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2.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,841 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Ford Focus engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Ford Focus Owner Comments

problem #11

Dec 152010

Focus

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 30-40 mph the vehicle lost all electrical power and stalled. The steering wheel locked while the vehicle was in drive and moving forward. He engaged the brakes and the vehicle stopped in the median. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which indicated an improper key issue. The local mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that they are afraid to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that there was no recall for the failure or any other course of action. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 90,000.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #10

Mar 072010

Focus 4-cyl

  • 53,000 miles
I have a 2004 Ford Focus ZX3. I was at a gas station filling up and when I attempted to start up my car, the key would not turn. The ignition cylinder was completely locked up. I was stranded at the gas station for 2 hours before aaa came and towed my car to the dealership. I have researched the issue and found out that the ignition cylinder locking up and not allowing you to start your car is a very common issue with the Ford Focus, most commonly in models between the years 2000 and 2006. I was lucky to be only 5 miles away from the dealership where I had to have it towed. If I was further away or out of town, this could have been a big safety hazard, as it could have left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Please take action by helping the consumers of the Ford Focus receive a refund/recall for their defected ignition cylinder. Thank you!

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #9

Mar 182009

Focus

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While starting the vehicle, the contact heard a ticking noise coming from the engine. The spark plugs were replaced to remedy the issue, but the failure remained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the number four cylinder had no pressure and the piston was destroyed. The contact was informed that the engine would have to be replaced. No repairs have been performed and the contact is waiting for an estimate for the repair cost. The manufacturer stated that the warranty was expired and no compensation would be provided. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

- Chillicothe, MO, USA

problem #8

Dec 162008

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased car in September 2008 and it has since died while driving three times in less than three months. Last time car died, so far, was on a busy route at a busy intersection with our two toddlers and newborn in the backseat. There are numerous other people with same problem of car just dying while being driven. When will this get the proper attention it needs before someone is injured or even killed before it's actually dealt with. No dealership or mechanic can figure out what's wrong with the car. Had we known this, we would have never purchased this car. We purchased it solely on the fact it was able to have our three children in the backseat and it had so few miles, 65K.

- Danielson, CT, USA

problem #7

Jun 202008

Focus

  • 94,000 miles
2004 Ford Focus..changed the air filter and noticed oil in and under the old filter and checked the oil and it was on the normal level. About three days later, while driving down the road, the car shut off, now it will do nothing, the motor won't even turn over. Can't find out what the problem is, any suggestions?

- Allendale, SC, USA

problem #6

Jul 032007

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,759 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving 55-70 mph, the vehicle and the steering wheel both began to shake. When the speed is below 55 mph, the shaking will stop or decrease. When applying the brakes while driving, the contact heard metal on metal from the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. The dealer stated that the brakes were fine. The current mileage was 54,019 and failure mileage was 50,759. Updated 01/02/08 the consumer stated the vehicle squeaked and vibrated and when the brakes were applied there was a grinding noise. The engine mount was replaced, due to it being broken. The shifter squeaked. The rims were bent and the tires were out of balance. Updated

- Big Bear Lake, CA, USA

problem #5

Apr 012006

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2004 Focus belt tensioner broke and battery failed. The front door had to be aligned and the door seal was replaced. The throttle cable had to be re-routed due to the cable binding. The front wheel bearings were replaced. The left rear motor assembly was replaced, the 3rd brake light lens and right side cv axle was replaced. The transmission started shifting erratically. The consumer attempted to make a turn, and the transmission would shift from 1st to 2nd gear until the engine revved up past 6000 RPM. The consumer was told there was a problem with the servo pistons. The transmission was eventually repaired. The battery failed 5 times.

- Gun Barrel City, TX, USA

problem #4

Mar 082005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,145 miles
While driving vehicle stalled. Driver was able to restart the vehicle fifteen minutes later, and drove it to the dealer. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. Driver informed the mechanic that this problem has happened more than once, and has not been resolved. Ford mrfg stated that this type of stalling (failure) does not indicate a safety problem. There has been a constant problem with 1/2 tank of gas or less since the car reach 50,000 miles.

- Rochester, PA, USA

problem #3

Apr 302004

Focus

  • miles
While driving, the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer managed to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test on vehicle and found that spark plugs and the head of the engine were worn. Mechanic replaced the spark plugs and the head engine.

- Central Falls, RI, USA

problem #2

Mar 262004

Focus

  • 350 miles
While driving 35 mph vehicle stalled.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

problem #1

Feb 262004

Focus

  • 48,000 miles
While driving engine light illuminated, then vehicle stalled.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

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