Does the 2004 Ford Focus have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Ford Focus, the most recent reported on February 1, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Focus?

Owners have filed 387 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (183 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (31).

How many 2004 Ford Focus complaints mention a crash or fire?

34 of 387 complaints report a crash and 13 a fire; 34 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Ford Focus recalls and problems

1 recall and 387 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford Focus.

recalls

387

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Ford Focus recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 05V030000 · reported February 1, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 589,932 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, a build-up of corrosion at the pawl pivot area of the rear door latch can cause a binding condition of the pawl that may affect proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. The occupant may experience difficulty opening or closing a rear door, and eventually the rear door may not latch properly.
The risk: If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
The fix: Dealers will have a lower rocker seal added to the door and have the rear door latches evaluated free of charge. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to the rear doors advising the owners to use the recommended lubricant. The recall began on march 9, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system183
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Steering29
Latches/locks/linkages28
Air bags24
Engine and engine cooling22
Power train20
Vehicle speed control18
Suspension17
Structure14

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 13, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 200,010 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were three clicks before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 10 minutes. The contact stated…

Apr 5, 2023 · Electrical system · fire reported
As I was stopped at red light it stalled as I drove thru. So I pulled over. Got out to open hood. It was smoking.struggled to open hood. Ran around to get towel to smother the fire. But it was too far gone. Man told me just leave it. It was total loss.

Oct 7, 2022 · Unknown or other
2004 ford focus started bucking a few years ago, on occasions only. For months there was no problem and than it would buck. If I shut off the engine and waited a few minutes and started it, it would drive without bucking. Recently, it stalled while driving. Fortunately, I was on a country road and could pull over to…

Jun 13, 2022 · Air bags · crash reported
I was coming home one night, in my 2004 Ford focus, when another driver comes speeding up behind me. He then proceeds to pass me during a corner, cutting me off. I hit the brakes and lost control. Ended up rolling my vehicle with my 8 month old daughter and i. Back window exploded, and not a single air bags had…

Jun 4, 2022 · Structure
rear passenger door wont latch shut.Door flies open when making turns

Focus model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	7	1,761	172	47
2002	1	939	82	20
2003	1	977	52	17
2004	1	387	34	13
2005	1	441	43	9
2006	0	205	23	3
2007	0	391	60	7

Across all years, the 2012 Focus has the most complaints (3,770). All Ford Focus years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Ford Focus have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Ford Focus, the most recent reported on February 1, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Focus?: Owners have filed 387 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (183 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (31).
How many 2004 Ford Focus complaints mention a crash or fire?: 34 of 387 complaints report a crash and 13 a fire; 34 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 13, 2026.