2006 Ford Focus Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Ford Focus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical4819.2%
- Airbags3915.6%
- Driver assistance2610.4%
- Interior & seats208.0%
- Fuel system176.8%
- Body & structure156.0%
- Brakes145.6%
- Tires & wheels124.8%
- Powertrain (other)114.4%
- Suspension104.0%
- Visibility83.2%
- Engine83.2%
- Exterior lighting62.4%
- Steering52.0%
- Seat belts41.6%
- Other / unspecified41.6%
- Transmission31.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WIRING HARNESS FLEXES WHERE IT PASSES FROM THE BODY TO THE TAILGATE CAUSING THE IINSULATION AND WIRING TO BREAK AND SHORT TO THE BODY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE AND NO REAR LIGHTS. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILST DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY OPENING THE HATCHBACK.
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND GAS PEDDLE GET STUCK AND SOMETIMES WONT PUSH DOWN TO GO SOMETIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL LIGHTS FLICKER ALL THE TIME WHEN I HAVE THEM ON AT NIGHT GOTTIN PULLED OVER A COUPLE OF TIMES TOOKIN IT TOO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID EVERYTHINGS OK ON HIGHWAY 36 BETWEEN BROOKFIELD AND CHILLICOTHE MO
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My sister was driving my 2006 Ford Focus along a highway. Out of nowhere, the airbag in the side of the driver's seat deployed. This was the only airbag that deployed. The airbag deployed into the side of my sister emitting a white smoke or powder substance. She saw black from the trauma of the airbag impact. She was able to then gain control of the vehicle as no other vehicles were around. She got into the emergency lane and slowly made her way to the offramp then into a gravel parking lot. She then called her daughter to pick her up, who then took her to the ER. She was not thinking clearly or she would have called an ambulance. My husband took off work and took our car dolly and towed the vehicle to our house. My sister was diagnosed with head trauma, concussion, and whiplash. She has since been to her primary doctor who is following her care now. My sister now has ongoing foggy head, headaches, slower reactions, pain going down her leg and arm and dizziness. We have made contact with Ford and made a complaint, giving a case number and told they would contact me with 15 business days. As of today, no one has contacted us, so my sister called Ford and basically had to file another complaint, given a second case number, then told her for me to file a report with my insurance company and take the vehicle to Ford to have the airbags inspected. I immediately called my insurance company and am waiting for the adjuster to call me today. I was informed due to the price of a new airbag and the year of my Focus, it will likely be totaled. I will have the car towed to Ted Russell Ford in Knoxville as soon as I am told how to proceed with the towing by the adjuster.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON AFTER CAR WAS PARKED AND THEN STARTED. ENGINE STARTED, AND THE AIR BAG SRS LIGHT CAME ON AS PART OF SELF TEST, WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS, CAME BACK ON THEN STAYED ON. CAR WAS NEVER IN A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT. ONLY ACCIDENT WAS SCRATCHED BUMPER FROM SIDESWIPE WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. CHECKED UNDER AND AROUND 2 FRONT SEATS FOR DEBRIS PER OWNER'S MANUAL. ALL OK WITH INSPECTION. LATCHED AND UNLATCHED SEAT BELTS (DR AND PASS), PULLED AND RETRACTED SEAT BELTS. NO CHANGE, AIR BAG LIGHT STILL ON.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE RPMS SKY ROCKETED. TURNS OUT IT WAS A BROKEN CRUISE CONTROL MODULE CABLE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO GET "STUCK". AT THE SAME TIME IT WAS ALSO BOGGING OUT AND SHUTTING ITSELF OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON THROWING A P071? CODE WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH O2 LEVELS.THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A BROKEN "BREATHER HOSE" WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE AIR INTAKE. BOTH PARTS HAVE PROVEN TO BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TRACK DOWN. AFTER REPLACING THE "BREATHER HOSE", CCM THROTTLE CABLE, AND ALSO AN O2 SENSOR THE OVERALL COST FOR PARTS WAS $300 AND LABOR WAS $300. THANKFULLY NO INJURIES.
