicating a fault in a control module. My research makes me believe this vehicle should be included in NHTSA# 07V541000 (Ford # 07C19); however, both NHTSA and Ford say it isn't. I would like to find out why this particular vehicle was excluded and is there something I can do at this point to have it included.
- Engine and engine cooling · Suspension › Subframe/mounting bracket
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 coolant leak and a corroded subframe.…
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 coolant leak and a corroded subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe was significantly thin due to corrosion and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,625. The VIN was unavailable.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Steering began to wobble and vehicle pulling hard to the right. Took car to Tires Plus for alignment and inspection. Technician advised the drivers side front tire has advanced tread separation and the front passenger side tire is beginning to separate and is cupping. My daughter drives this car.…
Steering began to wobble and vehicle pulling hard to the right. Took car to Tires Plus for alignment and inspection. Technician advised the drivers side front tire has advanced tread separation and the front passenger side tire is beginning to separate and is cupping. My daughter drives this car. 205/50R/16 87H, passenger tire is dot [XXX], drivers side is [XXX] . Tires rated for 65k, they only have 34k miles of wear on them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Unknown or other
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 the head hard and my left hand when I…
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 the head hard and my left hand when I tried to catch it. It comes down fast and forcefully. Something is wrong and seriously injure someone. I had a cut on my hand and couldn’t see my head for laceration. But I was afraid I could have been knocked out or had a concussion. Please look into this.
- Electrical system
Ignition cylinder fails, leaving drivers stranded. Ford Focus online forums are plastered with numerous complaints about the focus ignition lock cylinder failure, and there are youtube videos showing how to repair it with tape or rigging a bypass push button ignition switch, but FORD should be…
Ignition cylinder fails, leaving drivers stranded. Ford Focus online forums are plastered with numerous complaints about the focus ignition lock cylinder failure, and there are youtube videos showing how to repair it with tape or rigging a bypass push button ignition switch, but FORD should be fixing these issues so people are not stranded. Issue does not happen when driving, and only happens when key is off, and attempting to crank the car. Several people have complained about 500 dollar repairs that only last a few months before issue returns, and ford is very aware, but there are no recalls for the defect. I suppose a car that wont start is not considered dangerous, in itself, but the "hacks and fixes" for the issue can potentially be, and I think this deserves extreme scrutiny, as it affects several ford year models. drivers can suddenly be stranded miles from home and stuck with expensive repair costs that can render them without any transportation at all with no means of resolution.
- Structure › Body
Both Front Door latches have failed and will not open from the outside
- Air bags
Airbag light came on. The vehicle has 123,000 on it. It just recently came on the dash while driving. I see there is no recall for airbag light indicator.
- Unknown or other
The driver side door handle no longer works from the outside. It feels like the door handle isn't latching on to the mechanism inside the door to open it. I can open my door from the inside though. I have found online that it IS a common problem and am confused to why no recalls have been issued out for the faulty door handle brackets.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
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.
- Engine · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
The gas pedal goes with gas and decelerates on its own. Brake booster does not function correctly. The motor shakes and looses horsepower.
- Structure › Body
Entered vehicle as usual closed door and began driving (vehicle was in motion). While in operation driving down a city street the driver side door swung open. I attempted to close door immediately but door would not close. It bounced open at every attempt. I pulled the vehicle over to the side of…
Entered vehicle as usual closed door and began driving (vehicle was in motion). While in operation driving down a city street the driver side door swung open. I attempted to close door immediately but door would not close. It bounced open at every attempt. I pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road where after many attempts I was able to close the door. I attempted to open door to get into the vehicle the door latch pulled but the door would not open latch remained in pulled position and door unable to be opened at all. This malfunction appears to be a broken door latch which was recalled for vehicles (not including mine) nhtsa recall number 17v652000. However ford stated my vin was not covered under recall. I am currently awaiting a estimate for repair as it IS extremely dangerous to operate the vehicle in this condition.
