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.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 25, 2010
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FAILURE ON A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE KEY AT ONE TIME COULDN'T TURN THE IGNITION...NOW CAN'T REMOVE KEY FROM LOCK CYLINDER WITHOUT HAVING LOCKSMITH OR DEALERSHIP DO IT AT SUBSTANTIAL COST TO MYSELF. APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE AND IS WAY MORE WIDESPREAD THEN ANY LITTLE RECALL THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD...WE NEED A RECALL OR A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. I*TR
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2010
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION. WAS TOLD BY DEALER MOST COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS. LOCK ASSEMBLY REPLACED ON 04/0210 AND KEY STUCK IN IGNITION (NEW PART) 04/23/10. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED TWO OF THE FOUR ENGINE MOUNTS WERE BROKEN. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE FAILURE SHOULD NOT OCCURRED ON A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 131,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE IN A JERKING MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OFF THE ROADWAY. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AFTER WAITING FOR A FEW MOMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FUEL FILTER WAS REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE STOPPED. THE ENGINE LIGHT FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL PUMP DRIVER MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 06/04/10. *LJ THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED.
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, SHE COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 64,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Mar 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH OR MORE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IF THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Suspension, Tires, Mar 4, 2010
FORD FOCUS STATION WAGON WITH 40,000 MILES ON TIRES. TIRES WORN COMPLETELY DOWN TO BARE METAL ON BOTH REAR TIRES. I DROVE INTO A PARKING LOT TO SHOP AND HEARD HISSING NOISE. SAW DAMAGED TIRES CHANGED LEAKING TIRE TO SPARE TIRE. WEAR ON INSIDE OF REAR TIRES ONLY. LOCAL TIRE DEALER LOOKED AT ALIGNMENT AND COMMENTED THAT FOCUS TIRES FREQUENTLY BLOW DUE TO "TOW" IRREGULARITIES IN ALIGNMENT. DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TOW TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR TIRES. I REPLACED TIRES. I WAS ADVISED TO ROTATE TIRES FREQUENTLY AND HAVE ALIGNMENT CHECKED REGULARLY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 1, 2010
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. THE PROBLEM JUST BEGAN RECENTLY IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS DURING THE COLD WEATHER. IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN IT TO GET REPAIRED OR INSPECTED BUT I READ A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER MODEL THE FORD ESCAPE AND IT IS THE SAME RECALL TOYOTA IS DOING. I HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO A COUPLE OF ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AT DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS WHERE MY CAR IS JUST IDLE AND I CANNOT ACCELERATE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY UNLESS I PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN WHICH MAKES THE CAR TIRES BURN RUBBER AND SPEED OFF DANGEROUSLY. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 27, 2010
2006 FORD FOCUS ZX4 YELLOW AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH WENT ON AND REMAINED ON. DIAGNOSED AS HIGH RESISTANCE IN WIRING SYSTEM,MAKES SAFETY-AIRBAG- SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. DANGEROUS. REPAIRED BY FORD DEALER UNDER 5 YEAR WARRANTY BY REPLACEMENT OF CLOCKSPRING{WIRING PLASTICTAPE} IN STEERING WHEEL HUB. TO DETERMINE SEVERITY OF PROBLEM CHECK FORD REPLACEMENT PARTS RECORDS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OR MORE THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN LUNGING TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ESPECIALLY WHENEVER IT RAINED OR DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY ALIGNED THE REAR END; HOWEVER, THE SAME FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY WOULD ASSUME THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2010
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BINDS IN MY WIFE'S 2006 FOCUS. THE OTHER DAY IT STUCK OPEN AND WOULD NOT RELEASE WHILE SHE WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY. SHE GRABBED THE FLOOR MAT AND PULLED IT AWAY IN CASE IT WAS CAUSING IT TO NO EFFECT. SHE HIT THE BRAKES AND THE CAR WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULDN'T RESPOND TO INPUT IT WAS JAMMED, AFTER STOMPING HER FOOT ON IT SEVERAL TIMES IT FINALLY RELEASED. DEALER CLAIMED AT FIRST WAS FLOOR MAT BUT POINTED OUT MAT WAS SITTING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR - THEN CLAIMED IT WAS CARBON BUILD UP ON THROTTLE BODY CAUSING IT TO JAM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2010
AFTER ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPT 6, 2009, I NOTICED THAT THE GAS PEDAL SEEMS TO STICK ESPECIALLY AFTER OR DURING USE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. CAR ENGINE ALSO REVVED IN PARK ONCE, AND A COUPLE OF TIMES SEEMED HARD TO BRAKE. CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSED FOR $100. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS NOT RELATED TO ACCIDENT BUT THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE PEDAL IS STICKING AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE - COST ALMOST $400 NOT INCLUDING THE COST OF THE DIAGNOSTICS. SECOND DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED PRICE OF THROTTLE BODY AND SAID THAT I NEEDED TO GET IT FIXED BECAUSE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR IS A 2006 FORD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE CAR FIXED. I DON' T HAVE THAT MUCH MONEY, DEALERSHIP PUT THAT I REFUSED SERVICE. *TR
Parking brake, Feb 6, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 FORD FOCUS AND I AM A STUDENT AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN SAN MARCOS TEXAS. I AM 22 YEARS OLD AND BEEN SELF SUFFICIENT SINCE I WAS 18 YEARS OLD. I CHOSE A FORD FOCUS BECAUSE THE REVIEWS WERE GOOD AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT. LAST NOVEMBER MY KEY JUST WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAY THE FIX IS A LITTLE LESS THEN $800. I HAD LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF THE PART WAS RECALLED BUT IT WASN'T. THERE ARE OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE OFF OF GOOGLE THAT HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM ESPECIALLY THE 2006 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD BUT THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DID NOT REMOTELY CARE THAT ITS A MALFUNCTION ON THEIR PART. I AM UNABLE TO PAY $800 WHEN I PAY ALREADY FOR MY CAR, INSURANCE, MY APARTMENT, AND MOST IMPORTANT SCHOOL. IF THERE IS ANY WAY SOME ONE COULD CONTACT ME I WOULD BE MORE THEN WILLING TO SPEAK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *CN
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2010
2006 FORD FOCUS KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION....THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES......HAVE HAD TO SIT AND JIGGLE KEY BACK AND FORTH IN ORDER TO GET IT OUT OF IGNITION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 15, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. DURING APPLICATION THE ACCELERATOR BECOMES STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT, AND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS SHREDDING . SHE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT AN EXPENSE OF $300.00 DOLLARS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58000.
