RoadVitals

2011 Ford Focus Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
113
Latest May 14, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
2
Reports on file since May 9, 2011

What this page shows

Our database holds 113 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Ford Focus. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 113 · page 1 of 5

Steering
Filed May 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Forcus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering pump. The contact was informed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. In addition, the vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics multiple times for the same failure within the two years. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11737817
Incident
May 15, 2024
Mileage
150,000 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and instead turned in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised that the parts to repair the vehicle were discontinued. In addition, the contact was informed that the aftermarket parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA ID
11689468
Incident
Jul 24, 2025
Mileage
19,000 mi
Filed Aug 1, 2024

I hit an animal in my way to work as I reported the accident to my insurance company they were going to cover the parts and have it towed to my choice as it was however the professional car shop wasn't able to fix the anti theft that caused my car to not turn over as I was then told to take it to the nearest Ford dealer to get it reprogrammed to the original status I was told that it would cost more to fix the problem then what my car was purchased for so my insurance company claimed a total loss of the vehicle, Oliver Ford Lincoln Mercury in Plymouth Indiana sold me a lemon as I was a customer to them for over 8 yrs and covid came in the middle of my lease being up on 2017 Ford fusion I asked if I could purchase my lease vehicle but was refused and told no because I was collecting unemployment benefits but for the last year and half I paid my car note out of my unemployment benefits money each month but they didn't seem to accept my money then, I have always been a Ford customer and drove 4 brand new Ford fusions and paid off each one with my hard earned money, I was devastated by the decision of being told that my unemployment money wasn't earned money, yes correct it wasn't earned Money that I paid into it was because of my employer who paid in for me as I worked enough for the company to take care of me while I suffered through no fault of my own a pandemic that should not be held as a turniquit over my ability to have transportation no matter what money is paid and where it comes from I felt disappointed discriminated and I will never buy or refer any customer or vehicle

NHTSA ID
11605773
Incident
May 20, 2022
Filed Jul 30, 2024

I did not crash the vehicle I bought it preowned

NHTSA ID
11605320
Incident
Jul 30, 2024
Steering
Filed Feb 28, 2024

My car made grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic found a leak on Power Steering Pump & replaced it. My car has only 48,800 miles & there's a recall for Ford Trucks with the same problem.

NHTSA ID
11574454
Incident
Feb 1, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Feb 10, 2024

Door latches inoperable. Cannot open from outside the vehicle. Passenger side front and both back doors. Back door passenger side door does not open from inside either. Had to pay $373 to Ford dealer to replace driver door latch because it wouldn't latch and made the dashboard not work. Latch codes as follows: driver 02717a (new), passenger 224100 (or 224188 cant see it clearly). Left rear 22418a Right rear cannot open door at all to see latch code. These 3 doors cannot be opened from outside and the rear right door cannot be opened at all. The contact is just inquiring if these door latches will be recalled.

NHTSA ID
11571215
Incident
May 8, 2017
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle, the engine was still running and attempted to shift into reverse(R), but the vehicle would not shift into reverse(R). The contact was able to shift into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had been informed by the mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

NHTSA ID
11555145
Incident
Nov 14, 2023
Mileage
159,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side and both the rear driver’s and passenger’s side doors failed to open. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door was able to open by lowering the window and manually opening the door from the exterior door handle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front passenger’s and rear driver’s side door latches to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear driver’s side door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11510988
Incident
Jan 1, 2011
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 15, 2022

The lug nuts are corroded and we are unable to remove them for tire rotation.

NHTSA ID
11452041
Incident
Feb 15, 2022
SteeringSuspension
Filed Sep 19, 2020

BACKING UP THE WHEEL BARELY TURNS AND IT LOCKS UP WHILE BACKING UP, MAKING TURNS, THE WHEEL LOCKS UP AS I MAKE TURNS LEFT AND RIGHT I'LL BRING IT TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THIS ISSUE PERSISTS EVERY YEAR I BUY A NEW POWER STEERING SYSTEM EVERY YEAR. I HAVE BROUGHT 3 POWER STEERING SYSTEMS FROM FORD 3 YEARS IN A ROW.IT'S DEADLY!

NHTSA ID
11360025
Incident
Feb 11, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 19, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LATCH LOCKED AND THE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW AFTER THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE WHITE FORD OF COEUR D'ALENE (315 W CLAYTON AVE, COEUR D'ALENE, ID 83815), AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE HIM TO REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH AGAIN AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE LATCHES WERE DIRTY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ONCE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR FAILED THEN ALL THE OTHERS WOULD FOLLOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. INVALID VIN.

