2004 Ford Focus
Here’s a comprehensive list of common issues and complaints for the 2004 Ford Focus, categorized and formatted as requested.
The 2004 Ford Focus was a popular compact car known for its nimble handling and fuel efficiency. Engine options included a 2.0L Zetec inline-4 producing 130 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.3L Duratec inline-4 producing 145 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally liked the Focus’s affordability, fuel economy, and sporty feel, but disliked some reliability issues and the interior quality.
Engine
2.0L Zetec Inline-4
- Rough Idle/Stalling
- Description/Symptoms: Engine idles roughly, especially when cold. May stall at idle.
- Solution: Clean the throttle body and idle air control valve (IACV). Check for vacuum leaks and replace any damaged hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Check Engine Light - Oxygen Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic codes indicate a faulty oxygen sensor (O2 sensor). Reduced fuel economy may also be present.
- Solution: Replace the faulty oxygen sensor. There are typically two O2 sensors: one upstream (before the catalytic converter) and one downstream (after the catalytic converter).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
2.3L Duratec Inline-4
- Check Engine Light - Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic codes indicate issues with the VVT system. Engine may run rough, especially at idle. Reduced power or fuel economy may also be present.
- Solution: Replace the faulty VVT solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Rattle
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise coming from the engine, especially on startup or when idling. This is often caused by a worn or stretched timing chain.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides. It’s also recommended to inspect and replace the sprockets if necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or Erratic Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, hesitates during shifts, or shifts erratically. May be accompanied by a clunking noise.
- Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the problem persists, further diagnosis is needed, potentially indicating internal damage requiring a rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush and filter: $150 - $300. Rebuild/replacement: $1500 - $3500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially under light acceleration. Stalling may also occur.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Manual
- Difficulty Shifting into Gears
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging certain gears, especially 1st or reverse. Grinding noises may also be present.
- Solution: Check and replace the clutch cable if necessary. If the problem persists, the clutch disc, pressure plate, or throw-out bearing may need replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Clutch cable: $50-$150. Clutch replacement: $400 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Struts/Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll when cornering, and poor handling. Increased stopping distance may also be noticed.
- Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks. It’s recommended to replace them in pairs (front or rear).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per pair.
- Recalls: None Found
- Broken Coil Springs
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits lower on one side. Clunking or rattling noises coming from the suspension.
- Solution: Replace the broken coil spring. It’s recommended to replace them in pairs (front or rear).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per pair.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery light illuminated on the dashboard. Dimming headlights, slow cranking, or complete failure to start.
- Solution: Replace the faulty alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning or not working at all. The entire cluster may flicker or go blank.
- Solution: In some cases, the cluster can be repaired. Otherwise, replacement is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Repair: $100-$300. Replacement: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The power window fails to operate. A clicking sound may be heard when the switch is activated.
- Solution: Replace the power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$400
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Especially around wheel wells and rocker panels)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the body panels, particularly in areas prone to moisture and road salt exposure.
- Solution: Rust repair involves removing the rust, treating the affected area, and repainting. The severity of the rust will determine the cost.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on severity and location)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the roof and sags down.
- Solution: Replace the headliner fabric or the entire headliner assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The interior door handle breaks or becomes difficult to use.
- Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Ford Focus is generally considered a reliable car, but certain issues are common. Engine and transmission problems can range from relatively inexpensive fixes like cleaning the throttle body to more costly repairs such as replacing the timing chain or torque converter. Suspension issues like worn struts/shocks are typical for vehicles of this age. Electrical problems and rust are also common concerns. The severity of these issues varies, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problem areas and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing.