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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,773 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.

2005 Ford Focus electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #58

Jun 062011

Focus 4-cyl

  • 77,000 miles

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

So idk every [xxx] year! for the last few years! it goes good then she starts acting funny boom battery light comes on. I use the voltmeter and everything's fine full charge same with the alternator. A week or so passed then the starter went out replaced 7/3/13!! wtf! fried put a new one in. Now my[xxx] clutch feels different don't know what it's not slipping but it's really smooth.2 days go by and boom acts like the battery is dead..nope take key out get voltmeter it's at 12.5 so I try again seems ok doesn't turn over. Again turn key all lights on seems ok nothing.... ok 1 more turn key struggles like starter then lights flicker dash wacks out boom dead nothing!!!!! get out still 12.5volts. I don't know try 1 more time I pumped the clutch ad it hesitated to turn over and boom it works!!!! get home. Turn it off all is well acts like nothing is wrong! 4 to 6 days again this time it did it 2 him just different.here's the kicker!!!!! it's fine fully charged all lights ok all volts ok he pulls out ( ha ha pulls out!) then she idles irregularly like a loop higher loop get it home and keeps looping. So I remember this from like 5 yrs ago it was something with the maf or ecg I believe so I look for answers.... now he goes out 4 hrs later nothing dead won't turn over won't do nothing!!!!! I hate this car!!!!! I swear I will find the [xxx] problem to this [xxx]!!!!! I can't believe this [xxx] car! she was so good now she's a lil [xxx]! I know it's something stupid as [xxx] and watch just like last year in August the [xxx[ clutch is going to go out again! I loved this car but from reading constantly I've decided this is a serious Ford issue!!!! I have spent thousands on this! if I didn't have lifetime warranties on the alternator etc I could only imagine the cost!! through all this horror I've also had to replace O2 sensors maf sensor all engine mounts 3 times!!! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #57

Jun 152014

Focus 4-cyl

  • 78,000 miles
Turn signal stopped working. Removed rear tail lenses to replace all the bulb and found brake/turn signal socket fused to interior portion of tail lens inhibiting removal due to heat warpage. Will contact dealer for replacement sockets for right and left sides and lens replacement for right and left sides. This should be a recalled item due to hazard of no turn or brake light and poor design to allow bulb to produce enough heat to cause thermal reaction and possible fire hazard.

- Kettering, OH, USA

problem #56

Jun 062014

Focus

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the instrument panel, overhead dome light, rear windshield wiper, and rear exterior lights failed without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000.

- Etna , CA, USA

problem #55

Mar 172014

Focus

  • 140,000 miles

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

The back door drivers side will not lock. The drivers door will not open from the outside. I replaced the door handle but it will still not work. It does not seem to be touching opening mechanism.

- Portland, TX, USA

problem #54

May 162014

Focus 4-cyl

  • 81,905 miles
This is the third time I had to place front left and right head lamps and high beams. I brought this car off of enterprize dealer in Nevada. Over the years I began haven lots of problems with this car. So much needed to be done on this car and I spent lots of money too. Not knowing until now this car has some recall issues. Passenger rear door replace and broken again. The rear brake are rusted and needs to be replace, drums pads ext.. noise in the steering wheel when I turn the car.

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #53

Nov 272013

Focus

  • 138,000 miles
Referring to case # [xxx]. upon further inspection it was determined that the root cause of the short was in fact the small bundle of wires going into the liftgate. Repairs have been made to all affected wires. Including installation of a brand new headlight switch Ford certified. Cost of repairs 2347 dollars and 97 cents.upon reading other complaints on this website I've seen at least 40 other cases caused by the same bundle of wires. This is very dangerous and as you can see could potentially cause a vehicle to burst into flames while driving. Something's gotta be done. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lykens, PA, USA

problem #52

Nov 272013

Focus

  • 138,000 miles

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

Driving on route 209 approximately 40 miles an hour. I noticed white smoke coming through the dash. Immediately pulled the car over, put the car in park, removed the key, and got out of the car. With no key in the ignition the starter began turning over. I didn't have any tools to unhook the battery. The starter turned over for about a minute, then the windshield wipers, headlights, and horn all began activating. I immediately called my mechanic for emergency roadside assistance. After about 4 minutes of the wipers head lights and horn all activating with no key in the ignition, someone stopped and had some tools unhook the battery.mechanic showed up about five minutes later, had the car towed to his shop, and began searching for the problem. After removing the dash panels he says that the headlight switch cost a shortwhich melted all the wires togetherunder the dash and going back to the tail lights.he says it is due to the small wires that Ford uses and they're harnesses and the way they twist them together so they will fit into the small plastic tube under the dash. I haven't been able to find a recall to attach this problem too. However I really think Ford should be responsible for these damages. I'm considering this car a total loss.

