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CarComplaints.com Notes: Even though the first model year of a major redesign should typically be avoided, Ford did a good job & the 2008 Ford Focus doesn't appear to have any major defects.

That said, the following model years of this 2nd generation Focus (2009-2011) do appear to be slightly better.

3.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,840 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.

2008 Ford Focus suspension problems

suspension problem

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2008 Ford Focus Owner Comments

problem #19

Sep 072014

Focus

  • 119,000 miles

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

Car tries to drive itself when my foot is on the brake ( stationary) & the malfunction almost caused a accident in the city.lights have malfunctioned since purchase. No backseat lights working.car isles randomly and will not stop until stitch to neutral and then it gives me control to drive again.please look into this issue

- Hephzibah, GA, USA

problem #18

Jan 152016

Focus

  • 95,000 miles
I have replaced the tires on this vehicle 5 times in 6 years. The car was purchased in 2010, only 2 years old, and the first set of tires was replaced in 2011. Each time the tires are replaced it's because there is abnormal wear on the inside of the tires; so much damage, the steel radial from tires is sticking out. I was told I needed new sway bar links; replaced those as well, but have since put another new set of tires on this car. When I replaced these tires, I also had to replace 3 lug nuts which were broken as well. I have researched this problem; many others are experiencing this same issue. Two mechanics have tried to figure out what is causing the tires to wear prematurely and unevenly, and I still have no answer. My tires which are supposed to be good for 45,000 miles or more, depending on what I buy, and no matter what brand I buy, none have lasted 20,000 miles. The only option I have is to replace my tires approximately once a year which is unacceptable. I refuse to spend money replacing parts trying to fix the problem by "process of elimination" because no one seems to know what the root cause of the problem is. The premature, uneven tire wear is simply a "symptom" of a defect that no one seems to be able to identify. The first thing you will notice is the vibration; which continues to get worse even after alignments and tire rotations. Also, the low tire pressure light will go on because the tires lose air since they are wearing prematurely and unevenly. Once this starts happening, you may as well start saving for a new set of tires; unless Ford comes clean and admits the defect and does a recall; but don't hold your breath. On this form, there is a question that says "when did this happen?" I had to choose a year so I just picked one; it has happened in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

- Mason, IL, USA

problem #17

Oct 012011

Focus

  • 60,000 miles
This is a ongoing problem with this vehicles suspension since I have had this vehicle I have replaced the tires on it 4X the rear suspension cups the tires and makes it bounce I have had multiple alignments and I bought it a 52.000 miles N for the last 4 yrs I have bought many types of tires and this car has ruined them all, also strut replacement and tie rods and I just got a new rackon pinion for the steering was affected and the fluid leaked out and I highway drive, it would not perform over 65mph without shaking terribly I see more complaints about this car and this supension problem and steering and idol jerks me forward and feels like its going to stahl, the moter mounts an trani mounts are always loose or need to be replaced, an the ac went on it an because it's behind the dashboard the housing unit for the evaporator it cost 1000 to replace because it is hard to get too, the intermitten fan does not come on at all it never cycles so it smells like burnt engine coming in thru the vents that makes me sick, I have had nothing but problems since day one after I took it back after 2mons they wanted to keep it and re-do the whole engine and told me I would have to pay for it, thats when I should of reported it as a lemon, is Ford going to wait until someone has a major blow-out an flip the car an die this should be a automatic recall for safety this car is so unsafe, the frame is all wrong and the rear is not aligned from the factory this is an in house problem.

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

problem #16

Dec 012009

Focus 4-cyl

  • miles

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

The car suspension is easily unaligned and causes the car to go through tires at an alarmingly above average rate. 30,000+ mile tires do not make it 20,000 without severe damage and wear. After owning the car and taking it to many different shops the results are always the same that my cars suspension is not correct. I have had to replace 5 sets of sway bar links and at least 8+ sets of tires in the 100,000 miles I have drove the car. I have receipts for 90% of my purchases for repairs, parts, and service that all relate back to the cars suspension not functioning properly and wearing abnormally.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #15

Nov 012013

Focus 4-cyl

  • 17,000 miles
I have had the vehicle since it first hit the car lot with 15 miles on it. Since purchase, I have changed the wheel bearings 9 times! this is scary as the bearings can break apart and cause my vehicle to lose control. I have had enough! now, the bearing is bad again, just changed in April 2014.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #14

Jun 102014

Focus

  • 6,000 miles
I have read many complaints about the 2008 Ford Focus and most compare to mine. The suspension on these vehicles are terrible. The car will vibrate, rumble and ruin tires. This problem has been happening since I purchased the car with only 6,000 miles on it. I have done multiple alignments, rotations and balances to try and fix the problem with no luck. I am on my second pair of tires and they are wearing down fast. There is also a "clunking" noise when backing out of my driveway that I assume is related to this problem. Because there are so many others having the same trouble as me, it leads me to believe that this is a defect on the vehicle. If I continue to get the "run around" from Ford Motor Company I will never purchase another vehicle from them again. I am very displeased with the lack of understanding and carelessness Ford shares for their customers. Ford needs to own up for their failure to create a reliable vehicle like the 2008 Ford Focus.

