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ProblemsByVin Index / 2011-FORD-FOCUS / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2011 Ford Focus owner complaints

113 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 2 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

electrical 5 complaints shown

23 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/24/2017 ODI #11056260.0

Ford focus 2011, ignition key tumbler failure, can not start car. Tumbler in ignition not working, told I need to replace and reprogram car, can only be done by dealer. Checked on line, this is a common problem, no recall found, why not. I was at the mall xmas shopping, had to have car towed.

11/13/2015 25,568 mi ODI #10790147.0

The electrical components are not registering correctly. The odometer and the miles to empty do not agree. The ac will cut off then back on. The wiper blades will only work on high but later correct. The miles per gallon are not correct. It will register 34.8 to 22.0 sitting still panel lights went off when I turned headlamps on high later in the day it was alright. These problems have been on going for 2 years. I have had it to Ford motor on 11/8/2013 and 11/4/15.

10/29/2015 48,000 mi ODI #10786976.0

Right front & rear doors will not always unlock from inside or out. Cannot unlock rear door by pulling up on the door lock as it will not move. Lock issues are difficult to diagnose because it is sporadic. Radio speakers on left side come one & off. Hesitates when accelerating.

10/13/2013 57,000 mi ODI #10547776.0

Drivers side rear door lock froze up, would not unlock thru remote, drivers door switch or manually. Could not open door manually from either inside car or outside car, and could not lift door unlock up manually. After about 3 weeks started working again, and now works sporatically. *tr

10/11/2018 88,254 mi ODI #11139685.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford focus. The contact stated that the rear driver side door failed to lock. Years later, the rear passenger side door failed to lock. The contact had to tie down the door to keep it closed. The contact called liberty Ford parma heights (6600 pearl rd, parma heights, oh 44130, (440) 888-2600) and was informed that there were no recalls for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but did not get back in touch with the contact. The approximate failure mileage was 88,254. *tt updated 12/03/18*jb

other 4 complaints shown

12/29/2016 51,604 mi ODI #10938554.0

Excessive tire wear. Went to rotate tires and found wear bands showing. Less than 19,000 miles on 60,000 mile tires. Original tires wore out fast, and thought it to be previous owner or cheap tires. Was able to replace on tire warranty, but failure was imminent was down to steel bands on inside of wheel. Per issues on internet forums, why is this being overlooked?? Do I have to fricken die before something is done?? At $110 a pop per tire at a minimum, the burden on drivers because this is overlooked is overwhelming. Is anything ever going to be done??

12/03/2014 37,000 mi ODI #10661896.0

Locking mechanism for trunk failed. No longer pops open.....dealer states the repair will cost $250. *js

11/21/2016 45,000 mi ODI #10927113.0

Headrest angle causes neck and back pains. I'm only 5'5" and my wife is 5'4" the headrest leans too far forward giving us poor support and strains our neck, back, and arms because it forces our head to constantly be pushed forward. Remedied this by turning the entire headrest backwards. Poor decision by NHTSA to make it a regulation based on whiplash study without considering 99.99% we are just normally driving.

10/31/2013 56,000 mi ODI #10550423.0

Drivers front seat began rocking back and forth during acceleration and stops. Inspection of the seat showed excessive front/back play in the seat, especially when compared to the passenger seat which is fine. Vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership who indicated the hinges that attach the seat to the rail/mount and control height adjustment are worn out/damaged and will need replaced. Estimated parts cost is $460. Potential hazard in event of accident or hard stop. *tr

cruise control 2 complaints shown

4 total in this category · severe · avg repair $600 · see cruise control cluster analysis →
11/25/2015 92,000 mi Crash ODI #10806768.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control was engaged, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. In addition, the cruise control failed to disengage. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the vehicle ahead. There were five other passengers in the other vehicle sustained unknown injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

11/13/2018 ODI #11151298.0

I was driving westbound on flamingo enroute to work speed limit 45 MPH each direction I had the yellow flashing left arrow as I started my left turn the car died no power another vechicle was approaching from west to east as I was turning left I turned my emergency flashers and the car came within inches of htting me. I had my car towed and found out it was the throttle body sensor serial number part number 8s4z-9e926-b I consider this a serious risk and life or death situation furthermore it cost me close to 900.00 for the parts and repairs

suspension 2 complaints shown

3 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $900 · see suspension cluster analysis →
11/21/2012 35,366 mi ODI #10485438.0

Ford focus tires 2011 Ford focus problems with tires/suspension and warranties purchased 2011 Ford focus new 20 months ago (with kumho tires, evidently installed at factory) and it has had regular dealer(s) maintenance. Took to purchasing dealer - (luther) north country, coon rapids mn for regular maintenance on november 16, 2012 with 35,366 miles. Was told that tires were 2/32 showing cord (several 1" by 3" spots), 2/32, 4-6/32, and 4-6/32; and dealer recommended 4 new tires (tiger paw) costing $561.95. I asked and was told there was no price reduction from either Ford or kumho warranty. Note that Ford tire warranty guide booklet states 30% for 24k 36k miles; kumho (web) states 60k mileage coverage and 40% for 36k. Incidentally as a conservatively driving mechanical engineer, both my n

10/17/2017 128,000 mi ODI #11033978.0

The vehicle handles horribly on wet and/or icy roads. When stopped at a traffic light or sign at even a very slight incline the tires have trouble getting traction. This is the worst vehicle for wet/icy roads I've ever driven. It is also the first, and most likely the last, Ford I will own.

powertrain 2 complaints shown

18 total in this category · severe · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
11/14/2023 159,000 mi ODI #11555145.0

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle, the engine was still running and attempted to shift into reverse(R), but the vehicle would not shift into reverse(R). The contact was able to shift into drive(D) however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had been informed by the mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure milea

10/17/2013 8,664 mi ODI #10548278.0

This is the first report of 3 separate instances. Starting up from waiting at a signal light the system flashed "stop safely now". ( I had just touched the display screen to view the battery power.) proceeding through a left turn and when getting to the curb the system shut down. At that point a complete turn off of the car was attempted which did not happen, with the display still being active. Repeated attempts finally completely shut down the system, which was then restarted normally. The other two instances occurred while backing out of the garage, and rounding a neighborhood turn. *tr

steering 2 complaints shown

10 total in this category · severe · avg repair $700 · see steering cluster analysis →
10/04/2018 ODI #11133241.0

My power steering turns on and off without warning. I have had tie rod ends, rack, pinion, power steering pump, and lines replaced. That has not fixed the issue.

09/24/2025 19,000 mi ODI #11689468.0

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and instead turned in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised that the parts to repair the vehicle were discontinued. In addition, the contact was informed that the aftermarket parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

airbags 1 complaint shown

4 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/21/2011 13,000 mi Crash ODI #10440904.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford focus. The contact was driving 25 MPH and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that the seat belts did not restrain properly and the air bags did not deploy. The contact's chest abruptly struck the steering wheel and the contact was transported to the hospital. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000. ...update 01/20/12 *bf the consumer stated she suffered whiplash, a sore back a pinched nerve and hip pain. Updated 01/25/12

brakes 1 complaint shown

10/29/2018 141,846 mi ODI #11143859.0

I was almost involved in a accident with a 18 wheeler because my brakes wouldn't allow me to stop.

engine 1 complaint shown

3 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
10/25/2018 139,668 mi ODI #11142577.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford focus. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, all the warning indicators illuminated and remained lit, but the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was taken to nick abraham elyria Ford (1115 e broad st, elyria, oh 44035, 440-366-3673) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was able to repair the instrument panel and the key fob. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 139,668.

Showing 300 of 113 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Focus#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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