2004 Ford Focus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 387 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,190miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Focus, 5% of the 387 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,190 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 8/19/09, I was driving my 2004 Ford Focus and all of a sudden while I was driving, it felt like pressure (or having to force car to go) with my foot on gas pedal. After I eased my foot off gas pedal, car would switch in to gear. This same pattern of pressure and easing foot off gas pedal so that car would go into gear happened each time I would make a stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10281636, filed 2009-08, 83,000 miles“While driving the vehicle stopped running suddenly. My daughter saw steam or smoke coming from the front engine compartment. Within a minute or so the whole front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire was intense, the top of the engine was melted, the interior of the dash was destroyed, and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair. It looks like the most intense fire area was around the fuse panel. I did contact Ford through several avenues but they appeared to be disinterested.”
NHTSA complaint #10563681, filed 2014-02, 165,000 miles“On acceleration from stop car tacks out to 6 and transmission revs then shifts very hard, called Ford and they told me it was they way I drive my car. Said transmission learns how to shift that way, car still not repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10269754, filed 2009-05, 80,000 miles“I was on my way home and I started to here a noise from the front end. Then it felt like my car was stopping while I was accelerating. When I put it in reverse my front tires locked. I put it in neutral to try to push it back put it would not move. I had my kids in the car and I was glad we were not in traffic. I took it to a dealer and they are taking their time and haven't looked at yet. I pay 334. A month and my car is a death trap. I have nothing to drive and I cant afford to keep up a rental car. 2004 Ford Focus.”
NHTSA complaint #10141287, filed 2005-10, 29,812 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019947Jan 1, 2006Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10017922Jun 7, 2005Difficult or unable to shift into 5th gear.
- 10014667Mar 1, 2005Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014656Mar 1, 2005VENT LEAK.
- 10018945Jan 1, 2005Mtx-75 premature clutch failure.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014596Dec 1, 2004Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10013391Nov 1, 2004Transaxle noise at idle in neutral with clutch pedal released premature clutch.
- 10013367Nov 1, 2004Difficulty changing gears - unable to engage gears.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 319 | 38% |
| 2017 | 455 | 51% |
| 2016 | 674 | 57% |
| 2015 | 559 | 55% |
| 2014 | 1,576 | 60% |
| 2013 | 1,102 | 52% |
| 2012 | 1,447 | 38% |
| 2011 | 20 | 18% |
| 2010 | 45 | 16% |
| 2009 | 39 | 17% |
| 2008 | 23 | 9% |
| 2007 | 43 | 11% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 47 | 11% |
| 2004 | 20 | 5% |
| 2003 | 48 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 6% |
| 2001 | 90 | 5% |
| 2000 | 225 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Focus
183 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
28 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsEngine cooling
22 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 29, 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