2004 Ford Focus Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 7%of 387 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2004 Ford Focus, 7% of the 387 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our 17 year old daughter stopped at a seven-eleven store and when she tried to return home the ignition key in our 2004 Ford Focus would not turn. This left our daughter stranded and required her to wait for a tow truck. Being a 17 year old girl stranded outside a seven-eleven was not a good feeling! I believe Ford is aware of many complaints about their Focus ignition locks.”
NHTSA complaint #10274775, filed 2009-06, 31,000 miles“The drivers side rear door will not latch, and I'm unable to close the door. A recall for this problem was issued in january, 2005 for the Ford Focus model for the period 2000-2005. My vehicle is a 2004 Ford Focus however, the VIN number is not included in the recall. This, despite the fact that the problem I'm experiencing is exactly as described in the NHTSA report id # 05v030000. I believe that my vehicle should be covered by the recall and respectfully ask your assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #10413907, filed 2011-07, 117,000 miles“We have already filed a previous complaint for almost exactly the same defect which happened within approximately a year and a half of each other. It was recommended that we file a complaint with you, about 2 separate/similar events that have occurred during our ownership of this vehicle (2004 Ford Focus zx-3). It became difficult to insert/remove key from ignition for a couple of weeks. On the previous occasion the key became stuck and the car would not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256640, filed 2009-01, 48,000 miles“1. There was no warning sign 2. My key wouldn't turn the ignition, I was stuck at my job 11:00 pm. 3. I had the car towed to the nearest Ford dealerships and had the ignition replaced costing me $382.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10278836, filed 2009-07, 53,600 miles“No events pulled into parking lot left car for few minutes came back and the ignition was locked solid. From what I am told this is a common issue with the Ford Focus mine is a 2004. This is a safety hazard maybe not to me this time because I was in a parking lot and waited for over an hour for a tow truck however if I was broken down on the side of the road for a flat tire and this happened what then or is this not considered a safety hazard because no one has been killed this seems like something that should of been recalled years ago. Protect the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10295293, filed 2009-12, 140,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V030000Feb 1, 2005Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine…Covers: Ford Focus 2000–2005
Related service bulletins
- 10183768Apr 21, 2016For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where…
- 10058099Sep 9, 2014Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model…
- 10056643Aug 11, 2014Ford: on some vehicles, operating for an extended time in high corrosion area, a safety recall 05s27 was issued, where rear door latches experience corrosion in pawl pivot area…
- 10205032Jan 26, 2005Safety recall 05S27 - Rear door latch corrosion - requests for recall service action - built on or before 01/26/2005
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2014 | 47 | 2% |
| 2013 | 53 | 3% |
| 2012 | 134 | 4% |
| 2011 | 17 | 15% |
| 2010 | 31 | 11% |
| 2009 | 18 | 8% |
| 2008 | 25 | 10% |
| 2007 | 30 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 50 | 11% |
| 2004 | 28 | 7% |
| 2003 | 82 | 8% |
| 2002 | 45 | 5% |
| 2001 | 66 | 4% |
| 2000 | 201 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Focus
183 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsSteering
29 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 30, 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