Ford Focus Seats Problems
Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA about seats problems on the Ford Focus across 19 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (31). The words owners use most often: “driver seat” (26% of reports).
- 133seats complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 27mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Driver seat: mentioned in 34 of 133 complaints (26%)
- Rear ended: mentioned in 9 of 133 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do seats problems happen?
Based on 77 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 133 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 27 an injury.
Ford Focus seats complaints by model year
| Model year | Seats complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 3 | 0% | — |
| 2017 Focus | 3 | 0% | 2,100 |
| 2016 Focus | 4 | 0% | 17,000 |
| 2015 Focus | 2 | 0% | — |
| 2014 Focus | 2 | 0% | 11,500 |
| 2013 Focus | 4 | 0% | 19,150 |
| 2012 Focus | 9 | 0% | 34,500 |
| 2011 Focus | 2 | 2% | 50,500 |
| 2010 Focus | 3 | 1% | 3,000 |
| 2009 Focus | 2 | 1% | 22,050 |
| 2008 Focus | 3 | 1% | 16,074 |
| 2007 Focus | 6 | 2% | 81,250 |
| 2006 Focus | 5 | 2% | 54,000 |
| 2005 Focus | 10 | 2% | 112,800 |
| 2004 Focus | 8 | 2% | 70,000 |
| 2003 Focus | 18 | 2% | 89,000 |
| 2002 Focus | 5 | 1% | 34,000 |
| 2001 Focus | 13 | 1% | 131,650 |
| 2000 Focus | 31 | 1% | 50,750 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Seats:mid/rear assembly; seat belts:rear/other
Model years: 2017
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Focus vehicles. The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear second left side rear seat back as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C13.
Seats:front assembly:recliner
Model years: 2001
Problem: Pm certain sedans and wagons, the seat back recliner handle spring could have been damaged during an in-process test and the occupant may notice a chucking, or perceived looseness of the front seat back, or the seat back could unexpectedly recline.
Risk: If the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car is being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat back recliner handle spring for the driver and front passenger seats. Owner notification began april 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Seats:front assembly:recliner
Model years: 2000, 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: station wagons and 3-door vehicles. The subject vehicles have a folding 60/40 second seat that becomes a load floor in the folded position. When the 60% portion of the seat is folded down and a load is applied to the front edge of the load floor, the outboard hinge pivot could disengage from the hinge.
Risk: If the seat is then returned to the upright position without re-engaging the hinge pivot, the seat and seat belts may not provide the intended level of performance in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge pivot.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was in a vehicle crash in my 2015 Ford focus none of my airbags deployed. My seatbelt did not lock and my driver seat they came sideways.
1) A bracket that connects the seat to the rails that are attached to the floor had a weld break. Photos provided below. 2) The seat is no longer attached to the car in this particular part 3) No 4) I took the car to my dealer who did not physically look at it but refused to do anything to help me…
Back latch that makes the seat fold down wonât snap back into place.
[xxx] is my name. This about my 2012 ford focus which i bought in 2014 with 27000 miles. In july 2020 it has about 65000 miles. It has been used for local driving, not for commuting. After i drove it several thousands of miles i discovered that there was a leak in the roof above the driver's…
Ford focus purchased new for our daughter in 2016. We all noticed a stutter or jerking motion upon acceleration and odd feeling when it shifted gears. . This has been going on for years. This cars is essentially all my daughters. I advised her as well as calling myself to the dealership we…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Focuss have seats problems?
No. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints about seats for the Ford Focus. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Focus seats?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list seats. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about seats problems on the Ford Focus?
The most frequent phrase is “driver seat”, in 34 of 133 complaints, followed by “rear ended” (9).
Other Ford Focus problems
- Power Train problems (6,803)
- Electrical System problems (4,342)
- Engine problems (2,318)
- Steering problems (2,099)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,440)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (1,281)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (1,158)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,076)
See all Ford Focus problems.