2005 Ford Focus Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 7%of 441 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,778miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Ford Focus, 7% of the 441 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,778 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Three times since the car's purchase in late 2005 I have experienced a 'brake fade, soft pedal issue. The vehicle was taken 3 times to the local dealership crown Ford in redding, ca for the problem and was dismissed by the dealer as they could not reproduce the problem! Since then the warranty has ended on the vehicle but the issue remains and occurs a few times each year! Every time is a scary situation, I am sure one day the vehicle will just not stop!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10938560, filed 2016-12, 18,500 miles“This is the third time I had to place front left and right head lamps and high beams . I brought this car off of enterprize dealer in nevada. Over the years I began haven lots of problems with this car. So much needed to be done on this car and I spent lots of money too. Not knowing until now this car has some recall issues. Passenger rear door replace and broken again. The rear brake are rusted and needs to be replace,drums pads ext.. Noise in the steering wheel when I turn the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10592075, filed 2014-05, 81,905 miles“I approached a red light, on farm to market road 1960 (state highway fm 1960) while in motion and I pressed the brake. The motor revved up and would not stop. It seemed like the gas pedal was stuck. I asked my daughter to reach down and pull the gas pedal up. This did not work though. The light by the grace of god turned green. I continued driving forward while holding the brake all the way down on the floor. I released the brake and the motor accelerated faster. I immediately stomped on the brake again. I was accelerating at a faster speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11043347, filed 2017-11, 20 miles“I noticed that when I bought my 2005 Focus that the rotors already had grooves in them. The brake pads also wore out extremely quick. The other day I got home from work and went to get out of the car and the key wouldn't come out of the ignition. I have had to leave the key in the ignition over night. I am afraid to take it to get it fixed because I have seen how much others have paid and I just don't have that kind of money.”
NHTSA complaint #10231519, filed 2008-06, 52,000 miles“Since we received the car, we have noticed inconsistent acceleration and deceleration - both in town and on the highway. This particular incident was a simple slowing down for a stop light. I pressed on the brake gently to start coming to a full stop behind a few cars. As my car tried to slow down, I noticed it was fighting to slow down. I pressed on the break harder, but it wasn't going to be enough to stop without hitting the car in front of me. I tapped the accelerator, then back on the break, no change. Not knowing what else to do, I put the car into neutral. …”
NHTSA complaint #10547303, filed 2013-10, 89,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021042Feb 26, 2007Increased brake pedal efforts required on initial stopping after cold start at high altitude.
- 10017934Jun 7, 2005Rear brake squeal.
- 10016804Jan 1, 2005Increased brake pedal efforts required on initial stopping after cold start at high altitude.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 11 | 1% |
| 2016 | 13 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% |
| 2014 | 32 | 1% |
| 2013 | 24 | 1% |
| 2012 | 61 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 13 | 5% |
| 2007 | 20 | 5% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 30 | 7% |
| 2004 | 40 | 10% |
| 2003 | 62 | 6% |
| 2002 | 72 | 8% |
| 2001 | 199 | 11% |
| 2000 | 424 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Focus
113 complaintsAir bags
51 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
50 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsVehicle speed control
45 complaintsBody and structure
43 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsExterior lighting
20 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsSteering
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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