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2011 Ford Focus Problems & Owner Complaints

113 NHTSA owner complaints
8 crash 10 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~7.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 2 Ford Focus years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Ford Focus, cited in 25 of 113 filed complaints (22%).

Power Train is next (20 complaints, 18%), followed by Latches/Locks/Linkages (17), Structure (14), Steering (10).

Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 10 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Service Brakes: 3 crash, 5 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Ford Focus, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 113.

Electrical System 25 1 crash

“UPON ENTERING A SCHOOL ZONE AND DECELERATING TO 35 MPH, WHILE ENTERING INTO A LEFT CURVE THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP PREVENTING THE TURN INTO THE CURVE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF THE ROAD AND HITTING A ROAD SIGN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER MIRROR AND RIGHT REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL.”
NHTSA complaint #10730451, 2015 · crash

“MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #11235292, 2018

“DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN USE. THE SENSOR WILL GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AND UNLOCK ALL DOORS, EVEN IF THE CHILD SAFETY FEATURE IS ACTIVATED. BECAUSE OF THIS MESSAGE THE DOME(MAP) LIGHT ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON AND OFF. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE BATTERY TO DRAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11083883, 2018

Power Train 20 1 crash

“SEVERAL TIMES, MY BREAKS HAVE NOT RESPONDED WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, MY FOOT WILL BE TO THE GROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING. IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR.”
NHTSA complaint #11104294, 2017 · crash

“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 repa…”
NHTSA complaint #11555145, 2023

“MY 2012 FORD FOCUS IS EQUIPPED WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION AND HAS HAD ISSUES FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. SHUDDERING UPON START WAS THE BIGGEST ISSUE. CAR FINALLY STOPPED RUNNING AND WAS REPAIRED AT DEALER BUT NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS EXTREMELY NOISY AND WILL SLIP OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING, INCLUDING ON HIGHWAYS AT SPEED. TRANSMISSION WILL ALSO SLIP QUITE BADLY UPON LAUNCH AT TIMES WHICH CAN BE A CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC.”
NHTSA complaint #11231273, 2019

Latches/Locks/Linkages 17

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, THE FRONT LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY LIFTED UP, BUT THE REAR LOCKS REMAINED INSIDE THE DOORS. ALL FOUR DOORS WERE NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO LIFT THE REAR LOCKS, BUT THE KNOBS FOR THE DOOR LOCKS WERE LOCATED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MANUALLY LIFT THE KNOBS DUE TO THEM BEING INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL. THE DRIVER HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (WINDELL FORD) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11001929, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND THE DOOR AJAR WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED ANY OF THE DOORS FROM LOCKING AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT SEE THE FUEL GAUGE OR MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PAWL SPRINGS AND UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH).THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,889. UPDATED 08/23/17*LJ…”
NHTSA complaint #10980925, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,423. UPDATED 04/22/16*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON 02/22/16. UPDATED 05/05/16.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10837123, 2016

Structure 14 1 injury

“CPSC# I1250486A. 2010 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER STATED AS SHE WAS ENTERING THE CAR HER FOOT BECAME WEDGED BETWEEN THE PLASTIC CASING ON THE DOOR. *LN THE CONSUMER NEEDED HELP GETTING THE CASING OFF OF HER FOOT. SHE SUFFERED A MINOR INJURY. THE DEALER OFFERED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10461518, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE DOOR HANDLES, LATCH AND UNLOCKING MECHANISM FAIL, CAUSING THE DOORS TO REMAIN LOCKED. YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OR OR OUTSIDE.”
NHTSA complaint #11174585, 2019

“ONLY 3 OUT OF 4 DOORS OPEN, THE OUTSIDE DOOR LATCHES HAVE FAILED SINCE PURCHASE IN 2013. HAVE ALSO CONTINUALLY FAILED/RE-BROKE AFTER BEING FIXED. CAR ALSO DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING LOCKED AND INSIDE DOOR MECHANISMS DO NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING ENGAGED.. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO MULTIPLE TIMES THE A SOLENOID HAS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CAR DOES NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY AND FAILS TO ACCELERATE SAFELY (TAKES A OVER A MIN TO GO FROM 35-60) AND EVEN THEN IT WILL NOT MAINTAIN 60 MILES PER HOUR GOING UP A HILL . THIS IS A AUTOMATIC VEHICLE , AND IT IS UNSAFE , ESPECIALLY WHEN EXITING OFF A ONRAMP TRYING T…”
NHTSA complaint #11113939, 2018