- Lykens, PA, USA

problem #51

Dec 062013

Focus 4-cyl

  • 56,000 miles
The left rear turn signal stopped working- the blown bulb indication was noticed by the fast flash signal on the dashboard indicator. When going to replace the bulb it was found that the upper socket for the turn signal socket is melted to the lens cover. The lens cover socket mounting hole was distorted by heat. Once the socket was removed the bulb was found not to be blown. The socket housing shows internal signs of heat damage -color change. The bulb was in position in the socket and the bulb base showed no sign of melting at the bulb contact points. It appears the heat was generated in the socket connection to the bulb base. There are multiple complaint of a similar finding on multiple years of the Ford Focus that were easily found with a internet search- Ford Focus melted socket. Purchasing replacement socket from dealer as this is a major personal safety issue.

- Savage , MN, USA

problem #50

Oct 062013

Focus 4-cyl

  • 89,500 miles
Since we received the car, we have noticed inconsistent acceleration and deceleration - both in town and on the highway. This particular incident was a simple slowing down for a stop light. I pressed on the brake gently to start coming to a full stop behind a few cars. As my car tried to slow down, I noticed it was fighting to slow down. I pressed on the break harder, but it wasn't going to be enough to stop without hitting the car in front of me. I tapped the accelerator, then back on the break, no change. Not knowing what else to do, I put the car into neutral. The engine did not stop revving up so I turned the car off. After waiting a minute, I turned the car back on and operated fine for the remainder of the day.

- Ellendale, ND, USA

problem #49

May 102013

Focus 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the wiring harness failed on the rear hatch of the vehicle. The brake lights stopped working and it caused the gear shift to become stuck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the design of the wiring harness was too short and when it was stretched the wires caused the failure to occur. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 110,000.

- Summit Hill , PA, USA

problem #48

May 282013

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 176,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph with the headlights in operation, the headlights and instrument panel lights became extremely dim. The engine was turned off and the vehicle failed to restart. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and replaced the alternator. The failure was contributed to a faulty liftgate wiring harness. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000. Updated 08/15/13

- Quincy, MI, USA

problem #47

May 122013

Focus 4-cyl

  • 97,651 miles
Key stuck in ignition. The column was not locked. On the gear shift there is a plastic sleeve. I put the gear shift in park and slid my hand below the knob and pulled the sleeve up and the key comes out.

- Roswell, GA, USA

problem #46

Jan 062013

Focus 4-cyl

  • 104,000 miles
The rear driver side door lock will not lock. The child safety lock doesn't even make it work. All other doors work with the remote entry key fob and alarm activates but the rear passenger door remains unlocked. I can not even lock it manually. I fear my grandchildren will be able to simply open the door and exit the car and am very concerned for their safety not to mention the possiblity of someone entering the car to do harm or vandelize the vehicle.

- Almont, MI, USA

problem #45

Oct 222010

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 205,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 for Focus zxw station wagon. The contact stated that when the key was in the ignition and the shift over ride button was depressed, the key would become locked in the ignition. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact glued the shift over ride button in place and changed the ignition, which resolved the failure. The contact also stated the metal frame of the driver's seat became cracked. The contact had to prop the seat up so that he could drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 205,000. Updated 02/20/13 the consumer stated the transmission was poorly designed. Updated 02/21/13 the consumer stated the experienced numerous problems with the transmission, after having the fluid flushed. The consumer stated the side view mirrors were rigid and were easy to break, the rear suspension springs were not designed to carry weight, which caused the vehicle to bounce on the highway and secondary road bumps. The heat shields attached to the exhaust system were designed poorly, to the point they were bent and caused a rattle. The steel rims, bent easily, which created a vibration and balance problem. The headlights lenses were discolored, the valve cover gasket leaked oil onto the spark plugs, the hood cables were defective. The hood cable froze and broke. Updated 07/25/13

- Cambridge, MA, USA

problem #44

Aug 202010

Focus 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
Purchased the car new, have had to have alternator and battery replaced 3 times now. Every time it goes out without warning and in most cases on the highway or in heavy city traffic. I almost couldn't stop nor steer the car safely away from the road. Each occurrence has cost me $500 usd from towing, parts, and labor.

