Equipment complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 0% | 62,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 0% | 70,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% | 16,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 0% | 9,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 0% | 1,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 0% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% | 0 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% | 104,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 2% | 44,000 miles |
| 2003 | 18 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 2% | 30,000 miles |
| 2001 | 26 | 1% | 41,000 miles |
| 2000 | 82 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the radio started making loud popping sounds and playing white noise at an extreme volume that was distracting. The contact stated that even with the vehicle turned off, the radio buzzed and pop loudly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The radio failed and yes it is able to be inspected.Screeches as your driving it comes and goes . Never sure when it will do it scares you . There was no warning on this just started to do it and then radio was no longer working.Radio is no longer working but sound is still coming out unexpectely you never know when it will come on .
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio was making an abnormally loud cracking noise whether the vehicle was started or turned off. The contact stated that radio fuse was hot to the touch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The radio made unpredictable loud booming and crackling noises even with the radio turned off and including when the car engine was initially turned off until all courtesy lights were off. These jolting noises scared me, caused me to be a tense and distracted driver and potentially prohibited me from hearing outside sounds I should have been aware of. The independent service center confirmed this was a recognized problem with this vehicle. Other than the repair center, the problem has not been inspected by others. There were no warning signs of the problem.
Poor durability of the new occipital wiper blades on my 2013 Ford Focus. I live in central pennsylvania. The winter weather and the constant freezing and even zero temperatures has caused the failure of these new fangled wipers that are supposed to hug the windshield and remove water better. The cheap plastic clips that they are held on with have failed 2 times now, this winter. I just had my third pair installed. I just broke down and went to jiffy lube who which will replace them for free within 3 months if they fail. Once the driver's side wiper broke off and flew away on the highway forcing us to drive for miles with none. The second time it just broke off down in the crack between the wiper and the hood. They are mounted poorly and the plastic does not withstand the stresses of winter weather outside. I have no garage.
May 1st: significant vibration, vehicle shutters when shifting 4th: no changes in performance. Shutter and vibration continues; no work performed. Advised all of this is a ?normal characteristic? Of a dual clutch transmission. 10th: significant shaking at idle continues 17th: vibration continues; transmission continues to buck and stall. Vehicle does not respond well to sudden stops? Significant shuddering and RPM gauge has rapid fluctuations. Gears still making grinding noise. 18th: transmission problems felt worse than usual today. 20th: vehicle does not drive well. Transmission continues to click/pop/grind; gear changes are rough, similar to someone who cannot drive a manual transmission 24th: rough idle persists; car slow to engage in first gear; feels like it is going to stall. …
Manufacturer installed radio first just started cutting out with a loud pop that would scare the driver. Now the radio does not work. Only static and popping at top volume the entire time you're driving. Even does it with the car turned off and key out of ignition. I barely avoided an accident during one of these incidents. My car is one of thousands with the same complaint. Dealer does not know how to fix the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact started the vehicle and the vehicle accelerated rapidly even with the brake pedal engaged. The vehicle failed to slow down and crashed into a cement wall. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. In addition, the manufacturer issued a customer satisfaction program under reference number 123b7 (transmission control module) and after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle rolled away with the gear in park. In order for the vehicle to remain stationary, a block was placed against the two rear tires. Also, a strong antifreeze odor emitted inside of the vehicle and an oil leak was visible on the ground. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 12,917. Updated 08/23/12 updated 09/24/2012
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Focus years have equipment problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (82), 2001 (26), 2003 (18), 2002 (16) and 2012 (10) model years. Equipment complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Focus equipment problems?
No. NHTSA lists no equipment & accessories recall for any Ford Focus model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Focus equipment problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc. (38 mentions), followed by the electrical (21).
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.