All About The Ford Focus Radio Problems/Recalls

Larry P
Jan 19, 2021

Ford is among the top automakers in the industry. The company’s goal is to produce safe and reliable vehicles. However, problems can occur during production, and many times those issues aren’t known until later. If the problem is significant enough, like problems with the radio, Ford may issue a recall.

Are there any open radio recalls on the Ford Focus?  

As of Sep. 2020, no. However, there are recorded complaints from Focus owners about problems with the radio: 

  • Radio stopped working/Doesn’t turn on 
  • Popping, crackling noises from speakers 

Blue 2018 Ford Focus With White Background

Thankfully, this article will discuss the problems Ford Focus owners were having with their radios and any steps you can take if your car is affected.

Loud Popping/Cracking Noises Coming from Speakers

Although many people hold the Ford Focus in high regard, it does experience occasional problems. One of the most frequent complaints is a loud popping/crackling noise coming from the speakers. Additionally, some owners complain of white noise. In some cases, a faulty speaker connection caused the problem.

Radio Stopped Working/Doesn’t Turn on

2018 Ford Focus Radio

Some owners stated their radios randomly stopped working or would not turn on. Some drivers reported turning their cars off and back on again to get the radio to work properly. Others said they would unplug their batteries for five minutes, and the radio would return to normal.

However, the problem with these quick fixes is they’ll need to be repeated over and over again. The radio has several power connections, and a problem with any one of those connections could be causing the issues reported by consumers.

Potential Fixes

Ford did not issue a recall or any guidance for Focus owners who were having problems with their radios. If you currently own a Ford Focus, check to see if the warranty covers radios (if you still have a warranty). Other owners were able to fix the problem by downloading Sync software updates found here.

If not, you might need to schedule an appointment with a certified technician to inspect and possibly repair the problem. Expect to pay around $80 to $120 to have a technician diagnose the problem (parts and repairs not included).

What to Do if Your Ford Focus Has a Recall

To check and see if there is a Ford Focus Recall, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). Once you’ve submitted your VIN, you’ll get a notice referencing any open recalls. Make sure to take note if the recall is still open.

