Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. Also, the oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, and throttle body sensor warning indicators illuminated. Since 2016, the contact also stated that the failure only occurred when the vehicle was parked on an incline, facing upwards. The contact had the vehicle diagnosed by a school teacher who was a certified mechanic. It was determined that the air intake was located in the front of the vehicle and water entered, which damaged the sensors.t he air intake needs to be pointed down to prevent water from coming in. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN is invalid.
While driving the vehicle stopped running suddenly. My daughter saw steam or smoke coming from the front engine compartment. Within a minute or so the whole front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire was intense, the top of the engine was melted, the interior of the dash was destroyed, and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair. It looks like the most intense fire area was around the fuse panel. I did contact Ford through several avenues but they appeared to be disinterested.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact noticed that the failure recurred intermittently whenever a bump or a pothole was hit on the road. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. Updated. 06/09/15
My battery light seems to flash when the car is off. Car has stalled several times while driving try to accelerate over 50 miles an hour car will shut off. Back hatch on wagon seems to release itself while driving well unlock automatically. Have replaced three thermostat and thermostat housing due to overheating car will not tell me is overheating it will boil in the overflow return tank pressurize and shoot the cap off?...
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the air filter need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.
We had purchase a 2004 Ford Focus and we have had it for 2 years now. For the last 4 months I have notice that the car overheats well the needle will shoot up to the hot and you can hear the fan/engine whatever other components running loud as if its revving the engine. I have been scared a few times because it would also stall like its about to go off and a couple time it has while at a stop light. Wondering is this a common problem for this vehicle? The overheating happens very often it happen during a short drive or long drive like 12 to 16 miles. It also seems to do it a lot when I'm at heavy traffic and when you sit there for 3 lights turns because of the amount of cars I notice it overheats then. Also, always overheats when I go to costco to buy gas. Due to the long wait for my turn to pump gas it overheats then. …
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a vacuum leak due to brake failure. The dealer repaired the failure and stated that Ford had to upgrade the computer in his vehicle, which meant that it had to be reprogrammed. Once the contact entered the vehicle, the idler increased to 1,200 RPM's and then dropped to 1,000 RPM's. He placed the vehicle in gear and it sped off. He could not stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal because the engine was pushing against the brakes. The contact drove 20 MPH around the parking lot for approximately 20 minutes with no brakes. The dealer is aware of the failure and called the manufacturer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was designed that way to be compliant with the epa regarding the catalytic converter. While driving 60 MPH, the gears do not change or decrease to a lower RPM. …
I have a 2004 Ford Focus zx3. I was at a gas station filling up and when I attempted to start up my car, the key would not turn. The ignition cylinder was completely locked up. I was stranded at the gas station for 2 hours before aaa came and towed my car to the dealership. I have researched the issue and found out that the ignition cylinder locking up and not allowing you to start your car is a very common issue with the Ford Focus, most commonly in models between the years 2000 and 2006. I was lucky to be only 5 miles away from the dealership where I had to have it towed. If I was further away or out of town, this could have been a big safety hazard, as it could have left me stranded in a dangerous situation. Please take action by helping the consumers of the Ford Focus receive a refund/recall for their defected ignition cylinder. Thank you!
Engine complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Ford Focus, 9% of the model year's 387 complaints. The component named most often is engine (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Focus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Ford Focus, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Focus engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.