2004 Ford Focus: windshield wiper failure

8 of the 387 complaints about the 2004 Ford Focus describe windshield wiper failure.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 72,013
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Windshield wiper failure by model year

2018
2
2017
2
2016
13
2015
10
2014
27
2013
29
2012
48
2011
2
2010
2
2009
1
2008
2
2007
5
2006
2
2005
5
2004
8
2003
5
2002
8
2001
12
2000
31

What owners say

Filed Feb 4, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 142,000 miles · CA

My car was turned off and my dash lights would flicker and beep, my radio goes on and off by it self, the rear wiper and third brake light do not work, and now everything does not work.

Filed Apr 25, 2010 · Lights, Visibility · 00

2004 focus zwt 1. Loss of front wiper park function ! 2. Loss of headlight / auxiliary lamp function ! Happened at 2 separate incidents during 2009.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Lights · WA

1) turned headlight swith to "on" on my 2004 ford focus ztw 2) turning the headlights on caused the rear hatch to open uncommanded. 3) I removed the cover from the hatch and disconnected the wiper motor and latch unlock solenoid connectors. Then, to find the possible problem, I inspected the wire bundle in the area of the hatch hinge and found several wires frayed and broken. So turning on the headlights apparently sent a signal (short) to the latch solenoid. A friend had a similar problem. His hatch would pop open when the ignition was turned to start the car. Two dealers told me they would not be of any help unless I paid at least $350 to repair the problem. This is a safety issue. Remeber the chysler mini van hatch recall? I have been watching the toyota sua hearings and decided to challenge you guys and see if you would review and contact me as mr. Lahood said you would. I know you are busy and understaffed. I do not blame you as some are intent upon. I spent my life as an a&p mechanic at american airlines and know the importance of safety. Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you soon. Ps ford has had knowledge of this problem in other model years of the focus.

Filed May 22, 2009 · Visibility · 80,000 miles · CA

Windshield wipers will not return to home position when turned off.

Filed Jan 27, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 48,000 miles · WV

The ignition lock and the key would not come out. Had to be towed at midnight from the hospital in 18 degree weather. Dealership said manufacture part at a cost of $455.00. Brake noise no one can find. Replaced the windshield wiper arm twice. Will never buy ford again!!!

Filed Dec 4, 2006 · Visibility · 72,013 miles · OR

Windshield wiper motor on my ford focus. They slowly stopped working and then the hole unit went out on my 2 year old car. There is showing a recall for 2003 to 2005 ford focus wiper motors but some how my car is not on that recall. Nothing has been fixed yet because my extended warranty does not cover the wiper motor . This is an on going issue and a safety issue that ford should have to fix... This is why we pay so much money for these cars.

Filed Nov 18, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · 6,000 miles · NY

Brake problem. At about 2000 to 3000 miles breaks starts to squeal and grind. Took it in to service at dealer complaining about problem, as it got worse and was not normal in 6,000 miles. Was told no problem, routine break in. Then at 12,000 miles still a problem. Went to another dealer, said the same thing. Now with nearly 18,000 miles, rotors are grooved very bad. Evidence and warning was evident in the earlier miles as well. Ford has done nothing to help. I feel they owe me a new pair of rotors and pads. Also, complained of clutch noise problem. I have heard of a tsb claiming certain 2004 focus have a transaxle misalignment causing pre-mature clutch wear and noise. Wiper switch has been replaced by rc lacy ford, better service, but they won't service me anymore, since I did not buy it there, and ravena is so close. I need to contact crossroads about all future warranty issues and complaints. Doors in the rear also stick, and wear of door striker is evident. Tires have also been worn pretty bad pirelli 195/60 r15. Back pair are totally bald, and only have had like 18,000 miles, I think it was a alignment issue, which for a car 17 months old should not be an issue. I noticed wear at around 13,000 miles. During my second tire rotation. Have had too many problems with this new vehicle. Also issues with extreme chipping around the rear wheel well. Also have had a hesitation problem at about 25 MPH. #rd gear used to be difficult to engage. Please help me resolve these issues. I got nowhere with the dealers myself. The VIN is not the appropriate VIN. My car is a 2004 zx5 duratec 2.3e 5 spd. Almost all options included. Thank you.

Filed Mar 13, 2005 · Visibility · 4,324 miles · ME

Windshield wiper motor goes if it gets clogged up with a small amount of snow. The way the car is designed when you brush the car off from snow, some of it lodges into area that is hard to get the snow out of, when wipers are turned on the motor does not work. Had this replaced approx 4 or 5 months ago, and now it has happened again. I was told by the ford service dept this has happened to other focus owners. I have owned many different cars of varying makes and models and this is the first time I have ever had this problem, it is definately a design flaw. Some type of guard needs to be installed to protect it from snow and ice.