- Hubbard, OH, USA

problem #13

Apr 142010

Focus

  • miles

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

I experience premature tire wear on my Focus. I have had this issue for several years. I have taken it to a Ford dealer numerous times to get it fixed but they tell me nothing is wrong. The car also handles horribly in wet or wintery weather regardless of the type or condition of the tires. I feel unsafe driving this car in these conditions. I have done research on this issue and have found that this is an alarmingly common complaint with Ford Focus owners. Body style years of roughly 2007-2010. It is a dangerous issue and needs to be addressed for all Ford Focus owners with the same issues before someone gets seriously hurt or dies.(myself included.)

- Anchorage, AK, USA

problem #12

May 252013

Focus 4-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
I am having major issues with starting my vehicle. I will turn the key and nothing happens. I have to forcefully turn my steering wheel back and forth before my vehicle will start. This is happening with both keys that I own. Also I'm on my third set of tires as they are wearing on the inside very quickly. I've had alignment after alignment done and nothing is fixing the issue. This is my second Focus and this 2008 compared to my 2000 is a piece of junk. I shouldn't be having so many issues with this vehicle.

- Webster, MA, USA

problem #11

Mar 012010

Focus 4-cyl

  • 35,000 miles
The vehicle has had the rear wheels misaligned since new purchase. Dealership has never omitted the problem is with the vehicle and continues to insist it is a tire issue. The misaligned wheel causes multiple flat spotting and excessive wear on tires, which leads to heavy vibration and noise at highway speeds. There is a class action lawsuit in California resulting from this problem.

- Bunker Hill, WV, USA

problem #10

Feb 072013

Focus

  • 79,000 miles
On third set of tires rated for 75K to 80K because of manufacture defect. Car is in shop having another front & rear wheel alignment done after purchasing new tires again. Shop says they recommend installing after market cambers that will hopefully help the defect in design at a cost to me for $510. I've gone on-line and this is a common problem and safety issue. The tires wear out regardless of the length of warranty usually within 6K to 30K miles. The tires wear out on the inside causing cupping even with regular tire rotations every 6K miles. I spoke with Ford and they refuse to acknowledge that their is a problem. The on-line forums regarding this issue other Ford owners have stated they also contacted Ford and was told the same thing.

- Stansbury Park, UT, USA

problem #9

Dec 012011

Focus

  • 28,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked violently while driving over bumps at various speeds. The vehicle would also emit loud noises when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the front stabilizers needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The manufacturer stated that the failure was not a safety hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000 and the current mileage was 31,000.

- Gladstone , MI, USA

problem #8

Apr 012011

Focus 4-cyl

  • miles
Ford dealer had fixed front wheel bearings under warranty, but will not fix rear wheel bearings under warranty. Car makes a roaring noise while driving. I think the rear parts on the car have been recalled, but the dealer wants to charge me $490 to fix. Also I paid $25 from the Ford dealer for wipers that keep scraping the windshield and give me poor visibility.

- Greenbelt, MD, USA

problem #7

Sep 162009

Focus 4-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
Having problems with tires cupping. Had it realigned around 20,000 miles because Ford only covers wheel alignment up to 12,000 miles. I purchased new tires around 35,000 miles, had it realigned again around 36,000 miles. I took the car in to costco where I bought the new Bridgestone tires for tire rotation and they said the tires were cupping !! same problem, alignment don't help. After researching on the internet, I see many people have this same problem with the Ford Focus.