Unknown Or Other 12 1 crash 1 injury

“MY HUSBAND HAD RETURNED FROM THE STORE AND PULLED UP INTO OUR SLIGHTLY ANGLED DRIVEWAY, HE WAS CHECKING HIS RECEIPT FOR AN ERROR AND THOUGHT HE HAD THE CAR IN PARK. HE GOT OUT TO CARRY SOME BAGS UP TO THE PORCH AND WHEN HE RETURNED HE NOTICED THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. HE REACHED IN TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BECAUSE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE THE CAR STARTED ROLLING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, HE WAS ABLE TO REACH OVER AND GET IT IN PARK BUT IT DID NOT STOP ROLLING AND CONTINUED AT A GREATER SPEED PULLING HIM PARTIALLY OUT OF THE CAR AND DRAGGING HIM RESULTING IN A FRACTURED NECK, MASSIVE BRUISING ON HIS AB…”
NHTSA complaint #11024840, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I did not crash the vehicle I bought it preowned”
NHTSA complaint #11605320, 2024

“I hit an animal in my way to work as I reported the accident to my insurance company they were going to cover the parts and have it towed to my choice as it was however the professional car shop wasn't able to fix the anti theft that caused my car to not turn over as I was then told to take it to the nearest Ford dealer to get it reprogrammed to the original status I was told that it would cost more to fix the problem then what my car was purchased for so my insurance company claimed a total loss of the vehicle, Oliver Ford Lincoln Mercury in Plymouth Indiana sold me a lemon as I was a custome…”
NHTSA complaint #11605773, 2022

Steering 10 2 crash

“UPON ENTERING A SCHOOL ZONE AND DECELERATING TO 35 MPH, WHILE ENTERING INTO A LEFT CURVE THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP PREVENTING THE TURN INTO THE CURVE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF THE ROAD AND HITTING A ROAD SIGN CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER MIRROR AND RIGHT REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL.”
NHTSA complaint #10730451, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 5/15/15*CN UPDATED 09/16/2015 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10703535, 2015 · crash

“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 we…”
NHTSA complaint #11689468, 2025

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Vehicle Speed Control 9 2 crash 5 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10806768, 2015 · crash · 5 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 5/15/15*CN UPDATED 09/16/2015 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10703535, 2015 · crash

“WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING WHETHER IN PARK OR DRIVE, IT WILL LOSE POWER AND I NOTICE THE RPM NEEDLE BOUNCES ALL OVER THE PLACE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR COMPLETELY DIE ON ME 3 DIFFERENT TIMES AS I HAVE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. LUCKILY ALL 3 TIMES WERE WHEN I WAS LEAVING A DRIVE-THRU AND WASN'T IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. IT WILL LURCH AND SPUTTER WHEN IN DRIVE AND THE BRAKE IS APPLIED. I TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2010 AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED TO SEE IF IT WAS ON THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE IT WAS SHOWING ALL OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS OF SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAD A T…”
NHTSA complaint #11000425, 2017

Air Bags 6 4 crash 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT INFLATE PROPERLY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BREAST PLATE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/19/14 MA THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY DEFECT WITH THE AIRBAG. UPDATED 06/03/2014 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10575148, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2011 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAGS FAILURE IN SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #10536644, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10440904, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Wheels 6

“The lug nuts are corroded and we are unable to remove them for tire rotation.”
NHTSA complaint #11452041, 2022

“TIRE SENSOR FAULT , DOUGLES TIRES LOOSING AIR”
NHTSA complaint #11222827, 2019

“THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, WORSENING WITH SPEED. THEY HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE SINCE THEN AND THAT WAS JUST OVER 6 MONTHS AGO! THE MECHANIC INFORMED US THAT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANYTHING WRONG THAT WOULD CAUSE THEM TO KEEP WEARING OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #11062294, 2018

Service Brakes 5 3 crash 5 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10806768, 2015 · crash · 5 injury(ies)

“SEVERAL TIMES, MY BREAKS HAVE NOT RESPONDED WHILE PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, MY FOOT WILL BE TO THE GROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING. IT CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR.”
NHTSA complaint #11104294, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 5/15/15*CN UPDATED 09/16/2015 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10703535, 2015 · crash

