7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$650
Average Mileage:
54,350 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. replace sound system (4 reports)
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problem #9

Apr 042019

Focus SE 2.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

I have taken it in for all recalls. The last one was a gas tank check in Dec.18. Went to Florida and in April. It began to sound like machine gun fire inside the car. Popping, fuzzing and scaring the crap out of me while I was driving. Then I would shut it off and the noise would continue. I was afraid that someone would think I was firing at people in the parking lot. After shut off, the radio would come on and play fine for about 10 minutes. Then the popping and firing would begin again, whether the radio was off or not. I called Ford and they told me there had been NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE RADIOS. It needs to be recalled and repaired. If it causes an accident Ford will really be in big trouble!!

- Patricia K., Grayling, MI, US

problem #8

Feb 012016

Focus SEL 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALL ON THIS MODEL. THE RADIO AND THE SYNC DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT AND FAULTY WIRING. THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THIS ISSUE. THIS SHOULDN'T BE PUT ON THE CONSUMER TO FIX, IF 90% OF THE SYSTEMS AREN'T WORKING FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS.

- Kim Thornton P., Dallas, GA, US

problem #7

Feb 132017

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,962 miles

Our stereo started making this loud cracking sound/thump and the stereo would stop working. Had to turn off the car and turn it back on for it to work again. It eventually got worse to the point where we now have a car with no stereo- we had to take the fuse out. The sound we happens even when the stereo was turned off.

- Felicia B., Yellowknife, NT, Canada

problem #6

Oct 062016

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

6/2/16 I received my car back from the dealership after having the Transmission Control Module replaced. 6/6/16- I phone the dealership to inform them that my audio system is producing a loud POPPING noise while driving, then shutting off completely. Upon turning off the car and starting it again, the audio was restored. I was informed by the dealership that they have not ever heard of this problem before 6/8/16- I phone the dealership again as the audio continues to go out and was informed that unless I bring the car into the dealership while it is experiencing the problem, there is nothing they can do. 6/11/16- after phoning the dealership on Fox Ford Lincoln Dealership multiple times throughout the week reporting that my audio system would sporadically make loud popping noises, screech, then go out, I took my car to the dealership to have it looked at. After an hour of waiting I was informed that there were no issues with the audio system. The audio would turn back on when the car was shut off and restarted again 6/12/16- the audio continues to make LOUD ear-shattering sounds while I am driving that startle me. 6/13/16- The audio in the car blasts loud piercing noises 4 more times while I am driving, but this times the CD player is still working and the time on the clock is still visible. I was told that there may be a lose wire from Fox Ford Lincoln Dealership. When I dropped my car off later in the month I had to fight to have a loner issued. I was told that I would be provided with 1 Uber ride, but had no means to travel for work. After having a third-party contact the dealership, I was issued a loaner. 7/7/16- paid $334.36 to have the audio control module fixed even though I had not ever previously had an issue with the audio system prior to getting the car back from having the Transmission Control Module (a manufacturer recall) replaced. The cost was reduced from the original quote of $684.36 because I had someone else call on my behalf and voice their concern over the matter.

- Megan L., Chicago, IL, US

problem #5

Sep 012016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 86,000 miles

the radio made a loud popping noise out of the speaker and never play again it stay on FORD,, radio last a long time on our old car with the old turn knob//and there still around ford should fix this problem ,,please speak out on this issues

- dambrino, North Fork, CA, US

problem #4

Aug 012016

Focus SEL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

Bought my 2012 Ford Focus used, end of 2013. Radio and CD player worked fine until beginning of 2016. Then sound would cut out, loud pop noises ( that made me jump, while driving ). Happened occasionally, then it all stopped. No sound, no radio, no CD playing. The time and day still show on the radio screen. Read numerous complaints online and dealerships charging up to $1000 to possibly fix or not fix the problem. Also pulled up YouTube videos to see how to remove the radio. One of the comments suggested "Buy a new $100 radio at Best Buy and have their crew install it - cheaper than the dealership." Others said re-setting system may or may not help. Not sure what I'm going to do, since I'm financially broke. Not life threatening, just really annoying. You don't realize how much you love your music, until it's gone, especially on a long drive.

- monarrez, Woodland Hills, CA, US

problem #3

Feb 102016

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Started out as very loud static from the sound system. Even with the car turned off the static and popping would go on for 20-30 minutes. I was afraid to leave the car in the garage for fear it would catch fire! Eventually the whole system went out - no radio - no CD player. When I took the car in to have the CLUTCH REPLACED they said it will cost ME $700-$800 to replace the system. I have a friend who offered to install a new stereo but apparently Ford made sure that didn't happen. There is a code they will not share to get any new stereo installed to work. I have done my research and this is a problem with the Focus from 2012 - 2014. Why isn't Ford fixing this? This is my FOURTH Ford purchase and it will be my last.

- Kathleen B., Troy, OH, US

problem #2

Nov 012015

Focus 2.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,427 miles

AUX for playing music from the memory stick is no longer working. The computer detects the stick is installed but cannot read it.

- Peter H., Chiang Mai, Thailand

problem #1

Apr 152015

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 46,603 miles

All that needs to be said is that a car that is not even four years old that has a sound system defect, should be covered by at least the extended warranty. I spent over 2k for the "extra care" extended warranty and this has proven to be a complete waste of money. The radio, a sound system, should function as expected if used under normal conditions. If I would have not spent the $2075 on this useless warranty extension I could have used that money to repair the issues I've tried to get service for, besides this radio issue. The radio has been checked by Ford and has been certified as "needing complete replacement". I've only used the radio and or the aux input. Now I drive in silence and every so often I push the "on button" to see if it has perhaps come back to life.... Only to read "Ford Audio Welcome" welcome to silence and disappointment and the feeling you get when you vow never to invest in another Ford product as I have been burned and laughed at for years and I officially give up trying to believe Ford is something to believe in.

- xopher007, Laval, QC, Canada