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 2005 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving my car and the engine started on fire. It ruined the entire engine. It was not overheating. All my fluids were full. I don't know why it happened.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. While stopped at an intersection, the vehicle shut off and lost all power without warning. The contact heard a clicking noise from the steering rack. The contact called roadside assistance; however, the vehicle restarted after the tow truck driver shook the battery a couple of times. The contact drove home. The failure recurred a few days later and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was a recall for NHTSA campaign number: 05V030000 (latches/locks/linkages). The manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. …
I bought my car from the original owner. I had to buy a re-furbished motor, the tires were splitting and the suspension and air conditioner all needed repairing. When I received the recall from dot, [redacted], I immediately contacted tallahassee Ford. They denied there was a recall and I was mistaken. My VIN # was listed in the recall. I tried several times but Ford kept giving me a run-around and they lied. So now, I have apparently missed a deadline which was not listed on the original notice to me. I am a senior citizen and this has really stressed me out and it really makes me not to purchase another Ford from anyone. On ethics alone, I should be able to make them do what they basically refused by lying to me. It was in motion and went to the shop within two weeks after the notice.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, all the electrical functions seized, and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road and towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the alternator failed. The vehicle was serviced, but the remedy failed to repair the issue. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while stopped, she would notice that her vehicle would bounce up and down. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the engine mounts were defective and needed to be replaced immediately. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and but offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 53,085. Consumer stated mechanic stated engine mounts were bad and needed to be replaced.
Takata recall fuel line too close to exhaut it causes vehicle to stop running wait 15 -20 minutes and it will start and you can go until it does it again it is fine in winter but warm weather it does it all the time have tried to have fixed but still does it
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 for Focus zxw station wagon. The contact stated that when the key was in the ignition and the shift over ride button was depressed, the key would become locked in the ignition. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact glued the shift over ride button in place and changed the ignition, which resolved the failure. The contact also stated the metal frame of the driver's seat became cracked. The contact had to prop the seat up so that he could drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 205,000. Updated 02/20/13 the consumer stated the transmission was poorly designed. Updated 02/21/13 the consumer stated the experienced numerous problems with the transmission, after having the fluid flushed. …
My "engine light" has been "flashing" intermittently since the day I drove the car home brand new! This is a "misfire" code. It usually happens when under hard acceleration (like trying to pass a car)...you can just imagine the "safety concerns" involved , when 7 out of 10 times I to try to pass a car.....I get halfway by the vehicle...then my car "misfires"....loses all power....and I coast back into position "behind" the vehicle I tried to pass!..while I wait for the car to recover and start to run correctly again!....if I didn't lose my position!..which has happened!....my car has been "repaired" 4, going on 5 times for this same issue....each time I bring it to be fixed...it doesn't get fixed...or as I was told on my first complaint, and my second complaint (there's nothing wrong)....the light continues to flash.....my car has been sitting in my yard since January...after the last …
While driving my vehicle locally, my car shut off and engine light came on. I was told it was the main flow valve. I have to replace it, but then my key got stuck in the ignition. My friend was able to get it out. On August 12, 2012, my driver seat moved while I was driving and continues to skip on a certain click latch. Indecember, I had to take it back to the mechanic, cause my engine light keeps coming on, but we are unsure as to why it keeps doing that. Every now and then I can smell smoking wires/electrical wires burning. Now my lighter in the car is not working, but I think that runs in a fuse...not sure. On April 13th, 2013. I returned home from a wedding and I am unable to yet again, get the key out of the ignition. I took it to my mechanic and he told me to check to find out if others are having the same problem and what they did. …
I own a 2005 Focus, 4 door, about 2 months ago I noticed a severe shaking in the car, at idol and while driving, took the car to get new brakes and the mechanic told me the motor mounts are broke, and ir would be at least $500 to fix, he also told me this is a common thing in the Focus that the mounts were defective. Considering my car has very low mileage for being an 05, 33,900, I do not expect to have to fix major problems like this. I do not think motor mounts should be shrugged off as "common problem" this can be a danger while driving and I feel it needs to be investigated, as to why the mounts go bad so quickly. I would appreciate any advise or answer to this issue. Thank you
Engine complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Ford Focus, 7% of the model year's 441 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Focus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 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 2005 Ford Focus engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.