2004 Ford Focus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 183about this part
- Share
- 47%of 387 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 183 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford Focus, 47% of the 387 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When putting the key in the ignition the key will not turn and start the car. It will not start after pulling the key out of the ignition. I am pregnant expecting a baby. This is a safety hazard for me and my baby. If I go into labor and need to leave to the hospital I cannot risk the car will not start because the key won't turn the ignition on.”
NHTSA complaint #11181269, filed 2019-02, 122,000 miles“All of the backlighting on the gauge cluster and buttons beside the radio screen is intermittent. I do not drive the vehicle at night because of this issue. Due to the risk of not being able to see what speed I am traveling at. I have been the sole owner of this vehicle and I bought it brand new from the dealership back in 2004. Nothing has been modified on this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11080204, filed 2018-03, 110,000 miles“My battery light seems to flash when the car is off. Car has stalled several times while driving try to accelerate over 50 miles an hour car will shut off. Back hatch on wagon seems to release itself while driving well unlock automatically. Have replaced three thermostat and thermostat housing due to overheating car will not tell me is overheating it will boil in the overflow return tank pressurize and shoot the cap off?...”
NHTSA complaint #11234370, filed 2019-07, 125,550 miles“All of a sudden I am having trouble turning the key in the ignition of my 2004 Ford Focus. As of now I am able to get the key to turn by gently tapping on the key with a hammer as I try to turn. I have not replaced the ignition because when researching this problem I have come to realize this is a very common fault that Ford is aware of, but refuses to take responsibility for.”
NHTSA complaint #10418620, filed 2011-08, 99,125 miles“The ignition switch failed to turn in my 2004 Ford Focus leaving me stranded. This was the first time this had happened and to temporarily remedy the situation I had to take a hammer and tap the key into the ignition and turn at the same time to start the car. The key must remain in the ignition at all times now to prevent a recurrence.”
NHTSA complaint #10348040, filed 2010-08, 79,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019073Jan 1, 2006Dtc p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303 and/or p0304 - service tip.
- 10017884Apr 1, 2005Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10012971Feb 1, 2005Unable to remove ignition key - service tip.
- 10012969Feb 1, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0133, p1131 or p2195.
- 10013318Jan 1, 2005Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 49 | 6% |
| 2017 | 36 | 4% |
| 2016 | 82 | 7% |
| 2015 | 64 | 6% |
| 2014 | 245 | 9% |
| 2013 | 276 | 13% |
| 2012 | 352 | 9% |
| 2011 | 25 | 22% |
| 2010 | 43 | 15% |
| 2009 | 45 | 20% |
| 2008 | 57 | 23% |
| 2007 | 85 | 22% |
| 2006 | 47 | 23% |
| 2005 | 113 | 26% |
| 2004 | 183 | 47% |
| 2003 | 522 | 53% |
| 2002 | 277 | 30% |
| 2001 | 496 | 28% |
| 2000 | 1,343 | 36% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Focus
40 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
28 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology