The Focus is a compact car manufactured by American automaker Ford and sold in many different markets around the world, The Focus has been available in the Unites States since 2000 and was redesigned in 2008. Between 2000 and 2007, the Focus was offered as a station wagon, along with sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles. Despite sales success and generally good reliability ratings, the Focus wagon has become known for several common problems.
Some of the most common problems with the Ford Focus wagon, along with the other Focus body styles, involve the interior accessories. Ignition problems are especially common, with many instances of cars that can't be started, keys becoming stuck in the ignition, and keys that can't be turned to all of the available positions. Sometimes there problems can be solved with repeated attempts to turn the key, but other situations require professional service. Other interior accessory problems involve the Focus's radio, cigarette lighter, and dashboard gauges.
Another problem area for the Focus wagon is the engine and powertrain. Some cars have been known to stall while driving, and others are subject to stalling when coming to a stop or idling. Excessive noise and vibration, along with a lack of power, have also been reported by many Focus wagon owners. Most engine problems like these are covered under a new vehicle's powertrain warranty, but in the case of older vehicles they may require extensive repair or replacement of the entire engine assembly.
The Ford Focus wagon has been the subject of many recalls to deal with known issues. A 2006 recall that affected more than 58,000 vehicles was enacted because of faulty fuel filters that were prone to leaking. In 2000, approximately 95,000 vehicles were recalled due to folding seats that could become damaged and fail to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Faulty lug nuts were the cause of a 2001 recall that involved nearly a quarter of a million vehicles. Additional recalls dealt with the Focus wagon's windshield, battery cables, steering, and front seats.
The Ford Focus wagon has also been recalled for specific problems with safety equipment. In 2008 nearly 2,000 vehicles were recalled because of a problem with the headlights. A separate headlight issue was resolved with a 2009 recall of more than 42,000 vehicles. A 2002 recall of some 61,000 cars allowed dealers to replace turn signals that failed to meet federal safety standards. In 2005 more than half a million Fords were recalled because of faulty door latches.
Another series of problems with the Ford Focus wagon concern general shortcomings that have been cited by drivers and automotive critics. Earlier models are often deemed under-powered, especially the very first Focus wagons, which featured a 100 horsepower, four cylinder engine. On later models, while more powerful engines were offered, the overall design of the car becomes the center of complaints for its lack of refinement or styling updates by Ford. Overall reliability, and the need for so many recalls are also cited as drawbacks to owning a Focus wagon.
