Problems with 2004 Ford Focus STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. while the vehicle was undergoing routine service, the technician noticed that the front and rear subframe/crossmember/k-frame was rusted through. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. while driving at various speeds, a rattling type noise was heard coming from the rear wheel area. while inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger shock absorber punctured through the wheel well. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the failure was due to rusting and corrosion of the wheel well. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 114,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from the front driver side door. the front driver side door swung open independently. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 770,714.

While driving the vehicle stopped running suddenly. my daughter saw steam or smoke coming from the front engine compartment. within a minute or so the whole front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. the fire was intense, the top of the engine was melted, the interior of the dash was destroyed, and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair. it looks like the most intense fire area was around the fuse panel. i did contact ford through several avenues but they appeared to be disinterested. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. the contact stated that the rear passenger side door would not remain closed and the rear driver side door could not be opened from the exterior of the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection of repairs. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 130,000.

I have two issues with my ford focus (2004) first, i ran into a problem with the ignition switch and it will not turn. i left the key in for a couple of months when this initially happened but, it wore out my alternator and i had to have it replaced. i removed the key once the new alternator was installed. i had some minor success with inserting the key and had to bang on it with my hand to get it to turn. this worked successfully for 2 weeks. the ignition switch is now frozen. i am back to square one. secondly, the trunk latch doesn't close properly and i have to use my remote to reopen the mechanism in order to get it to close. very aggravating. i will not purchase another ford if these issues are not recalled. *tr

The door handles, interior and exterior, fail to open the doors. the problem has been intermittent, and can be sometimes be mitigated by using a key to lock and then unlock the door, though this doesn't always work. the problem has been getting worse with time. this is a problem with safety and security, in the event that one cannot enter the vehicle.

2004 focus belt tensioner broke and battery failed. *ts the front door had to be aligned and the door seal was replaced. the throttle cable had to be re-routed due to the cable binding. the front wheel bearings were replaced. the left rear motor assembly was replaced, the 3rd brake light lens and right side cv axle was replaced. the transmission started shifting erratically. the consumer attempted to make a turn, and the transmission would shift from 1st to 2nd gear until the engine revved up past 6000 rpm. the consumer was told there was a problem with the servo pistons. the transmission was eventually repaired. the battery failed 5 times. *jb

Dt: the consumer stated that while driving, the cruise control activated by itself and caused the vehicle to accelerate. the acceleration was rapid in nature. the contact was not attempting to use the cruise control at that time, she was approaching a stop sign. the vehicle has not been to dealer or a mechanic for a diagnosis of the problem. *ak the consumer also stated the windshield lining was coming apart, one of the rotors were warped. updated 11/29/05. *jb

The cigarette lighter after being pushed in getting hot popped out of the holder and landed either on the occupant's lap or on the carpeting. when this was shown to the rental company, and a demonstration was done, the lighter burned the representative's legs. this was a budget rental vehicle.*ak

The rear doors are intermittently inoperable. they sometimes jam and will not open, and then there are times the won't shut. however, there have been times while driving that door will just open on it own.*ak