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EnginePart report

2005 Ford Focus Engine Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
2%of 441 total for the year
Median mileage
81,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Ford Focus, 2% of the 441 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving my vehicle locally, my car shut off and engine light came on. I was told it was the main flow valve. I have to replace it, but then my key got stuck in the ignition. My friend was able to get it out. On august 12, 2012, my driver seat moved while I was driving and continues to skip on a certain click latch. Indecember, I had to take it back to the mechanic, cause my engine light keeps coming on, but we are unsure as to why it keeps doing that. Every now and then I can smell smoking wires/electrical wires burning. …”

NHTSA complaint #10582992, filed 2014-04, 110,231 miles

“Takata recall fuel line too close to exhaut it causes vehicle to stop running wait 15 -20 minutes and it will start and you can go until it does it again it is fine in winter but warm weather it does it all the time have tried to have fixed but still does it”

NHTSA complaint #10862968, filed 2016-05, 90,000 miles

“I was driving my car and the engine started on fire. It ruined the entire engine. It was not overheating. All my fluids were full. I don't know why it happened.”

NHTSA complaint #11482834, filed 2022-09

“We bought this car used, after we got it we noticed the fuel gauge was broke, there's something wrong with the brakes, and there are numerous other problems that worry me. We have small children to think about so the safety of this vehicle is very important. It has a good battery, but it's always dying after being driven. We have taken it to the dealer several times but they have yet to fix it. I don't know that there is anything you can do about this, but I'm desperate to try anything and anyone for help.”

NHTSA complaint #10626158, filed 2014-08

“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. While stopped at an intersection, the vehicle shut off and lost all power without warning. The contact heard a clicking noise from the steering rack. The contact called roadside assistance; however, the vehicle restarted after the tow truck driver shook the battery a couple of times. The contact drove home. The failure recurred a few days later and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10823587, filed 2016-02, 150,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201823228%
201723026%
201623420%
201517317%
201444217%
201334416%
201247513%
201133%
20104215%
2009167%
2008146%
200762%
200621%
2005112%
2004133%
2003182%
2002162%
2001322%
2000160%

Other parts of the 2005 Ford Focus

Electrical system
113 complaints
Air bags
51 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
50 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
47 complaints
Vehicle speed control
45 complaints
Body and structure
43 complaints
Brakes
30 complaints
Fuel system
27 complaints
Suspension
27 complaints
Exterior lighting
20 complaints
Other or unknown
20 complaints
Engine cooling
18 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 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