NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
43 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 4, 2026
Structure
My rear passenger door latch is corroded. It is difficult to open, it sometimes fails to open. I have children under the age of 3 in the backseats of my car. I do not want the latch to fail and the door to open while in motion. It is available for inspection upon service. Problems started to appear within the last year and has p…
Read full complaint
My rear passenger door latch is corroded. It is difficult to open, it sometimes fails to open. I have children under the age of 3 in the backseats of my car. I do not want the latch to fail and the door to open while in motion. It is available for inspection upon service. Problems started to appear within the last year and has persisted to the point of being very difficult to open. No warnings or messages prior, since it is a body issue. Has not been inspected by any professionals.
NHTSA ODI #11754855
211,000 miles · Sep 27, 2019
Structure
THE FRONT DOOR HANDLES QUIT WORKING AND THERE'S NO WAY TO GET DOOR OPEN???? FRONT DOOR HANDLES QUIT WORKING. CANT GET IN MY CAR
NHTSA ODI #11258470
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…
Read full complaint
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
45,000 miles · Dec 10, 2017
StructureCrash
ON THE 27TH OF NOV. 2017 WHILE PUTTING MY CAR INTO THE GARAGE THERE WAS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CRASHING INTO THE WALL PUSHING THE SHELVING INTO THE SPARE BEDROOM. I PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND EXITED THE GARAGE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, STILL TRYING TO BRAKE. HIT A TREE AT THE CURB PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE INSTEAD OF NEUTRAL THEN HEADE…
Read full complaint
ON THE 27TH OF NOV. 2017 WHILE PUTTING MY CAR INTO THE GARAGE THERE WAS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CRASHING INTO THE WALL PUSHING THE SHELVING INTO THE SPARE BEDROOM. I PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND EXITED THE GARAGE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, STILL TRYING TO BRAKE. HIT A TREE AT THE CURB PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE INSTEAD OF NEUTRAL THEN HEADED BACK TOWARD THE HOUSE WHILE STILL TRYING TO BRAKE, WAS ABLE TO SWERVE MISSING THE HOUSE, TURNED OFF THE KEY AND WOUND UP IN MY NEIGHBORS BACKYARD.
NHTSA ODI #11053738
146,629 miles · Oct 30, 2017
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD INDEPENDENTLY OPENED AND CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD INDEPENDENTLY OPENED AND CAUSED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS 13408416. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,629. *BF UPDATED 8/3/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11041049
199,900 miles · Feb 22, 2017
Structure
2 DOOR HATCHBACK BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE HANDLE IS LOOSE LIKE IT ISN'T CATCHING ON ANYTHING. I HAVE TO LEAVE MY WINDOW ROLLED DOWN AND OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE INSIDE HANDLE. SOMETIMES THE INSIDE HANDLE HAS ISSUES. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE INSIDE HANDLE STOPS WORKING AND I NEED TO GET OUT I…
Read full complaint
2 DOOR HATCHBACK BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE HANDLE IS LOOSE LIKE IT ISN'T CATCHING ON ANYTHING. I HAVE TO LEAVE MY WINDOW ROLLED DOWN AND OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE INSIDE HANDLE. SOMETIMES THE INSIDE HANDLE HAS ISSUES. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE INSIDE HANDLE STOPS WORKING AND I NEED TO GET OUT IN AN EMERGENCY? I TOOK IT THE DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FRO REPAIR. DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THIS CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10956417
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2016
Structure
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. I'VE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL PEOPLE AT FORD AND ALTHOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, THEY WILL NOT COVER THE EXPENSE OF A NEW DOOR LATCH FOR OLDER MODEL FOCUS. THE LATCH ON MY FOCUS HAS BEEN WORKING IMPROPERLY FOR THE PAST YEAR NOW.
NHTSA ODI #10898535
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2016
Electrical SystemStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH NO INDICATION AS TO WHICH DOOR WAS AFFECTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ALL DOORS WERE PROPERLY CLOSED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH NO INDICATION AS TO WHICH DOOR WAS AFFECTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ALL DOORS WERE PROPERLY CLOSED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10851025
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2016
StructureUnknown Or Other
DOOR LOCK ON REAR, PASSENGER DOOR WON'T LOCK
NHTSA ODI #10837603
9,000 miles · Feb 3, 2016
Electrical SystemSteeringStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE PULLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOORS FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS SLIGHTLY DETACHED. THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT WAS I…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE PULLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOORS FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS SLIGHTLY DETACHED. THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIE RODS AND WHEEL WELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE RACK AND PINION TIGHTENED. THE TIE ROD AND WHEEL WELL WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
NHTSA ODI #10824061
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.