NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
113 reportsClear category filter170,590 miles · Mar 26, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
FUSE CONTINUED TO BLOW OUT CAUSING ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF LIGHTS FROM FRONT TO BACK TO TURN OFF UNTIL NEW FUSE REPLACED OLD. WAS CONNECTED TO CONTINUED LIFTING OF HATCHBACK ON WAGON MODEL. ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS ARCING AND INSULATION FLAKING OFF AND WOULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE HAD NOT THE HARNESS BEEN REPLACED. THIS HAD BEEN ON AND OF…
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FUSE CONTINUED TO BLOW OUT CAUSING ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF LIGHTS FROM FRONT TO BACK TO TURN OFF UNTIL NEW FUSE REPLACED OLD. WAS CONNECTED TO CONTINUED LIFTING OF HATCHBACK ON WAGON MODEL. ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS ARCING AND INSULATION FLAKING OFF AND WOULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE HAD NOT THE HARNESS BEEN REPLACED. THIS HAD BEEN ON AND OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS STARTING WITH BLOWING OUT THE BULBS THEN THE FUSE STARTED BLOWING OUT IN JAN 2021. MIDAS REPLACED HARNESS THIS MARCH. CAR IS A 2005 FOCUS WAGON,
NHTSA ODI #11404992
169,000 miles · Oct 3, 2019
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
TODAY MY ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT WITH MY KIDS. I WAS LUCKILY NOT GOING MORE THAN 10MPH AND WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP THE CAR WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE OR ANYTHING. EARLIER IN THE DAY I NOTICED IT TOOK A LITTLE MORE EFFORT TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL DOWN, BUT NOT BY MUCH AND AFTER…
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TODAY MY ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT WITH MY KIDS. I WAS LUCKILY NOT GOING MORE THAN 10MPH AND WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP THE CAR WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE OR ANYTHING. EARLIER IN THE DAY I NOTICED IT TOOK A LITTLE MORE EFFORT TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL DOWN, BUT NOT BY MUCH AND AFTER THE CAR RESTING FOR SEVERAL HOURS, IT WASN'T AN ISSUE ANYMORE. I WASN'T EXPECTING IT TO BE AN ISSUE LATER ON. AS FAR AS ELECTRICAL ISSUES GO; MY HEADLIGHTS DO NOT LIKE TO STAY ON. I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE WIRES WHERE THEY CONNECT TO THE HEADLIGHTS IN ORDER FOR THEM TO TURN ON, BUT THEY OFTEN DO NOT STAY ON, AND THEY FREQUENTLY WILL TURN OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING, SOMETIMES IT'S JUST ONE SIDE, OR ALTERNATING SIDES. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR AND EVERYTIME I HAVE WORK DONE TO FIX IT, IT ONLY FIXES IT TEMPORARILY AND IT'S BACK TO DOING THIS ALL OVER AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11265990
175,000 miles · Apr 26, 2019
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
THE BACKSEAT DOORS WILL NOT LATCH AND OR LOCK. THEY HAVE TO BE HELD TOGETHER WITH ZIP TIES. THE RANDOMLY OPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AS I CANNOT USE MY CARE TO TRANSPORT MY CHILD. I KNOW OTHER VERSIONS OF THIS SAME VEHICLE HAVE HAD A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS, AND I AM CURIOUS …
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THE BACKSEAT DOORS WILL NOT LATCH AND OR LOCK. THEY HAVE TO BE HELD TOGETHER WITH ZIP TIES. THE RANDOMLY OPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AS I CANNOT USE MY CARE TO TRANSPORT MY CHILD. I KNOW OTHER VERSIONS OF THIS SAME VEHICLE HAVE HAD A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS, AND I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY MY SPECIFIC MODEL WAS LEFT OUT WHEN I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11203954
64,000 miles · Feb 9, 2019
Air BagsElectrical System
THE ICON SEAT BELT INDICATOR COMES AND GOES AS LIT AND THEN SOME TIMES IT IS NOT VISIBLE WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (ENGINE RUNNING).
