2014 Ford Focus · symptom sheet
Doors, latches or locks fail
- 65owner reports
- 49,300median miles
- $680median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
102 of the 2,452 complaints on this car are about the latches and locks. 65 of those describe door latch.
Tick what matches of 65 reports
Door latch on other Focus years
No other Focus model year has enough reports of door latch for a sheet of its own. See every Focus year.
What this problem usually is
Door complaints sound minor until you read them. The most common is a "door ajar" warning with every door shut. Others describe a door that won't open from inside, one that won't latch at all, locks that cycle on their own, and occasionally a door that opened while the car was moving.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the latch (62 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the latches and locks cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly.
The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button.
A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
All 12 recalls on the 2014 Ford Focus, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the latches and locks on the Focus
Door latch failures. Closed feb 7, 2022, led to recall 20V-177.
Door latch failure. Closed oct 29, 2016, led to recall 16V-643.
Rear door latch failure. Closed feb 4, 2005, led to recall 05V-030.
Rear door latch failure. Closed aug 20, 2004.
What owners paid
6 of the 65 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $450 to $4,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 34,500 and 96,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I noticed that KIA had a recall for emergency trunk release. I have a 2014 Ford Focus. The manual says there should be a release latch in the trunk, but there is none.”
Filed Oct 20, 2023
“My daughter opened the passenger side rear door. When she pulled it shut it would not catch. Because the door would not shut the door ajar warning is staying on. We were out so I had to drive it home and it came open. So we tied it with a rope. I'm taking it to a dealership tomorrow.”
Filed Jul 17, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 65 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 847 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 565 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 156 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 134 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 104 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 86 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 85 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 66 reports
- Fuel pump failure 41 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 37 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 36 reports
- Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 34 reports
- Fuel smells, leaks, or the gauge reads wrong 30 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 28 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 28 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 28 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 27 reports