2006 Ford Focus problems and complaints

Owners have filed 204 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Ford Focus. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (47), Air Bags (39), Vehicle Speed Control (25).

Key takeaways

  • 204 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 22 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 19 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4723%
Air Bags3919%
Vehicle Speed Control2512%
Structure157%
Power Train147%
Latches/Locks/Linkages147%
Service Brakes136%
Unknown Or Other126%
Tires126%
Suspension105%
Fuel/Propulsion System105%
Fuel System73%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2006 Ford Focus 2-DR. HatchbackNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2006 Ford Focus 4-DR.Not ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Air Bags - filed 2026-03-10

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 a...

Power Train,unknown Or Other - filed 2023-09-22

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.

Unknown Or Other - filed 2023-07-26

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.

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More for the 2006 Ford Focus

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.