2008 Ford Focus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 250 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Ford Focus, 3% of the 250 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles.
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.
“Vehicle suddenly lost power, only continuing to run at a rough idle. The vehicle would not allow any acceleration. The only possible response was to limp to the shoulder of the road. After turning off the ignition the vehicle was restarted and ran as normal for the rest of the trip. Four days later the same thing occurred. Upon taking the vehicle to the Ford dealer and having them tell me to continue to drive the vehicle until it occurred again and then have it towed in, I convinced them to look further into it. I was able to locate several complaints on line of the same type. …”
NHTSA complaint #10423786, filed 2011-09, 45,800 miles“The ignition key is binding in ignition cylinder when turning to start position only. Twice it has not started on the first try. Twice I heard a metal sound when starting. This is a problem with Ford Focus 2008, and has been brought to my attention by my auto repair shop. It was suggested to me to go direct to a Ford dealer service shop which I did. The car warranty expired 5/2011 so I don't qualify for free repair on this problem. As far as I can see in researching there has not been a recall on it. I think Ford should pay.”
NHTSA complaint #10426328, filed 2011-09“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. While the contact was driving approximately 45 MPH all of the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel and suddenly the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated the oil filter detached from the engine which resulted in internal damages. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10423035, filed 2011-09, 20,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact was driving 45 MPH when the front passenger and driver seats began to vibrate abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic where the mechanic stated that the vibration was caused by sagging motor mounts. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer advised that the vehicle was designed to vibrate. The contact stated the passenger could not sit in the seat due to the vibration. The failure mileage was 58,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10428809, filed 2011-10, 58,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that around two months ago the vehicle started to stall. The contact stated that the wrench icon illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer five times and they have not found any failures. The dealer notified the contact and stated that the black box was not recording any data. The vehicle warranty had nearly reached its limit of 60,000. The contact was concerned that they would not diagnose the failure before the mileage reached 60,000. The VIN was not available. …”
NHTSA complaint #10346390, filed 2010-07, 56,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
- 10039053Mar 1, 2011Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 124 | 15% |
| 2017 | 81 | 9% |
| 2016 | 50 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 0% |
| 2013 | 14 | 1% |
| 2012 | 27 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 7 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 22 | 6% |
| 2003 | 60 | 6% |
| 2002 | 103 | 11% |
| 2001 | 243 | 14% |
| 2000 | 474 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 55% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford Focus
57 complaintsBody and structure
41 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
25 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsTires
18 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsWheels
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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