- Service brakes
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 close completely causing fluid bypass…
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 close completely causing fluid bypass and no brake pressure resulting in the pedal falling to the floor. After some time, the pedal returns to normal function and the hcu valve seemingly seals be it the same drive, or a couple drives . This occurs at random, only when the correct amount of brake pressure and rough road conditions combine for the ABS to activate. However, the breaks do not return immediately, so you are forced to drive with virtually no brakes till it finally resolves on its own. This has happened in storms, where I had to stop hard due to debris in the road. This IS especially problematic when exiting a highway and the exit ramp IS milled, so when you are breaking and hit the grooved section the brakes disappear. This also occurs if you hit a rough patch of road or pothole while breaking. This IS incredibly dangerous, with the root cause being a defective valve design in the hcu and IS a common issue across the ford lineup. The issue IS the problem IS intermittent, hard to diagnose, and always misdiagnosed as air in the system. The root cause IS a faulty hcu causing a valve to fail to seat properly and allow pressure blowby. This IS going to lead to an accident because it IS not predictable, and it does not recover until some time has passed. So imagine a focus exiting the highway and losing the brakes unexpectedly and for the rest of the drive - that IS a disaster waiting to happen. No indication of anything abnormal in the instrument cluster, no lights. This happened again the other day and it has yet to reset itself - ford needs to fix it!! Loss of brakes from hitting a bump - so dangerous! *Ln*jb
- Power train
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 light popped back on. It does this a…
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 light popped back on. It does this a lot will drive fine for about 25-30 minus at about 50-55 mph the light pops on with about 30mph worth of power.i pull over turn the car off and on it turns the light out an all power IS restored. I've looked online and everyone seems to point to the throttle body going bad. The car IS in perfect shape and has a fresh all around tune up.
- Service brakes
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 (6001 washington ave, racine, wi 53406 (262) 886-5200) where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS failed and needed to be…
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 (6001 washington ave, racine, wi 53406 (262) 886-5200) where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The vin was not available. *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
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
- Wheels
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, got it aligned and new tires was fine tile about 2 months ago. Got decent tires and an alignment its already doing itvagain.
- Power train
2008 ford focus. Consumer writes in regards to defective transmission. *Ld the consumer no longer owns the vehicle. *Js
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford focus. The contact experienced difficulty inserting the key into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. The cylinder in the ignition was replaced, but the failure recurred. The ignition switch was replaced, but the failure recurred a third time. The ignition…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford focus. The contact experienced difficulty inserting the key into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. The cylinder in the ignition was replaced, but the failure recurred. The ignition switch was replaced, but the failure recurred a third time. The ignition was repaired by an independent mechanic who installed a piece of cardboard in order to start the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 104,000.
- Electrical system
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 until the key turned and started the…
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 until the key turned and started the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but no failure code was found. The contact called first ford (located at 292 william s canning blvd, fall river, ma 02721, (508) 730-1000) and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,845.
- Electrical system
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 vegins to chime until I push ignition…
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 vegins to chime until I push ignition switch back in. I know there was a similar recall until the 2005 model, this issue was never fixes from all the research ive done on this issue
- Air bags
My son rear ended another vehicle at about 35 mph air bags didn't deploy other vehicle was stopped
- Service brakes
While driving vehicle will not stop. On highway and regular streets. Brake pedals applied but are pushed to the floor. to stop I pump brakes and eventually they come back. Reported problem to dealer but was told nothing was wrong. Have replaced master cylinder and brakes in the last year but…
While driving vehicle will not stop. On highway and regular streets. Brake pedals applied but are pushed to the floor. to stop I pump brakes and eventually they come back. Reported problem to dealer but was told nothing was wrong. Have replaced master cylinder and brakes in the last year but problem still persists. Almost had accident yesterday and am terrified of driving car. Don't remember any recalls but have been reading other people's comments on this same problem. What IS the fix for this!!! No one seems to know!!! This car still has low mileage I am the original owner of the vehicle but I had the same problems but didn't know what to do because I always took car to dealer for service and they kept saying nothing was wrong with the car. I have all of my service records and papers but sold the car to my daughter [xxx] last year and she keeps having same issues. I have told her to get rid of the car because it IS not safe. I drove car for 10 years with this problem and was lucky not to have an accident but did have some close calls. At this point I want to know exactly what the problem IS and how to fix it because she IS a single mother with no money to be buying cars. I saw a complaint that it could be the ABS pump but the 2008 was a one year design and can't be purchased anymore, if this IS the case then we are screwed. Please advise what the correct fix IS if you can.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).' *pm *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Tire valve cracking
