2005 Ford Focus: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 3, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 169,000 miles · NH

Today my accelerator got stuck when pulling into a parking lot with my kids. I was luckily not going more than 10mph and was able to quickly put the car into neutral and stop the car without hitting anyone or anything. Earlier in the day I noticed it took a little more effort to push the gas pedal down, but not by much and after the car resting for several hours, it wasn't an issue anymore. I wasn't expecting it to be an issue later on. As far as electrical issues go; my headlights do not like to stay on. I have to play with the wires where they connect to the headlights in order for them to turn on, but they often do not stay on, and they frequently will turn off and on while driving, sometimes it's just one side, or alternating sides. This has been an issue for over a year and everytime I have work done to fix it, it only fixes it temporarily and it's back to doing this all over again.

Filed May 16, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 81,905 miles · NV

This is the third time I had to place front left and right head lamps and high beams . I brought this car off of enterprize dealer in nevada. Over the years I began haven lots of problems with this car. So much needed to be done on this car and I spent lots of money too. Not knowing until now this car has some recall issues. Passenger rear door replace and broken again. The rear brake are rusted and needs to be replace,drums pads ext.. Noise in the steering wheel when I turn the car.

Filed Dec 22, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 138,000 miles · PA · fire

Referring to case # [xxx]. Upon further inspection it was determined that the root cause of the short was in fact the small bundle of wires going into the liftgate. Repairs have been made to all affected wires. Including installation of a brand new headlight switch ford certified. Cost of repairs 2347 dollars and 97 cents.upon reading other complaints on this website I've seen at least 40 other cases caused by the same bundle of wires. This is very dangerous and as you can see could potentially cause a vehicle to burst into flames while driving. Something's gotta be done. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 21, 2013 · Electrical · 138,000 miles · PA · fire

Driving on route 209 approximately 40 miles an hour. I noticed white smoke coming through the dash. Immediately pulled the car over, put the car in park, removed the key, and got out of the car. With no key in the ignition the starter began turning over. I didn't have any tools to unhook the battery. The starter turned over for about a minute, then the windshield wipers, headlights, and horn all began activating. I immediately called my mechanic for emergency roadside assistance. After about 4 minutes of the wipers head lights and horn all activating with no key in the ignition, someone stopped and had some tools unhook the battery.mechanic showed up about five minutes later, had the car towed to his shop, and began searching for the problem. After removing the dash panels he says that the headlight switch cost a shortwhich melted all the wires togetherunder the dash and going back to the tail lights.he says it is due to the small wires that ford uses and they're harnesses and the way they twist them together so they will fit into the small plastic tube under the dash. I haven't been able to find a recall to attach this problem too. However I really think ford should be responsible for these damages. I'm considering this car a total loss.

Filed May 29, 2013 · Electrical · 176,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH with the headlights in operation, the headlights and instrument panel lights became extremely dim. The engine was turned off and the vehicle failed to restart. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and replaced the alternator. The failure was contributed to a faulty liftgate wiring harness. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000. Updated 08/15/13

Filed Dec 5, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 205,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 for focus zxw station wagon. The contact stated that when the key was in the ignition and the shift over ride button was depressed, the key would become locked in the ignition. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact glued the shift over ride button in place and changed the ignition, which resolved the failure. The contact also stated the metal frame of the driver's seat became cracked. The contact had to prop the seat up so that he could drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 205,000. Updated 02/20/13*lj the consumer stated the transmission was poorly designed. Updated 02/21/13 the consumer stated the experienced numerous problems with the transmission, after having the fluid flushed. The consumer stated the side view mirrors were rigid and were easy to break, the rear suspension springs were not designed to carry weight, which caused the vehicle to bounce on the highway and secondary road bumps. The heat shields attached to the exhaust system were designed poorly, to the point they were bent and caused a rattle. The steel rims, bent easily, which created a vibration and balance problem. The headlights lenses were discolored, the valve cover gasket leaked oil onto the spark plugs, the hood cables were defective. The hood cable froze and broke. Updated 07/25/13

Filed Jul 31, 2012 · Airbags, Seats · 45,000 miles · FL

I own a 2005 focus zx4 whom has been serviced several times for engine mounts, alternator, headlights/tail lights, stereo, and now passenger front seat airbag sensor. I was told back in 2009 that the passenger front seat airbag sensor was not covered by the extended warranty but the stereo was!!! So everytime I have an adult in the passenger front seat the airbag sensor in the seat malfunctions; a safety feature to keep your family safe is not covered and now I see another car manufacturer recalling the same thing but ford is not willing to fix. I called ford headquarters and no help or care to do so... This will be my last ford I purchase after years of growing up with fords. You would think they would care about their consumers.

Filed Jul 9, 2012 · Lights · 28,000 miles · MI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that the brake light bulbs overheated and as a result, melted the headlight assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000 and the current mileage was 58,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2008 · Locks · 36,500 miles · WA

My 2005 ford focus has broken and shorted wires on the wiring harness for the back hatch in my station wagon. When I turn on the ignition or the headlights the back hatch opens inadvertently. The wires are shorted to the hatch release solenoid. The hatch can open on the freeway. My local ford dealer refused to fix the problem. This is a recurring problem with the ford focus. Needs safety recall.

Filed Oct 6, 2005 · Body, Lights · CA

Dt: 2005 ford focus. The consumer stated the grill and headlights were out of place. When the vehicle was taken to the dealership, they were not sure if they were going to able to fix the problem. The dealership made adjustments, but the consumer didn't feel it was properly corrected. The consumer stated only one half of the headlight assembly was able to be put in compliance. He has been told the radiator support panel was built in an improper position. Ford stated the vehicle was built within tolerance. It should not affect any safety components. When the consumer asked for that in writing they were unsure of themselves. *ak the consumer stated the hood sits too low at the fender near the right a- pillar, the consumer stated there was no problem before the vehicle was serviced.