2006 Ford Focus Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 20%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Ford Focus, 20% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 15 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.
“I chose 'crash' above only because there was contact between two vehicles. At a red light, the Focus rolled into the car in front at no more than 3-5 MPH. Air bag deployed, seat belts locked. Zero damage to either vehicle, except small dent to the license plate, I took the vehicle to my body shop. After inspecting the vehicle, they are also confused as to why it deployed. Estimate to repair is $1800. Is this normal? Is this a known issue with the 2006 Focus?”
NHTSA complaint #10543805, filed 2013-09, 176,000 miles“Involved in an auto accident. Vehicle pulled out into my path of travel and I was forced to hit their vehicle head on at 50 MPH. After the initial impact I spun around and our vehicles hit again on the rear quarter panels. No air bags in my vehicle ever deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10373954, filed 2011-01, 80,000 miles“I was driving on I-75 and for no reason whatsoever the passenger side, side impact airbag went off causing the cabin to fill with smoke and the passenger have a sore shoulder. We were not in a crash, did not hit a pot hole, animal, bump or have anything happen to the car. The cruise control was on at the time of the incident. I called Ford customer service and they said because it was out of warranty they couldn't do anything and to turn it into insurance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10361453, filed 2010-10, 69,500 miles“I have a 2006 Ford Focus with aprox 65,000 mileage. Recently, the air bag indicator light comes on occasionally, more often and for more lengthy periods more recently. It seems to match the issues of new Ford pickup truck recall in which airbags deploy without notice or cause - resulting apparently from frayed/shorted sensor wires - preceded by illumination of airbag dashboard indicator, as occurs in my 2006 Ford Focus. Is there cause for concern with my family's use of this car? Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10395892, filed 2011-04, 65,000 miles“Re: 2006 Ford Focus zx4 - in march 2011, as I was driving home under normal driving conditions, the driver-side airbag that is located in the driver's seat deployed for no reason whatsoever. I was not in an accident, did not hit a pothole, run over anything, or stop suddenly. The deployment caused temporary hearing loss in my left ear for several days and bruising to my back/shoulder area for several days. The deployment of the airbag also cracked a section of the inside of my car that houses the seatbelt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10408793, filed 2011-06, 53,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 15 | 2% |
| 2016 | 15 | 1% |
| 2015 | 18 | 2% |
| 2014 | 32 | 1% |
| 2013 | 26 | 1% |
| 2012 | 55 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 5% |
| 2010 | 12 | 4% |
| 2009 | 22 | 10% |
| 2008 | 26 | 10% |
| 2007 | 118 | 30% |
| 2006 | 40 | 20% |
| 2005 | 51 | 12% |
| 2004 | 24 | 6% |
| 2003 | 46 | 5% |
| 2002 | 72 | 8% |
| 2001 | 147 | 8% |
| 2000 | 191 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2006 Ford Focus
47 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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