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2004 Ford Focus

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2004 Focus.

Body PASSENGER CAR

As a passenger car from the Ford Focus lineup, the 2004 model carries a 4.0-quart oil capacity with a 5W-20 API viscosity specification, the kind of service detail that anchors its maintenance profile. Reliability documentation for the model year shows 387 total owner complaints, with electrical system issues leading the field and six recalls attached to the chassis. Placed against the broader 1999–2018 complaint history, the 2004 sits in the middle band of the model's record—nowhere near the 3,881 complaints logged for 2000, but well above the 11 recorded for the 1999 debut year—pointing to a vehicle whose dependability had leveled off rather than collapsed.

Model year2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque94 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 96R · 500 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 96R · 500 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP185-65R14OEM · verified

Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	174.8 in
Overall width	66.9 in
Overall height	56.3 in
Wheelbase	103.1 in
Curb weight	2564 lb
Track (front / rear)	57.9 / 57.9 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Focus of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2004 ZTW Wagon

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2004	ZTW Wagon 2.3L I-4	7.80 sec	16.20 sec	145 hp	FWD
2005	ZX4 ST Sedan 2.3L I-4	7.70 sec	15.70 sec	151 hp	FWD
2005	ZX4 ST Sedan 2.3L I-4	7.70 sec	15.80 sec	151 hp	FWD
2005	ZX4 ST Sedan 2.3L I-4	7.90 sec	16.10 sec	151 hp	FWD
2002	ZX5 5-door Hatchback 2.0L I-4	9.00 sec	16.90 sec	130 hp	FWD
2002	SE Sedan 2.0L I-4	9.60 sec	17.30 sec	110 hp	FWD
2002	ZX5 5-door Hatchback 2.0L I-4	9.80 sec	17.20 sec	130 hp	FWD
2001	ZX3 3-door Hatchback 2.0L I-4	8.70 sec	16.80 sec	130 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 94 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Ford Mercon LV
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	6.9
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Clutch Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Coolant	USE FORD PREMIUM GOLD COOLANT
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	85 DOHC ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	20 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	12-15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	10-12 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	13 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	40 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0-22.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	94 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	199-233 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	173 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	AT: 760, DOHC MT: 725, SOHC MT: 750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	AT: 30, DOHC MT: 25, SOHC MT: 50 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Motorcraft
Spark Plug Gap	SOHC: 0.054, DOHC: 0.051 in
Spark Plug Torque	11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Motorcraft
Spark Plug Gap	0.049-0.053 in

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.60 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	7.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	96R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	500 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	40R ex. Zetec

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	15-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	188-195 °F
Pressure Test	20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	17-21 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	35.0-65.0 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	35-65
Injector Primary Resistance	11-18 DOHC ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	98 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	94 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	41 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	41 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	95 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0008 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

74 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	37 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
2	Loosen bolts 1/2 turn.
3	37 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees.	90 degrees
5	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	15 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	15 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	44 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
2	11 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
3	33 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees.	90 degrees
5	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

7.3 ft. lbs., step 2: turn 90

7.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Steering System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 100,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 mi	Timing Belt (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Drive Belt (replace) · Transmission Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2004 model sits at the low‑point of the first‑generation Focus’s federal record, with 387 complaints, six recalls, one investigation and 60 Technical Service Bulletins—far below the 1999‑2003 peaks (e.g., 3,881 complaints and 18 recalls in 2000) and markedly lower than the resurgence seen after 2011 (e.g., 3,789 complaints and 11 recalls in 2012). From 1999 through 2003 the data show a sharp rise in complaints, recalls, investigations and TSBs, then a steep decline beginning in 2004 that continues through 2009 before a modest rebound in the early‑2010s and another rise from 2012 onward. Within 2004, the dominant issue area is the Electrical System (145 reports), while brake, air‑bag and engine‑cooling complaints are comparatively minor; crash‑related complaints total 34 and fire‑related complaints 13, with no root‑cause details provided. This downward trend suggests that 2004 benefited from early‑generation refinements and experienced fewer systemic problems than surrounding years, making it a relatively strong candidate for purchase.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

387

Owner complaints

34 involved a crash · 13 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03’04’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 387 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System145

Service Brakes, Hydraulic22

Air Bags19

Engine & Engine Cooling16

Latches/Locks/Linkages13

Steering11

Vehicle Speed Control11

Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

12E007000EquipmentReported 24/02/2012

RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED… Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30…

05V030000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:LatchReported 01/02/2005

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW… Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 60 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
SSM 46085	2016-09-21	Engine And Engine Cooling	The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing…
16-0067	2016-04-21	Latches/Locks/Linkages	For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been…
TSB-14-0163	2014-09-09	Suspension	FORD: DUE TO HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE VEHICLES ARE OPERATED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS…
TSB-14-0162	2014-09-09	Structure	FORD: REAR DOOR LATCHES ARE EXPERIENCING CORROSION IN PAWL PIVOT AREA THAT PREVENT PROPER…
TSB-14-0148	2014-08-11	Latches/Locks/Linkages	FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, OPERATING FOR AN EXTENDED TIME IN HIGH CORROSION AREA, A SAFETY…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Focus. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 96R battery Vehicles taking 4.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2004 Focus take?

4.0 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C945-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2004 Focus have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.