Suspension 5

“BACKING UP THE WHEEL BARELY TURNS AND IT LOCKS UP WHILE BACKING UP, MAKING TURNS, THE WHEEL LOCKS UP AS I MAKE TURNS LEFT AND RIGHT I'LL BRING IT TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THIS ISSUE PERSISTS EVERY YEAR I BUY A NEW POWER STEERING SYSTEM EVERY YEAR. I HAVE BROUGHT 3 POWER STEERING SYSTEMS FROM FORD 3 YEARS IN A ROW.IT'S DEADLY!”
NHTSA complaint #11360025, 2020

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11033978, 2017

“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. N…”
NHTSA complaint #10485438, 2012

Tires 4

“LETTER FROM SENATOR GRASSLEY ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING HIS RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH HIS 2011 FORD FOCUS AND HIS CONCERN THAT THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE BY DESIGN; PLEASE REPLY TO THE ATTENTION OF SHERRY KUNTZ. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AT 42,000 MILES THE LEFT TIRE BEGAN WOBBLING. IT WAS DISCOVERED, THE TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND. THE MECHANIC ROTATED THE TIRES AND BALANCED THEM. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE BEYOND 43,000 AND BOTH FRONT TIRES BEGAN WOBBLING IN THE SAME FASHION, BUT WORSE. THE MECHANIC NOTED THE TIRES WERE BURSTING RADIAL STEEL REINFORCING WIRES AND GOING OUT OF ROUND, ALTHOU…”
NHTSA complaint #10505072, 2013

“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. N…”
NHTSA complaint #10485438, 2012

“THE CAR HAS POOR STEERING, POOR SUSPENSION CONTROL OVER BUMPS, AN ACKNOWLEDGED BUT UNREPAIRED TRANSMISSION MOUNT, SEVERE ALIGNMENT ISSUE, TIRES ARE FEATHERED AND CUPPED PER DEALER AND DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO FIX IT. THE CARE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BUT THE DEALER STATES IF WE DO NOT PURCHASE NEW TIRES, PAY FOR AN ALIGNMENT THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION MOUNT. IT HAS BEEN AT 3 FORD DEALERS IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS. I SAID NOTHING IS WRONG (THOMAS FORD IN BEVERLY MA), NEXT FIXED A BEARING AND 2 SUSPENSION PARTS AND SAID IT IS FIXED (IT WAS NOT) (DANVERS MOTOR COMPANY, DANVERS MA) AND…”
NHTSA complaint #10465531, 2012

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #11235292, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED AND THE DOOR AJAR WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED ANY OF THE DOORS FROM LOCKING AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT SEE THE FUEL GAUGE OR MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PAWL SPRINGS AND UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH).THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,889. UPDATED 08/23/17*LJ…”
NHTSA complaint #10980925, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY VIBRATE WHILE IDLING. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10838958, 2015

Engine 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11142577, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10608671, 2014

“JUST FOR THE RECORD-THE MILEAGE AND SPEED OF THE INCIDENT IS PROBABLY NOT ACCURATE AS I CANNOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHEN THE ISSUE HAPPENED NOR THE MILEAGE AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND IT STARTED HAPPENING IN 2013. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SLUGGISH, BUT SINCE IT WAS A 4 CYLINDER AND I WAS USED TO A 6 CYLINDER, I JUST THOUGHT THIS WAS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE 2 ENGINE TYPES. VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING WHEN SPEEDS OF 50-60MPH WAS REACHED IN 2013. TOOK TO DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED NEW BALL JOINTS AND THROTTLE BODY. GOT BALL JOINTS FIXED BUT DIDN'T HAVE THE $500-$600 DO…”
NHTSA complaint #10565776, 2013

Exterior Lighting 3

“DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN USE. THE SENSOR WILL GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AND UNLOCK ALL DOORS, EVEN IF THE CHILD SAFETY FEATURE IS ACTIVATED. BECAUSE OF THIS MESSAGE THE DOME(MAP) LIGHT ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON AND OFF. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE BATTERY TO DRAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11083883, 2018

“DRIVERS LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT DOES NOT WORK DUE TO FAILURE IN UNDER DASH FUSE BOX/ SMART JUCTION BOX”
NHTSA complaint #10824931, 2016

“I FIRST BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TURN SWITCH GOING OFF THEN BACK ON. THEN AT A LATER DATE THE GAS GAUGE BEGAN TO REFLECT VARYING MESSAGES. AIR CONDITIONER WOULD STOP RUNNING THEN BEGIN AGAIN. I TOOK IT IN TO FORD GARAGE BUT THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THIS WAS LAST NOVEMBER 8, 2013. I WAS TOLD IF THE PROBLEM CAME UP AGAIN TO BRING THE CAR TO THE GARAGE WHILE THE PROBLEM WAS HAPPENING. ON APRIL 6, 2014 THE WIPER BLADES WOULD ONLY OPERATE ON HIGH BUT LATER THAT SAME DAY THEY WOULD WORK IN ALL POSITIONS. I CALLED FORD GARAGE AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE VEHI…”
NHTSA complaint #10578273, 2014

Seat Belts 3 1 crash 1 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10440904, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“"TAKATA RECALL" WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE ONE OF THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT LATCH AND ALSO THE PASENGER DOOR HAS ISSUES WITH LOCKING AND UNLLOCKING. IT WORKS OCCASSIONALLY BUT NOT ALWAYS. THE 2012 FOCUS WAS REACALLED FOR THIS ISSUE AND 2011 SHOULD BE TOO.”
NHTSA complaint #10969218, 2016

“THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED UNDER COMPLETELY NORMAL CONDITIONS OF USE. THE MALFUNCTION WAS IN THE BELT RECEIVER, NOT THE PART NEAR THE DOOR WHICH EXTENDS AND RETRACTS THE BELT. THE METAL BIT THAT RETRACTS TO ALLOW THE SEAT BELT TO BE PUSHED IN MALFUNCTIONED SPONTANEOUSLY- WE STOPPED AT A STORE AND WHEN WE GOT BACK IN THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE FASTENED. ONE TOW TRUCK LATER, OUR MECHANIC SAID IT WAS UNFIXABLE- THE PART HAS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. BECAUSE THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD/ 74K MILES THEY SUGGESTED GIVING FORD THE CHANCE TO FIX IT. FORD SAID "FAT CHANCE"- THEY ONLY…”
NHTSA complaint #10614655, 2014

Fuel System 2

“JUST FOR THE RECORD-THE MILEAGE AND SPEED OF THE INCIDENT IS PROBABLY NOT ACCURATE AS I CANNOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHEN THE ISSUE HAPPENED NOR THE MILEAGE AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND IT STARTED HAPPENING IN 2013. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SLUGGISH, BUT SINCE IT WAS A 4 CYLINDER AND I WAS USED TO A 6 CYLINDER, I JUST THOUGHT THIS WAS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE 2 ENGINE TYPES. VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING WHEN SPEEDS OF 50-60MPH WAS REACHED IN 2013. TOOK TO DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED NEW BALL JOINTS AND THROTTLE BODY. GOT BALL JOINTS FIXED BUT DIDN'T HAVE THE $500-$600 DO…”
NHTSA complaint #10565776, 2013

“VEHICLE STALLED WITH OUT WARNING WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER SAID IT WAS A THROTTLE BODY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10536584, 2013

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“MY CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH A MYSTERY BATTERY DRAIN FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE MARCH OF 2019 IT HAS BEEN STALLING AT STOP LIGHTS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPM NEEDLE DROPS. IN THE WINTER OF 2018 I HAD ISSUES TWICE WHERE I TRIED ACCELERATING AND THE MPH NEEDLE WOULDN'T MOVE PAST 20 IT DID EVENTUALLY SPEED UP WITH ME NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL I ALSO HAD A HARD TIME BREAKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #11235292, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FUSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V793000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10836943, 2016

Seats 2

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10550423, 2013

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10927113, 2012

Visibility/Wiper 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DASHBOARD CRACKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,369. UPDATED 07/12/16*LJ *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10872332, 2015

“SUDDENLY THE POWER WINDOWS AND POWER MIRRORS STOPPED WORKING. MY VEHICLE IS A 2011 FORD FOCUS SE AND I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10568234, 2014

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“I WAS DRIVING FROM HOUSTON TO THE WOODLANDS GOING HOME FROM WORK. NOTICED THE RPM KEPT REVVING UP AND I COULDN'T CONTROL THE SPEED. THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR. HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE RPM METER AND MY ENGINE BEFORE. RON CARTER IN ALVIN SAID IT WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE AND "FIXED" IT WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM HAS NOW COME BACK IN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. I COULD HAVE SERIOUS HURT OR KILLED MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME. I FEEL THE TRANSMISSION IS HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10558570, 2014

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Ford Focus draws about 7.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 2 among the Ford Focus model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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