2004 Ford Focus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 6%of 387 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,380miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Ford Focus, 6% of the 387 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,380 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2004 Ford Focus zx3. I was at a gas station filling up and when I attempted to start up my car, the key would not turn. The ignition cylinder was completely locked up. I was stranded at the gas station for 2 hours before aaa came and towed my car to the dealership. I have researched the issue and found out that the ignition cylinder locking up and not allowing you to start your car is a very common issue with the Ford Focus, most commonly in models between the years 2000 and 2006. I was lucky to be only 5 miles away from the dealership where I had to have it towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10319095, filed 2010-03, 53,000 miles“Brake problem. At about 2000 to 3000 miles breaks starts to squeal and grind. Took it in to service at dealer complaining about problem, as it got worse and was not normal in 6,000 miles. Was told no problem, routine break in. Then at 12,000 miles still a problem. Went to another dealer, said the same thing. Now with nearly 18,000 miles, rotors are grooved very bad. Evidence and warning was evident in the earlier miles as well. Ford has done nothing to help. I feel they owe me a new pair of rotors and pads. Also, complained of clutch noise problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10143114, filed 2005-11, 6,000 miles“2004 Ford Focus..changed the air filter and noticed oil in and under the old filter and checked the oil and it was on the normal level. About three days later, while driving down the road, the car shut off, now it will do nothing, the motor won't even turn over. Can't find out what the problem is, any suggestions?”
NHTSA complaint #10235765, filed 2008-07, 94,000 miles“Car stalls without notice. Sent daughter to emergency room one time. Stalls 2 different ways, while driving and sometimes when coming to a stop. Total loss of control happens. Has been in shop many, many times and they can't figure out problem. Started when car was 7 months old. Also, clutch prematurely went out. Has been replaced 2 or 3 times. (car has 26,000 miles currently). Also, thermostat has gone out many, many times- daughter has driven most of winter with no heat.”
NHTSA complaint #10179443, filed 2007-01, 8,242 miles“While driving vehicle stalled . Driver was able to restart the vehicle fifteen minutes later, and drove it to the dealer. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. Driver informed the mechanic that this problem has happened more than once, and has not been resolved. Ford mrfg stated that this type of stalling (failure) does not indicate a safety problem. There has been a constant problem with 1/2 tank of gas or less since the car reach 50,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10113693, filed 2005-04, 70,145 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
- 10021051Feb 27, 2007Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Jan 1, 2006Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10019375Jan 1, 2006Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing.
- 10019081Jan 1, 2006Mirfire diagnostic trouble codes p0316, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, or p0304 - service tip.
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10012962Feb 1, 2005No crank on start charging system warning indicator on driveability concerns and or malfunction indicator lamp on.
- 10014082Dec 13, 2004Engine vibration at idle.
- 10013384Nov 1, 2004Stall after cold start in extreme low ambient temperature.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 124 | 15% |
| 2017 | 81 | 9% |
| 2016 | 50 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 0% |
| 2013 | 14 | 1% |
| 2012 | 27 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 7 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 22 | 6% |
| 2003 | 60 | 6% |
| 2002 | 103 | 11% |
| 2001 | 243 | 14% |
| 2000 | 474 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 55% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Focus
183 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
28 complaintsAir bags
24 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