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
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Feb 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC DID AN INSPECTION AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2004
2001 FORD FOCUS KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION AND STEERING LOCKS. DEALER WANTS $410 OR MORE TO FIX. JUST OFF WARRANTY.
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2004
WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE INGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER BOTH WERE LOCKED UP. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEN FOUND OUT THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT COVER ALL OF THE EXPENSES SO I WAS OUT $350. NOW WHY DO YOU BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IF IT DOESN'T COVER SOMETHING LIKE THIS THAT IS APPARENTLY A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE CAR?? I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MATTER.
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2004
ALTERNATOR IS OVER CHARGING WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT IT WILL BURN OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2004
IGNITIOIN SWITCH FREEZES. WHEN KEY IS INSERTED THE SWITCH WILL NOT TURN. A LOCKSMITH SHOWED ME HOW TO FREE IT UP BY TAPPING ON THE SWITCH WITH A SCREWDRIVER...!*AK
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2004
MY IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED UP LEAVING ME STRANDED 200 MILES FROM HOME. *LA
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2004
THE IGNITION LOCKS WHEN THE KEY IS PLACED WITHIN THE CYLINDER AND THE CAR IS ATTEMPTED TO START. THE IGNITION CYLINDER DOES NOT TURN AT ALL. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND USE ANOTHER KEY, BUT THIS DOES NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. *LA
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2004
THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR A MONTH. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Wheels, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FOCUS. ABOUT 3MO AFTER I BOUGHT IT, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING, AND MAKING A NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE PURCHASING DEALERSHIP, AND A MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THEY DIDN'T HAVE A LOANER CAR FOR ME, SO I MADE AN AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE NEXT DAY ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, THE CAR SHUT DOWN. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK, THEY TOOK IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, THEY SAID THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE STUTTER I WAS FEELING IN MY CAR WAS PROBABLY THAT. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM. TOOK IT BACK TO THE SELLING DEALERSHIP, AND THE SHOP SUPERVISOR WENT OUT WITH ME. HE SAID I WAS DRIVING THE CAR OUT OF CONTEXT. WHAT HE MEANT BY THAT, HE WOULDN'T ELABORATE, BUT SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT SINCE, AND THE COMPUTER WILL FADE IN AND OUT, BUT I WON'T LOSE ENGINE POWER. MY CAR HAS TO HAVE NEW BRAKE PADS EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS, NEW TIRES, AND OTHER MAINTENANCE THINGS. AT LESS THAN 40000 MILES, IT NEEDED NEW SPARK PLUGS, AND WIRES, WHICH I HAPPILY BOUGHT. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED $300, BECAUSE THE PLUGS WERE IN THE BACK OF THE MOTOR. I WENT TO MY CAR, POPPED THE HOOD, FOUR SPARK PLUGS LINED THE TOP OF THE HEAD COVER. THERE WAS NO FURTHER EXPLANATION OF THE ATTEMPTED OVER CHARGE. MY CAR HAS SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS. THE POSITIVE CABLE ON THE BATTERY, HAS MELTED BACK, THERE IS A LOUD ROAR IN THE CAB OF THE CAR, AND THREE OF THE FOUR LUG NUTS ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS SNAPPED OFF. THE EXPLANATION FOR THE LUG NUTS, WAS THAT THE TIRE WAS LOOSE, NOT FASTENED PROPERLY. BUT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED 3-4 MO AFTER I BOUGHT IT. THE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN OFF. I AM TO THE POINT WHERE I HATE FORD FOR SELLING ME THIS CAR. I WILL EVER BUY FORD AGAIN, BUT I LOVE THE CONCEPT OF THE CAR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE LIGHT ON. JERKY GEAR ENGAGING. CHOPPY ACCELERATION. 8/02 REPLACED ALTERNATOR 8/02 REPLACED V BELT 10/02 BLINKERS OUT & ELECTRIC WINDOWS BROKE 10/02 BATTERY LIGHT ON "CORROSION ON WIRES" 1/03 WOULDN'T START, BATTERY LIGHT ON, "WIRE FELL OFF ALTERNATOR" AIRBAG LIGHT ON THEN OFF
Electrical system, Jan 14, 2004
FORD FOCUS 2001 IGNITION LOCKED. WASN'T ABLE TO TURN KEY AND HAD TO HAVE IGNITION REPLACED FOR RELATIVELY NEW CAR.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2004
THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERATIVE. *AK SEVERAL PEOPLE TRIED TO UNJAM THE KEY BUT NO SUCCESS. A TOW COMPANY WAS CALLED AND THE TOW COMPANY STATED THAT MANY FORD FOCUSES WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TOW ADVISED TAPPING ON THE KEY WITH A HAMMER TO SEE IF THE TUMBLERS WOULD REALIGN. IT WORKED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HOME AND AGAIN THE IGNITION JAMMED BUT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WITH THE HAMMER THE KEY TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART AND A SPECIAL LOCKSMITH WAS REQUIRED FOR THE REPAIR. *CB *JB
