Ford Focus / 2008
2008 Ford Focus problems
Owners have filed 336 complaints about the 2008 Ford Focus with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 17% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of structure at 12.5%.
Complaints336
Crashes25
Fires0
Injuries23
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 17.0% · 57
Structure 12.5% · 42
Air bags 8.0% · 27
Latches/locks/linkages 7.4% · 25
Power train 6.8% · 23
Suspension 6.8% · 23
Tires 6.3% · 21
Unknown or other 5.4% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 25 describe a crash and 23 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Ford Focus in this data, 2008 sits 16th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 64,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 58,707. Updated 8/31/15*cn the ignition switch was replaced by a repair shop. Updated 09/08/15 Electrical system · reported at 58,707 miles
My Focus door locks do not work. Not only will the electric system not lock and/or unlock the doors but it is physically impossible to lock them manually. So the car wherever it is is always unlocked. My mechanic said that parts are back ordered for months out as this is a common issue with the Focus. This is a serious safety concern when it comes to theft but more importantly predators. Electrical system · reported at 130,000 miles
Switch to start vehicle is "sticking" when it works or not starting after 15+ attempts. Very annoying & perhaps dangerous when attempting to start the car. The pop feature, I believe , is not allowing the vehicle to start or remove the key. Car less than 80k miles. Otherwise, love the car. Car hasnt been fixed or repaired yet, looking for re-calls bc seems to be a common situation. Electrical system · reported at 80,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…