- Dothan, AL, USA

problem #43

Sep 252012

Focus 4-cyl

  • 135,500 miles
The rear passenger door will not lock or unlock with the keyless entry nor the buttons in the car. Turning on or off the child lock feature does not affect it. I can manually 'force it' either way - barely - for now. This happened once before several years ago - where it was stuck completely unlocked, and you couldn't manually force it. It was like that for several months and then mysteriously fixed itself. I have looked up this particular problem online and have found that this make & model appears to have many cars with this issue yet Ford has not done a recall on it. This is a safety issue. Two scenarios are possible here that alarm me: Either emergency personnel can not open the door because it's stuck in the locked position and cannot be moved or the door remains unlocked and unwanted persons get in or things in the car get stolen because the lock is stuck unlocked. Common sense would seem to argue that this deserves to be fixed at no cost to the consumer, given the safety issues with this defect.

- Waynesboro, VA, USA

problem #42

Feb 262011

Focus 4-cyl

  • 112,800 miles
On 2/26/2011 at approximatly 1900 hrs. I was at nellis air force base in las vegas Nevada I had to pull over in a safe area to look for my id as I got out of the car with the car in park and emergency brake on I proceeded to lift the handle in front of the seat that allowes it to be moved forward so I can look under the seat for my id, I couldn't see it so I proceeded to do the same with the passanger seat and it wasen't there so again I was on the drivers side and again pulling up the handle and my right side of my face and ear was within an inch of the side air bag when it explodedand nocked me up against the drivers door frame and the airbag powder was all over me and for 30 seconds I couldn't see or hear. My face was on fire with acid burns all over my face and my right ear. I was seen at the er and was treated which included a cat scan of my hear to see if there was any internal trama and that was negative however I had developed tmj because of the impact to my jaw and migrain headaches which have not subsided to this day. All reports and pictures id taken were sent through E-mail to Ford claims dept. I was sent the paper work to fill out and send it back to them, in March 2011 I have to got to a dealer to have the chip red and it cost to have that done was $103.48. It states that the dtc B1231 restraint system was sufficient impact to warrent a deployment yet indicates that no collision occured. So then now the modual needs to be taken out by the dealer which I went to Ford and they refused to help, so that evening went to another Ford and they helped it took them January 2012 to coordinate with Ford to take out the modgual, I just found out a week ago June 14th. That bosh is just now taking a look at that product that was sent to them in January $2012.16 months later nothing else has been done and I don't know what else I can do. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- N. Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #41

Mar 062012

Focus

  • 68,000 miles
Went to pick my son up from school. Could not get key out of ignition. Took to a local mechanic and cylinders were replaced. That was in March. Got home today (may) and the same problem. Luckily have a driveway but I am annoyed and nervous about keeping this car. Fearful that the key may get stuck at an inopportune time.

- Hyde Park, MA, USA

problem #40

Jul 252006

Focus 4-cyl

  • 17,000 miles
I purchased this vehicle new in 2005. Within the first year and a half I started noticing that the dash lights would illuminate when the vehicle was parked, no keys in the ignition. The ABS and battery light would flicker on and off accompanied by a buzzing sound. The wireless remotes stopped working as well. I brought the vehicle to Ford as it was still within the three year/36,000 mile warranty period. They said that they could not duplicate the problem. They re-programmed the wireless remotes. After this the problem continued with the flickering lights and buzzing sound and also the wireless remotes stopped working. I returned the vehicle to Ford and they told me that the dash lights were malfunctioning and they would have to open up the dash, they quoted me $700 just to open up and diagnose plus the labor charges for whatever the problem was. This was right after the the year/36,000 mile warranty period was over. I mentioned that I had been to the dealership for the very same reason when the vehicle was under warranty but they could not find the problem. Ford said that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. Ford did not fix this issue and also said that the wireless remotes could not be reprogrammed. In the years since the initial problem, I have had to put in two new alternators. The dash lights flicker almost continuously. The dash display (speedometer, odometer, etc.) has completely cut out while driving the vehicle several time. The vehicle still operates but loses power when the dash cuts out. When the dash display cuts out you are driving without a gas gauge, speedometer, etc. When the dash lights come back on, there is a "hiccup" or power surge accompanied by the same buzzing sound that occurs when the dash lights are flickering when the vehicle is parked.

- Vernon, CT, USA

problem #39

Feb 152012

Focus

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. While attempting to lock the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side electronic locking mechanism failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the door lock actuator and locking assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and the failure mileages were 92,000.

- Saugerties, NY, USA

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