Ford also has a recall website that lets you enter your car’s VIN to check for open recalls. Or, you can call Ford’s customer service line at 1 (800) 392-3673 and ask the representative for any recall information and what steps you need to take.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Serge (Québec, Canada) on August 4, 2022
Ford Focus 2015(bought new)
At 150,000 KM, radio started to crack and pop. Like everyone else said, the sound can make you jump and heart practically jumps out of my chest! After about 1hr of driving, the radio display would stay lit up but nothing is displayed. Power butting works but would just give a faint blue screen on half the display when turning it off and at times there would be a delay before the button registers what was demanded of it. I tried unplugging the cd player from within the module and presto, thought the issue was fixed and determined the issue was with a faulty cd player but this seemed to help only for a few days. Then it started again! I noticed that the left side of the module (metal radio box) was hot to the touch and if I left my hand there, it would burn. I looked inside the module and it would seem that there are 2 square chips touching the metal module box and these are what was getting super hot! I noticed they both had white paste but didnt seem to be covering the whole metal area on the chip so I cleaned it and added computer silicone paste made for CPUs (which get extremely hot). It was getting late so I only had time to play the radio for about 5 min and noticed the same area to the left of the module, still getting hot but not as much, ill test it tomorrow for a full hour to see but honestly, FORD should make this a recall because of the loud terrifying pop sounds it makes to seriously, a fire hazard. I would suggest to everyone, open your dash up and touch the box to see if it gets way to hot and if so, unplug all cabled from the back of the module until resolved! Meanwhile I am going to try buying buying a 100$ replacement module and see if that also gets hot. Hope this helps you 'proud' FORD owners. This is the last FORD I will ever buy if they don't recall, and the message will get passed along to my children and social media for sure!
accountCircle Serge (Québec, Canada) on August 4, 2022
Ford focus 2015 | RADIO Goes off intermittently + Crack POP sounds
At 150,000 KM, radio started to crack and pop. Like everyone else said, the sound can make you jump and heart practically jumps out of my chest! After about 1hr of driving, the radio display would stay lit up but nothing is displayed. Power butting works but would just give a faint blue screen on half the display when turning it off and at times there would be a delay before the button registers what was demanded of it. I tried unplugging the cd player from within the module and presto, thought the issue was fixed and determined the issue was with a faulty cd player but this seemed to help only for a few days. Then it started again! I noticed that the left side of the module (metal radio box) was hot to the touch and if I left my hand there, it would burn. I looked inside the module and it would seem that there are 2 square chips touching the metal module box and these are what was getting super hot! I noticed they both had white paste but didnt seem to be covering the whole metal area on the chip so I cleaned it and added computer silicone paste made for CPUs (which get extremely hot). It was getting late so I only had time to play the radio for about 5 min and noticed the same area to the left of the module, still getting hot but not as much, ill test it tomorrow for a full hour to see but honestly, FORD should make this a recall because of the loud terrifying pop sounds it makes to seriously, a fire hazard. I would suggest to everyone, open your dash up and touch the box to see if it gets way to hot and if so, unplug all cabled from the back of the module until resolved! Meanwhile I am going to try buying buying a 100$ replacement module and see if that also gets hot. Hope this helps you 'proud' FORD owners. This is the last FORD I will ever buy if they don't recall, and the message will get passed along to my children and social media for sure!
accountCircle Serge on August 4, 2022
Ford focus 2015 | Radio issue + crack POP sounds
At 150,000 KM, radio started to crack and pop. Like everyone else said, the sound can make you jump and heart practically jumps out of my chest! After about 1hr of driving, the radio display would stay lit up but nothing is displayed. Power butting works but would just give a faint blue screen on half the display when turning it off and at times there would be a delay before the button registers what was demanded of it. I tried unplugging the cd player from within the module and presto, thought the issue was fixed and determined the issue was with a faulty cd player but this seemed to help only for a few days. Then it started again! I noticed that the left side of the module (metal radio box) was hot to the touch and if I left my hand there, it would burn. I looked inside the module and it would seem that there are 2 square chips touching the metal module box and these are what was getting super hot! I noticed they both had white paste but didnt seem to be covering the whole metal area on the chip so I cleaned it and added computer silicone paste made for CPUs (which get extremely hot). It was getting late so I only had time to play the radio for about 5 min and noticed the same area to the left of the module, still getting hot but not as much, ill test it tomorrow for a full hour to see but honestly, FORD should make this a recall because of the loud terrifying pop sounds it makes to seriously, a fire hazard. I would suggest to everyone, open your dash up and touch the box to see if it gets way to hot and if so, unplug all cabled from the back of the module until resolved! Meanwhile I am going to try buying buying a 100$ replacement module and see if that also gets hot. Hope this helps you 'proud' FORD owners. This is the last FORD I will ever buy if they don't recall, and the message will get passed along to my children and social media for sure!
accountCircle Sherry Wilkins on May 4, 2023
Nearly had a heart attack driving down the road in my 2012 Ford Focus SE!
My 2012 Ford Focus SE suddenly made a very, very loud popping sound while I was driving don’t the road. I’m 70yrs. Old and I’d like to live a little longer Ford Company. I initially thought I’d been shot but when I realized I was still breathing I assumed the radio station must’ve received a lightning strike and passed it on to their list! The station went off when this happened. I thought that was it and it was over. I wish! Afterwards, when I arrived to my destination, it was still off. Later when I got back in the car,a few hours later, the radio was back on. I thought, thank heavens! Mainly because I don’t have the money to repair something like this. I’m living off of Soc.Sec. Need I say more. Ever since this first incident, it began happening sporadically. After a little while it starting getting worse. Now it’s not just one loud pop, it’s the pop and cracking that goes on. I started leaving the radio off. Well, that worked for a time but now it makes the sound with the radio off. And get this I was at the laundry mat. When I came back to my car you could hear the loud cracking and popping and my car was OFF!! What the heck??? How is that even possible ??That has happened numerous times now! I just wish I could unplug it! Can you see some stranger walking by or one of my neighbors being scared to death by a sudden pop? In todays society! I think the Ford folks better think better of making this thing right. There are some old folks around here who aren’t very nice. I wouldn’t mess with them if I had a choice. Ford…..Do The Right Thing! PLEASE!
accountCircle Shirley Mosley on June 25, 2024
2013 Ford Focus Radio extremely loud terrifying sounds from the speakers even when it's parked with no keys in the ignition just sitting in my driveway it smells extremely hot very concerned
So my story is much like everyone else's couple months ago or weeks ago I noticed a pop from my speakers while I was driving extremely loud from all speakers and then no sound at all having very rarely then my sister and I got out of the car turned off the ignition to the key out as we open the door to exit the car the loudest static noise from all speakers just was constant and I didn't know how to make it stop I finally got in and put the key in the ignition and turned it back on and that got it to stop it has since then gotten way more frequent it is crackling popping loud static noise sitting in my driveway anywhere anytime at random doesn't even have to have a key just happens I did notice an extremely hot smell coming from the inside of my car is the only way I could explain it and my car was not overheating so I'm very concerned that my car is going to be burned to the ground one day my driveway and possibly burn my house down as well I don't know how to tear out a dash in radio and unplug wires and I don't have the money to take somebody take it to somebody to have it done so the fact that there is not a recall on this with so many people having the exact same issue is absurd
accountCircle Donna on May 24, 2024
Radio died
This is my first Ford car, and my last! First within the first 3 months I had to have the clutch replaced because of issues while driving. Apparently there was an issue they already knew about. My radio started cracking and popping. The first time I thought I was going to have a heart attack! A friend was in the car when it happened they about had one as well. My car has only 44,225 miles on it. The rear backing in the hatch back panel has come unglued. My headliner panel cloth has come apart from the panel. That started not long after buying the car. My windshield fluid reservoir won't keep fluid. That happened almost 3 years ago. I just bought a replacement to fix. I've never owned a car with so many issues asthese.
accountCircle Isabella on June 14, 2024
2013 Ford Focus SE
So I got my car.Maybe two years ago and a year later I experienced popping and crackling like other people are saying I just read all the reviews About it, I don't know what to do with my car.I would start driving And? It would be allowed to crackle and popping I had to take the fuse out of my car so it would stop popping and crackle So I wouldn't get into an accident. I don't know what to do My step dad told me to buy a new radio but I don't know if that's going to fix it. I have poured at least eight grand into my car to fix everything As far as I know as everything but I don't know what to do I am completely lost.This car has been nothing but Issues.
accountCircle My wife's car on February 4, 2024
Worst company to deal with!
2013 ford focus, already been through the transmission problem recall. Ford left us out to dry. Car was undriveable. Said they were waiting for parts. My wife needs her car, no answer from Ford. Took it to a transmission shop and paid to have it fixed. A year later the Ford dealer phones to say they have the part. Now the radio doesn't work. Same problem I'm reading about here. Popping noise, then shuts down. Would come back but then off again. Now it just shows date, time, temp. Ford is the worst, never again. I phoned the dealer and got geeze never heard of this problem before. But we don't deal with radio stuff on the cars. Ffs what a joke.
accountCircle Carla on November 12, 2021
Ms
VERY Loud crackling and noise that scares the heck out of you! OR, The radio doesn't work at all. Usually happens within minutes of starting the car. Ford Needs to make this right! Not having a radio, or one that is constantly scaring people because of the loud noise, crackling IS a safety hazard. Word of Mouth is the best form of advertising a company can have. My 2013 focus has had many issues. We have always been a ford family and are in the process of buying a new vehicle in the next couple months. We are seriously considering buying a different brand because of our experience with this car and fords refusal to make it right,.
accountCircle Don on May 9, 2023
2013 ford focus module....accident will happen
I only have 999926 km on car over all runs well and still in good shape as of now since the cracking pop hissing has started im so scared to drive. First time in2022 scared the c**p out of me pulled over so fast and jumped out and 2 guys came running cause they heard the sound they looked around and said it's coming from the dash...ever since then I have to prepare myself..took to garage charged me $1000 ya I know stupid me. 3months late(2023) it's back and advised garage (Ford) in St Hubert QCsaid I'd have to PAID again to have it fixed...ripoff Recall should be done before some gets killed ...
accountCircle Don on May 9, 2023
Loud cracking and hissing
2013 ford focus started 2022 loud cracking and hissing etc. First time while Driving I froze scared the hell out of me thank God I was not on a busy street. Stop and 2 guys came running there heard the sound. Went to Ford said oh it the radio module we'll change cost me $1000 🤬. After 3 months started up again so scared to drive my car. Drove on the highway and bam it did it again . Why can ford admin and Recall ...before some has an accident. If I end up at garage they said they charge me again to repair...rip-off artist...
accountCircle Jerry on January 28, 2022
2013 Ford Focus radio issues
The radio stopped working at about 135K miles. Before that, it would stop working from time to time, but would work fine the next day. Now, popping and squeaky noises that can be irritating at the least and can sometimes be loud and scare you half to death. Checked the fuses and none are blown. I had to go into the dash and disconnected the radio to make the popping and squeaky to stop for fear that this could cause an accident. Since there is no radio recall, I'm looking at replacing the radio with an aftermarket radio kit.
accountCircle Norman B on June 5, 2023
Start being honest and respect your customers.
Biggest ripoff , Ford should be ashamed of the trash they put on the market , 2014 focus hatchback six transmission repairs and another one needed now because it keeps slipping into neutral timing cover leaks now I have to always drive with the AC on otherwise all the coolant leaks from the overflow reservoir new water pump and thermostat , I'm tired broke and frustrated because I can't even drive the car out of town, great going built Ford tough , what a joke, F-ound O-n R-oad D-ead F-ix O-r R-epair D-aily.
accountCircle Hailey on August 11, 2022
Loud popping and crackling
Mine is a 2014 Ford focus with that same stereo crackling and loud popping that everyone is talking about. I cannot believe Ford won't do a recal on this as it is super hazardous and distracting while driving. I can't even drive two minutes without some frequency noise or a loud pop that makes me almost crash. Absolutely insane. They also want 190 dollars just to do a diagnostic of an issue that should be recalled and that is not including the price of repair. I'm appalled.
accountCircle Beth A Pritt on March 12, 2022
Bethaljalil1@gmail.com
Having the same issue as everyone else with my 2013 ford focus. That loud cracking sound about gives me a heart attack its SO LOUD!!! Definitely a hazard cause u never know when its going to happen while your driving. My husband had to disconnect from behind the dash for me. So now no radio smh. Ford should be ashamed of themselves for all the problems these cars have had and they knew it when they released them. Needs to be a class act lawsuit on this radio situation!!
accountCircle Krystal on April 18, 2023
2012 Ford Focus radio speaks pop
First issue was the speakers. Would just stop playing music from the aux and radio or any audio feature. Then after a while the speakers would pop and crackle and then stop working. Now when I go to open the door the speakers would pop and crackle and make static noise for good couple minutes even before turning on the car. And now it doesn't work at all. The only message on the screen says Ford audio welcome and it doesn't do anything else. Just powers off.
accountCircle Brandon on May 28, 2022
Radio problems
2013 focus st. Started with the popping and cracking, would reset after turning car on and off. Eventually was doing while car was off and parked. Removed fuse. Removed head unit and found melted/overheated solder joint on board. Remelted solder and cleaned and replaced heat sink compound. Worked for couple days then problem again. Now just shows time, date and temp. Flashes when I try power button and only menu button works for clock.
accountCircle Kari on December 20, 2022
LOUD POPPING/CRACKING/WHITE NOISE in 2013 Focus
The loud, random booms from my 2013 Ford Focus speakers have nearly caused me to crash on several occasions. Over the last 3 months, the sounds increased in frequency and intensity before the radio finally died. The screen shows only the date, time, and a few blue squares. After searching inline for help, it appears many are having this issue. Where the heck is the recall??!
accountCircle Linda on May 18, 2022
My radio scared the poop out of me!
I have 2012 Ford Focus and out of the blue the radio started making this kind popping noise and just about made me wreck and now it won’t come on at all but when I hit the alarm to get on you can here it popping on the inside from the speakers! I’m sorry to me this is a hazard! The loud popping makes me wonder what else is fixing to happen
accountCircle Colby Wilks on June 24, 2022
Worst car I’ve ever owned 2012 Ford Focus
Besides countless issues and THOUSANDS put into a car with less than 100,000 miles, I now get to hear loud crackling and popping through the speakers. You can’t even turn off the the radio fully. It’s extremely hazardous because it’s alarming and loud. I will never buy another Ford. Make a recall!
accountCircle Megan on May 25, 2022
Radio 2014 died focus
My radio in 2014 Ford Focus started randomly making a popping sound and then not working. After turning the car off and back on it wouldsometimes fix it. Now it’s making this horrible squeal Sound even when the radio is off because it doesn’t work anyway. Comeon ford clearly there is a problem.
accountCircle Mark on January 31, 2022
Lead technician
Have a 2014 focus and the radio is driving me insane. Works sometimes, doesn't work at all other times and randomly will pop and crackle super loud. Very distracting and frustrating to get scared randomly by these loud noises at any point driving down the road. Ford definitely needs to do a recall.
accountCircle Annie on October 27, 2022
Help. Any fixes???
Popping crackingin 2013 Ford Focus Radio. Now it won't even come on , so no hands free phone either. Scared me to death the first time it happened. Took it to Ford dealership, only to be told Ineed a total new radio. Cost me $130 for the diagnosis, so was scared to get a quote for a radio system!
accountCircle Angie on September 26, 2023
Radio Cracking
Just as everyone else has said, my radio started crackling loud enough that anyone in a gas station parking lot could hear it. It is scary when driving and it starts popping and crackling. Shortly after that started, the whole radio quit working. No radio/blue tooth/CD/Aux. Nothing!!!!
accountCircle Tired and exhausted on October 26, 2022
Radio never turns off
One Day I turned the car on, and the radio was playing but would never turn off, so for two days the car was off, and the radio was still on. Ford wanted 1200.00 to replace it, I got an aftermarket radio. This car is trash so many fixes within a 6month time.
accountCircle Tequia on April 5, 2022
Radio
Why aren’t you guys doing a recall on the radio.We have to ride around with loud crackling noises that scares me til I’m about to wreck. It’s just ridiculous that every one is going through the same thing and nothing being done. No recalls? Seriously
accountCircle Pamela Varner on January 30, 2022
Radio module needs to be replaced
Radio on this vehicle Ford focus 2015 is nothing but trash. Ford needs to recall this model. I'm having all of the same problems that everyone is posting. Sometimes feel like putting a match to it. $829.00 for a new module
accountCircle Carrie on January 9, 2022
Car speakers and radio not working
Speakers are popping, crackling, white noise sounds,making squeaking noises even when vehicle is off. Radio also doesn't work keeps turning on when it wants to, and turning off whenever also volume changes by itself
accountCircle Dynasty Minger on June 23, 2021
Radio
Have a 2014 Ford Focus and my radio is making a crackling and popping sound and I think they should do a recall on it the computer on it could get hot enough to catch fire someone told me so they should recall it
accountCircle RAYMOND KAZALSKI on March 18, 2022
2015 FORD FOCUS SE
LOUD STATIC NOISES COMING FROM SPAEAKERS, RADIO WOULD NOT TURN ON OR ADJUST VOLUME. I CHECKED THE FUSE FOR AUDIO SYSTEM IT WAS NOT BLOWN AND AFTER PUTTING IT BACK IN EVERYTHING WORKED FINE?
accountCircle Debora Johnson on August 8, 2022
2013 Ford Focus Radiopops and crackles.
My 2013 Ford Focus has a radio problem. Poping and crackling noises even with the radio off. Will still make noise after the key is out of the ignition. Scary. Especially while driving.
accountCircle Kim on August 24, 2021
Speakers with white noise even when car shut off
White noise full blast for no reason. Even when car shut off, keys out it willco timeto do this for around 10 mins. Drives people insane. No one at Ford can help me.
accountCircle Brandon Smith on January 16, 2022
Yiafly@gmail.com
Same problems with radio. Eventually doesn't accept for popping and static. Removed fuse due to annoyance. Also had coolant leak at heater core quick connect.
accountCircle Jason MacDonald on March 1, 2024
Snap Crackle Pop - Ford Focus Radio
Loved the car, but the fact that the audio popping issue has not been made into a recall is hilarious. The...most... Horrific sound while driving.
accountCircle Thunderjay wapass on January 26, 2023
Radio/sound has stopped working
Crack, popped randomly very abruptly and loud and then one day my radio doesn't turn on nor any sound whatsoever. The whole interface is glitched
accountCircle Kelli on November 22, 2021
Crackling and popping radio
Seriously need a recall the radio makes loud crackling and popping noises and is extremely dangerous while driving
accountCircle Colin MERRY on July 4, 2021
Radio turns off after 5mins instead of an hour
My radio turns it self off after 5mins instead of an hour and will not start unless the engine is restarted.
accountCircle Gary on July 16, 2023
Terrible radis that don’t last long.
I have gone through 2 radios so far with the 2014 ford focus. Very disappointed with all the money I spent.
accountCircle Ford Focus SE 2015 75k km owner on September 12, 2023
LOUD POP & CRACK - RADIO NO WORK NO MORE
Same as everyone else on here -radio don't work no more. Screen doesn't want to turn on
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