Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1909310019802External liftgate release switch non-functional on manual door lock equipped vehicles. *tt04/28/2006
1900901/01/200610019073Dtc p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303 and/or p0304 - service tip. *tt02/10/2006
1858104/01/200510017884Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip. *tt12/06/2005
04211811/01/200410013431Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2004. *tt04/19/2005
1837901/01/200510013318Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement. *tt04/14/2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
1841302/01/200510012971Unable to remove ignition key - service tip. *tt04/05/2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
0414706/01/200505161210017923Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips. *tt12/07/2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
1780005/01/200410008562Intermittent no crank condition. there may also be no powertrain control module communication and/or the odometer may display all dashes. *tt08/05/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
01/06/2013104000
 The rear driver side door lock will not lock. the child safety lock doesn't even make it work. all other doors work with the remote entry key fob and alarm activates but the rear passenger door remains unlocked. i can not even lock it manually. i fear my grandchildren will be able to simply open the door and exit the car and am very concerned for their safety not to mention the possiblity of someone entering the car to do harm or vandelize the vehicle.
10/22/2010205000
 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. in addition, the contact stated that the central control timer failed, causing the electrical system to perform erratically. the manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. the vehicle was not further repaired. the failure mileage was 205,000.
10/22/2010205000
 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. in addition, the contact stated that the central control timer failed, causing the electrical system to perform erratically. the manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. the vehicle was not further repaired. the failure mileage was 205,000. kmj
08/20/2010700001
 Purchased the car new, have had to have alternator and battery replaced 3 times now. every time it goes out without warning and in most cases on the highway or in heavy city traffic. i almost couldn't stop nor steer the car safely away from the road. each occurrence has cost me 500.00 usd from towing, parts, and labor. *tr
08/20/201070000
 Purchased the car new, have had to have alternator and battery replaced 3 times now. every time it goes out without warning and in most cases on the highway or in heavy city traffic. i almost couldn't stop nor steer the car safely away from the road. each occurrence has cost me 500.00 usd from towing, parts, and labor.
09/25/20121355001
 The rear passenger door will not lock or unlock with the keyless entry nor the buttons in the car. turning on or off the child lock feature does not affect it. i can manually 'force it' either way - barely - for now. this happened once before several years ago - where it was stuck completely unlocked, and you couldn't manually force it. it was like that for several months and then mysteriously fixed itself. i have looked up this particular problem online and have found that this make & model appears to have many cars with this issue yet ford has not done a recall on it. this is a safety issue. two scenarios are possible here that alarm me: either emergency personnel can not open the door because it's stuck in the locked position and cannot be moved or the door remains unlocked and unwanted persons get in or things in the car get stolen because the lock is stuck unlocked. common sense would seem to argue that this deserves to be fixed at no cost to the consumer, given the safety issues with this defect. *tr
02/26/2011112800
 On 2/26/2011 at approximatly 1900 hrs. i was at nellis air force base in las vegas nevada i had to pull over in a safe area to look for my id as i got out of the car with the car in park and emergency brake on i proceeded to lift the handle in front of the seat that allowes it to be moved forward so i can look under the seat for my id,i couldn't see it so i proceeded to do the same with the passanger seat and it wasen't there so again i was on the drivers side and again pulling up the handle and my right side of my face and ear was within an inch of the side air bag when it explodedand nocked me up against the drivers door frame and the airbag powder was all over me and for 30 seconds i couldn't see or hear. my face was on fire with acid burns all over my face and my right ear. i was seen at the er and was treated which included a cat scan of my hear to see if there was any internal trama and that was negative however i had developed tmj because of the impact to my jaw and migrain headaches which have not subsided to this day. all reports and pictures id taken were sent through e-mail to ford claims dept. i was sent the paper work to fill out and send it back to them,in march 2011 i have to got to a dealer to have the chip red and it cost to have that done was $103.48. it states that the dtc b1231 restraint system was sufficient impact to warrent a deployment yet indicates that no collision occured. so then now the modual needs to be taken out by the dealer which i went to friendly ford and they refused to help, so that evening went to team ford and they helped it took them january 2012 to coordinate with ford to take out the modgual, i just found out a week ago june 14th. that bosh is just now taking a look at that product that was sent to them in january 2012.16 months later nothing else has been done and i don't know what else i can do.
03/06/201268000
 Went to pick my son up from school. could not get key out of ignition. took to a local mechanic and cylanders were replaced. that was in march. got home today (may) and the same problem. luckily have a driveway but i am annoyed and nervous about keeping this car. fearful that the key may get stuck at an inopportune time.
07/25/200617000
 I purchased this vehicle new in 2005. within the first year and a half i started noticing that the dash lights would illuminate when the vehicle was parked, no keys in the ignition. the abs and battery light would flicker on and off accopanied by a buzzing sound. the wireless remotes stopped working as well. i brought the vehicle to ford as it was still within the three year/36,000 mile warranty period. they said that they could not duplicate the problem. they re-programmed the wireless remotes. after this the problem continued with the flickering lights and buzzing sound and also the wireless remotes stopped working. i returned the vehicle to ford and they told me that the dash lights were malfunctioning and they would have to open up the dash, they quoted me $700 just to open up and diagnose plus the labor charges for whatever the problem was. this was right after the thre year/36,000 mile warranty period was over. i mentioned that i had been to the dealership for the very same reason when the vehice was under warranty but they could not find the problem. ford said that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. ford did not fix this issue and also said that the wireless remotes could not be reprogrammed. in the years since the initial problem, i have had to put in two new alternators. the dash lights flicker almost continuously. the dash display (spedometer, odometer, etc.) has completely cut out while driving the vehicle several time. the vehicle still operates but loses power when the dash cuts out. when the dash display cuts out you are driving without a gas gauge, spedometer, etc. when the dash lights come back on, there is a hiccup or power surge accompanied by the same buzzing sound that occurs when the dash lights are flickering when the vehicle is parked.
02/15/201292000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. while attempting to lock the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side electronic locking mechanism failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the door lock actuator and locking assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and the failure mileages were 92,000.
02/15/201292000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. while attempting to lock the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side electronic locking mechanism failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the door lock actuator and locking assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and the failure mileages were 92,000. kmj
02/15/201292000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. while attempting to lock the vehicle the contact noticed that the rear passenger side electronic locking mechanism had stop functioning. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the door lock actuator and locking assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages are 92000. bml
03/08/2012134105
 After starting the car when it has set a few hours the overdrive off light is flashes yellow, odometer just shows dashes, ans speedometer dosent work. car still operates but shifts gears hard, when it reaches the speed for door to lock everything starts working. i have had multiple problems with the engine mgmt fuse, and have had 3 altenators changed out in the last 2 years. also i had a problem with key not coming out of ignition and found out that a peice of the shifter had broke off and slid down and kept it from going all the way into park, after removing part i have had no problem with the key. also engine light stays on was told by auto zone it was vaccum system took it to ford place they said it was motor mounts, they were replaced 20,000 miles ago and it still hasnt helped.
07/29/201162000
 Was driving 45 on a busy road and all the lights on dashboard flickered and the car went dead and had to drift off onto a median. had 2 people look at the car and found that there was the 20 amp fuse out. went to get another one we made sure all the wires were attatched and nothing was loose, we turned the steering wheel a bit and with the new fuse in the car started, as we turned the steering wheel the car stalled again. went back to the store bought 2 more fuses and got the car started drove 1 mile and it stalled again. tried the 3rd fuse and nothing. had to have the car towed to local garage 20 miles away from where it stalled. the garage states that the issue is in the dashboard and they have to take it to ford to have it tested to find the issue. cost will be anywhere between $400 to $1000 to fix depending on what they find with the test. got the call from the garage it is going to be fixed for $500. money we do not have for bad wiring that is not our fault! ford needs to step up and take responsibilty because this seems to be an issue!
07/26/201177000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact stated while driving 65 mph all of the warning lights would flash on the dash board and the vehicle stalled, nearly causing a crash. the contact drove onto the emergency lane and restarted the vehicle within four minutes. after restarting the vehicle, the identical failure recurred. the contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who performed a diagnostic test which did not identify or duplicate the failure. the contact stated the failure occurred four times prior to taking the vehicle to the dealer. the contact was concerned since the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the failure mileage was 77,000. rvk
07/29/201162000
 Was driving 45 on a busy road and all the lights on dashboard flickered and the car went dead and had to drift off onto a median. had 2 people look at the car and found that there was the 20 amp fuse out. went to get another one we made sure all the wires were attatched and nothing was loose, we turned the steering wheel a bit and with the new fuse in the car started, as we turned the steering wheel the car stalled again. went back to the store bought 2 more fuses and got the car started drove 1 mile and it stalled again. tried the 3rd fuse and nothing. had to have the car towed to local garage 20 miles away from where it stalled. the garage states that the issue is in the dashboard and they have to take it to ford to have it tested to find the issue. cost will be anywhere between $400 to $1000 to fix depending on what they find with the test. got the call from the garage it is going to be fixed for $500. money we do not have for bad wiring that is not our fault! ford needs to step up and take responsibilty because this seems to be an issue!
