2005 Ford Focus Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Ford Focus has a complaint index of 23, ranking 11th worst out of 14 model years. It carries a Good verdict, capped from a higher rating because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete, with one recall and 441 total complaints logged.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 23/100
- #11 of 14 Focus years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 441
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 43
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 41
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 41 / 0
Top 2005 Ford Focus problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System122 (28%)
- Structure & Body95 (22%)
- Engine72 (16%)
- Airbags51 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires50 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain47 (11%)
- Brakes31 (7%)
- Fuel System27 (6%)
- Other26 (6%)
- Steering18 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Cigarette lighters have popped out and ignited nearby papers, causing burns to occupants.
- Hood latches have not stayed attached, letting the hood fly up and block the driver's view during a wreck.
- Seat belt retractors and locking mechanisms have failed to work properly in rear-end and frontal collisions.
- Front air bags have failed to deploy in frontal and side-impact crashes at speeds around 25 to 30 mph.
- Steering has popped or failed unexpectedly during highway lane changes, causing the car to slide sideways.
- Brakes have failed to slow the car promptly even after multiple pumps, in one case leading to a crash.
2005 Ford Focus recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V030000Feb 1, 2005Structure & Body589,932 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
2005 Ford Focus fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Ford Focus reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2005 Focus a complaint index of 23 and a Good verdict, ranking 11th worst among 14 model years. The verdict is capped to Good rather than higher because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
- What problems does the 2005 Ford Focus have?
- Owners most often report Electrical System issues, which make up 28% of complaints, followed by Structure & Body at 22% and Engine at 16%. The median mileage at failure across the model is 60,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Ford Focus have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2005 Focus, campaign 05V030000, covering the door latch and rocker seal on certain four- and five-door models. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2005 Focus compare to other model years?
- The 2005 Focus (complaint index 23) ranks better than years like 2012 (100), 2013 (85), and 2014 (92), which carry Avoid verdicts. The 2011 Focus has the lowest complaint index at 0 and a Best verdict.