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2008 Ford Focus recalls and problems

The 2008 Ford Focus has 1 safety recall and 250 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
250
Crashes / fires
21 / 0
Injuries / deaths
20 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Ford Focus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Ford Focus recalls

Recall 07V-541: Air Bags

Reported Nov 21, 2007 · 45 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Certain 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.

Risk: This condition may prevent the driver air bag from properly deploying and reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace your driver air bag module free of charge. The recall began on november 20, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2008 Ford Focus problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System57
Structure42
Air Bags27
Latches/Locks/Linkages25
Power Train23
Suspension23
Tires21
Unknown or Other18
Wheels14
Vehicle Speed Control14
Engine14
Steering12

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 27
  • Structure › Body › Door — 13
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 6
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 3
  • Suspension › Rear — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,640 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Ford Focus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Sep 25, 2025
The brakes went to the floor and the whole car locked up. When I pressed the brakes to slow down it felt like something on the brakes just fell apart. I was in a car accident because of this I hit another car no no
Air Bags · reported Jul 15, 2024
I purchased a 2008 Ford Focus from my father (now deceased). The airbag warning light has been on. When I had the OBD read, it came back with code # B2294 indicating a fault in a control module. My research makes me believe this vehicle should be included in NHTSA# 07V541000 (Ford # 07C19); however, both NHTSA and Ford say it isn't. I would like to find out why this particular vehicle was excluded and is there something I can do at this point to have it included.
Suspension · at 159,625 miles · reported Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a corroded subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe was significantly thin due to corrosion and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,625. The VIN was unavailable.
Tires · reported Oct 15, 2023
Steering began to wobble and vehicle pulling hard to the right. Took car to Tires Plus for alignment and inspection. Technician advised the drivers side front tire has advanced tread separation and the front passenger side tire is beginning to separate and is cupping. My daughter drives this car. 205/50R/16 87H, passenger tire is dot [XXX], drivers side is [XXX] . Tires rated for 65k, they only have 34k miles of wear on them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Unknown or Other · reported Apr 21, 2023
The trunk when pulled open will drop down. I pulled my trunk door all they way up went to get something inside the trunk it came down and hit me on the head. This has happened before I was able to catch it before it hit me. This time it hit me on the top of the head hard and my left hand when I tried to catch it. It comes down fast and forcefully. Something is wrong and seriously injure someone. I had a cut on my hand and couldn’t see my head for laceration. But I was afraid I could have been knocked out or had a concussion. Please look into this.

Other Ford Focus years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ford Focus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Ford Focus: 07V-541 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford Focus?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (57 reports), followed by structure (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,640 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.