2006 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 204 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 22 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 19 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
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 THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
204 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Mar 10, 2026
My sister was driving my 2006 Ford Focus along a highway. Out of nowhere, the airbag in the side of the driver's seat deployed. This was the only airbag that deployed. The airbag deployed into the side of my sister emitting a white smoke or powder substance. She saw black from the trauma of the airbag impact. She was able to then gain control of the vehicle as no other vehicles were around. She got into the emergency lane and slowly made her way to the offramp then into a gravel parking lot. She then called her daughter to pick her up, who then took her to the ER. She was not thinking clearly or she would have called an ambulance. My husband took off work and took our car dolly and towed the vehicle to our house. My sister was diagnosed with head trauma, concussion, and whiplash. She has since been to her primary doctor who is following her care now. My sister now has ongoing foggy head, headaches, slower reactions, pain going down her leg and arm and dizziness. We have made contact with Ford and made a complaint, giving a case number and told they would contact me with 15 business days. As of today, no one has contacted us, so my sister called Ford and basically had to file another complaint, given a second case number, then told her for me to file a report with my insurance company and take the vehicle to Ford to have the airbags inspected. I immediately called my insurance company and am waiting for the adjuster to call me today. I was informed due to the price of a new airbag and the year of my Focus, it will likely be totaled. I will have the car towed to Ted Russell Ford in Knoxville as soon as I am told how to proceed with the towing by the adjuster.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2023
Driving on hiway and vehicle shifted gears. Would no shift normally afterwards. Tried several times. Left myself and granddaughter in hiway in danger. Had local mechanic inspect the vehicle. Was told defective shifting linkage. Has occurred multiple times.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2023
Shifting linkage, was driving and went to shift into next gear and nothing. Clutch engaged, shifter goes in slot but doesn't stay it won't lock into gear, further examination found rubber clip and plastic clip from linkage broken and had fallen to topside of transmission.
Suspension, Jan 31, 2023
The welded retainer of the front bushing on the right side lower (control) arm had rusted through. This allowed the control arm to separate from the frame and the right front wheel to turn outward (while I was traveling straight ahead). The drive shaft was pulled from the transmission and some parts hit the ground. Luckily, I was approaching a stop sign and traveling at less than 30 miles per hour. (The day before I was on I95 at 65 mph) Upon inspection you can see that the control arm is forged in the shape of a "C" from very thick metal where the bushing rests against the arm. However, the bushing is retained by a much thinner metal, welded across the arm forming the other side of the "C". It is that thinner welded retainer that had rusted out. We live in an area where salt is routinely used on the roads during the winter. I know the car is very old. However, this design is inadequate from a safety perspective in the Northeast.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 9, 2020
THE WIRING HARNESS FLEXES WHERE IT PASSES FROM THE BODY TO THE TAILGATE CAUSING THE IINSULATION AND WIRING TO BREAK AND SHORT TO THE BODY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE AND NO REAR LIGHTS. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILST DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY OPENING THE HATCHBACK.
Air bags, Mar 14, 2020
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON AFTER CAR WAS PARKED AND THEN STARTED. ENGINE STARTED, AND THE AIR BAG SRS LIGHT CAME ON AS PART OF SELF TEST, WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS, CAME BACK ON THEN STAYED ON. CAR WAS NEVER IN A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT. ONLY ACCIDENT WAS SCRATCHED BUMPER FROM SIDESWIPE WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. CHECKED UNDER AND AROUND 2 FRONT SEATS FOR DEBRIS PER OWNER'S MANUAL. ALL OK WITH INSPECTION. LATCHED AND UNLATCHED SEAT BELTS (DR AND PASS), PULLED AND RETRACTED SEAT BELTS. NO CHANGE, AIR BAG LIGHT STILL ON.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2020
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND GAS PEDDLE GET STUCK AND SOMETIMES WONT PUSH DOWN TO GO SOMETIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL LIGHTS FLICKER ALL THE TIME WHEN I HAVE THEM ON AT NIGHT GOTTIN PULLED OVER A COUPLE OF TIMES TOOKIN IT TOO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID EVERYTHINGS OK ON HIGHWAY 36 BETWEEN BROOKFIELD AND CHILLICOTHE MO
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THEY ATTEMPT TO FILL THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL WOULD BEGIN TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT OF THE SAME OPENING THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE FUEL INTO AS IF THE FUEL WAS SPEWING BACK AT THEM. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (MULLINAX FORD OF PALM BEACH LOCATED AT 1210 NORTHLAKE BLVD, LAKE PARK, FL 33403; PHONE NUMBER 888-856-1675) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,156.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE RPMS SKY ROCKETED. TURNS OUT IT WAS A BROKEN CRUISE CONTROL MODULE CABLE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO GET "STUCK". AT THE SAME TIME IT WAS ALSO BOGGING OUT AND SHUTTING ITSELF OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON THROWING A P071? CODE WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH O2 LEVELS.THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A BROKEN "BREATHER HOSE" WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE AIR INTAKE. BOTH PARTS HAVE PROVEN TO BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TRACK DOWN. AFTER REPLACING THE "BREATHER HOSE", CCM THROTTLE CABLE, AND ALSO AN O2 SENSOR THE OVERALL COST FOR PARTS WAS $300 AND LABOR WAS $300. THANKFULLY NO INJURIES.
Wheels, Jun 12, 2019
I PURCHASED 2 BF GOODRICH G-FORCE SPORT COMP-2 RADIAL 205/50.R16 87Z SL TIRES ON APRIL 15, 2019 FROM AMAZON, INSTALLED ON FRONT TIRE POSITIONS ON MAY 9, 2019. REAR TIRES ARE GENERAL G-MAX AS-03 WHICH ARE THE SAME SIZE AND WERE USED THE SUMMER BEFORE WITH NO ISSUES, STILL SIGNIFICANT TREAD LIFE LEFT AND NO DAMAGE. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE INFLATED TO 36 PSI AFTER INSTALLATION. WHEN DRIVING ON ANY KIND OF MOISTURE, RAIN NIGHT BEFORE OR DRIZZLE OR POURING RAIN, FRONT TIRES DO NOT GRIP ROAD SURFACE AND HAVE ALMOST LED TO NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS AT VARYING SPEEDS ON RURAL ROADS, CITY STREETS, AND HIGHWAYS, ANYWHERE FROM 20MPH TO 75MPH. I HAVE NOW BECOME USED TO THE DANGER OF THE BF GOODRICH TIRES AND DRIVE EXTREMELY SLOWLY IN WET CONDITIONS. AS I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE, I ALWAYS PUT THE NEW TIRES ON THE FRONT TO ENSURE TRACTION IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE BF GOODRICH TIRES HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN ME KILLED MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF TIMES. AS STATED BY ANOTHER CONSUMER, I ALSO HAD TROUBLE MOUNTING ONE OF THE BF GOODRICH TIRES TO THE WHEEL AS IT DID NOT WANT TO BEAD AND NOW THE TIRE PRESSURE IN THAT TIRE WILL FLUCTUATE, WHICH HAS LED TO DAILY PRESSURE CHECKS. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH ANY GENERAL BRAND TIRES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE PURCHASED BF GOODRICH TIRES AND I NEVER WILL EVER AGAIN. I HAVE DRIVEN UP TO 180KPH ON THE GERMAN AUTOBAHN IN LESSER QUALITY VEHICLES WITH COOPER BRAND TIRES, AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN AS SCARED AS I HAVE BEEN DOING 70MPH IN DRIZZLE WITH BF GOODRICH TIRES. IT FEELS LIKE DRIVING ON ICE, NO HANDLING, NO CONTROL, JUST SLIDING. I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE GENERAL TIRES ON THE REAR WHICH HAVE KEPT ME FROM CRASHING, AND WILL BE PURCHASING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE(THE ONLY REASON I HAVE KEPT THE BF GOODRICH FOR THIS LONG IS BECAUSE I HOPED THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE BROKEN IN A LITTLE BUT IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND IT'S STILL SCARY).
Service brakes, Apr 25, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED, BUT WAS TAKEN TO A MEDICAL EMERGENCY CENTER FOR OBSERVATION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,459.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2019
TAMARA RECALL. MY OUTSIDE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE BECAUSE THE MECHANISM IS PLASTIC. NO ONE CAN FIX IT CORRECTLY AND IT KEEPS BREAKING SO NOW I CAN'T GET MY CAR INSPECTION DONE.
Structure, Mar 2, 2019
PASSENGER BACK DOOR LATCH BROKE. CAR DOOR TAPED
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCHES FAILED. SHORTLY AFTER, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY REPLACED THE REAR LATCHES AND STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jul 17, 2018
REAR HATCH WIRING HARNESS HAS FRAYED WIRES AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE THERE IS RUBBING AGAINST WIRING HARNESS FROM THE RUBBER BOOT COVERING IT. THESE WIRES ARE LIVE AND CAUSE A FIRE AND ARE ALWAYS ON DUE TO CONNECTION TO ALL REAR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. I FOUND THIS OUT WHEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY MY REAR HATCH WOULD NOT OPEN UNLESS UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2018, crash
HELLO NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, I WOULD LIKE TO CREATE A VEHICLE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE FORD FOCUS 2006 SEDAN ZX4 THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017. WHILE DRIVING WITHIN A SERVICE ROAD, THE VEHICLE'S STALLED AND STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING UPON MULTIPLE INSTANCES OVER THE SAME DAY OF PURCHASING AND THROUGH OUT THE WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 22 - SEPTEMBER 30TH. AS A RESULT, I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OF LANSING POWER MOTORS INC. FOR AN INSPECTION SEPTEMBER 23, 2017. UPON COMPLETION OF THE INSPECTION, THE MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT "NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE" AND SUGGESTED TO PURCHASE A NEW COMPUTER FOR THE VEHICLE. ON OCTOBER 30, 2017 I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHICH I THINK WAS DUE TO BAD ELECTRICAL BRAKES WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BEING T-BONED BY ANOTHER DRIVER WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL OR STOP COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AS OF MAY 14, 2018. IN ADDITION, NOTICED THAT ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED WHILE THE CAR STALLED AND DURING START-UP OF THE VEHICLE. UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE CAR NOT BEING RECALLED, DUE TO RECEIVING A MAILED NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE RECALL OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER. CAN PROVIDE THE NAME UPON CONTACT REGARDING THE VEHICLE COMPLIANT SUBMISSION OF THE FORM. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, CONSIDERATION, AND I HOPE THAT THIS INFORMATION MAY ASSIST YOU REGARDING THE CREATION OF A VEHICLE COMPLAINT.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2018
MY KEY WONT WORK ANYMORE. CAR WONT START. I WAS AT THE GAS STATION. WHEN I WENT TO TURN ON THE CAR IT JUST WOULDLN'T START UP THE CAR. ON THE DASHBOARD THE CAR AND LOCK LIGHT CAME ON AND KEPT FLASHING. I TRIED DIFFERENT WAYS AND NOTHING WORKED. I HAD TO TOW MY CAR HOME
Power train, Equipment, Mar 6, 2018
2006 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ANTI THEFT SYSTEM AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *LD *JS
Air bags, Jan 22, 2018
" TAKATA RECALL " DON'T FEEL SAFETY AFTER GOT AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE.FEEL IN SHOCK SOMETHING COULD HAPPEN TO ME AND MY FAMILY.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2018
CABIN FILTER - FILTER IS EXCLUDED IN THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE. ELECTRIC WINDOWS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY . AIRBAG- WAS NEVER INSPECTED BY DEALER
Structure, Sep 22, 2017
EVERY FOCUS OWNER I HAVE TALKED WITH HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE DOOR HANDLES BREAKING. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME SINCE 2013 THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME, AND IF I DON'T FIX IT MYSELF, DEALERSHIPS WANT TO CHARGE $250 TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, AND COVERED ON FORD'S EXPENSE. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, FEBRUARY 2017, IT BROKE NOT ONLY ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT ALSO THE INSIDE HANDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. SO NEITHER THE OUTSIDE, NOR INSIDE LATCH WILL OPEN ON, AND THAT'S A DEATH SENTENCE IF (KNOCK ON WOOD) I GET INTO A BAD ACCIDENT. SEPTEMBER 19TH 2017, THE EXTERNAL HANDLE IS BROKEN AND I AM CURRENTLY NOW UNABLE TO OPEN NEITHER DOOR (IT'S A 2 DOOR). I LITERALLY HAVE TO CRAWL THROUGH THE HATCH UNTIL THAT DECIDES TO BREAK ON ME. I CAN LEAVE MY WINDOW DOWN JUST ENOUGH TO STICK MY ARM IN TO UNLATCH IT, BUT U LOVE IN RAIN ASS OHIO, AND DON'T FEEL LIKE HAVING FLOOD ISSUES ONTOP OF THIS MESS. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED? I SWEAR I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD IN MY LIFE AFTER HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS. IT'S ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS AND SADLY WILL TAKE SOMEONE DYING TO GET THIS ACKNOWLEDGED BY FORD. VERY DISAPPOINTED, AND I'M RISKING MY LIFE EVERYTIME I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL.
Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 6, 2017, crash
RAINFALL ON/OFF/MODERATE. TIRES ~5/32" TREAD; MICHELIN; AGE? WHILE NAVIGATING INTERCHANGE FROM I-64W TO I-81N (STAUNTON, VA) CAR LOST TRACTION. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO STEER TO INSIDE CURVE SHOULDER RESULTED IN VIOLENT FISHTAILING & TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SLID ABOUT 100 YDS. IN GRASSY DITCH, FLIPPING "1+?" TIMES, LEAVING DRIVER HANGING UPSIDE DOWN. LEFT TEMPLE HEAD INJURY. STERNUM INJURY UNDER SHOULDER BELT. DRIVER WALKED AWAY DIZZY BUT ORIENTED. "RECKLESS DRIVING" CITATION ISSUED. CAR TOTALLED. GROCERY TRIP ENDED BADLY BUT DRIVER GLAD TO BE "ALIVE". OWNER PURCHASED AUTO USED IN 2013 SEEKING ESC AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT. FORD DENIED PROVISION OF SAME. ACCIDENT ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE/UNNECESSARY DUE TO MANUFACTURER NEGLECT OF KEY SAFETY EQUIPMENT AS STANDARD ISSUE (ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL.)
Air bags, May 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER AIR BAG RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jan 12, 2017
PURCHASED NEW, HAVE HAD IN TO FORD DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR AIR BAG LIGHT ON BOTH ON CLUSTER AND ON DASH. FORD DID WHAT AMOUNTED TO TEMP FIX 3 TIMES, I MOVED LATER PAID NEARLY $1OOO TO REPLACE PARTS. FIX LASTED FEW WEEKS. LIGHT OUT RIGHT NOW BUT ONE OR BOTH LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON ABOUT EVERY OTHER WEEK. FORD HAS BEEN USELESS AS TO PERMANENT FIX. HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH FORD F-250 BUT WITH ENGINE. MOVING OR STOPPED SOMEONE IN BOTH SEATS OR NOT IT KEEPS HAPPENING.