RAINFALL ON/OFF/MODERATE. TIRES ~5/32" TREAD; MICHELIN; AGE? WHILE NAVIGATING INTERCHANGE FROM I-64W TO I-81N (STAUNTON, VA) CAR LOST TRACTION. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO STEER TO INSIDE CURVE SHOULDER RESULTED IN VIOLENT FISHTAILING & TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SLID ABOUT 100 YDS. IN GRASSY DITCH, FLIPPING "1+?" TIMES, LEAVING DRIVER HANGING UPSIDE DOWN. LEFT TEMPLE HEAD INJURY. STERNUM INJURY UNDER SHOULDER BELT. DRIVER WALKED AWAY DIZZY BUT ORIENTED. "RECKLESS DRIVING" CITATION ISSUED. CAR TOTALLED. GROCERY TRIP ENDED BADLY BUT DRIVER GLAD TO BE "ALIVE". OWNER PURCHASED AUTO USED IN 2013 SEEKING ESC AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT. FORD DENIED PROVISION OF SAME. ACCIDENT ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE/UNNECESSARY DUE TO MANUFACTURER NEGLECT OF KEY SAFETY EQUIPMENT AS STANDARD ISSUE (ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL.)
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCHES FAILED. SHORTLY AFTER, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY REPLACED THE REAR LATCHES AND STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK. NOT WITH THE KEY REMOTE OR MANUALLY. CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT CAN OPEN DOOR ANY TIME. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND GAS PEDDLE GET STUCK AND SOMETIMES WONT PUSH DOWN TO GO SOMETIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL LIGHTS FLICKER ALL THE TIME WHEN I HAVE THEM ON AT NIGHT GOTTIN PULLED OVER A COUPLE OF TIMES TOOKIN IT TOO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID EVERYTHINGS OK ON HIGHWAY 36 BETWEEN BROOKFIELD AND CHILLICOTHE MO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THEY ATTEMPT TO FILL THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL WOULD BEGIN TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT OF THE SAME OPENING THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE FUEL INTO AS IF THE FUEL WAS SPEWING BACK AT THEM. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (MULLINAX FORD OF PALM BEACH LOCATED AT 1210 NORTHLAKE BLVD, LAKE PARK, FL 33403; PHONE NUMBER 888-856-1675) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,156.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER BACK DOOR LATCH BROKE. CAR DOOR TAPED
EVERY FOCUS OWNER I HAVE TALKED WITH HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE DOOR HANDLES BREAKING. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME SINCE 2013 THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME, AND IF I DON'T FIX IT MYSELF, DEALERSHIPS WANT TO CHARGE $250 TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, AND COVERED ON FORD'S EXPENSE. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, FEBRUARY 2017, IT BROKE NOT ONLY ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT ALSO THE INSIDE HANDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. SO NEITHER THE OUTSIDE, NOR INSIDE LATCH WILL OPEN ON, AND THAT'S A DEATH SENTENCE IF (KNOCK ON WOOD) I GET INTO A BAD ACCIDENT. SEPTEMBER 19TH 2017, THE EXTERNAL HANDLE IS BROKEN AND I AM CURRENTLY NOW UNABLE TO OPEN NEITHER DOOR (IT'S A 2 DOOR). I LITERALLY HAVE TO CRAWL THROUGH THE HATCH UNTIL THAT DECIDES TO BREAK ON ME. I CAN LEAVE MY WINDOW DOWN JUST ENOUGH TO STICK MY ARM IN TO UNLATCH IT, BUT U LOVE IN RAIN ASS OHIO, AND DON'T FEEL LIKE HAVING FLOOD ISSUES ONTOP OF THIS MESS. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED? I SWEAR I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD IN MY LIFE AFTER HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS. IT'S ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS AND SADLY WILL TAKE SOMEONE DYING TO GET THIS ACKNOWLEDGED BY FORD. VERY DISAPPOINTED, AND I'M RISKING MY LIFE EVERYTIME I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED, BUT WAS TAKEN TO A MEDICAL EMERGENCY CENTER FOR OBSERVATION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,459.