On october 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by ford motor company.the valves were supplied to ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by…
On october 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by ford motor company.the valves were supplied to ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international (08t-018) and dill air controls (08t-028), the latter of which was investigated by odi in pe08-036 and ea08-022.the defect conditions addressed by the aftermarket tire valve recalls both involved inadequate resistance to ozone cracking due to issues with the supply of anti-ozonant chemicals to topseal for a period from july to mid-november 2006.the aftermarket valves were compounded with a blend of epdm and natural rubber, using a relatively low percentage of epdm (epdm provides inherent resistance to ozone cracking).hence, the need for anti-ozonant chemicals and the problems with cracking when those chemicals were missing or out of specification in some lots of valves.both recall campaigns involved inspection programs to identify and replace valves with visible surface cracking.although the topseal valves supplied to ford also appear to have been affected by the anti-ozonant supply issues in mid to late-2006, ford indicated that its valves were made at a different topseal production line and were compounded with a higher percentage of epdm rubber to meet more stringent specifications from ford.odi's analysis of complaint and warranty data provided by ford showed that problems with cracked tire valves were significantly higher for my 2007 vehicles produced from december 2006 through march 2007.ford responded by implementing changes in its material specifications for snap-in rubber tire valves and also increasing the quality and acceptance standards for valves imported for use in its vehicles.while the complaint and warranty claim rates are elevated for subject vehicles produced from december 2006 through march 2007, the rates of leaking valves are well below one percent of production for each of the peak months for all of the affected models.a substantial majority of the subject vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) which warn the driver when any tire pressures drops below 25 percent of recommended inflation pressure. As outlined in a letter to odi dated april 6, 2009, ford has agreed to send letters to owners of certain my 2007 and 2008 ford, lincoln and mercury vehicles to provide information about the cracking concern. Letters will be sent to owners of vehicles built from november 2006 through may 2007.owners can opt for a free dealer inspection.valves exhibiting surface cracks or air leakage related to ozone attack will be replaced by ford under its normal warranty terms.ford expects to send the letter by approximately mid-may 2009. Based on the use of TPMS in the majority of subject vehicles and the relatively low rates of repairs associated with leaking valves and resultant tire damage, odi believes that the actions ford has agreed to take will provide effective and expeditious resolution for vehicles that were built during the period when valves with inadequate resistance to ozone cracking were most likely to have been used in vehicle production.further investigation of this matter would not be an efficient allocation of agency resources.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to
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.
- 10254138All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
- 10140323The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 10138524The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 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.
- 10095184Replacing the original equipment sync/navigation system with either an aftermarket sync/navigation kit or modifying original sync/navigation parts to provide additional features IS not recommended nor supported on any ford, mercury or lincoln vehicle. Only approved genuine ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: monroney label (window sticker), professional technician society (pts) oasis tab select sync or hvbom. For genuine ford accessories use: pts workshop tab select dealer installed accessory or accessory installation.
- 10091151Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10090681Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service IS required due to a brake system warning lamp being illuminated. If the park brake was applied when the vhr was gathering data from the major vehicle systems, the brakes and suspension message will be reported as the vhr looks for any warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster. Rerun the vhr with the engine on and vehicle in park, and ensure the park brake IS disengaged. If the sync vhr IS still reporting a concern to the customers sync owners account, refer to the appropriate workshop manual section for diagnosis by dtc or symptom. Starting in 2015 not all sync equipped vehicles support vhr, refer to the owners manual for vhr operation.
- 10057723Ford: a job aid was developed and now available for the ptu internal or external fluid leakage for all wheel drive vehicles.
- 10039053Ford: if there IS an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10037092Ford: one some 2008-2010 focus vehicles there may be an inoperable speed control.
- 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.
- 10032235Ford: some vehicles may experience a slight tire shake or vibration caused by temporary tire flat spotting. If tire shake/vibration IS evident at pre delivery or very low mileage drive the vehicle for 10-15 miles prior to attempting any repairs.
- 10032234Ford: some multiples vehicles replacements may require revised as built data. The new level sjb service part introduced between 10/07 and 02/08 will require entry of as built data.
- 10027986Ford: some vehicles built on or after 10/3/05 may experience a customer concern of the power steering (p/s) system leaking and/or system noisy.
- 10027912Ford: vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0456 (very small evaporative emission system leak detected; very small leak 0.020" (0.51 mm) diameter).
- 10026384Ford: mil on dtc p0128/ delayed 3-4 upshift/improved hill hold. Built on or before 4/18/08. Vehicles may exhibit a delayed 3-4 upshift/malfunction indicator lamp.
- 100248254R27e transaxle no 3RD or 4TH gear--built on or before 1/29/08.
- 100243042008 focus defroster performance upgrade prior to sale - parts update.
Every Ford Focus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.