07/26/201177000
 Tl. the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact stated while driving 65 mph all of the light will flash on the dash board and the vehicle will stall. the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. the contact stated when the vehicle stalled a crash almost occurred. the contact had to wait four minutes before restarting the vehicle. the contact stated after restarting the vehicle the lights flash on the dash board and the vehicle stalls. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer. the dealer performed a diagnostic test but the test results did not show a defect. the dealer can not duplicate the defect. the contact stated the defect had occurred four times prior to taking it to the dealer and also stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the failure mileage was 77,000. jo
07/11/201143000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact stated the check engine light constantly illuminated causing multiple failures with the vehicle. the failure was within the electrical part of the vehicle including the solenoid, transmission, valve body and the safety switch. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who performed a diagnostic test but did not diagnose a definite solution for the repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and stated there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle and offered no other assistance. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 40,000 and the failure mileage was 43,000. rvk
07/11/201143000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact stated the check engine lights constantly illuminating causing multiple failures with the vehicle. the failures are within the electrical part of the vehicle such as the solenoid, the transmission, the vale body and the safety switch. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who ran a diagnostic test but did not come up with a definite solution for the repairs. the manufacturer was contacted who stated there are no recalls or warranty on the vehicle. they offered no other assistance. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 40,000 and the failure mileage was 43,000....mw
01/02/201182691
 An electrical short in teh rear wiring harness in the liftgate has caused the rear defrost, the rear wiper and teh high-mount rear brake light to all fail, concurrently. the dealership has commented that this was a common problem with zx3 ford focus model and was as recalled service issue on a prior model year. it was also cautioned by the tech that fire could result.
04/04/20051500
 Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact was unable to release the key from the ignition. the failure was experienced numerous times and the vehicle was taken to the dealer in 2005 but the dealer did not replace the ignition switch. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was scheduled to have diagnostics performed at the local dealer. the failure mileage was 1,500 and the current mileage was 54,000.
04/15/201126000
 2005 ford focus station wagon rear hatch: the wires that go to the hatch (near the top) are too short and so weak that after 26,000 miles the wires broke and due to this break/short the car would not go out of park. the brake lights quit working and it blows one fuse after another fuse. due to the wires being so short it is impossible to repair the breaks. this appears to be a very common problem from what i see on the internet. ford should be liable for these repairs.
04/04/20051500
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact was unable to release the key from the ignition. the failure was experienced numerous times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer in 2005, but the dealer did not replace the ignition switch. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vehicle will be taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the failure mileage was 1,500 and the current mileage was 54,000. li
04/15/201126000
 2005 ford focus station wagon rear hatch: the wires that go to the hatch (near the top) are too short and so weak that after 26,000 miles the wires broke and due to this break/short the car would not go out of park. the brake lights quit working and it blows one fuse after another fuse. due to the wires being so short it is impossible to repair the breaks. this appears to be a very common problem from what i see on the internet. ford should be liable for these repairs.
04/04/20051500
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact was unable to release the key from the ignition. the failure was experienced numerous times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer in 2005, but the dealer did not replace the ignition switch. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vehicle will be taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the failure mileage was 1,500 and the current mileage was 54,000. li
04/15/201126000
 2005 ford focus station wagon rear hatch: the wires that go to the hatch (near the top) are too short and so weak that after 26,000 miles the wires broke and due to this break/short the car would not go out of park. the brake lights quit working and it blows one fuse after another fuse. due to the wires being so short it is impossible to repair the breaks. this appears to be a very common problem from what i see on the internet. ford should be liable for these repairs.
03/01/2011120000
 Just like all the other complaints. 'my key became stuck in the ignition and was stranded hundred's of miles from home how thoughtful of ford to only charge me four- hundred dollars!
01/09/201198000
 2005 ford focus will not start when the weather turns cold or will start but for no apparent resin just stops running no fuel pressure and fuel pump does not run when the problem arises when the weather turns worm the car starts and runs fine does not display any engine fault coeds. from what i have read this seems to be a ford problem that doesn
10/04/201054000
 Intermittently keys get stuck in ingnition, after a few days they usually come out may be weeks or months before it happes again, while driving i hear a clicking noise, lights in the dashboard and all the gauge lights start flickering, if you shut off the car it will not start again and lose all power, no lights, locks anything power shuts down, i have been stranded due to this problem. have already had some wires replaced, problem still continues ..when it happens the car starts to hesitate, very dangerous if on an intersate or going through an intersection..car is back in the shop again for this issue, only 54000 miles on the car...even when i get it back from shop this time am afraid to drive the car, i was told it was fixed last time, who is to say that it is truly fixed this time, don't want to be stranded or in an accident.
