Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a corroded subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe was significantly thin due to corrosion and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,625. The VIN was unavailable.
This is a ongoing problem with this vehicles suspension since I have had this vehicle I have replaced the tires on it 4x the rear suspension cups the tires and makes it bounce I have had multiple alignments and I bought it a 52.000 miles n for the last 4 yrs I have bought many types of tires and this car has ruined them all, also strut replacement and tie rods and I just got a new rackon pinion for the steering was affected and the fluid leaked out and I highway drive, it would not perform over 65mph without shaking terribly I see more complaints about this car and this supension problem and steering and idol jerks me forward and feels like its going to stahl, the moter mounts an trani mounts are always loose or need to be replaced, an the ac went on it an because it's behind the dashboard the housing unit for the evaporator it cost 1000 to replace because it is hard to get too, the …
Car tries to drive itself when my foot is on the brake ( stationary) & the malfunction almost caused a accident in the city.lights have malfunctioned since purchase. No backseat lights working.car isles randomly and will not stop until stitch to neutral and then it gives me control to drive again.please look into this issue
I went and got new tires and alignment in sep.2009 and within 10000 miles on 03-06-10 my tires were chopped on the inside the dealer were I had got my car from had told me that it was caused by the alignment so I went back were I got the tires done they had told me it was my struts they went ahead an put new tires on and I went to Ford garage in creston not were I got the car they had check my struts they said they were OK I had them redone the alignment two days after the new tires were put on and so I paid for two alignment and after 5000 miles my tires were chopped on the inside the dealer in creston got a hold of Ford motors to see what the deal was and inspect everything and had to set my alignment at different setting and then my car started making squeaking noises they ending up changing my back struts and then my tires got worse and my car is still making the noises and I told …
I have replaced the tires on this vehicle 5 times in 6 years. The car was purchased in 2010, only 2 years old, and the first set of tires was replaced in 2011. Each time the tires are replaced it's because there is abnormal wear on the inside of the tires; so much damage, the steel radial from tires is sticking out. I was told I needed new sway bar links; replaced those as well, but have since put another new set of tires on this car. When I replaced these tires, I also had to replace 3 lug nuts which were broken as well. I have researched this problem; many others are experiencing this same issue. Two mechanics have tried to figure out what is causing the tires to wear prematurely and unevenly, and I still have no answer. My tires which are supposed to be good for 45,000 miles or more, depending on what I buy, and no matter what brand I buy, none have lasted 20,000 miles. …
I bought a new 2008 Ford Focus. It has 26000 miles on it. I have rotated the tires two times and have put on my third set of tires in the 26000 miles. I complained to the dealer and they inspected it and said that the suspension and alignment is completely out and also out of warranty and can't be adjusted. I need to put on new tires every 9000 miles. They can repair it for me at $1200.00 and a new set of tires for a grand total of $1700.00 my expense. This is outrageous and I feel it is a factory defect and a safety hazard. I don't feel safe driving this auto. The internet is full of complaints about the Ford Focus stemming back to 2001. I'm a senior citizen, retired and on a fixed income. There is no way that I can afford to have it repaired ar even trade it off for that matter. If I could trade it off then some poor soul like myself would be in danger. …
I have read many complaints about the 2008 Ford Focus and most compare to mine. The suspension on these vehicles are terrible. The car will vibrate, rumble and ruin tires. This problem has been happening since I purchased the car with only 6,000 miles on it. I have done multiple alignments, rotations and balances to try and fix the problem with no luck. I am on my second pair of tires and they are wearing down fast. There is also a "clunking" noise when backing out of my driveway that I assume is related to this problem. Because there are so many others having the same trouble as me, it leads me to believe that this is a defect on the vehicle. If I continue to get the "run around" from Ford motor company I will never purchase another vehicle from them again. I am very displeased with the lack of understanding and carelessness Ford shares for their customers. …
On third set of tires rated for 75K to 80K because of manufacture defect. Car is in shop having another front & rear wheel alignment done after purchasing new tires again. Shop says they recommend installing after market cambers that will hopefully help the defect in design at a cost to me for $510.00. I've gone on-line and this is a common problem and safety issue. The tires wear out regardless of the length of warranty usually within 6K to 30K miles. The tires wear out on the inside causing cupping even with regular tire rotations every 6K miles. I spoke with Ford and they refuse to acknowledge that their is a problem. The on-line forums regarding this issue other Ford owners have stated they also contacted Ford and was told the same thing.
The car suspension is easily unaligned and causes the car to go through tires at an alarmingly above average rate. 30,000+ mile tires do not make it 20,000 without severe damage and wear. After owning the car and taking it to many different shops the results are always the same that my cars suspension is not correct. I have had to replace 5 sets of sway bar links and at least 8+ sets of tires in the 100,000 miles I have drove the car. I have receipts for 90% of my purchases for repairs, parts, and service that all relate back to the cars suspension not functioning properly and wearing abnormally.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked violently while driving over bumps at various speeds. The vehicle would also emit loud noises when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the front stabilizers needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The manufacturer stated that the failure was not a safety hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000 and the current mileage was 31,000.
Suspension complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2008 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Ford Focus, 9% of the model year's 250 complaints. The component named most often is rear (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Focus suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2008 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 2008 Ford Focus suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
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.