RAINFALL ON/OFF/MODERATE. TIRES ~5/32" TREAD; MICHELIN; AGE? WHILE NAVIGATING INTERCHANGE FROM I-64W TO I-81N (STAUNTON, VA) CAR LOST TRACTION. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO STEER TO INSIDE CURVE SHOULDER RESULTED IN VIOLENT FISHTAILING & TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SLID ABOUT 100 YDS. IN GRASSY DITCH, FLIPPING "1+?" TIMES, LEAVING DRIVER HANGING UPSIDE DOWN. LEFT TEMPLE HEAD INJURY. STERNUM INJURY UNDER SHOULDER BELT. DRIVER WALKED AWAY DIZZY BUT ORIENTED. "RECKLESS DRIVING" CITATION ISSUED. CAR TOTALLED. GROCERY TRIP ENDED BADLY BUT DRIVER GLAD TO BE "ALIVE". OWNER PURCHASED AUTO USED IN 2013 SEEKING ESC AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT. FORD DENIED PROVISION OF SAME. ACCIDENT ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE/UNNECESSARY DUE TO MANUFACTURER NEGLECT OF KEY SAFETY EQUIPMENT AS STANDARD ISSUE (ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL.)
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS EQUIPPED WITH TOYO EXTENSA A/S TIRES, SIZE: P195/60/R15 (NA). WHILE INSTALLING A BRAND NEW TIRE AND INFLATING THE TIRES (38 TO 40 PSI), THE TIRE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FACE, LEFT ARM, EYE, AND EAR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
I WAS COMMUTING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY 59 NORTHBOUND JUST SOUTH OF THE GESSNER EXIT AT 65 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. MY VEHICLE IS A 2006 FORD FOCUS ZX4 WITH 15 INCH STANDARD ALLOY RIMS. THE LEFT REAR GOODYEAR EAGLE GT TIRE HAD EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. I SAW SMOKE EMERGE FROM THE WHEEL WELL AS I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A STOP ON THE EXIT RAMP AT BISSONNET. I CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO CAME OUT TO CHANGE THE TIRE AND UPON REMOVAL WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE TREAD SECTION FROM ONE EDGE OF THE RIM TO THE OTHER HAD COMPLETELY COME OFF AND WAS STUCK IN THE WHEEL WELL, LEAVING THE RIM BARE. THERE WAS LIGHT CRACKING ON THE REST OF THE SET ON THE INNER PART OF THE TIRE NEAR THE RIM. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON JUNE 17TH 2011 AT DISCOUNT TIRE AND ONLY HAD 23,000 MILES OF WEAR ON THEM. THEY HAD BEEN REGULARLY ROTATED AND INSPECTED AT DISCOUNT TIRE ON SCHEDULE. THE DOT NUMBER ON THE TIRES IS M7RB K11R 1511. I CONTACTED GOODYEAR CUSTOMER SERVICE TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THE TIRES ARE NOT UNDER RECALL. MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY THIS INCIDENT. *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving on hiway and vehicle shifted gears. Would no shift normally afterwards. Tried several times. Left myself and granddaughter in hiway in danger. Had local mechanic inspect the vehicle. Was told defective shifting linkage. Has occurred multiple times.
2006 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ANTI THEFT SYSTEM AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *LD *JS
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The welded retainer of the front bushing on the right side lower (control) arm had rusted through. This allowed the control arm to separate from the frame and the right front wheel to turn outward (while I was traveling straight ahead). The drive shaft was pulled from the transmission and some parts hit the ground. Luckily, I was approaching a stop sign and traveling at less than 30 miles per hour. (The day before I was on I95 at 65 mph) Upon inspection you can see that the control arm is forged in the shape of a "C" from very thick metal where the bushing rests against the arm. However, the bushing is retained by a much thinner metal, welded across the arm forming the other side of the "C". It is that thinner welded retainer that had rusted out. We live in an area where salt is routinely used on the roads during the winter. I know the car is very old. However, this design is inadequate from a safety perspective in the Northeast.