01/09/201198000
 2005 ford focus will not start when the weather turns cold or will start but for no apparent resin just stops running no fuel pressure and fuel pump does not run when the problem arises when the weather turns worm the car starts and runs fine does not display any engine fault coeds. from what i have read this seems to be a ford problem that doesn
10/04/201054000
 Intermittently keys get stuck in ingnition, after a few days they usually come out may be weeks or months before it happes again, while driving i hear a clicking noise, lights in the dashboard and all the gauge lights start flickering, if you shut off the car it will not start again and lose all power, no lights, locks anything power shuts down, i have been stranded due to this problem. have already had some wires replaced, problem still continues ..when it happens the car starts to hesitate, very dangerous if on an intersate or going through an intersection..car is back in the shop again for this issue, only 54000 miles on the car...even when i get it back from shop this time am afraid to drive the car, i was told it was fixed last time, who is to say that it is truly fixed this time, don't want to be stranded or in an accident.
01/09/201198000
 2005 ford focus will not start when the weather turns cold or will start but for no apparent resin just stops running no fuel pressure and fuel pump does not run when the problem arises when the weather turns worm the car starts and runs fine does not display any engine fault coeds. from what i have read this seems to be a ford problem that doesn
10/04/201054000
 Intermittently keys get stuck in ingnition, after a few days they usually come out may be weeks or months before it happes again, while driving i hear a clicking noise, lights in the dashboard and all the gauge lights start flickering, if you shut off the car it will not start again and lose all power, no lights, locks anything power shuts down, i have been stranded due to this problem. have already had some wires replaced, problem still continues ..when it happens the car starts to hesitate, very dangerous if on an intersate or going through an intersection..car is back in the shop again for this issue, only 54000 miles on the car...even when i get it back from shop this time am afraid to drive the car, i was told it was fixed last time, who is to say that it is truly fixed this time, don't want to be stranded or in an accident.
01/09/201198000
 2005 ford focus will not start when the weather turns cold or will start but for no apparent resin just stops running no fuel pressure and fuel pump does not run when the problem arises when the weather turns worm the car starts and runs fine does not display any engine fault coeds. from what i have read this seems to be a ford problem that doesn
10/04/201054000
 Intermittently keys get stuck in ingnition, after a few days they usually come out may be weeks or months before it happes again, while driving i hear a clicking noise, lights in the dashboard and all the gauge lights start flickering, if you shut off the car it will not start again and lose all power, no lights, locks anything power shuts down, i have been stranded due to this problem. have already had some wires replaced, problem still continues ..when it happens the car starts to hesitate, very dangerous if on an intersate or going through an intersection..car is back in the shop again for this issue, only 54000 miles on the car...even when i get it back from shop this time am afraid to drive the car, i was told it was fixed last time, who is to say that it is truly fixed this time, don't want to be stranded or in an accident.
10/16/201054000
 The ignition in the ford focus falls apart and you are stranded!!!. i had my handicapped daughter with me and it was night. i can imagine a young woman by herself with this problem. you cannot be jumped or a mechanic cannot look at it. the only solution is to be towed, which for us was 49 mi9les away. very unsafe for my daughter and me. we had to leave her walker behind and she was without it (immobile) until i could retrieve it. this car had less than 50,000 miles on it and had all checkups and everythgiung up to date.
11/04/201080000
 Having problem with alternater and keys stuck in the ignition for 2nd time in two years. key will not release but will turn.
10/16/201054000
 The ignition in the ford focus falls apart and you are stranded!!!. i had my handicapped daughter with me and it was night. i can imagine a young woman by herself with this problem. you cannot be jumped or a mechanic cannot look at it. the only solution is to be towed, which for us was 49 mi9les away. very unsafe for my daughter and me. we had to leave her walker behind and she was without it (immobile) until i could retrieve it. this car had less than 50,000 miles on it and had all checkups and everythgiung up to date.
11/04/201080000
 Having problem with alternater and keys stuck in the ignition for 2nd time in two years. key will not release but will turn.
09/28/2010
 Driving at 50km/h, abs and brake lights come on, shortly after all electrical systems shut down, including power steering, front lights, gauges...everything. engines continues to run, when the vehicle slow to almost idle, engines stops. unable to restart, no ignition no sign of life whatsoever. waited 20min, was able to start engine, electrical came back and drove for 5min before same thing happened. dealer identified a faulty alternator, car has 135000km
09/16/201058029
 Ford focus 2005 wagon. noticed that electric lock will not open hatch back, but took no action to correct. incident: could not move shift lever out of park leaving motorist stranded. found that shared brake light fuse was blown. replaced fuse, but wondered about root cause so tested brake lights. immediately noticed that brake lights remained on when brake pedal was not pressed or pressed. realized that this is a major safety concern, as other drivers will not be aware when the brake is pressed. after web search, i observed many documented cases of damaged wiring harness; i opened the hatch and removed the rubber boot covering the wiring harness. immediately observed that several wires were severed and others damaged.
