The Ford Focus is a popular compact car that has been in production since 1998. Despite its popularity, there have been a number of common problems reported by Ford Focus owners over the years. Some of the most frequently reported issues include transmission problems, difficulties with the electrical system, and problems with the vehicle’s suspension.
While these issues can be frustrating for owners, many of them can be addressed by taking the vehicle to a certified Ford dealership for repairs. It’s important to have any issues with your Ford Focus addressed promptly to avoid further damage to the vehicle.
Here are 16 Common Ford Focus Problems
1. Engine Misfire
The Ford Focus Zetec has a problem where the engine sometimes doesn’t work properly and can make the car shake. This happens in the petrol versions of the Zetec with a 1.6-litre engine.
The reason for this problem can be because of two different parts in the engine that are not working correctly. Sometimes it is because of the Mass Air Flow sensor and other times it is the Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor.
These parts can be difficult to fix because they do not show an error code on the car’s computer. It is possible to replace these parts yourself, but it is a hard job to do.
2. Airbag Problems
Alright, let me tell you about this problem with the Ford Focus that was built in March 1999. These cars had some major issues with their seatbelts and airbags, man. The front and side airbags were deploying incorrectly and the seatbelt pre-tensioners were just not working because of a faulty control module.
This problem was so bad that Ford had to recall these cars in 2000 to fix it. So, if you’ve got one of these cars, you should be in the clear, but if you’ve got one of these bad boys, you might want to get it checked out.
3. Break Hose Problems
The Focus RS that was built in December 2002 had some issues with the brake hose. This hose was rubbing against the inside of the rear wheel arch, which is not good news.
This was Ford’s fault, so if you’ve got one of these cars, you can make sure they fix it for you. Ford actually had to recall these cars because of this problem, so if you’ve got one, you should be able to get it fixed without any issues. Just make sure you take it to a Ford dealership and they’ll take care of it for you.
4. Oil Filler Cap Problem
Ford really dropped the ball on this one, folks. A whole bunch of Focuses built from March 1998 onwards had problems with their oil filler caps. These things were coming loose and causing oil leaks onto the exhaust heat shield.
I mean, talk about a fire hazard! Fortunately, Ford was kind enough to recall these cars in 2000 and fix the problem, so if you’ve got one of these oil-leaking beasts, you should be able to get it taken care of at a Ford dealership.
Just make sure to keep an eye on that oil filler cap and avoid any fiery disasters.
5. Door latch problem
Ford really outdid themselves on this one, folks. Some Focus models built between September and November 1998 had door latch issues because of a faulty little plastic piece.
Can you believe it? Because of this tiny part, the doors weren’t closing properly. Talk about embarrassing!
Fortunately, Ford was kind enough to recall these cars and fix the problem, so if you’ve got one of these door-wrestling beasts, you should be able to get it taken care of at a Ford dealership. Just make sure to check those door hinges and avoid any embarrassing moments.
6. Alternator problem
The Ford Focus model built between 1998 and 1999 has a known issue with the alternator, which can short circuit or overheat. This is often caused by a faulty harness that allows the cable to come loose.
This problem was a manufacturing fault and was subject to a recall by Ford. If you are no longer eligible for the recall, you may need to replace the harness and wire to fix the issue. It is important to address this problem promptly to avoid further damage to the vehicle.
7. Key Stuck in Ignition
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re having a really bad day because your Ford Focus key is stuck in the ignition and won’t come out. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This problem is actually quite common on Focus cars built between 2000 and 2003.
If you’ve noticed that your key is getting harder to turn, you might want to brace yourself for this issue. In most cases, you’ll need to call a locksmith to get the key out, but that’s only a temporary fix.
For something more long-term, you’ll need to replace the ignition cylinder with a new one that doesn’t have a sidebar (which we have in stock, by the way). It’s not the most fun job in the world, but at least you’ll be able to start your car again. Good luck!
8. Overheating Control Module
If you’re reading this, you might be in a bit of hot water (pun intended) because your Focus 1.6 TDCi estate’s control module is overheating to the point where you can’t even touch it. Don’t worry, though, you’re not alone.
This problem only affects Focus estates built between 2004 and 2006, and it’s caused by a faulty cooling fan. Now, this might not sound like a big deal, but trust us, it’s a lot more serious than you might think. If you’re driving on salty roads, the corrosion from the salt can spread to your engine and eventually reach the control module, causing it to overheat. In the worst-case scenario, this can even cause a fire. Yikes!
So, our advice is to replace the cooling fan as soon as possible and then have a look at the rest of the car to see if there’s any corrosion damage. Good luck!
9. Stiff Brake Pedal
If you’re reading this, you might be having a bit of a tough time with your Ford Focus’s brake pedal. It’s getting stiff, especially when it’s cold outside, and it’s making it hard for you to stop your car.
Don’t worry, though, you’re not alone. This problem is caused by a faulty non-return valve in the brake pump, and it tends to affect Focus cars built between November 2005 and December 2006, although it can happen to any Focus built up until 2011.
The good news is that replacing the non-return valve is a minor job, although it can be a bit fiddly. You can get a new one here, and then you’ll be back on the road in no time.
10. Water leaks
If you’re looking at buying a second-generation Ford Focus, you might want to check for water leaks before you make the purchase. These cars have a tendency to let water into the cabin through faulty seals on the windows and sunroofs.
Just look for wet patches inside the car and check the seals to make sure they’re not damaged. If you do find a leak, don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. Just replace the faulty seal and you’ll be back to driving a dry car in no time.
Just make sure to do the necessary checks before you buy, or you might end up with a soggy mess on your hands.
11. Fuel pipe leak
If you’re the proud owner of a Ford Focus built between July 2004 and February 2005, you might want to keep an eye out for fuel leaks. These cars have a tendency to develop leaks in the fuel return pipe, which is a bit of a bummer.
The problem is that the pipes were made from materials that eventually degrade and allow fuel to leak out. This was a manufacturing fault, so Ford actually had to recall these cars in 2005 to fix the problem.
But, if you missed the recall or you’ve bought a used car, you might be stuck with a leaky fuel pipe. In that case, you’ll need to replace the pipe to fix the problem. Just keep an eye on your fuel levels and avoid any fiery disasters.
12. Wiper motor problem
If you’re driving a Ford Focus built between April 2003 and March 2005, you might want to keep an eye on your wipers. These cars have a tendency to let water into the wiper motor through the wiper arm, which can cause the motor to short-circuit and overheat.
In some cases, the heat can even melt nearby trims. Yikes! This was a manufacturing fault, so Ford had to recall these cars in 2005 to fix the problem. But if you missed the recall or you’re driving a used car, you might be stuck with a faulty wiper motor. In that case, you’ll need to replace the motor to fix the problem.
Just keep an eye on those wipers and avoid any meltdowns, my bru.
13. Clutch Keeps Slipping
Got a Ford Focus struggling with an uncooperative gearbox? Sounds like you might have one of the now-defunct, Powershift models that were known for their sloppy shifting.
Don’t sweat it though – Ford replaced them in 2015 with a much smoother six speed setup. If yours is still slipping badly then we can help out by hooking up your ride with some new clutch components from us!
14. Power steering problems
Ford Focus vehicles from the months of April to May 2008 may be experiencing a significant power steering malfunction due to defective hoses. As these components were not constructed according to Ford’s specified standards, they have degraded over time, leading drivers back into manual-steering mode.
Fortunately, this issue is easily addressed – fitting new revised hoses can restore your car’s full navigational capabilities in no time!
15. Defective Touchscreen
Ah, the dreaded touchscreen issue. Though Ford has tried to course-correct with its MyFord Touch system and software updates, getting your unresponsive or blacked out screen back up again is a hassle many owners of older models have become all too familiar with – especially in colder climates!
If you’re experiencing this predicament yourself don’t despair: take it upon yourself (or get help from an authorized Ford dealer) to update your system and put these troubles behind you once more.
16. Engine Failure
You may be driving your Ford Focus and abruptly feel a shuddering feeling as the engine malfunctions. If you own one of these vehicles built between 2012 – 2013 with 1.0-litre Ecoboost, chances are that it could be due to leaking coolant!
Thankfully, all is not lost; we recommend checking for ‘Degas’ hose fitting which can easily help solve this problem before requiring an entire engine replacement.
Make sure to visit your local Ford dealer if there’s any uncertainty in regards to fixing this issue so you don’t end up on the side of the road!
Final Thoughts
If your Ford Focus has given you problems, don’t despair. You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in very good company. As one of the most popular cars on the market, there are bound to be a few common problems that crop up now and again. But never fear, because we’re here to help. Check out our list of the most common Ford Focus problems and what you can do about them. And when it comes time to replace parts, remember: we can help you find quality used Ford Focus Spares from our network of Ford Scrap yards. So get clicking and get back on the road again in no time!
