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 2005 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving without any warning a pop sound and my clutch would not go into any gears. I had to force it into second gear all the way home. Total of 3 failures approx. 1 month apart final result on my third trip for repairs ended with me unable to stop in time which caused me rear ending the back of a truck. I damaged the front of my car. After numerous attempts to repair my car both engine and body I still have no car. My car has 1,200 miles on it. 2005 Ford Focus bought brand new from dealership and unable to go anywhere in it. I don't have the old parts. The lady told me that she would check into it to see if the damages would be covered by them. Considering the accident would not of happened in the first place if they would of fixed my car right the first time. Either way she called me to let me know they weren't going to cover it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the engine had too much output and the transmission was not able to function properly and failed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in colorado where the transmission was rebuilt, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in arizona where the entire transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 11/02/17 updated 7/18/18
This car has delayed reaction or no reaction at all to pressing the gas pedal. It doesn't go, it'll move a little bit, but mostly just fevs really high then all of a sudden it'll kick in and bolt forward, while driving on highway or from a complete stop, doesn't matter. The car lunges a lot, forward and sideways while driving at 60 MPH or faster. Accelerates sometimes on its own. This car is very scary to drive and has no business being on a freeway...ever!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. While driving various speeds, the transmission shifted from drive into neutral and upshifted/downshifted at random. The failure caused the rpms to also malfunction. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Car surges when braking usually under 5 to 10 MPH. Transmission does not want to gear down. Especially when braking fast. Problem not constant. Talked to dealer several times, they said they could not recreate. When it happens you have stand on brake or put in neutral to stop forward surge.
Key gets stuck in the ignition. Upon research it is obvious that this is an issue with the Ford Focus. Remedies suggest to move the piece on the shift upward, however, this is not working for my vehicle.
The transmission on my 2005 Focus was difficult to shift into 1st gear. The dealership replaced it under warranty during 7 - 16 March 2007. While doing the work they nicked the brake line just enough to create a slow leak. The location of the leak was near the front left tire. After one day of driving, all the fluid leaked out and the brakes failed while my wife was driving it. The dealership arranged to pick up the Focus with a tow truck. They repaired the brakes (19-23 mar). On 23 mar, my wife picked up the Focus. Approximately 1/2 mile from the dealership, the driver's side airbag deployed while she was turning left. The force of the impact pushed her left arm down and to the right, pulling the steering wheel to the left, causing her to hit the curb. No other vehicle was nearby or involved. …
2005 Ford Focus passanger side a arm bolt holding the a arm to the wheel lossend and just one bolt fell out on the road causing the tire and the remainder of the front wheel assembly to jam under the fender pulling the axle out of the transmission stopping the car thankfull that the car was going slow and stopped and not on a freeway at a high rate of speed. This car has only 39171 miles and had been to the Ford dealer frequent for a noise problem that they could not find the noise and never fixed the problem. This car has been in the family and has not been abused comments were made at the repair shop as to the amount of damage the lack of one bolt caused and that lucky as to the speed to which it came apart this event could have been alot worse. …
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. …
Beginning last year, there have been multiple occasions when I was decelerating and the entire front end of the car would begin to vibrate and the steering would become difficult to handle. Took the car to an independent repair shop, they could not duplicate the problem, asked me to make note of road conditions, etc. Tires replaced sometime in the past year. Alignment performed within past two months. Tires are wearing in diagonal pairs oddly. Blew fuse which operated the automatic safety locks, cruise control and the locking control on taking the car out of park. Called Ford dealership, was told to pop small piece of plastic off the shifter deck and stick a screw driver in to be able to shift out of park. Was also told this could be a big problem and to bring it in. …
Transmission complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Ford Focus, 11% of the model year's 441 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Focus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries 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.