2008 Ford Focus Problems and Repair Histories
2008 Ford Focus problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2008 Ford Focus problems
More about the
Ford Focus
2008 Ford Focuses for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2008 Ford Focus problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2008 Ford Focus problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2008 Ford Focus problems and repair histories that follow it.
Ford Focus Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2008 | Ford Focus | 27 Focuses, 10.1 months of data per Focus, average 60200 miles Redesigned for this model year.26 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
Non-members can see only ten 2008 Ford Focus problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2008 Ford Focus
Engine not specified
| Ford Focus in Delaware, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | Brake pulsation, turned rotors. |
| Dec | 2008 | 9000 | 0 | Front suspension noise. Replaced swaybar bushings. |
| Oct | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Ford Focus 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Ford Focus in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 19000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 23000 | 240 | Front passenger door lock actuator needed to be replaced. Was preventing door from locking or unlocking. |
| Mar | 2013 | 37000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 41000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 41000 | 0 | metal in oil last time it was changed, so traded car |
| Ford Focus in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 14000 | 0 | Clutch pedal squeak. Lubricated by dealer as indicated by TSB. Quick fix and nice dealer. |
| Jul | 2009 | 22000 | 0 | window seal coming off, replaced by dealer at no cost per warranty. |
| Dec | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Focus in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 2000 | 0 | At 2100 miles the check engine light came on. it was determined that there was a fault in the fuel level circuit a new fuel level sensor was installed at the dealer in 1 hour |
| Mar | 2009 | 7500 | 0 | At 6100 miles the gas tank fell out of my Focus on the freeway. I think this problem might be related to the gas level sensor I had replaced earlier perhaps they left a bolt or two out of the repair job! This was disturbing to say the least! |
| Mar | 2013 | 42000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Alaska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 20000 | 0 | Block heater failed and replaced. Supposedly Ford is having to replace several of these, may be a design deficiency. |
| Nov | 2010 | 34000 | 0 | Front torsion bar assembly clips wore out. Replaced. Torsion bar was thumping and the car was very difficult to control. Ignition switch was sticking in the start position after starting the engine. Ford replaced the ignition switch assembly. |
| Jan | 2011 | 36700 | 0 | Blower Motor for heater, defroster, A/C failed. Blower motor replaced by Ford |
| Mar | 2012 | 50000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Ford Focus 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Ford Focus in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 27000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 28000 | 0 | engine vibrates and idles rough a tsp computer adjust was done but did not hide the problem, I think it is much bigger problem with motor, computer or electronic,and motor mounts are all very possible no codes so hard to fix by shop |
| Dec | 2011 | 40000 | 700 | Struts front bad |
| Ford Focus in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 29000 | 0 | Periodic thumping/thudding noise from undecarriage. Cause - bad wheel bearing. Replaced under warranty, free parts and labor. Excellent job by Gabriel Ford, Livingston TX. |
| Nov | 2010 | 31000 | 0 | thumping/thudding/squeeking noise from front end. Tightened loose bolt on strut; lubed chassis. |
| Feb | 2011 | 38000 | 233 | Water pump failed. Failure also destroyed the serpentine belt. Replaced water pump and serpentine belt. Failure ocurred 3 months after warranty expired. |
| Mar | 2012 | 53000 | 1395 | AC system not producing conditioned cooled air. Busted evaporator core. Fix - replaced evaporator core. |
| Oct | 2012 | 65700 | 200 | Front turn signals inop. Replaced "smart" junction box. |
| Mar | 2013 | 70000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 2000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 38000 | 220 | Bearing in belt tensioner went. Tensioner was replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 77000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 38000 | 150 | Sway bar links not broken, but severley damaged. Sway bar links replaced on both sides in rear of car. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Focus in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 91000 | 310 | thermostat sticking closed, overheating, drove all weekend with heater on to keep temp down. took to dealer monday, repaired, problem gone. |