08/06/2010
 Intermittently car will seem to short out for split seconds. if i let it idle all is ok but as i apply the gas the split second short comes back. this can happen at various speeds and sometimes if i go over some bumps all becomes ok. frind with a madza3 had similar problem hat was fixeed by changng the solenoid.
06/19/201069900
 Excessive heat from taillight/brakelight bulb caused plastic housing to distort and brake lights fuse to burn out, causing loss of rear brake lights. potential for rear end collision & wiring fire. after fuse was replaced, wiring smoldered until new fuse also burned out.
02/15/200985000
 The hatch back lid started opening when the rear window defrost was turned on. this has resulted in many inadvertent opening of the lid while driving. while reseaching, i found a recall for the 2000 ford focus assigned nhtsa 00v411000. i pulled back the rubber boot which protects the same wire harness at the hindge point of the lid. i discovered multiple cracked and exposed wires, and on wire broken it two. i desire for this to be a recall item just as you did for the 2000 model. i have pictures if you desire.
03/12/2010819411
 Could not get key to release from the ignition of my 2005 ford focus. had to leave car unlocked, with key in ignition overnight. still cannot release key. a child could get into the car and start it up with tragic consequences. many reports on the internet about ford focus ignition cylinder problems, including key-lock issues. i am a single mother who works in retail management, and i get out late at night from work quite often. if my key locks up, i could be stranded in a darkened lot and vulnerable to crime. ford is aware of this problem, had been for years, and has not taken accountability for it. this is absolutely inexcusable for a major corporation.. *tr
02/25/2010685121
 Ford focus 2005- the key will not come out of the ignition, after putting the car in park, and turning the ignition off. i took it to ford, and they charged me $300 for replace the ignition cylinder. they said they were 90% sure it would fix the problem. well, it didn't. it is still happening. they now say maybe it's some cable, but it will cost $450 to fix it. they also refuse to apply the $300 for the last unnecessary fix to this fix. i see on the internet that thousands of focus owners have this problem. ford refuses to acknowledge that this is a problem. *tr
02/20/20101
 The key cannot be removed from ignition. *tr
12/28/2009720001
 My key is stuck in the ignition and will not release from it. i have to leave the key in ignition and lock the vehicle with the alarm. *tr
07/03/20091102341
 Ignition switch will not turn. if car was stalled in traffic or on railway crossing serious safety issues could arise. *tr
02/02/2009450001
 My car fails to start until i crank it 3 or 4 times. sometimes it begins to start then sputters and dies. it has been an everyday thing for about 3 months now. it happens about every time i go to start my car with a few times it starting right away. *tr
02/29/2008320001
 My key gets stuck in the ignition intermittently. nothing i do releases it. sometimes i have to leave it in my car for days before i come out one of the mornings and it just decides to let me have my key back. on and off ever since i have gotten the car. *tr
03/25/2009800001
 Key stuck in ignition started car drove home. parked car. turned it off. key stuck. disconnected battery. key came out. reconnected battery. reinserted key. key wouldn't turn. car wouldn't start. left overnight. tried again. left alone for a few more hours. re inserted key. depressed brake...moved car out of park and back into park. key then worked fine. *tr
02/19/2009600001
 My key is stuck in the ignition and will not release. has happened multiple times over the past 6 months. at first i thought it was a damaged key but when it happened on a 2nd key the car was taken to our local ford dealer. dealer has replaced lock, and after a repeat occurrence re-keyed the lock and re-cut the keys. now key is stuck and will not release. maryland law requires keys to be removed from the vehicle in the interest of public safety. *tr
02/06/2009420001
 2005 ford focus station wagon- loss of tail lights, high mount stop light, dash lights, running lights due to short in liftgate wiring. the wiring harness in the liftgate fatigues at the bend area. wires break, resulting in a open or short which blows fuse. the blown fuse results in no high mount stop light, running lights, tail lights, and instrument lights. in addition the heated rear defrost and windshield wiper also fail. the harness must be replaced to fix the problem. this issue was part of a recall in 2000- nhtsa campaign id number 00v411000. my car is a 2005. the problem was never fixed in production. *tr
12/03/2008
 Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact experienced difficulty removing the ignition key, which was stuck in the ignition switch. she made several attempts to release the key, but was unsuccessful. the failure occurred without warning. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and they advised that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer for repair. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin and mileages were unknown.
12/03/2008
 Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition switch, which failed to release. the failure occurred without warning. the manufacturer was notified and the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin and mileages were unknown.
