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, Nov 29, 2012
ATTEMPTED TO START MY CAR. INSERTED KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND A WARNING CHIME BEGAN. STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND I CANNOT MOVE IT. IGNITION WILL NOT TURN. CANNOT DRIVE AT THIS TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD NOT RELEASE THE KEY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE IGNITION CYLINDER REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAD NO PROBLEMS AFTER THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEYS BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER AND COULD NOT BE USED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP OR TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCKSMITH WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER AND ISSUED A NEW KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE SIDE BAR IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER LOCK. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. ...UPDATED 08-10-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS 177.00. UPDATED 08/13/2012 *JS
Steering, Electrical system, May 28, 2012
THE KEY FOR MY FORD FOCUS WILL GO INTO THE IGNITION BUT NOT TURN. I HAVE TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IT STILL WON'T GET THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I AM FINDING THAT THIS IS A MAJOR AND VERY COMMON COMPLAINT WITH FORD FOCUS OWNERS AND FORD WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND IN ORDER TO GET IT TO A REPAIR SHOP WE WILL HAVE TO TOW IT WHICH WILL BE ANOTHER EXPENSE. IF FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO RECALL IT, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2012
WENT TO START MY CAR THIS MORNING AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. AFTER DOING SOME GOOGLE RESEARCH, FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FOCUS, AND HAS TO DO WITH PARTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH BECOMING STUCK. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO TURN EVENTUALLY BY BANGING ON IT, AND HAVE NOW LEFT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO AVOID THE PROBLEM OCCURRING AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND OTHER GAUGES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE ALSO WOULD NOT DISPLAY AN ACCURATE READING. IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION FOR A BRIEF PERIOD AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. THE SIMILAR FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 03/14/12*LJ UPDATED 03/19/12
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 15, 2011
THIS VEHICLE HAS SUDDENLY DIED DOZENS OF TIMES SINCE APRIL OF 2011. IT DIES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON THE INTERSTATE, IT DIES WHEN BRAKING IN A PARKING AREA. THERE IS NO SPECIFIC SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE VEHICLE STARTS BACK UP AFTER TWO OR THREE TIMES WHILE GIVING IT GAS. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL OR LOW AND OUR VERY REPUTABLE MECHANIC CAN FIND NO CAUSE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS AND I HAVE SEEN WHERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED ONLINE AND I HOPE REPORTING THIS WILL SHOW A PATTERN WITH THESE VEHICLES. *KB
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2011
I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I SPOKE A FRIEND ABOUT IT AND SHE STATED SHE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM SHE HAS A FORD FOCUS PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO IF IT WAS AN EMERGENCY I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LEAVE OR PULL OFF IN THE EVENT OF SOMETHING HAPPENING. *KB
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE BATTERY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY CABLES WERE HOT AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TOUCH THEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Electrical system, May 10, 2011
THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS. ON MAY 09, 2011, THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT COME OUT. DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE TO FIND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO RECALL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2011
THE EVENTS LEADING UP WERE INTERMITTENTLY SPACED THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN 2004. WHEN I WOULD PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THE WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AND FEEL LOCKED I WOULD SIT FOR 10-20 MINUTES AND WORK ON IT BY PUSHING THE KEY IN HARD AND TURNING THE WHEEL AS HARD IT WOULD COME LOOSE AND THE IGNITION WOULD TURN. THIS IMPACTED MY LIFE AS A NUISANCE. RECENTLY IN DEC OF 2010 THE OCCURRENCES BECAME MORE FREQUENT TWO TO FOUR TIMES A WEEK CONSTANTLY BEING STRANDED UNTIL I COULD GET THE IGNITION AND WHEEL TO TURN. HAPPENING FREQUENTLY WHILE AT THE STORE, WORK OR SOMEWHERE AWAY FROM HOME AND AGAIN CAUSING A GREAT NUISANCE AND FRUSTRATION AS IT HAS MADE ME LATE FOR WORK SEVERAL TIMES, ALLOWED ME TO BE VULNERABLE IN SITUATIONS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED WITH PROPER RECALL. THEN AROUND DEC 20TH 2010 THE IGNITION STOPPED WORKING. I WAS AT WORK LEAVING FOR THE DAY AND I SAT THERE FOR OVER AN HOUR, NOT KNOWING ANY OF THIS WAS A NORMAL RECURRENCE WITH OTHER FORD FOCUS OWNERS. AFTER WORKING ON THIS MYSELF I HAD TO CONTACT MY SPOUSE TO COME AND TRY AND HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AS WELL. I HAVE KEPT UP THE MAINTENANCE ON MY FOCUS AND IT IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION FOR THE YEAR. CURRENTLY IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED ONLY TOWED TO MY HOME RESIDENCE. THE COST IS SO HIGH FOR THE IGNITION REPLACED I HAVE BEEN GIVEN ESTIMATES OF $500 PLUS EXTRA FOR TOWING. THIS COST COMES AFTER MONTHS PREVIOUS I HAD REPLACED THE RADIATOR TANK AT A $400 COST. THIS CAR SEEMS TO HAVE SOME OF THE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF RECALLS AND SERVICE BULLETINS AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE MAIN POWER TO THE CAR, THE IGNITION, IS NOT SEEN AS A HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC WHO PURCHASED THESE VEHICLES. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2011
THE IGNITION ON THIS CAR HAS BEEN REPLACED ALREADY BY THE FIRST OWNER. WELL, THE KEY CANNOT NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. NOW THE KEY HAS BROKEN OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE KEY STUB CAN BE REMOVED AND THE ENGINE WILL STILL RUN. THIS MORNING I MOVED THE 01 FOCUS AND I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND TOOK THE KEY OUT BUT THE SHIFTER WAS STILL IN DRIVE. I LOCKED THE DOOR, WALKED BEHIND THE CAR AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO ME. LUCKY MY NEIGHBOR WAS THERE TO HELP ME STOP THE CAR. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER FOCUS OWNERS REGARDING THE FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCHES AND FORD WILL NOT RECALL THE CAR AND FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THANKS FOR ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER.
Electrical system, Feb 6, 2011
INTERIOR DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT, ALSO NOTICED EXTRIOR REAR LIGHTS WENT OUT. REPLACED FUSES, BLEW NEW FUSES IMMEDIATELY SO SOME SORT OF SHORT IN THE ELECTRICS. WIRING ON HATCH LID APPEARS TO BE FRAYED. WE HAVE FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS FOR THE 2000 VERSION OF THIS CAR BUT NOT THE 2001.
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2011
I HAVE HAD MY FOCUS NOW FOR ONLY ABOUT 3 YEARS, & HAVE HAD MORE PROBLEMS THAN I HAVE HAD WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED BEFORE, COMBINED. FORD FOCUSES FROM THE YEARS 2000-2003 HAVE AN APPARENT IGNITION PROBLEM, AND I AM ONE OF THE UNFORTUNATE OWNERS TO BE LEFT STRANDED BY THIS ISSUE. I AM COMPLETELY ASTONISHED THAT PRACTICALLY EVERY SINGLE FOCUS OWNER HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM & YET THE IGNITION HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED! I HAVE HAD 2 OTHER RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE, BOTH VERY STUPID TRIVIAL ITEMS WHICH HAS NEVER AFFECTED ME IN THE SLIGHTEST. I AM VERY CLOSE TO JUST SCRAPPING THIS VEHICLE, & I AM POSITIVE I WILL NEVER BE PURCHASING ANOTHER FORD EVER AGAIN. IT DISGUSTS ME THAT SOMETHING THAT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS MADE TO BREAK... SOMETHING THAT LEFT ME STRANDED & WITHOUT A CAR FOR OVER 2 WEEKS NOW... IS ALSO SOMETHING THAT EVERY OTHER FOCUS OWNER HAS HAD TO REPLACE OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET. HOW HAS THIS ISSUE NOT BEEN RESOLVED BY FORD YET?!?!? *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Dec 31, 2010
THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN WITHOUT LARGE AMOUNTS OF SPRAY LUBRICANT AND PUMMELING THE KEY WHILE IN THE IGNITION TO CAUSE THE TUMBLERS IN THE CYLINDER TO FALL INTO PLACE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING, AND RIGHT NOW, DURING THESE EPIC BLIZZARDS WE ARE EXPERIENCING, IT HAS CAUSED ME TO BE IN DANGER. THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON AMONG OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. MANY PEOPLE HAVE DEVELOPED WAYS TO TEMPORARILY FIX IT SINCE THEY DON'T HAVE MONEY AVAILABLE FIX THIS UNEXPECTED SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH IS NOT PART OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OF AN AUTOMOBILE.... WHILE OTHERS HAVE OPTED TO JUST GET THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHICH REPLACES THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY WITH THE SAME FAULTY PARTS, AND THEN CHARGES UP TO $500. THIS IGNITION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY FORD, AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE WITH A RELIABLE IGNITION ASSEMBLY. THIS MORNING, AFTER HAVING TO FIND OTHER TRANSPORTATION TO WORK FOR TWO DAYS, I FINALLY DEDICATED THREE HOURS TO GETTING THE IGNITION TO TURN. I HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE MY JOB BY BEING ABSENT OR TARDY. I AM IN AN INITIAL PROBATIONARY PERIOD AT MY JOB, AND I THINK IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT IF I HAD ENOUGH MONEY TO FIX FORD'S MISTAKES, I WOULD PROBABLY JUST GO AND BUY A DIFFERENT CAR ALTOGETHER. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 15, 2010
FORD FOCUS 2001. IGNITION LOCKS UP REQUIRING NEW TUMBLER. KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE CAR WON'T START NOR CAN YOU GET IT IN NEUTRAL TO PUSH IT OFF THE ROAD. IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT NOT REMEDIED BY FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION ON BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 100,000.
