2008 Ford Focus
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 3686 |
| 2001 | 1761 |
| 2002 | 939 |
| 2003 | 977 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 440 |
| 2006 | 204 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3755 |
| 2013 | 2103 |
| 2014 | 2586 |
| 2015 | 1007 |
| 2016 | 1174 |
| 2017 | 882 |
| 2018 | 821 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: electrical system — 52 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: structure — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING NW ON SR626 ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN A WHITE CAR PULLED FROM STOP SIGN STRIKING MY CAR IN THE PASS SIDE, HITTING REAR TIRE AND BODY JUST IN FRONT OF TIRE AS I WAS SWERVING LEFT TO MISS CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140513
9% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY SON REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ABOUT 35 MPH AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY OTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED
NHTSA ODI report, 20191006
THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190613
MY VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO BOTH PARTIES OCCUPYING THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190406
8% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 19 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE YOUR DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 07V541000 — check if this car was fixed
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Ford Focus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (52 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V541000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Ford Focus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Ford Focus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Focus?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Focus have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.