Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving various speeds, a loud noise was detected from the front of the vehicle and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact also mentioned that the key overheated in the ignition switch and the vehicle hesitated to drive when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact further mentioned that the vehicle's fuel consumption was higher than normal. The contact also mentioned that both passenger doors were inoperable. The contact mentioned that the driver's side door needed extra strength to open and the rear passenger door was stuck and would not open. The vehicle was taken to multiple unknown dealers where the contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and the engine valve was stuck. The cause of the other failures was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. …
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* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Gentlemen my problem is two fold, first I am really disappointed that the NHTSA is not provding all the information on all the complaints, recalls, and safety investigations that it use to. Now I am hoping that a rep will either write me or call me and tell me this is the way its always been. This is b.s..... Mr NHTSA why isnt there a archive where we can go back 3 months, 6,12 or more. Why have you romoved this option???? It use to be there!!! Now for my complaint I have a Ford Focus, 2004 and the axle just broke, 34000 miles and its at the dealer ship hopefully getting fixed, now there was no forwarning, no snap, pop, bang or anything, I backed out of a parking space and put it in drive, it moved about six feet and stopped. …
Dt: contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving on the highway the car shut down without warning. No particular speed or circumstance. This incident happened several times on interstate. While going 70 to 75 MPH. The car shut down, no battery, no lights, and it was very hard to steer. It happened at stop sign or at speeds of 35 to 45 MPH .after putting vehicle in park then in neutral or park it will start back up. Vehicle was taken back to dealership 3 times in the last 3 weeks. Mechanic recalibrated the automatic transmission control module (PCM) ,and was told it would be okay. Took it off the dealership and within 10 miles incident started happening again. Flight recorder was installed on October 6, 2005 was told to push a button every time the vehicle shut off, but the problem was that there was electricity going to anything to make the flight recorder show the problem.
In minneapolis 4/23/04 the car stalled in stop and go freeway traffic and took a few minutes on the freeway to re-start-mileage then-approx 2317 r/o open date r/o close date 9/21/04 10/05/04 the first 4 dates are transmission related. Initially the car would pop out of 2nd gear while slowing or turning a corner 2/03/05 2/10/05 bearings replaced 2/12/05 2/15/05 cruise inoperable 3/15/05 3/23/05 transmission replaced. 3/25/05 3/30/05 this is a throttle body replacement all of these repairs were done under warranty. In a further page I do not know what "OEM" means so haven't answered that question.
On 8/19/09, I was driving my 2004 Ford Focus and all of a sudden while I was driving, it felt like pressure (or having to force car to go) with my foot on gas pedal. After I eased my foot off gas pedal, car would switch in to gear. This same pattern of pressure and easing foot off gas pedal so that car would go into gear happened each time I would make a stop. Car is currently at sheehy Ford dealership and I have been told that the transmission has failed with 2nd and 4th gear not working & that I could not drive car home until transmission is replaced because also transmission is ready to fall out of car due to weak support is holding transmission in place. Car has approx only 83,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving 55-70 MPH, the vehicle and the steering wheel both began to shake. When the speed is below 55 MPH, the shaking will stop or decrease. When applying the brakes while driving, the contact heard metal on metal from the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. The dealer stated that the brakes were fine. The current mileage was 54,019 and failure mileage was 50,759. Updated 01/02/08 the consumer stated the vehicle squeaked and vibrated and when the brakes were applied there was a grinding noise. The engine mount was replaced, due to it being broken. The shifter squeaked. The rims were bent and the tires were out of balance. Updated
Car was purchased new 6/15/04 with 317 miles. There has been over $1500 worth of factory work done on this vehicle from brake pads, rotors, sensor being replaced on transmission. Now the car is constantly jerking when accelerating at 20 MPH and stalling. On February 16th, my car wouldn't start and was jerking. I had it towed to my home. On Friday, February 18th the radio came on without the key being placed in the ignition. I have filed the lemon law and suggest others do it as well if there problems aren't resolved. I was told my car has an electrical shortage, but don't want it back. I have a small child and am afraid something terrible will happen.
Noticed hydraulic brake fluid leaking from clutch master cylinder which is mounted behind the clutch pedal under dash. Clutch system shares brake fluid with brake system. Fluid drips on clutch pedal and floor creating a very slick surface and drop in fluid level in brake reservoir. This creates a severe safety issue in my opinion. This appears to be a common problem with Ford Focus manual transmission cars. The only remedy was to replace the clutch master cylinder. Also needed to replace the clutch pedal rubber foot pad which had disintegrated from exposure to the brake fluid.
Transmission complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Focus, 5% of the model year's 387 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Focus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.