2001 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,790 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 173 involved a crash and 49 involved a fire. 136 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentFeb 24, 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 PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.
IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.
Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 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 HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
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 FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V482000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkagesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 29, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.
THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Campaign 01I017000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 01V258000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerMar 28, 2001
PM CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING AN IN-PROCESS TEST AND THE OCCUPANT MAY NOTICE A CHUCKING, OR PERCEIVED LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK, OR THE SEAT BACK COULD UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE.
IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 01V108000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerDec 14, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.
IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
Campaign 00V418000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
500 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jun 29, 2004
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE KEYS FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP. THE DEALERSHIP WILL HAVE TO DRILL THE IGNITION SWITCH OUT, TO REPLACE IT. *JB THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT FORD WILL NOT RESPOND TO. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2004
CONSUMER LOOKED AT THE INTERNET AND SAW THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON THE FORD FOCUS IGNITION KEY SWITCH. HIS VEHICLE HAD ONE OF THOSE DEFECTIVE SWITCHES. THE SWITCH WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE KEY, SO HE HAD IT REPAIRED. DEALER CLAIMED HE HAD TO REASSEMBLE THE LOCK, AND THAT COST HIM $286.00. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 26, 2004, fire
WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. *AK THE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO A FAULTY CABLE/BATTERY CONNECTOR. THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE 200-2001 FORD FOCUS MODEL. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2004
THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN THE BATTERY CABLE RECALL 02V288000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 14, 2004
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION, STEERING LOCKED. HIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. 1ST TIME JULY 2002 - MILES 14,500 - FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. IGNITION DRILLED, TUMBLER REPLACED, NEW KEYS 2ND TIME JUN 2004 - MILES 24,000 (9500 SINCE LAST TIME). NOT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY AS IT WAS OVER 1YR EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ONLY PUT 9500 ON THE PART FOR 2YEARS. IGNITION DRILLED, TUMBLER REPLACED, NEW KEYS - COST $300. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2004
IGNITION KEY FAILS TO TURN ON MY FORD FOCUS. THE IGNITION HAS BEEN DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED 2 TIMES ALREADY FOR THIS PROBLEM, THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IT HAS HAOPPENED.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2004
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, BRAKE PETAL LOCKED, GEAR SHIFT LOCKED. CAR OUT OF WARRENTY. FORD EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE WON'T HELP BECAUSE OF EXPIRED WARRENTY. CALLED NEAREST FORD DEALERSHOP (TOM HOLZER), GAVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER OF THEIR "TOWING" PERSON, TRIED 12 TIMES, GOT VOICE MAIL, NO CALL WAS EVER RETURNED. (I WAS "STUCK" IN A BANK PARKING LOT.. AND THEY WERE READY TO CLOSE) THE BANK PERSONEL WERE KIND ENOUGH TO LET ME USE THEIR PHONE AND PROVIDED A PHONE BOOK, BESIDES EVERY MALE IN THE BUILDING INDIVIDUALLY TRIED ANYTHING THEY COULD THINK OF TO GET MY CAR TO START... WITH NO LUCK. AFTER CALLING @ 6 LOCK SMITHS WITH 24 HOUR EMERGENCY ROAD SERVIE, I FINALLY FOUND ONE THAT KNEW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT... HE INFORMED ME THAT HE GETS A CALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM APPROX. ONCE A WEEK ON FORD FOCUS'S. EVEN HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A "RECALL" ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART?? HE ALSO TOLD ME WHAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE CHARGED ME TO REPLACE IT... @$550.00!! FORTUNATELY FOR ME THERE ARE STILL HONEST AND KIND PEOPLE AROUND, FORD DID "NOTHING" TO HELP ME!! I CAN'T IMAGINE I'M THE "ONLY" PERSON THAT HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE ABOUT IT? WHEN THIS HAPPENS, YOU'RE DEFINATELY STRANDED!! *AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 9, 2004
2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKS. UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2004
GAUGES IN DASH ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CUTS IN & OUT WHILE DRIVING. NOW, CAR WILL NOT START BUT DISPLAYS SAME PROBLEMS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE.*AK
Electrical system, May 30, 2004
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS W/ 45,000 MILES. I WAS LEFT STRANDED MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2004 WHEN THE IGNITION IN MY AUTOMOBILE LOCKED UP. I PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION (WITH SOME DIFFICULTY) AND I AM UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE W/ 2000/2001 FORD FOCUS. MY CAR REMAINS IMMOBILE AND I AM UNABLE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, I CAN ANTICIPATE $350-500 TO REPLACE IGNITION. *LA
Electrical system, Equipment, May 29, 2004
SINCE AUGUST 2003, I HAVE EXPERIENCED IGNITION LOCK FIVE (5) TIMES WITH MY 2001 FORD FOCUS. FIRST TWO "REPAIRS" (8/03 AND 12/03) WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. I NEVER SAW THE OLD PART. HOWEVER, WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SUBSEQUENT REPAIR TO THE SAME PROBLEM (2/04), I WAS TOLD THAT A PERMANENT REPAIR WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND WOULD COST ME $500+, BUT THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER COULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I GOT NO RESPONSE TO MY INQUIRY ABOUT WHY NO PERMANENT FIX HAD BEEN MADE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. I DIRECTED THEM TO PERFORM THE REPAIR I COULD AFFORD - THE CYLINDER. I NEVER SAW THE OLD PART THAT TIME EITHER. THE CAR WAS RE-KEYED AS WELL. THE IGNITION LOCKED AGAIN ON 5/20/04, AND AFTER I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTIFIED ME THAT THEY HAD REPLACED THE TUMBLERS AND RE-KEYED THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT ANY SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS WOULD BE AT MY EXPENSE, AS THEY WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE IGNITION LOCKED AGAIN ON 5/25/04. *LA THE INITIAL REPAIR TO THIS PROBLEM WAS MADE UNDER WARRANTY. IT WAS NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SERVICE BULLETINS AND A SIGNIFICANT RECORD OF COMPLAINTS ISSUED ON THIS SAME PROBLEM FROM EARLY 2001. AT NO POINT HAVE I RECEIVED A SATISFACTORY ANSWER, FROM THE DEALER OR FROM FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS, TO WHY THE PERMANENT REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED IN AUGUST 2003. I FEEL THAT THE DEALER MADE NO ATTEMPT TO EFFECT A REPAIR ON THIS PROBLEM WHILE IT WAS WARRANTED, BUT STALLED WITH TEMPORARY FIXES UNTIL THE MILEAGE/AGE OF THE VEHICLE WOULD REQUIRE ME TO PAY, BOTH FOR PARTS AND LABOR. AS IT NOW STANDS, I WILL BE TAKING MY VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR THE REPAIR AND A SECOND OPINION, AND HOPE I CAN GET MY MONEY BACK. I REFUSE TO PAY EVEN TEN CENTS FOR A REPAIR BY A SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT HAS ALREADY FAILED TO MAKE THE SAME REPAIR FOUR TIMES!
Electrical system, May 12, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT STEERING PROBLEMS. WHEN HE TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS IGNITION CYLINDER. CONSUMER COULD NOT MAKE ANY TURNS, STEERING LOCKED, AND COULD NOT GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION CYLINDER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE IN 8 MONTHS, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Electrical system, May 11, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *MR *SC *JB
Electrical system, May 6, 2004
IGNITION CYLINDER IS LOCKED. KEY WONT TURN IT, BUT THE KEY WILL UNLOCK THE DOOR. HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING OFTENT OTHER PEOPLE AS WELL.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2004
I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2001 FORD FOCUS AND HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES AND I THINK THAT A PART THIS EXPENSIVE SHOULD LAST LONGER. I SEARCHED FOR OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FOUND MANY FRUSTRATED FOCUS OWNERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK THIS PART SHOULD HAVE A LONGER WARRANTY. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2004
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN I WOULD PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULDN'T TURN , IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES FOR MY CAR TO TURN ON. EVENTUALLY AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE KEY IT NEVER DID, AND I WAS FORCED TO TOW MY CAR HOME. I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET TO TOW IT TO THE DEALERS AND THEY SAID THAT THE COST TO FIX WILL RANGE FROM $350-600. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH TWO KIDS ON A LIMITED INCOME, THERE IS NO WAY I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD THIS.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2004
KEY WILL NOT TURN. CALLED DEALER AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AFFECTING MANY FORD FOCUS'. AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB I SEE THAT IS TRUE. DEALER WANTED $325 + TOW TO REPLACE IGNITION. NOT SURE IF THAT INCLUDED REKEYING. IN ANY EVENT, I FOUND A LOCKSMITH WHO WILL COME TO MY RESIDENCE AND REPLACE THE IGNITION WITH A BETTER ONE THAN FORD IS OFFERING FOR SUBSTANTIALLY LESS MONEY.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 15, 2004
THE IGNITION - THE KEY WON'T GO IN, OR GOES IN HARD, BUT WILL NOT TURN. I AM TOLD THAT IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION AND COMPUTERIZED KEY, AND THE WARRANTY WON'T COVER THE $800+ CHARGE. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THE KEY HAS BEEN STUCK IN THE INGITION.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2004, fire
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO EXPOSED WIRES. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. PASSENGER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND DISCONNECTED THE FUEL BOX. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2004
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE KEY WILL GO INTO THE IGNITION (AND THE DINGING SOUND STARTS), BUT THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. *JB
Structure, Electrical system, Mar 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING FROM A PARKING LOT DOORS LOCKED. DOORS WERE INOPERATIVE, EXCEPT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALSO, HORN STARTED TO BLOW AND THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 19, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TUMBLER FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION MODULE. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 12, 2004
I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP AND THE IGNITION KEY WON'T TURN. I TRIED JILTING THE WHEEL TO TRY TO GET IT TO UNLOCK.*AK
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2004
IGNITION CYLINDER ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS FAILED TWICE AND LEFT ME STRANDED . TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS IS OVER $700. FORD WILL NOT STAND BEHIND PRODUCT. RECALL IS IN ORDER. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2004
IGNITION CYLINDER FAILED, RESULTING IN A $250.00 REPAIR.*AK