FORD FOCUS STATION WAGON WITH 40,000 MILES ON TIRES. TIRES WORN COMPLETELY DOWN TO BARE METAL ON BOTH REAR TIRES. I DROVE INTO A PARKING LOT TO SHOP AND HEARD HISSING NOISE. SAW DAMAGED TIRES CHANGED LEAKING TIRE TO SPARE TIRE. WEAR ON INSIDE OF REAR TIRES ONLY. LOCAL TIRE DEALER LOOKED AT ALIGNMENT AND COMMENTED THAT FOCUS TIRES FREQUENTLY BLOW DUE TO "TOW" IRREGULARITIES IN ALIGNMENT. DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TOW TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR TIRES. I REPLACED TIRES. I WAS ADVISED TO ROTATE TIRES FREQUENTLY AND HAVE ALIGNMENT CHECKED REGULARLY. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
MY 2006 FORD VENT SELECTOR THAT MOVES FROM DEFROST TO VENT HAS BROKEN TWICE NOW. I AM TOLD IT IS A 600 FIX BUT I SEE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHY IS THERE NO RECALL.. NEXT SAME CAR THE GAS PEDAL STICKS IN COLD WEATHER TAKE TO A AUTO SHOP THEY CLEAN THROTTHLE BODY AND RUNS FINE FOR A BIT BUT AGAIN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS YET NO RECALL WHY. THEY BOTH HAPPEN WHILE IN MOTION
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, I WOULD LIKE TO CREATE A VEHICLE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE FORD FOCUS 2006 SEDAN ZX4 THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017. WHILE DRIVING WITHIN A SERVICE ROAD, THE VEHICLE'S STALLED AND STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING UPON MULTIPLE INSTANCES OVER THE SAME DAY OF PURCHASING AND THROUGH OUT THE WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 22 - SEPTEMBER 30TH. AS A RESULT, I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OF LANSING POWER MOTORS INC. FOR AN INSPECTION SEPTEMBER 23, 2017. UPON COMPLETION OF THE INSPECTION, THE MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT "NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE" AND SUGGESTED TO PURCHASE A NEW COMPUTER FOR THE VEHICLE. ON OCTOBER 30, 2017 I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH I THINK WAS DUE TO BAD ELECTRICAL BRAKES WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BEING T-BONED BY ANOTHER DRIVER WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL OR STOP COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AS OF MAY 14, 2018. IN ADDITION, NOTICED THAT ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED WHILE THE CAR STALLED AND DURING START-UP OF THE VEHICLE. UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE CAR NOT BEING RECALLED, DUE TO RECEIVING A MAILED NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE RECALL OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER. CAN PROVIDE THE NAME UPON CONTACT REGARDING THE VEHICLE COMPLIANT SUBMISSION OF THE FORM. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, CONSIDERATION, AND I HOPE THAT THIS INFORMATION MAY ASSIST YOU REGARDING THE CREATION OF A VEHICLE COMPLAINT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RETRACT AFTER BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WIRING HARNESS FLEXES WHERE IT PASSES FROM THE BODY TO THE TAILGATE CAUSING THE IINSULATION AND WIRING TO BREAK AND SHORT TO THE BODY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE AND NO REAR LIGHTS. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILST DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY OPENING THE HATCHBACK.
THE TRUCK LATCH ON MY 2006 FORD FOCUS ZXW WOULD NOT ACTUATE ELECTRICALLY WHEN THE BUTTON ON THE FOB OR ON THE DASH WAS PRESSED DUE TO BROKEN WIRE IN A WIRING HARNESS RUNNING FROM THE INTERIOR TO THE REAR HATCH DOOR. IT WOULD ALSO BLOW FUSE #63 ON THE BACK OF THE INTERIOR FUSE PANEL WHICH MADE REPLACEMENT DIFFICULT (THE FUSE IS REALLY ON THE BACK OF THE FUSE BOX, THE MANUAL RECOMMENDS THAT ONLY THE DEALER SERVICE OR REPLACE THIS FUSE MAKING THIS ISSUE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO PARTIALLY RESOLVE IMMEDIATELY). UNTIL THIS FUSE COULD BE REPLACED, MY INTERIOR DOOR LOCKS COULD NOT BE ACTUATED ELECTRICALLY (POWER LOCKS OR FOB) WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN AS ANY CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT COULD NOT BE EASILY REACHED IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. ONE WOULD NEED TO MANUALLY UNLOCK ANY AND ALL DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CULPRIT WAS WIRING HARNESS THAT HAD WIRES WITH DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION AND TWO BROKEN WIRES. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND ANY AND ALL PICTURES OF THE DEFECTS. THE DAMAGE OCCURS WHEN THE HARNESS BENDS AS THE REAR HATCH IS SHUT DUE TO POOR DESIGN THAT DID NOT INCORPORATE A STAIN RELIEF TO EITHER END OF THE HARNESS WHERE MAXIMUM BENDING STRESSES WOULD OCCUR. THE WIRES MAY HAVE ALSO SHORTED AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT OPERATION, MARKER LAMP OPERATION, AND NUMEROUS OTHER FUNCTIONS AS THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED TEN WIRES THAT RUN IN PARALLEL IN THIS HARNESS AND ALL WIRE EXCEPT TWO HAD MULTIPLE INSULATION DEFECTS THAT POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN SHORTS. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AND ALL HARNESSES THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SHOULD BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INCIDENTS SINCE I INHERITED THE CAR FROM MY FATHER WHERE THE KEY STICKS IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. IT APPEARS TO BE A YEARLY EVENT WHERE I NEED TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I'VE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY 50 YEARS OF DRIVING AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN ANY OF THE OTHERS.
DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND VEHICLE JUST STOPPED RUNNING/DIED. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS AND THEY HAVEN'T FIGURED IT OUT YET. NO CALL, SAME RUN AROUND WHEN I CALL ABOUT UPDATE.... *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SEAT BELT REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHENEVER A PASSENGER, NOT A CHILD SAT IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE SEAT BELT FASTENED PROPERLY, AT SOME POINT, EITHER RIGHT AWAY OR AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES, THE SEAT BELT DISABLE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. IT WOULD ONLY GO OUT WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS UN-BUCKLED. IN FACT, IF THE PASSENGER WAS SEATED AND NOT WEARING THE SEAT BELT, THE DISABLE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED A NEW PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION WOULD NEED TO BE ORDERED DUE TO THE SENSORS BEING LOCATED THERE. THE CONSUMER SPENT OVER $2100 AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO FASTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED 2 BF GOODRICH G-FORCE SPORT COMP-2 RADIAL 205/50.R16 87Z SL TIRES ON APRIL 15, 2019 FROM AMAZON, INSTALLED ON FRONT TIRE POSITIONS ON MAY 9, 2019. REAR TIRES ARE GENERAL G-MAX AS-03 WHICH ARE THE SAME SIZE AND WERE USED THE SUMMER BEFORE WITH NO ISSUES, STILL SIGNIFICANT TREAD LIFE LEFT AND NO DAMAGE. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE INFLATED TO 36 PSI AFTER INSTALLATION. WHEN DRIVING ON ANY KIND OF MOISTURE, RAIN NIGHT BEFORE OR DRIZZLE OR POURING RAIN, FRONT TIRES DO NOT GRIP ROAD SURFACE AND HAVE ALMOST LED TO NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS AT VARYING SPEEDS ON RURAL ROADS, CITY STREETS, AND HIGHWAYS, ANYWHERE FROM 20MPH TO 75MPH. I HAVE NOW BECOME USED TO THE DANGER OF THE BF GOODRICH TIRES AND DRIVE EXTREMELY SLOWLY IN WET CONDITIONS. AS I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE, I ALWAYS PUT THE NEW TIRES ON THE FRONT TO ENSURE TRACTION IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE BF GOODRICH TIRES HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN ME KILLED MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF TIMES. AS STATED BY ANOTHER CONSUMER, I ALSO HAD TROUBLE MOUNTING ONE OF THE BF GOODRICH TIRES TO THE WHEEL AS IT DID NOT WANT TO BEAD AND NOW THE TIRE PRESSURE IN THAT TIRE WILL FLUCTUATE, WHICH HAS LED TO DAILY PRESSURE CHECKS. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH ANY GENERAL BRAND TIRES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE PURCHASED BF GOODRICH TIRES AND I NEVER WILL EVER AGAIN. I HAVE DRIVEN UP TO 180KPH ON THE GERMAN AUTOBAHN IN LESSER QUALITY VEHICLES WITH COOPER BRAND TIRES, AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN AS SCARED AS I HAVE BEEN DOING 70MPH IN DRIZZLE WITH BF GOODRICH TIRES. IT FEELS LIKE DRIVING ON ICE, NO HANDLING, NO CONTROL, JUST SLIDING. I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE GENERAL TIRES ON THE REAR WHICH HAVE KEPT ME FROM CRASHING, AND WILL BE PURCHASING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE(THE ONLY REASON I HAVE KEPT THE BF GOODRICH FOR THIS LONG IS BECAUSE I HOPED THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE BROKEN IN A LITTLE BUT IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND IT'S STILL SCARY).
2006 FORD FOCUS ZX3 2DR HEARD A HOLLOW NOISE COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WAS HAD SOME GRINDING CHECKED REAR WHEELS TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY SLACK IN BEARING OR WHAT...FINALLY I GOT TO WORK AND CHECKED WHEEL AGAIN THIS TIME THERE WAS SLACK CALLED THE DEALER TOLD THEM MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS ABOUT TO COME OFF...DUH! THAT WAS AT 83500 MILES THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT OUT OF THE ORDINARY? YEAH RIGHT! I TOLD HIM THEY WERE LUCKY IT DID NOT COME OFF WHILE I WAS OUT IN NO MANS LAND NERVADA SOME PLACE DOING 70 MPH! DEALER REPLACED RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING TO THE TUNE OF $400. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT KICK INTO GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING. I WENT TO GET ON THE HIGH WAY,(SPEED LIMIT 65MPH), GOT UP TO 55 AND THE TRANSMISSION JUST STARTED REVVING AS IF I WAS LOCKED IN NEUTRAL, ALMOST CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS FROM MOVING TRAFFIC, AS MY CAR WAS DRIVING CONSIDERABLY SLOWER THAN THE REST GOING THE SPEED LIMIT). VERY DANGEROUS AND VERY SCARY. PULLED OFF AT NEXT EXIT(WAS CONSIDERABLY CLOSE). CAR WOULD THEN NOT GO OVER 25 MPH. IT'S LIKE IT WOULD NOT SWITCH INTO THE NEXT GEAR. HAD TO CALL A TOW. FORD GARAGE SAYS TRANNY DEFINITELY HAS PROBLEMS AND NEEDS REBUILT/REPLACED. IT HAD HAPPENED A FEW TIMES BEFORE WHERE I WOULD GO TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD GET STUCK IN ONE GEAR, BUT AFTER A FEW SECONDS WOULD FINALLY KICK INTO GEAR - WHEN IT DID FINALLY KICK INTO GEAR, IT WAS A STRONG JERK AS IF I PUNCHED THE GAS. AFTER LOOKING AROUND ONLINE, APPARENTLY MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME YR MAKE MODEL HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. *TR
KEY WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM IGNITION. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT LOCKING WHEN IN PARK. YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO PUSH IN THE SAFETY BUTTON FOR IT TO GO INTO GEAR. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE TO ME SINCE MANY FOCUS OWNERS HAVE SIMPLY GONE TO LEAVING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AFTER IT STICKS THERE AND FIND OUT THE COST FROM THE DEALER TO FIX. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .