Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2008 Ford Focus: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationOne of the best Focus years.
250 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Focus?The 2008 Ford Focus has 250 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and structure. Owners most often flag rust on rocker panels and under doors.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Ford Focus vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Focus years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Focus?
Across the 20 Focus model years we track, complaint volume runs from 11 (1999) to 5,240 (2014). With 250 complaints, the 2008 Focus sits below the model's median of 1,018.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Focus
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 08E050000K2 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 07V541000CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
What owners report on the 2nd generation Focus
Owners of the 2005-2012 Focus consistently describe it as one of the most dependable and durable compact cars they have owned, with many reporting 200,000 to 400,000 miles on original drivetrains with only routine maintenance.
- Very frequentRust on rocker panels and under doors
- IsolatedLong crank before start due to fuel pressure regulator or check valve
- IsolatedRough idle or vibration from worn rear engine mount
- IsolatedBrake booster failure causing hissing and loss of brake pressure
- IsolatedHeater control switch air distribution mode door failure
Owner insights for the 2nd generation Focus. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Focus listings typically run $7,194–$10,865 across 2003 to 2018 model years.
Other Focus model years
Compare every Focus year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Focus against its rivals
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