NHTSA ODI #11175812
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2019
Electrical SystemStructure
THE WIRING BETWEEN THE HATCH DOOR AND THE BODY IS DETERIORATED WITH A BROKEN WIRE FOR THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND THE INSULATION CRACKED AND MISSING ON MANY OF THE OTHER WIRES. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD AS SHORTS COULD OCCUR AFFECTING ALL THE REAR LIGHTS THAT ARE CONTROLLED WITH THESE WIRES. LUCKILY I READ ON A YOUTUBE REPORT ABOU…
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THE WIRING BETWEEN THE HATCH DOOR AND THE BODY IS DETERIORATED WITH A BROKEN WIRE FOR THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND THE INSULATION CRACKED AND MISSING ON MANY OF THE OTHER WIRES. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD AS SHORTS COULD OCCUR AFFECTING ALL THE REAR LIGHTS THAT ARE CONTROLLED WITH THESE WIRES. LUCKILY I READ ON A YOUTUBE REPORT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I DETECTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED IN MY GARAGE WHILE INVESTIGATING THE LIGHTING PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11165585
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2018
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASTER KEY FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO USE THE KEY FOB. ALSO, DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER BELOW 30 DEGREES, THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY HESITANT. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT FOR A …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASTER KEY FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HAD TO USE THE KEY FOB. ALSO, DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER BELOW 30 DEGREES, THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY HESITANT. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT FOR A MOMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND NOT SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS UNKNOWN. SCHICKER FORD (3300 S KINGS HIGHWAY, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63139, (314) 664-4100) WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11151964
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2018
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT THEN REPLACED A FUSE FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER 24 HOURS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT THEN REPLACED A FUSE FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER 24 HOURS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11081524
125,000 miles · Mar 23, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
HATCHBACK WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN BODY AND HATCHBACK, HAS MULTIPLE WIRE INSULATION FAILURE AND WIRE BREAKAGE CAUSING FUSES TO BLOW AND NON-FUNCTIONING PARKING LIGHTS, REVERSE LIGHTS, BREAK LIGHTS, INSTRUMENT COLUMN LIGHTS, AND UNCONTROLLED RELEASE OF ELECTRICAL TRUNK WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11080996
191,000 miles · Nov 6, 2017
Electrical System
THROUGHOUT MY OWNERSHIP OF 2005 FORD FOCUS WAGON SES ZXW, I HAVE HAD PERIODIC ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCH UNLATCHING ON ITS OWN. I WILL UNLATCH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. SOMETIMES IT WILL UNLATCH WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALTHOUGH IT WILL UNLATCH UPON THE START OF A TRIP AT SLOW SPEEDS AS WELL, IT HAS MOSTLY OCCURRED O…
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THROUGHOUT MY OWNERSHIP OF 2005 FORD FOCUS WAGON SES ZXW, I HAVE HAD PERIODIC ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCH UNLATCHING ON ITS OWN. I WILL UNLATCH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. SOMETIMES IT WILL UNLATCH WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALTHOUGH IT WILL UNLATCH UPON THE START OF A TRIP AT SLOW SPEEDS AS WELL, IT HAS MOSTLY OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2007. THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR PERIODICALLY 3-7 TIMES EVERY 1-1.5 YEARS SINCE THE 2008-2009. THE PROBLEM DEFINITELY OCCURS UNDER A DAMP AND MORNING DEW CONDITION. IT'S LIKE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT HAS OCCURRED I MY VEHICLE. THE LATCH STOPPED WORKING IN 2009 VIA THE PUSH BUTTON IN THE DASH AND EVEN WITH MY REMOTE KEY. I CHECKED THE FUSE PANEL ... AND IT WAS NOT BLOWN. THIS CONDITION MOSTLY OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #11043720
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2017
Electrical SystemPower Train
FIRST ISSUE: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN STOPPING THE CAR, PARKING, AND ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE KEY, THE KEY HAS BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND CANNOT REMOVE IT--- SOMETIMES FOR A FEW DAYS, OTHER TIMES FOR A FEW WEEKS, AT WHICH TIME IT SIMPLY COMES OUT WHEN ATTEMPT IS MADE. SECOND ISSUE: GEARS OCCASIONALLY SLIP UPON ACCELERAT…
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FIRST ISSUE: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN STOPPING THE CAR, PARKING, AND ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE KEY, THE KEY HAS BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND CANNOT REMOVE IT--- SOMETIMES FOR A FEW DAYS, OTHER TIMES FOR A FEW WEEKS, AT WHICH TIME IT SIMPLY COMES OUT WHEN ATTEMPT IS MADE. SECOND ISSUE: GEARS OCCASIONALLY SLIP UPON ACCELERATING, RESULTING IN FINALLY SLAMMING INTO GEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11011532
Official recalls
1Feb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.