10/17/2008800001
 My battery light came on in the middle of this past week on my way to work...then on friday afternoon, my mother-in-law and i decided to go to asheville, nc...we got as far as waynesville, and my car quit...(about 80,000 miles on my car)...i was able to roll it off and pop the clutch and get it to start...i drove about 5 miles, and it quit again...this time, i could not get it started again...had to call a tow truck...had my car towed to andy shaw ford in sylva, nc, the town closest to where i live...they checked out my car and said that it was the alternator...they also told me that in cold and hot weather, the alternators will go out...my husband has a 1998 toyota tacoma, with 240,000 miles on it and he has never had to replace the alternator in his truck...i have had three other new cars, the first one bought in 1986, ford festiva...it had 149,000 o so on it when it quit....never had to replace the alternator...the next one i bought was a 1995 toyota tercel, hit a deer with about 149,000 on the car...never had to replace the alternator in this car...the next one i bought was a 2000 kia rio...totaled it out when someone hit me in 2005...the car had about 140,000 on it then...never had to ever replace the alternator in that car...so, why did the alternator go out on the ford focus? *tr
10/03/2008340001
 Noticed on the way home from work on friday that when i clicked on the left turn signal, it went in a fast blink which usually means a burned out bulb, short, or blown fuse, but usually just a burned out bulb. once i got home in the driveway, i get out and test the lights and see that the front left turn signals are flashing fast, and the back left turn signal is not flashing at all. i'm still hoping for a burned out bulb at this point. i make a note to change it out in the morning. on saturday oct 4th i pull off the left rear lighting assembly, consisting of two screws holding it to the car, and i find two bulb connections; the bottom one (brake lights) has a normal quarter turn and pull out connector to get to the bulb. only that bulb is fine. the top one also has one of those quarter-turn-and-pull connectors, only it does not pull heck it doesn't even quarter turn, it's frozen in place, and the back side of this light assembly is melted into an egg shape (supposed to be round). now i'm not into just a bulb any more. it's saturday, and my nearest ford dealership is on m-f bankers hours, so i order a replacement from autozone for $100 which should be here this week. i see from nhtsa web site that there are no existing recalls for this issue, however somebody else apparently has also submitted this exact same problem. i will be asking my ford dealer about it this coming week, but i am also filing this complaint to document a part failure on a car that is only three years old, and whatever the reason; this failure involves electrical systems, external lighting, melting plastic parts, and failed safety equipment. i leave it up to you to determine if further action is required. *tr updated 02/19/10. *lj the consumer stated the issue with the melted assembly around the brake light socket was not limited to the back left, but also present in the back light tail light of his 2005 ford focus station wagon. updated 02/19/10.*jb
06/14/2008680001
 My 2005 ford focus ignition keeps locking up on me, unable to take keys from the vehicle-leaving me stranded or car open to theft. i was in a car accident over a year ago, since ford wont touch vehicle-says everything was because of accident which was only minor damage. since the accident i haven't had a problem with vehicle until now. at time of accident , the air bags didn't deploy, now everytime i honk on horn the air bag light comes on and stays on for a day or so. *tr
08/15/200601004/02/2006
 While driving in the early morning or evenngs i notice that the abs light and battery light glow on. they come on and go off. last evening the car was sitting in my driveway with the doors locked and windows up. the dome light came on and went off several times. i looked into the car and found that the oil light and the door ajar light were on when the dome light was off. also, when the door ajar and oil light are on, the wireless remotes do not work. i have taken the vehicle in for the abs and battery light 2 times with no resolve. i took the vehicle in for service today with video of the dome light, oil light, and the door ajar light. *nm
10/07/2005109/03/2004
 Thursday morning, (10/6/05) i was driving northbound on the dan ryan i94. i was in the left hand lane in rush hour traffic. i noticed white smoke coming from the front of my hood. i thought i must be overheating, though that seemed weird since it was fairly cool outside and nothing on my dash showed distress. i pulled quickly to the left shoulder, turned off the car and decided to call road side assistance. while on hold a strange smell started to fill the car and i noticed more smoke and the smoke was getting darker. i grabbed my bag, and got out of the car. within a minute, there were small flames coming from the front of the car. i began to walk quickly away from the car along the shoulder. all this to say that the car is totaled, the fire department made it before it exploded....but it is destroyed. *nm
08/15/200530000106/15/2005
 Dt: the cigarette lighter popped out and landed on papers and vehicle caught on fire. it burned the passengers in the middle between the to seats. have not contacted the dealer. this happened monday august 15, 2005. the consusmer sustained burns on right hand.*ak
02/13/20057750410/11/2004
 Ignition problems, cd player malfuction, was repaired but failed again 3 times to start and towed 3 times to the dealer. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
07/16/2008208141
 Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and the contact pulled off the road. a nearby mechanic inspected the vehicle and discovered corrosion around the battery cables. he jumped the vehicle and drove to his residence. the following day, a local mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the alternator was overcharging the battery in the vehicle. when the mechanic called to order the part, he was informed that this was the fourth complaint regarding this particular component in the last four weeks. the driver has not notified the manufacturer. the vehicle was repaired on july 17, 2008 by a local mechanic. the failure mileage was 20,814 and current mileage was 20,862. updated 09/16/08. *lj updated 09/17/08. *jb
11/21/2005109/01/2005
 Dt: the contact stated a light on the dashboard illuminated, the owner's manual stated it was a battery not charging properly light. later in the day, the dashboard lights failed, and the vehicle lost all electrical power. the engine continued to run for approximately one minute. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. they found it was a problem with the alternator, and the alternator is being replaced. *ak
11/30/200415002511/04/2004
 I purchased my vehicle in early november 2004. as the weather began getting colder and damper, my vehicle would not start properly. the engine would stumble and crank, but would not turn over. i would have to try 3-4 times before the car would actually start. i took the vehicle in for service in december 2004 and tsb 04-23-4 was performed. the vehicle correctly started for a while after that, but is having the same problem again now.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
12/20/2009919001
 2005 focus key stuck in the ignition. i disconnected the negative side of the battery and the key came out. *tr
01/23/2010522661
 Key won't turn in the ignition. can no remove key. *tr
11/29/2009820001
 My 2005 ford focus has been having issues with key not turning in the ignition. i have been stranded twice due to this problem. in the past three months i have had this occur over 8 times but until recently the car has eventually started. this last time the car would not start and had to be towed to a shop. i am currently awaiting the correct actions to take inorder to fix this problem. *tr
06/10/2009600001
 The keys will not come out of the ignition. the car is not registering that it is in park. *tr
06/20/200966000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. the contact stated that the key could not be removed from the ignition. whenever she drives her vehicle, she has to lock it with another key since the ignition key cannot be removed. the ford manufacturer informed her to take the vehicle to the dealer, but she has not done so at this time. the manufacturer further stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 66,000.
05/21/2009610001
 My keys are stuck in the ignition of my 2005 ford focus. this just happened today and they are still in there. i will have to lock my car with the keys in it and pray no one steals it. this has happened once before and was stuck for 2-3 days. the keys often act like they are going to stick, then, thankfully they come out. this is such a nuisance and a risk. i asked my dealership would the problem be fixed if i had it repaired and was told that it might still happen and that this is a common problem with the focus. not so good news since, i am sure this would not be cheap. *tr
11/15/2008300001
 Key locked in ignition occurred once before,and key came out after 3 days. this time key has been locked for 5 days. can't lock car. dealer explained the need to change ignition for $500!! admitted that this is a problem with various ford focus models. *tr
10/09/2008340001
 I cannot remove the key from the ignition on my 2005 ford focus. this happened suddenly without warning. i turned the ignition off and tried to remove the key and it will not come out. i have seen that several other ford focus owners have had the same problem and ford refuses to do a recall, claiming that this is not a safety issue. a couple of weeks ago, i also noticed that i cannot lock the passenger side rear door, either manually or electronically. i think this is a big safety issue as anyone could get into my car and drive off since the key is still in the ignition and the door will not lock. i will try taking the car to a locksmith to get the ignition lock replaced as i have heard that this is cheaper and more reliable than getting this problem fixed by the dealer. *tr
09/21/2008371001
 Ignition key is stuck in my 2005 ford focus. over 2200 people have already signed petition with the same issue on ford focus vehicles. some vehicles the key doesn't turn and can leave them stranded. mine turns but you can't take the key out. *tr
08/23/2008570001
 We bought this car brand-new in dec. 2004. we had not had any problems with the key getting stuck in the ignition until today, when we arrived at our house after church. we now have the key stuck in the ignition with no way to get it out - hopefully our car is still sitting in our driveway in the morning.... i called our dealership and no one had any helpful information or ideas, they just told me i needed to wait until the morning and talk to people in their parts dept. *tr
07/28/2008480001
 With no previous events, my key became stuck in the ignition. *tr
07/20/20081
 Nothing in particular happened i just parked my car yesterday and my key has not been able to come out of the ignition since. i work at a car dealership and they could not correct the problem(not a ford dealer) and i called ford and they said it would cost $100 to look at it and they even said it is very common in focus'...yet it is not a recall and covered my warranty ended a month ago also..*tr
02/01/20061
