Ford Focus / 2004
2004 Ford Focus problems
Owners have filed 499 complaints about the 2004 Ford Focus with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 36.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 7.4%.
Complaints499
Crashes45
Fires18
Injuries45
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 36.9% · 184
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.4% · 37
Steering 5.8% · 29
Latches/locks/linkages 5.8% · 29
Air bags 4.8% · 24
Engine and engine cooling 4.4% · 22
Power train 4.2% · 21
Suspension 3.8% · 19
Severity
Of those complaints, 45 describe a crash, 18 describe a fire, 45 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Ford Focus in this data, 2004 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 21 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 50,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My key ignition has locked up on my 2004 Ford Focus leaving me stranded and costing me time from work not to mention the cost its going to be to fix it. I have read many many complaints on this problem and as of yet there is no recall. But I strongly suggest Ford considering a recall because it is a safety issue.... Who feels safe stranded on interstate, bad area of town, at night or whatever the case may be! Electrical system · reported at 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated while trying to start the vehicle, the key would not turn in the ignition. After repeated attempts, the contact banged on the key and the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the ignition switch was replaced. The failure did not recur. The failure mileage was 77,139 and the current mileage was 77,673. Updated 11/9/10 Electrical system · reported at 77,139 miles
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. Electrical system · reported at 150,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…