Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2017 | 9 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 10 | 0% | 51,000 miles |
| 2013 | 14 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2012 | 26 | 1% | 84,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 3% | 65,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2007 | 15 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% | 77,000 miles |
| 2005 | 20 | 5% | 78,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 2003 | 16 | 2% | 92,000 miles |
| 2002 | 13 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2001 | 32 | 2% | 68,000 miles |
| 2000 | 72 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The headlamp failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that there was condensation in the headlight housing. The contact was informed that the headlight housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,366.
The transmission is going out, they've replaced it and it's still a bad transmission. Having a bad transmission could cause the car to shut off in the middle of the road causing an accident. My engine is constantly overheating, my car gives me warnings to stop the car because of overheating. I can't even drive on the expressway because i'm scared my car is going to blow up or something. The electrical inside the car does not work, i can't unlock the doors on the driver side but on the passenger side i can. The sunshade blocking thing you pull down lights don't come on, nothing about the car really works. The car jerks when driving like it's about to shut off in the middle of the road, that's a safety defect or whatever you wanna call it. The car makes a ticking noise when you start it up and OH the idle, let me tell you about the idling of this car. …
I purchased a 2017 Ford Focus from a car dealership called lion cars on 4201 West Colonial Drive in Orlando Florida the car has a major major electrical issue I was at an intersection and the car went completely dead and turned off and it locked me inside the car I couldn't get out of the car the windows would not roll down the doors were not unlocked and the car started smoking finally I got out then 3 days later I turned around and try to get in the car and the car also locked me in out of the car where I couldn't use my key fob nothing on the car works I did a report on it I found out that the car had been in two major crashes and both reports stated severe damage and when you drive down the road it pulls to the left I brought this attentia attention of lying car dealership they said that they would fix the car or they will replace the car and they never did so now I am without a car …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he became aware that the headlamp was not illuminating properly. The contact stated that the bulbs inside headlamp housings were overheating, causing the headlamps to become burned. The headlights and bulbs were replaced by the contact however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure with headlamps were very concerning while driving the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the headlamps and instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that there was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to cortese Ford service department (2500 w. Henrietta rd, rochester, ny 14623, [phone]) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the headlights were dim at night because the laminate was peeling. The contact called autofair Ford in manchester at 603-634-100 (located at 1475 s willow st, manchester, nh 03103) and was informed that the warranty was expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the warranty expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while parked the fault in rear tail light signal illuminated. The contact changed the bulb and upon inspecting the vehicle contact noticed lighting panel was burned and damaged however the failure recurred. The vehicle was not towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed or repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,200.
A major electrical issue has occurred in this car since June 1, 2025. The Traction Control System dashboard indicator (the skidding car) comes on even though I am not using the TCS. When this happens, I get a message saying "Hill start assist not available," and am unable to manipulate my headlights, use turn signals, or lock/unlock my doors (I need to use the physical key to lock/unlock the driver's side door). If this "Hill start assist" issue occurs and I turn off my car (or if it occurs when the car is off), then I am unable to start my car. I get a new message saying "No Key Detected," and the ignition does nothing. I have a physical key, and not a fob. If the TCS light goes away, then I am able to start up my car. …
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Focus BEV vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured September 15, 2011, through May 6, 2013; and model year 2013 Focus ST vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, manufactured February 16, 2012, through May 7, 2013.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the headlamp assembly wiring, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Focus years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (72), 2001 (32), 2012 (26), 2005 (20) and 2003 (16) model years. Headlight complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Focus headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 13V-335 (exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Focus headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (37 mentions), followed by the brake lights (19).
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.