MYRModel Year Report

2008 Ford Focus

▲ Better than typical
2008 Ford Focus
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Focus Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1999: 11 complaints 1999 2000: 3686 complaints 2001: 1761 complaints 2002: 939 complaints 2002 2003: 977 complaints 2004: 387 complaints 2005: 441 complaints 2005 2006: 204 complaints 2007: 391 complaints 2008: 250 complaints 2008 2009: 229 complaints 2010: 287 complaints 2011: 113 complaints 2011 2012: 3763 complaints 2013: 2106 complaints 2014: 2597 complaints 2014 2015: 1016 complaints 2016: 1178 complaints 2017: 894 complaints 2017 2018: 826 complaints 2018
2008: 250 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199911
20003686
20011761
2002939
2003977
2004387
2005441
2006204
2007391
2008250
2009229
2010287
2011113
20123763
20132106
20142597
20151016
20161178
2017894
2018826

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 23%

23% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and instrument cluster/panel.

STRUCTURE 17%

17% of complaints: structure — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 10%

10% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.

SUSPENSION 9%

9% of complaints: suspension — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and subframe/mounting bracket.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240320

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20071120 — air bags

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

I 20081014 — PE (closed 20090409)

TIRE VALVE CRACKING

R 20081217 — exterior lighting

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 (57 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (42 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 07V541000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2011 ▲ 2006 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2000 ■ 2014

See all years ranked →

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 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Focus have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.