Does the 2005 Ford Focus have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 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 2005 Ford Focus?

Owners have filed 441 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (113 complaints), followed by air bags (51).

How many 2005 Ford Focus complaints mention a crash or fire?

43 of 441 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 41 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2005 Ford Focus recalls and problems

1 recall and 441 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Focus.

recalls

441

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.

2005 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 system113
Air bags51
Latches/locks/linkages50
Power train47
Vehicle speed control45
Structure43
Suspension27
Exterior lighting20
Engine and engine cooling18
Service brakes, hydraulic18

What owners report

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

Aug 4, 2026 · Structure
My rear passenger door latch is corroded. It is difficult to open, it sometimes fails to open. I have children under the age of 3 in the backseats of my car. I do not want the latch to fail and the door to open while in motion. It is available for inspection upon service. Problems started to appear within the last…

Nov 2, 2023 · Air bags · crash reported
In a rear end accident the airbags never deployed. The seat belt also didn't catch me and my chest hit the steering wheel. I pressed hard on the breaks but it didn't feel like it was slowing down. I now have a fractured sternum and cannot drive or work. I have filed insurance claims and been to the hospital. No one…

Sep 4, 2022 · Engine · fire reported
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.

Mar 26, 2021 · Electrical system · 170,590 miles
FUSE CONTINUED TO BLOW OUT CAUSING ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF LIGHTS FROM FRONT TO BACK TO TURN OFF UNTIL NEW FUSE REPLACED OLD. WAS CONNECTED TO CONTINUED LIFTING OF HATCHBACK ON WAGON MODEL. ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS ARCING AND INSULATION FLAKING OFF AND WOULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE HAD NOT THE HARNESS BEEN REPLACED. THIS HAD…

Oct 26, 2020 · Engine · 53,085 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, SHE WOULD NOTICE THAT HER VEHICLE WOULD BOUNCE UP AND DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE ENGINE MOUNTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

Focus model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
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
2008	1	250	21	0

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

Questions

Does the 2005 Ford Focus have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 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 2005 Ford Focus?: Owners have filed 441 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (113 complaints), followed by air bags (51).
How many 2005 Ford Focus complaints mention a crash or fire?: 43 of 441 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 41 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 4, 2026.