2006 Ford Focus: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 204 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2023
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 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”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2020
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2019
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 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.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 22 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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."
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2006 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Focus by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Ford Focus reliable?
NHTSA has 204 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Ford Focus. The most complained-about area is electrical system (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Ford Focus problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 61,000 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Ford Focus have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.