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2009
I HAVE A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE KEY HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY GETTING LOCKED INTO THE IGNITION. YOU CANNOT TAKE IT OUT AND EVENTUALLY MY KEY BROKE. THIS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT THAT A LOT OF OTHER FORD FOCUS CUSTOMERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING! *TR
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2009
2006 FORD FOCUS CONTINUOUSLY GETS THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION IT SEEMS IT IS DUE TO THE GEAR SHIFT NOT LOCKING IN PLACE. I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION ON A FEW OF THOSE OCCASIONS AND PLACE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. *TR
Seats, Oct 29, 2009
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BACK ON MY 2006 FOCUS BROKE WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR SAFELY, BUT SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CAN NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. UPON CONTACT A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $300.00 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32000.
Electrical system, Sep 17, 2009
ABOUT HALF TO 3/4 OF THE TIME MY IGNITION WILL NOT START ON MY FORD FOCUS. THIS PRESENTS A MAJOR PROBLEM WHEN I AM AWAY FROM THE HOME AND MY CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. AT TIMES I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY 20-50 TIMES FOR THE CAR TO COME ON. I AM 76 YEARS OLD AND THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR ME. I DON'T WANT TO EVEN DRIVE MY CAR FOR FEAR THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RE-START IT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2009
THE FUSE FOR THE RUNNING LAMPS KEPT BLOWING. A FEW DAYS LATER I SMELT A BURNING SMELL, PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE CAR, REMOVED KEY, BUT CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. A FEW DAYS LATER, BATTERY LIGHT KEPT FLASHING, TURNS OUT, THE ALTERNATOR WAS FRIED. TOOK IT TO FORD, WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER ELECTRICAL WORK. TOOK IT TO AN ELECTRICIAN, WAS TOLD A FEW WIRES TOUCHED METAL AND FUSED TOGETHER AND BURNT ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE FIREWALL. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE WIRES, THERE IS METAL SITTING UNDER THEM....THERE ARE NO CLIPS TO HELP HOLD THE WIRES AWAY FROM THE METAL. THERE IS SOME FORM OF PROTECTION ON THE WIRES, I DESCRIBE IT AS A FOAM...BUT ITS WORN THROUGH. WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED, HE REPLIED WITH "GOING OVER BUMPS, RAILROAD TRACKS, OR HITTING A POTHOLE. HE ALSO TOLD ME IT WAS A FIRE HAZARD. AS A CONSEQUENCE TO THIS, MY CAR IS NOW JUST SITTING, AND I WILL NOT DRIVE IT WITH IT BEING LABELED A FIRE HAZARD. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2009
MY KEY BECAME LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED WHILE ON VACATION. I COULD TURN THE CAR ON AND DRIVE IT BUT COULD NOT REMOVE IT, THEREFORE HAD TO END VACATION EARLY TO TAKE CARE TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE CAR WAS 75 DAYS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO FIX THIS- COSTING ME OVER $300.00. THEY (FORD) SAID IT WAS THE SAFETY SWITCH IN THE SHIFTER. VEHICLE HAD A LITTLE OVER 18,000 MILES. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED USED FROM AN ESTATE OF A LADY WHO HAD ONLY DRIVEN 8,000 MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CALIPER WAS CUTTING INTO THE BRAKE ROTORS. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FIRESTONE CENTER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT. SHE WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT BULB WAS MELTING DOWN THE PLASTIC COVER ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 22,000. THE TAILLIGHT SOCKET ASSEMBLIES OVERHEATED. UPDATED 09/04/09.*JB
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 13, 2009
THE KEY HAS BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT COME OUT BECAUSE THE CAR DOES NOT THINK IT IS PARK EVEN THOUGH IT IS PARKED. THE DEALER INSIST THAT THERE WAS A SODA SPILLED ON THE IGNITION AND THIS RESULTED IN THE CHIP IN THE IGNITION SHORTING OUT. THIS KEY HAS BEEN STUCK SINCE MAY AND HAS ONLY COME OUT OF THE IGNITION ONCE SINCE THEN! THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THEY HAVE TO ORDER THIS PART AND CHANGE OUT THE IGNITION TO FIX IT. SO FAR, THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AND WE CANNOT LOCK ALL OF THE DOORS BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR