2011 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 2011 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
- Electrical2517.6%
- Interior & seats1913.4%
- Powertrain (other)1913.4%
- Body & structure149.9%
- Driver assistance128.5%
- Steering107.0%
- Other / unspecified64.2%
- Airbags64.2%
- Suspension53.5%
- Brakes53.5%
- Fuel system42.8%
- Engine42.8%
- Tires & wheels42.8%
- Exterior lighting32.1%
- Seat belts32.1%
- Visibility21.4%
- Transmission10.7%
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
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.
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
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The lug nuts are corroded and we are unable to remove them for tire rotation.
TIRE SENSOR FAULT , DOUGLES TIRES LOOSING AIR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER BECAUSE MY BRAKES WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO STOP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
THE VEHICLE HANDLES HORRIBLY ON WET AND/OR ICY ROADS. WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR SIGN AT EVEN A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE THE TIRES HAVE TROUBLE GETTING TRACTION. THIS IS THE WORST VEHICLE FOR WET/ICY ROADS I'VE EVER DRIVEN. IT IS ALSO THE FIRST, AND MOST LIKELY THE LAST, FORD I WILL OWN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER BECAUSE MY BRAKES WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO STOP.
SEVERAL TIMES, MY BREAKS HAVE NOT RESPONDED WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, MY FOOT WILL BE TO THE GROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING. IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V793000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
HANKOOK TIRES 20,000 MILES. CAR SHAKES, TIRES CHOPPY AND VERY LOUD ON HIGHWAY. DEALER HAS ROTATED EVERY 3,000 MILES AND 2011 FORD FOCUS SE IS ALIGNED PROPERLY. WORSE TIRES IN THE WORLD AND NO SATISIFICATION FROM DEALER, THE FORD CO. OR TIRE COMPANY. THEY ARE WAITING FOR INJURIES JUST LIKE WHEN THEY PUT FIRESTORM TIRES ON TREE VEHICLES. *TR
LETTER FROM SENATOR GRASSLEY ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING HIS RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH HIS 2011 FORD FOCUS AND HIS CONCERN THAT THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE BY DESIGN; PLEASE REPLY TO THE ATTENTION OF SHERRY KUNTZ. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AT 42,000 MILES THE LEFT TIRE BEGAN WOBBLING. IT WAS DISCOVERED, THE TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND. THE MECHANIC ROTATED THE TIRES AND BALANCED THEM. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE BEYOND 43,000 AND BOTH FRONT TIRES BEGAN WOBBLING IN THE SAME FASHION, BUT WORSE. THE MECHANIC NOTED THE TIRES WERE BURSTING RADIAL STEEL REINFORCING WIRES AND GOING OUT OF ROUND, ALTHOUGH THE TIRES HAD A LOT OF TREAD LEFT. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE HANKOOK TIRES, WITH MICHELIN TIRES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN USE. THE SENSOR WILL GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AND UNLOCK ALL DOORS, EVEN IF THE CHILD SAFETY FEATURE IS ACTIVATED. BECAUSE OF THIS MESSAGE THE DOME(MAP) LIGHT ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON AND OFF. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE BATTERY TO DRAIN.
DRIVERS LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT DOES NOT WORK DUE TO FAILURE IN UNDER DASH FUSE BOX/ SMART JUCTION BOX
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
"TAKATA RECALL" WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE ONE OF THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT LATCH AND ALSO THE PASENGER DOOR HAS ISSUES WITH LOCKING AND UNLLOCKING. IT WORKS OCCASSIONALLY BUT NOT ALWAYS. THE 2012 FOCUS WAS REACALLED FOR THIS ISSUE AND 2011 SHOULD BE TOO.
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED UNDER COMPLETELY NORMAL CONDITIONS OF USE. THE MALFUNCTION WAS IN THE BELT RECEIVER, NOT THE PART NEAR THE DOOR WHICH EXTENDS AND RETRACTS THE BELT. THE METAL BIT THAT RETRACTS TO ALLOW THE SEAT BELT TO BE PUSHED IN MALFUNCTIONED SPONTANEOUSLY- WE STOPPED AT A STORE AND WHEN WE GOT BACK IN THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE FASTENED. ONE TOW TRUCK LATER, OUR MECHANIC SAID IT WAS UNFIXABLE- THE PART HAS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. BECAUSE THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD/ 74K MILES THEY SUGGESTED GIVING FORD THE CHANCE TO FIX IT. FORD SAID "FAT CHANCE"- THEY ONLY WARRANTY BELTS TO 50K MILES. SPONTANEOUSLY NON-WORKING SEATBELTS= VERY BAD. SHAME ON FORD FOR NOT MAKING IT RIGHT. IF I'D HAD THE MISFORTUNE TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT, NHTSA WOULD HAVE MARKED ME DOWN AS NOT WEARING MY BELT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DASHBOARD CRACKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,369. UPDATED 07/12/16*LJ *CN
SUDDENLY THE POWER WINDOWS AND POWER MIRRORS STOPPED WORKING. MY VEHICLE IS A 2011 FORD FOCUS SE AND I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. *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
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. A THROTTLE CONTROL/TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ALSO BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. UPON RESTART THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,915.
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 .