| Mar | 2013 | 129000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 31620 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 40700 | 0 | Belt and bander (belt tensioner) Fan speed control |
| Nov | 2012 | 41100 | 0 | Fan speed control repaired. They received the piece. |
| Mar | 2013 | 43400 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 9500 | 0 | Reflash computer for a shift flair on 3-4 shift |
| Mar | 2013 | 20000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 91140 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 114460 | 0 | This is the second time I have had the stablizer bar replaced. There was no charge but I had to pay 50% of the cost of a front end alignment. |
| Jan | 2013 | 118420 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 40000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 61000 | 510 | Loose front stabilizer end links which sometimes made knocking noise on rough roads. Stabilizer end links were replaced. |
| Sep | 2012 | 85000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 38000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 38500 | 0 | end links |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Focus in Queensland, Australia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 4960 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 9920 | 220 | When stopping, car would jerk/shunt as auto transmission changed from 2nd to 1st gear |
| Oct | 2009 | 10320 | 220 | Shunting problem between 2nd & 1st gear (auto) when coming to a stop |
| Sep | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Focus in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 15000 | 0 | Dealer fixed intermittent headliner rattle just above the driver's head and a rattle in the instrument cluster. |
| May | 2009 | 16000 | 250 | Moonroof shattered while driving down the road and needed replacement. |
| May | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Focus in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 13020 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 13640 | 0 | Weather stripping on the front and rear passenger-side doors was pushed up into the frame by the window. They were pulled out and put back into place for now, with replacement weather stripping on order to be installed next week. |
| Dec | 2009 | 21080 | 0 | Chrome cladding (standard on SES) separated from the main driver door handle. Entire door handle had to replaced due to location of the break. |
| Apr | 2011 | 31000 | 0 | Window rubber seal on driver door engine sensor assembly leaking oil |
| Mar | 2013 | 48360 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 900 | 2nd gear failed in automatic transmission, transmission was replaced with new one by dealer under warranty. | |
| Mar | 2013 | 65000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 46000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 50000 | 40 | vehicle was found to have three worn or broken sway bar links and both rear shocks are bad. Left rear tire has broken belt. Will be doing the repairs myself. |
| May | 2010 | 54000 | 1200 | Unusual tire wear and front end noise. Took to dealer, was told that the front sway bars,rear anti torsion bars and rear shocks were bad. All tires needed replaced and alignment. Estimate of over $2000. repaired myself for $1200.00 |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Focus in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 13020 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 21080 | 388 | Link bushing replaced |
| Ford Focus in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2012 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 55000 | 0 | when you hit certain types of bumps in the road with passenger in the car, its sounds like the car is bottoming out. I'm having a problem with car not running smooth at idle |
| Ford Focus in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 34000 | 180 | Leaking steering rack seal. |
| Mar | 2013 | 87000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 10000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 13000 | 0 | Rattles. |
| Jan | 2012 | 42000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Kentucky, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2008 | 5000 | 0 | Transmission shifting in and out of OD at 44 mph No SPR or recall-contacted Parts and Service |
| Jun | 2009 | 15000 | 0 | At approx. 13.2K miles the Focus developed a whine/hum at 46, 48 to 50, 56, and 60 to 62 mph. I've had tire noise for over 13K miles, so I knew the new noise was not tires. Also, when flooring the car from take-off, the 1-2 shift has a 1 sec. hesitation |