 When i purchased my 2005 ford focus, i had noticed that my key would not come out of the ignition. later i discovered, that if you cannot push the button in on the automatic shifter on the floor to put it into gear, the shifter therefore is locked and then you should be able to pull your key out. this works for me, hopefully it helps someone else who is having the same problem. *tr
06/04/2008500481
 I attempted to exit my car (a 2005 ford focus) however the key cannot be removed from the ignition. i have not been able to remove the key from the ignition and will have to take it in for repair. it seems as though this is a common complaint among ford focus owners. it's problematic because if it happens repeatedly, it can leave the car prone to theft. *tr
09/01/20052
 2005 ford focus with air bag light on, and other problems. customer states that along with the airbag light on the passenger side window will not close and the key would not come out of the ignition. *kb
08/21/2007520001
 Driving the car (ford focus 2005 - 52000 miles) in residential neighborhood. stopped the car to get out, key would not release from the ignition. unable to leave the car until we got back into secure parking garage at home. key has been left in the ignition & is vulnerable to theft. i am currently in the process of finding a way to get it repaired. initially told by ford dealer that ignition needs to be replaced, approx $400. *tr
11/24/2006367001
 Key will not come out of the ignition - we have no money to replace anything. *jb
08/27/2006235461
 2005 ford focus. the key is stuck in the ignition. it will not come out. i have been told i will have to replace the ignition. single mom here don't have the money. *jb
01/01/20059000612/01/2004
 I purchased a brand new 2005 ford focus zx4 in december of 2005. upon delivery i noticed my car had a hard time starting and the whole engine would shake and knock. after a month i took it into the dealer and they said they couldn't find a problem. the condition continued and i took it in again and they couldn't find a problem but asked to keep it for an overnight start. i brought it in a few days later so they could keep it over night and they found a bulletin by ford saying they know there is a hard start problem but they don't know how to fix it. i then had to have the driver's seat belt replaced because it wouldn't unlatch occasionally. i then had to have the passenger side door casing replaced because it was discolored. then about a month and a half ago i was driving down the highway at 62 miles an hour and my clutch went out and my car died in the middle of the highway. i was almost hit by another car and had to weight in 90 degree weather for 2 hours for a tow truck to come. my car was towed to ford and they said my fly wheel had crumbled and my clutch was bad. it took them 9 days to replace my clutch. a day later my car would not downshift without grinding and i had to take it back to the dealer. they said that this time they had to replace my transmission because it was ruined as well. to this day my car is still in the shop and has been there for 32 days just for the replacement of the transmission. my car is only 8 months old and has been in the shop for repair or diagnosis for a total of 45 days so far. neither wendle motors or ford will replace the car so i am perusing a lemon law case. *jb
09/15/20040209/15/2004
 Car bought sept 2004. car regularly doesn't start, and if it does always runs at over 3500 rpm for up to 5 minutes with no accelerator pressure. alarm goes off when driving, for no reason. car swerves and vibrates on road in dry and wet conditions (seems like steering and / or suspension broken / defective). brakes also creak. all problems from car purchase to now, march 2005. taken to 2 dealerships on 4 separate occasions, who could not replicate the concern. reported to ford motor company in january who informaed me that the original dealer service manager would contact me. so far, 7 weeks on, and no contact. possible lemon law case.
02/13/20057750410/11/2004
 Ignition problems, cd player malfuction, was repaired but failed again 3 times to start and towed 3 times to the dealer. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER
02/13/20057750410/11/2004
 Ignition problems, cd player malfuction, was repaired but failed again 3 times to start and towed 3 times to the dealer. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
02/12/20081
 My ignition locked up on my ford focus. *tr
01/31/200635000365
 Key will not come out of the ignition, there is a technical service bulletin for this repair as the problem is not an isolated instance. there are hundred of the same complaints, yet ford will not absorb the repair. *tr
01/31/200825000106/06/2005
 Like thousands of others my 2005 ford focus ignition would not turn in a 2005 focus and i was left stranded. this thankfully was at my workplace and i was not in any immediate danger. *tr
08/30/2007109/14/2006
 2005 focus with appox. 18000 miles, i am unable to start my car. ignition switch will not turn to crank position nor will it turn on accessories. *jb
02/13/20057750410/11/2004
 Ignition problems, cd player malfuction, was repaired but failed again 3 times to start and towed 3 times to the dealer. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
03/15/2010550001
 The decklid wire harness has fatigued breaking 2 internal wires in the bend area. as a consequence, rear windshield wiper and decklid latch remote release function are lost. because it is in the same harness, loosing stop lamp, defrost or vehicle registration lamp functions it just a matter of time. this failure mode has already been described only that with a different effect (loss of stop lamp). please refer to your campaign id: 00v411000. *tr
08/24/200623152203/11/2004
 2005 ford focus airbag system inoperative at around 23,000 miles and 1.5 years of service. dealership advised wiring harness severed by rodent. not covered by ford warranty remains uncorrected. *nm