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Engine coolingPart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201812415%
2017819%
2016504%
201571%
201480%
2013141%
2012271%
201111%
2010114%
200973%
200873%
2007123%
200663%
2005184%
2004226%
2003606%
200210311%
200124314%
200047413%
1999655%

Other parts of the 2004 Ford Focus

Electrical system
183 complaints
Brakes
40 complaints
Steering
29 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
28 complaints
Air bags
24 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
20 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Suspension
17 complaints
Body and structure
14 complaints
Engine
13 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Other 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