2004 FORD FOCUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

499

Owner Complaints

45 Crashes 18 Fires 1 Death

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

7

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2004 FORD FOCUS

The 2004 FORD FOCUS has received a total of 499 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EQUIPMENT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical Systemignition (74 complaints), Electrical System (62 complaints), and Electrical Systemignitionswitch (34 complaints).

Recalls for the 2004 FORD FOCUS

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2004 FORD FOCUS, potentially affecting up to 764,983 vehicles.

Recall 12E007000 — EQUIPMENT

| 10,006 vehicles affected

Defect: RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A...

Consequence: IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 08E050000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 1,921 vehicles affected

Defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

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Recall 06E056000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 58,640 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

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Recall 05V030000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

| 589,932 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH...

Consequence: IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS...

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Owner Complaints for the 2004 FORD FOCUS

499 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 FORD FOCUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 74
Electrical System
Complaints: 62 4 Fires 1 Injury 1 Death
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 34 1 Crash 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 20
Steering
Complaints: 20 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 16 14 Crashes 14 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 13 2 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 11
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 9 3 Injuries
Equipment
Complaints: 9 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 6 Crashes 8 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes
Structurebody
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Suspension
Complaints: 7
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 7 4 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 5
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 4
Seats
Complaints: 4 3 Fires
Service Brakes
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 4
Tires
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Power Traindrivelinecenter Support Bearing
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdisccaliper
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were three clicks before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 10 minutes. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled nearby train tracks. The contact waited for 10 minutes, restarted the vehicle, and drove the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where a handheld diagnostic test indicated that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately a month later. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel relay fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately three weeks later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,010.
#11515638 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
As I was stopped at red light it stalled as I drove thru. So I pulled over. Got out to open hood. It was smoking.struggled to open hood. Ran around to get towel to smother the fire. But it was too far gone. Man told me just leave it. It was total loss.
#11515638 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Fire
As I was stopped at red light it stalled as I drove thru. So I pulled over. Got out to open hood. It was smoking.struggled to open hood. Ran around to get towel to smother the fire. But it was too far gone. Man told me just leave it. It was total loss.
#11515638 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles Fire
As I was stopped at red light it stalled as I drove thru. So I pulled over. Got out to open hood. It was smoking.struggled to open hood. Ran around to get towel to smother the fire. But it was too far gone. Man told me just leave it. It was total loss.
#11488334 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
2004 ford focus started bucking a few years ago, on occasions only. For months there was no problem and than it would buck. If I shut off the engine and waited a few minutes and started it, it would drive without bucking. Recently, it stalled while driving. Fortunately, I was on a country road and could pull over to safety. Now, on occasion, it wont start. Locks in park. After a while, I can get it out of park and start it. I do not drive it on highways since I am fearful of it shutting off. I have been to three garages for service and they cannot figure it out. I even wrote to the corporate office to ask them to let me know what the problem is. On line many people with 2004 ford focus have the same problem. It isnt just my car. Corporate office answered my letter requesting the vin number on which I gave them. After that, I did not hear from them again. I would think that they would have followed through on this since I told them that it has happened to others with the same vehicle. It stalled again a few days ago as I drove in my driveway. Everytime I try to start it, I hear the clicking sound. I go out once in a while to see if it will start. Sometimes, while in park, it wont start. Another time checking it our, it will start. But, I am not driving it anywhere. I am having it towed to another garage to see if they can figure it out. This car has less than 60,000 miles on it and everything else is good. I have spent a lot of money trying to get this resolved. It has been on diagnostic machines and it doesnt show anything. All I wanted from the corporate office was an engineer to let me know how to fix it. They must have heard the complaints since there are many. A recall wont do me any good since I will be having it looked at again this week. I am doing this for others who have the same problem. However, I would like to know exactly what has caused this.

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Safety Rating for the 2004 FORD FOCUS

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 FORD FOCUS in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 FORD FOCUS

Ford Motor Company has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 FORD FOCUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSB-14-0163 — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

FORD: DUE TO HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE VEHICLES ARE OPERATED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS, LOWER CONTROL ARM (LCA) CAN SEPARATE FROM FORWARD ATTACHMENT OF SUBFRAME. MODEL 2001-04 ESCAPE. *PE

0627 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELDS LOOSE/MISSING. *TT

17800 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

INTERMITTENT NO CRANK CONDITION. THERE MAY ALSO BE NO POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE COMMUNICATION AND/OR THE ODOMETER MAY DISPLAY ALL DASHES. *TT

17804 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

GRINDING WHEN SHIFTING INTO THIRD GEAR. *TT

17572 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

DELAYED DISABLING OF THE REAR LIFTGATE EXTERNAL OPENING SWITCH AFTER LOCKING THE DOORS - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

03202 — SUSPENSION

FRONT END CREAKING, CRUNCHING, GRINDING AND/OR RATTLING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS AND/OR WHILE TURNING. *TT *MJ

17341 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1310 (POWER DOOR UNLOCK CIRCUIT FAILURE) IN THE GEM MODULE. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 FORD FOCUS

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD FOCUS

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Other FORD Models

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