Ford Focus headlights problems

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · ME

A major electrical issue has occurred in this car since June 1, 2025. The Traction Control System dashboard indicator (the skidding car) comes on even though I am not using the TCS. When this happens, I get a message saying "Hill start assist not available," and am unable to manipulate my headlights, use turn signals, or lock/unlock my doors (I need to use the physical key to lock/unlock the driver's side door). If this "Hill start assist" issue occurs and I turn off my car (or if it occurs when the car is off), then I am unable to start my car. I get a new message saying "No Key Detected," and the ignition does nothing. I have a physical key, and not a fob. If the TCS light goes away, then I am able to start up my car. However, this is unpredictable; there appears to be no way to force the TCS light to disappear, and sometimes it will stay on for over an hour with my key in the "on" position. As of late, it hasn't gone away at all, making the car unusable. This causes obvious safety issues when on the road, as I cannot use turn signals or change my lights as it gets darker or it begins to rain/snow. When not on the road, I cannot use my car at all. A dealer recently confirmed the problem with the Body Control Module, but was unable to fix it. They managed to turn the car on, but the problems returned after 24 hours. As I was driving home on July 18, 2025, the TCS light came on and suddenly I could not use turn signals or change my lights. I still had over an hour to drive home. I did arrive home safely, but have not been able to use my car since.

Filed May 6, 2024 · Lights · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he became aware that the headlamp was not illuminating properly. The contact stated that the bulbs inside headlamp housings were overheating, causing the headlamps to become burned. The headlights and bulbs were replaced by the contact however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure with headlamps were very concerning while driving the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Nov 9, 2023 · Lights, Transmission · 46,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked and shuddered, and lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that while driving at night, she became aware that the headlamps provided inadequate illumination, severely compromising nighttime visibility. After a visual inspection of the headlamps, the contact became aware that the housing had deteriorated significantly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the transmission but diagnosis for the failure with the headlamps. The contact was informed that the headlamps needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission was replaced however, the failure recurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V813000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Lights · 75,366 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was inoperable. The headlamp failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that there was condensation in the headlight housing. The contact was informed that the headlight housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,366.

Filed Jan 21, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · SC

I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others. Do we have some manufacturer defects on this particular vehicle? Have other concerns which could be the result of vehicle wear and tear, or/and due to manufacturer defects as well. Inner tie rods need replaced as well as control arms/bushings, as reported to me by a mechanic. I have seen recall reports related to the 2002 Ford Focus in which there has been issues directly related to what I'm reporting, which is another reason I'm filing a report. Thank you. The contact wanted to add that the wipers are experiencing an electrical issue as well. When in use, the wipers cannot be switched off when it is at the highest position because it will not return in the downward position.

Filed Jun 15, 2022 · Lights, Suspension · OH

The contact stated that her mother-in-law owns a 2007 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her mother-in-law was driving at an unknown speed, the front passenger’s side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a control arm failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 2 weeks later the driver’s side wheel detached. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic who stated that the control arm had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 3 months later while stopped at a traffic light, the driver was unable to control the vehicle as the front passenger’s side wheel detached from the vehicle as well as the transmission slid into the engine. The transmission observation was by the tow truck company. The vehicle was towed to the owner's residence. The failure cause was not diagnosed by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the tow company informed her that the vehicle was unable to be towed on the flatbed due to the fact that the front end of the vehicle might detach. The contact stated that the headlights would also flicker on and off while driving. The contact stated that the independent mechanic replaced the light bulbs however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · Lights · 4,402 miles · NC

On 12/13/2016 I brought my 2016 ford focus to the dealer because the auto headlights system will come on when I felt like it and it also affected the navigation screen lighting it will come on and go into night mode the said they fix the problem then on04/17/19 I brought it back to the dealer for the same problem they said they fix the problem again and now march 2021 I'm having the same problem again something is going on

Filed Feb 8, 2021 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · IL

My vehicle started all of the sudden to make some noises after the engine is off and the headlights are turning on on their own.we were told the battery is low , which we replaced but the vehicle still does the same.vehicle was parked when we first noticed.

Filed Jan 3, 2021 · Electrical, Visibility · TN

Love my ford for the most part; however, there seems to be a multitude of sensor problems ... The engine light keeps coming on and has to be rest again and again. The "open door" light stays on when headlights are running. Trunk opening button does not always work. The window closing button only works part time on front passenger side. The knobs for the heating/AC no longer work. The air directional button has also stopped working. Recently, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped working but it sounds like the motor is still working. I purchased my 2007 ff in 2011, paid it off in 2016. It now has over 235k miles on it. While all these issues have been a nuisance to contend with it has been a pleasure to own. I currently am working on getting the gasket changed for a second time, but that is work my son takes care of. I have reluctantly began began looking for another vehicle, as this one is finally wearing out.

Filed Dec 13, 2020 · Electrical · 92,000 miles · IA

Vehicle was having many electrical issues including security system randomly going off, headlights flickering, inability to start engine, inability to stop engine even when electrical was powered down and battery drainage. The problem was the body control module (bcm) having been damaged from washer fluid ingress from the pump, along the wire harness, then into the bcm. Corrosion and damage was beyond repair. Needed to replace and reprogram. Will be without a vehicle for 2 months because of part backorder. Repair costs will end up being close to $2,000.