NHTSA ID
11350278
Incident
May 8, 2013
Mileage
15,000 mi
Filed Feb 14, 2020

THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS ARE STUCK LOCKED AND THE DOORS CAN'T OPEN OR THEY STAY STUCK OPEN AND THE DOOR DOESN'T STAY SHUT. I'VE HAD THE LOCKS REPLACED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
11309282
Incident
Nov 1, 2019
Airbags
Filed Aug 26, 2019

TAKATA RECALL THERE IS A RECALL ON 2011 FORD FOCUS, BUT NOT WITH MY VIN NUMBER. HOWEVER THERE IS A WHITE POWDER ESCAPING FROM THE CONNECTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE WHITE POWDER FORMS COLUMNS OF WHITE ON THE HORN ASSEMBLY OF THE STEERING WHEEL. SERVICE MAN TOLD ME IT COULD BE DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID
11246563
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Mileage
50,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalFuel system
Filed Jul 27, 2019

MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ID
11235292
Incident
Mar 14, 2018
Mileage
44,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 12, 2019

MY 2012 FORD FOCUS IS EQUIPPED WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION AND HAS HAD ISSUES FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. SHUDDERING UPON START WAS THE BIGGEST ISSUE. CAR FINALLY STOPPED RUNNING AND WAS REPAIRED AT DEALER BUT NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS EXTREMELY NOISY AND WILL SLIP OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING, INCLUDING ON HIGHWAYS AT SPEED. TRANSMISSION WILL ALSO SLIP QUITE BADLY UPON LAUNCH AT TIMES WHICH CAN BE A CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID
11231273
Incident
Jun 25, 2019
Mileage
120,500 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 26, 2019

TIRE SENSOR FAULT , DOUGLES TIRES LOOSING AIR

NHTSA ID
11222827
Incident
May 20, 2019
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 25, 2019

THE CLUTCH SYSTEM ON MY MANUAL 2011 FORD FOCUS WENT OUT. THE CLUTCH NOW PLAYS ON THE FLOOR BOARD WITH NO CATCH IN IT. THE GEARS WONT BUDGE. I RESEARCHED AND SEEN THE NEWER MODELS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAR. WHEN THE CLUTCH WENT OUT IT WAS ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY IN BRIDGE CITY, TX.

NHTSA ID
11182451
Incident
Feb 23, 2019
Mileage
153,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 5, 2019

THE DOOR HANDLES, LATCH AND UNLOCKING MECHANISM FAIL, CAUSING THE DOORS TO REMAIN LOCKED. YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OR OR OUTSIDE.

NHTSA ID
11174585
Incident
Feb 3, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 13, 2018

I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON FLAMINGO ENROUTE TO WORK SPEED LIMIT 45 MPH EACH DIRECTION I HAD THE YELLOW FLASHING LEFT ARROW AS I STARTED MY LEFT TURN THE CAR DIED NO POWER ANOTHER VECHICLE WAS APPROACHING FROM WEST TO EAST AS I WAS TURNING LEFT I TURNED MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND THE CAR CAME WITHIN INCHES OF HTTING ME. I HAD MY CAR TOWED AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR SERIAL NUMBER PART NUMBER 8S4Z-9E926-B I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS RISK AND LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION FURTHERMORE IT COST ME CLOSE TO 900.00 FOR THE PARTS AND REPAIRS

NHTSA ID
11151298
Incident
Sep 5, 2016
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Oct 29, 2018

I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER BECAUSE MY BRAKES WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO STOP.

NHTSA ID
11143859
Incident
Sep 28, 2018
Mileage
141,846 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NICK ABRAHAM ELYRIA FORD (1115 E BROAD ST, ELYRIA, OH 44035, 440-366-3673) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE KEY FOB. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 139,668.

NHTSA ID
11142577
Incident
Oct 15, 2018
Mileage
139,668 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Oct 11, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO LOCK. YEARS LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT HAD TO TIE DOWN THE DOOR TO KEEP IT CLOSED. THE CONTACT CALLED LIBERTY FORD PARMA HEIGHTS (6600 PEARL RD, PARMA HEIGHTS, OH 44130, (440) 888-2600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,254. *TT UPDATED 12/03/18*JB

NHTSA ID
11139685
Incident
Apr 15, 2015
Mileage
88,254 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2018

MY POWER STEERING TURNS ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE HAD TIE ROD ENDS, RACK, PINION, POWER STEERING PUMP, AND LINES REPLACED. THAT HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11133241
Incident
Aug 28, 2018
Body & structurePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 26, 2018

ONLY 3 OUT OF 4 DOORS OPEN, THE OUTSIDE DOOR LATCHES HAVE FAILED SINCE PURCHASE IN 2013. HAVE ALSO CONTINUALLY FAILED/RE-BROKE AFTER BEING FIXED. CAR ALSO DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING LOCKED AND INSIDE DOOR MECHANISMS DO NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING ENGAGED.. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO MULTIPLE TIMES THE A SOLENOID HAS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CAR DOES NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY AND FAILS TO ACCELERATE SAFELY (TAKES A OVER A MIN TO GO FROM 35-60) AND EVEN THEN IT WILL NOT MAINTAIN 60 MILES PER HOUR GOING UP A HILL . THIS IS A AUTOMATIC VEHICLE , AND IT IS UNSAFE , ESPECIALLY WHEN EXITING OFF A ONRAMP TRYING TO EXCEL TO POSTED SPEED LIMIT TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC OFF THE RAMP. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS/ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE ITS PURCHASE AND IT IS A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11113939
Incident
Jul 23, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
Filed Jul 2, 2018

THE EVAPORATOR COIL IN MY CAR IS LEAKING AND SPRAYING REFRIGERANT IN MY CAR. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND OR IN PARK.

NHTSA ID
11105242
Incident
Jun 23, 2018
Mileage
77,000 mi

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.

Narrow this down by component

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .