The Lemon Index2008 Ford Focus.
The 2008 Ford Focus is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 72 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about tires, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 28 mpg combined. The best Ford Focus year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 250 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Ford Focus year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 32K to 100K miles on the car (199 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 57K–125K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 49K–110K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 26K–117K miles
Recalls 2
- lights 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES.
- airbags 2007
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 19 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Customer concern of the power steering (p/s)
- Slight tire shake or vibration caused by temporary tire flat spotting
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedTire valve cracking2008–2009
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2008 Ford Focus reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Focus year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2008 Ford Focus problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are tires (19%), doors, locks & latches (15%) and suspension (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Focus have?
2 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Focus get?
28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Focus problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 32,000 and 100,000 miles. The middle report was at 61,600 miles, from 199 complaints.
Does the 2008 Ford Focus have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Ford Focus cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Ford Focus have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Ford Focus year is better than the 2008?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2010 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works