Electrical system, Dec 16, 2003, fire
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, IT CAUGHT FIRE, DUE TO A BATTERY CABLE WIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2003
THE KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE LOCKSMITH TOLD ME THAT HE SEES IT A LOT IN FORDS. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET THE IGNITION REPLACED. MY MOTHER HAS THE SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR & SHE HAS HAD HER IGNITION REPLACED TWICE! THIS IS FOR A 2001. *LA
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT OFF. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AND DRIVE TO THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED THAT COMPUTER FAILED.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 23, 2003
I HAVE HAD MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH LOCK UP ON ME A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES IN THE FIRST 14 MONTHS I OWED MY FOCUS. IF YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM, LOOK AT THE TIP OF YOUR KEY -- IS IT BEING WORN DOWN AT THE TIP? THIS IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM -- FORD BASICALLY USED INFERIOR METAL WHEN DESIGNING THEIR KEYS FOR THE 2000-2001 FORD FOCUSES. THEY HAVE SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN LATER MODELS. AFTER HAVING MY IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED OR REBUILT THREE TIMES, FINALLY AFTER THE FOURTH TIME, THEY GAVE ME A NEW SET OF KEYS. BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE MY CURRENT "NEW" KEY GETS WORN DOWN ENOUGH TO LOCK UP THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN I INSERT IT. I AM IN THE MIDST OF PURSUING THE LEMON LAW ON MY CAR. I'VE ASKED FORD TO "REPURCHASE" MY CAR AND THEY HAVE COUNTERED MY OFFER TO "REPLACE" MY CAR WITH ANOTHER FOCUS -- FULLY ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE "IGNITION CYLINDER MALFUNCTION... WAS A KNOWN CONCERN IN 2001 MODELS, AND WAS UNFORTUNATELY UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED ON YOUR VEHICLE." THIS PROBLEM HAS THE POTENTIAL OF BEING RECALL-WORTHY (IN MY OPINION) BUT I HAVE NO IDEA OF HOW TO GET THAT PROCESS ROLLING! ALL I DO KNOW IS THAT ALL FOUR SEPARATE TOW TRUCK OPERATORS(WITHOUT BEING ASKED BY MYSELF) TOLD ME THAT THEY TOW 12-15 FORD FOCUSES A MONTH WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM! THAT'S RIDICULOUS! I WAS TOLD BY A KIND FORD SERVICE GUY THAT IF I EVER DO GET IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE MY IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP AND MY KEY WILL NOT TURN AND START MY CAR, THAT IF I LIGHTLY TAP THE END OF THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH SOMETHING HARD -- IT MAY WORK TO ALLOW IT TO TURN. SO IF YOU ARE IN A PICKLE, GIVE THIS A TRY. IF YOUR CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BE SURE TO KEEP A GOOD RECORD OF EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS TO YOU. THEN LOOK INTO THE LEMON LAW REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR STATE. *LA
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 13, 2003
WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE THE KEY DID NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN FOUR TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Nov 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. ALSO, VEHICLE FAILED TO START. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN KEY IN IGNITION, IT WAS STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2003
THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS LOCKED IN PLACE AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE LOCKED. ALSO, EXHAUST SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES BECAUSE IT DID NOT REGISTER PROPERLY. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2003
ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED VARIOUS COMPUTER COMPONENTS.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2003
IN THE LAST PAST FIVE MONTHS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO CORRODED BATTERY CABLES, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2003
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN DUE TO BATTERY CABLE WIRE MELTING. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STEER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE SHOULDER.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Seats, Sep 23, 2003
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE WEARING OUT ON VEHICLE.*MR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE WRONG TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. THE REAR SEAT LATCH, THE SEAT FABRIC AND THE KEY IGNITION FAILED.*TS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORE OUT, WHICH WERE ONLY USED ABOUT SEVEN TIMES AND THE REAR BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2003
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE IGNITION LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2003
WHEN THE VEHICLES KEY IS PLACED IN THE IGNITION SOMETIMES THE KEY WILL NOT TURN, DEALER HAS TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK *TS