| Jan | 2011 | 33000 | 0 | While driving, a slight rattling noise was coming from the right front wheel area. Right front axle half-shaft was replaced. While driving in the rain, when the brake pads got wet, braking would cause a loud "whoa, whoa, whoa" noise. Brake rotors were replaced. Now the noise is not as loud but, does it when braking in dry weather. Passenger side carpet would pull out from under door sill trim piece. SPR was done. Carpet clips were installed. Car was shaking at idle-idle rpm too low. car was lugging on slight hills-OD kick-in speed set too low. Two ECU upgrades were done. |
| Apr | 2011 | 36700 | 0 | I replaced the front brake pads myself. The tires were replaced also (3 sets in 36K miles). Problem seems to be OK. |
| Mar | 2013 | 58000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Ford Focus 2dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Ford Focus in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 69000 | 30 | Slow coolant leak, could not be replicated by dealer. Leaves small puddle under front drivers side. Antifreeze needs to be topped off every 3,000-5,000 mi. Plastic windshield washer nozzle froze, cracked, and fell off. Replaced by dealer. |
| Mar | 2013 | 73000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 8000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 18000 | 0 | Horn became barely audible, replaced horn, within 12 hrs horn @ half-volume, dealer claimed water got in horn, shorted, blamed lower valance was removed. 3 more trips to dealer, horn replaced again, and lower valance(splashpan) reinstalled |
| Dec | 2010 | 23000 | 0 | Horn replaced 6 mos. ago, AGAIN failed early December, had replaced again. |
| Mar | 2013 | 43000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Focus in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 0 | Transmission / Throttle light came on, dealer advised nothing was wrong, reset light Light appeared again, reported "Clutch pedal position switch faulty" and ordered switch. Dealer closed before part was delivered | |
| Mar | 2009 | 0 | Took car to a different dealer, found out the wiring for the clutch pedal was wrapped around the clutch pedal, frayed through the covering and shorted out causing light. - fixed wiring | |
| Jan | 2010 | 0 | Loud tick from injectors - Ford has a TSB out, loud knocking if car looses traction, (also has a TSB), clutch pedal is squeaky, Burning oil, Lost 1.5 gallons of coolant in 18 months. | |
| Mar | 2010 | 18000 | 0 | Loud ticking noise from injectors. TSB solution did not fix it. Bumper pops off, replaced right side bumper reinforcement. 2/3 gallon coolant leaked out after 1500 miles, ordered new water pump, not replaced yet. Squeak in rear suspension - told could not be replicated - told to point it out when water pump is replaced - was wet out. Coolant leak - water pump replaced - leaking faster now. |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Focus in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 0 | Front bumper had to be re-painted. | |
| Apr | 2008 | 0 | Rattle from under car - loose heat shield/guard - tightened. | |
| Jul | 2008 | 8700 | 0 | Car made horrible noise when reversing, sounded like rocks in the transmission. Cause was a rock caught in engine mount - shield was ordered and installed to prevent problem. |
| Aug | 2008 | 10300 | 0 | Window seals have been falling out since new, finally Ford had a TSB on it. Seems to be an issue with the 2-dr coupes. Took a week for parts to come in. Took almost 2 hours to have them replaced - the whole door interior panel had to come off. |
| Oct | 2008 | 13000 | 0 | Had broken door panel. Issue with SYNC system. Took 1 week for panel to come in. Door panel was replaced. Took 2 weeks for SYNC cable to arrive. SYNC system was updated. |
| Apr | 2009 | 18000 | 0 | Kept hearing rattling noise in front end. Needed new sway bar links in front end. Carpet/floor of trunk detached and was sliding around when taking corners, was re-attached. |
| Jun | 2009 | 19000 | 0 | Rubber cover came of clutch pedal; cover has tear. Dealership is ordering part. |
| Jul | 2009 | 19700 | 0 | Dealership called, new clutch pedal rubber cover is in. Went to dealership and it was installed, car was washed, and I was back on the road in less than 15 min. |
| Dec | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Ford Focus 2dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Ford Focus in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 34000 | 0 | Dash rattled. Rattle in passenger rear on interior roof which had slowly been falling down. |
| Ford Focus in Manitoba, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 19220 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 41540 | 0 | Engine was racing when car was stopped or slowing down. |
| Dec | 2012 | 61380 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2008 Ford Focus Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten 2008 Ford Focus problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2008 Ford Focus
blog comments powered by Disqus