- Brunswick, OH, USA

problem #6

Jul 302008

Focus

  • 130,442 miles
I purchased a '08 Ford Focus- 4dr sdn SE in March '08 from mark martin Ford in batesville, ar. July '08, doors locked & wouldn't open. Since the original delivery of the vehicle, it's been returned to dealership 14+ times. Vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 209 calendar days (just from May 14, '10-Dec. 31, '10). It is documented that the car started having problems before 12,000 mi. Have been in contact with the ar atty. Gen's off, Ford Motor Company, Ford credit, mark martin Ford. Started lemon law proceedings & had an arbitration meeting set in Jan. '11. Ford customer care was working on a buyback/replacement. Ford wanted a second opinion. I took it to another dealership. Ford made many attempts to repair the vehicle. I sent a demand letter to Ford. They didn't attempt to do a final fix. Instead they repossessed the car. I was only 2 mos behind & made arrangements w/Ford credit to make a payment in Dec. '10. I did. I have a letter from mark martin Ford stating, "they have done all they know to do." I have a letter from Ford stating, "although they admit to no wrong doing on their part, they want me to be a satisfied customer & are willing to waive the balance I owe" (yet it's on my credit report). The ar atty gen's off says I have a case. Vehicle has been in mark martin Ford on these dates for repairs/defects:7/30/08-rr door stays locked;7/30/08-rumble sound when driving;10/08/08-drs hard to open w/outside handle;10/08/08-rr dr wont unlock;10/08/08-starter hung after car started;10/08/08-dust leaking in rr & lf;3/16/09-rr;3/16/09-rr dr weather-stripping falling down;3/16/09-popping noise in rf&lf;3/26/09-lr dr wont unlock;8/07/09-lr tire sensor off;06/09/10-lfront dr wont open from outside;06/09/10-lr dr wont open;06/09/10-dr seal leaking dust in;8/21/10-lrear dr wont open from;8/21/10-dust coming

- Hardy, AR, USA

problem #5

Oct 072009

Focus 4-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
My tires will not last over 1000 to 2000 miles without starting to whine from cuffing on the edges. Ford did not provide any chamber adjustment in front or back and the car wears out tires very quickly. I have a little over 61,000 miles on my 2008 and am on my fifth set of tires. I have added replacement arms to the rear for camber adjustment and camber plates to the front. Dealer at first told me to rotate my tires more often and then admitted that the Focus model has a problem with eating tires. Contacted Ford to no avail.

- Princeville, IL, USA

problem #4

Mar 062010

Focus

  • 30,485 miles
I went and got new tires and alignment in Sep.2009 and within 10000 miles on 03-06-10 my tires were chopped on the inside the dealer were I had got my car from had told me that it was caused by the alignment so I went back were I got the tires done they had told me it was my struts they went ahead an put new tires on and I went to Ford garage in creston not were I got the car they had check my struts they said they were ok I had them redone the alignment two days after the new tires were put on and so I paid for two alignment and after 5000 miles my tires were chopped on the inside the dealer in creston got a hold of Ford motors to see what the deal was and inspect everything and had to set my alignment at different setting and then my car started making squeaking noises they ending up changing my back struts and then my tires got worse and my car is still making the noises and I told them that they should have to replace my tires and they wont and now they wont evening look at my car and didn't"T evening fix the car and had it all day for at least six hours and told me to take it were I got the car form which I live 100 miles and from their. Through out this hole time they had told me that it"S as be a problem on most 2008 and 2009 models the chopped they are telling me it"S the brand that I went with.

- Diagonal, IA, USA

problem #3

Jul 032008

Focus

  • 33 miles
The door lock, locks and you cant open them to get in or out of the car if you wont in or out you have to crawl through the windows. The front end of the car will not stay aligned eats up tires. Head lights. We have had this car in the dealers many times they tell me that its normal. This car has been a lemon since the day I drove it off the lot but they would never fix the problems.

- Bunkerville, NV, USA

problem #2

Jun 282010

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles
I bought a new 2008 Ford Focus. It has 26000 miles on it. I have rotated the tires two times and have put on my third set of tires in the 26000 miles. I complained to the dealer and they inspected it and said that the suspension and alignment is completely out and also out of warranty and can't be adjusted. I need to put on new tires every 9000 miles. They can repair it for me at $1200 and a new set of tires for a grand total of $1700 my expense. This is outrageous and I feel it is a factory defect and a safety hazard. I don't feel safe driving this auto. The internet is full of complaints about the Ford Focus stemming back to 2001. I'm a senior citizen, retired and on a fixed income. There is no way that I can afford to have it repaired ar even trade it off for that matter. If I could trade it off then some poor soul like myself would be in danger. This is a road hazard and people owning this product should be aware. Hopefully, something can be done to get these recalled. Updated IVOQ 08/10/10

- Havana, IL, USA

problem #1

May 222009

Focus

  • 30,000 miles
Tires wear uneven on 2008 Ford Focus which is a safety hazard especially in bad weather. So far 2 sets of tires have been worn out and when going down the road I am being bounced all around. They have no solution to the problem.

- Vanceboro, NC, USA

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