2008 Ford Focus: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Ford Focus: 1 recall, 250 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #07V541000 · 2007 · 45 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition May prevent the driver air bag from properly deploying and reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace your driver air bag module free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2007.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (57): the most common themes are door / lock issues (16), stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (5).
- Body & structure (41): the most common themes are door / lock issues (37), rust / corrosion (4).
- Airbags (26): the most common themes are fails to deploy (12), warning light on (5).
- Latches & locks (25): the most common themes are door / lock issues (25).
The 2008 Ford Focus has 250 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 20 Focus model years for complaints (well below the 1105 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 61,640 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (391 complaints, 0 recalls), 2009 (229 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Ford Focus.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Ford Focus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2008 Ford Focus, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Ford Focus problems?
Owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (57), body & structure (41), airbags (26).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Focus get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Ford Focus repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.