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TAILGATE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. ALL OTHER BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING FINE BUT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT HAS FAILED DUE TO THE WIRES MELTING. THE CONTACT HAS CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT AND REFERENCED THE RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING (00V411000) FOR THE 2000 MODEL FORD FOCUS. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE VIN NUMBER THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND HE CAN NOT RECEIVE A REMEDY REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE WHICH IS STATED IN THE RECALL AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 15, 2010
MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS' 2001 FORD FOCUS HAD HER STRANDED AFTER WORK AUGUST 13 WHEN SHE PUT HER KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT IT WOULDN'T TURN. WE CALLED AAA, AND THEY COULDN'T 'FIX' IT, SO WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD THE REPAIR WILL COST BETWEEN $450.00 AND 1000.00!!! I'M A SINGLE MOM AND MY DAUGHTERS' STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GOSH SAKE. I THOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WOULD BE A SAFE AND DEPENDABLE ONE. I SPENT A LOT OF MY SAVINGS ON THIS CAR AND INSURANCE FOR HER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW, I'VE GOT A VEHICLE WE CAN'T START. *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Jul 9, 2010
MY CARS BATTERY WAS NOT WORKING, AS TOLD BY A TRIPLE A MECHANIC. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO GET IT REPLACED AND THEY SAID THAT THE BATTERY WAS WORKING FINE, THE ALTERNATOR WAS BAD. THEY SAID THE CAR WOULDN'T GO OUT OF THE SHOP IF IT WASN'T FIXED. SO I PAID THEM $416 TO GET THE ALTERNATOR FIXED. AFTER I GOT THE CAR BACK WITHIN A DAY, IT STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START, WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME THEY MESSED UP MY METERS, THE LIGHTS WOULDN'T TURN ON AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START, NOT ONLY DID THEY CHARGE ME WRONGFULLY THERE WAS NO ALTERNATOR PROBLEM, THE BATTERY WAS BAD. I CALLED THEM AND THEY WOULDN'T ANSWER ME PROPERLY, THEY SAID THAT IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT AND I SHOULD REPLACE THE BATTERY MYSELF. THEY HUNG UP THE PHONE. THIS COMPANY IS A FRAUD, THEY LIE AND WONT ANSWER MY CALLS. MY CAR IS MESSED UP, THEY CHANGED ALL THE WIRES THE LIGHTS WONT WORK, THE GAUGES DON'T WORK. I CALLED THE SHERIFF AND THEY SAID I SHOULD TAKE THEM TO COURT, THEY ALSO REPLACED MY TIRED AND THEY USED DIFFERENT TIRES. IM EXTREMELY MAD AND I NEED HELP. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO 'SLAMMED' THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE; THE KEY HAD TO BE 'SLAMMED' EVERYTIME TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Mar 14, 2010
MY2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3( MANUAL TRANSMISSION )WITH OVER 105,000 MILES ON IT HAS HAD A ELECTRONIC THROTTLE PROBLEM SINCE IT HAD 30,000 MILES ON IT. INTERMITTENTLY THE ENGINE SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE WHEN YOUR FOOT IS TAKEN OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CAR WOULD ACT LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE CAR COULD BE CONTROLLED BY HEAVY BRAKING OR DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH. IT WAS TAKEN INTO THREE DIFFERENT FORD DEALER AT LEAST SEVEN DIFFERENT TIMES ONLY ONCE DID THEY CLAIM TO SEE THE PROBLEM. THAT TIME THE MECHANIC SHOW ME DISCONNECTING A ELECTRICAL PLUG UNDER THE HOOD CAUSED THE THROTTLE CONTROLS TO GO TO A FAIL SAFE MODE MAKING THE PROBLEM DISAPPEAR FOR PERIOD OF TIME(DAYS).I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IN WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I DID THAT, MECHANIC WAS KNOW LONGER WITH THE DEALERSHIP. SEVERAL PARTS WERE CHANGED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES BUT DID NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE PROBLEM IS PRESENT THE ENGINE SPEED WILL DECREASE TO A FAST IDLE ONCE THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY SOMETIMES AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING BUT NOT ALWAYS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 8, 2010
HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION (2001 FORD FOCUS). MY STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCKED OR SOMETHING. I WOULD GET THIS PROBLEM EVERY SO OFTEN NO I'VE HAD IT SINCE FRIDAY. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING!!! *TR
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCKED 4 TO 5 TIMES WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE KEY OR START THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. HE WAS PREVIOUSLY ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS. AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OR SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Mar 3, 2010
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS STALLING CONDITION WHILE DRIVING THAT HAVE BEEN FRIGHTENING. SEVERAL FUEL MODULES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL AS HARNESS REPAIRS. THE DEALER HAS FINALLY REPLACED THE HARNESS GOING TO THE FUEL PUMP STATING IT HAD BEEN RUBBING AGAINST THE BODY AND GROUNDING OUT. I AM NOT SURE THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT. IT APPEARS THE DEALER HAS DONE SEVERAL WIRING HARNESS REPAIRS LEADING TO THE FUEL PUMP.