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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-FORD-FOCUS
2008 · ford

ford Focus problems

2 safety recalls. 249 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
49 reports · avg $850
moderate
body
33 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
airbags
25 reports · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
21 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
suspension
21 reports · avg $900
moderate
tires
15 reports · avg $150
moderate
brakes
12 reports · avg $450
severe
steering
12 reports · avg $700
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Focus · electrical
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. REPEATED PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASED NEW!! KEY WON'T TURN LOCK OR GETS STUCK. *JS
12/30/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669047.0
2008 Focus · electrical
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE…
12/30/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441718.0
2008 Focus · electrical
THE BACK DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. DOOR IS UNLOCKED BUT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. *KB
12/29/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441690.0
2008 Focus · cruise control Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…
12/27/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557440.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 07V541000 21/11/2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

THIS CONDITION MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER AIR BAG FROM PROPERLY DEPLOYING AND REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE YOUR DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
severe NHTSA 08E050000 11/08/2008

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Ford Focus reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Ford Focus is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Ford Focus?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 49 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Focus has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Ford Focus?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 249 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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