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, Jul 17, 2002
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR WOULD STALL OUT CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK. I INITIATED THE LEMON LAW, BUT WAS OFFERED A 2002, SAME MODEL, TO AVOID MY PROCEEDING TO ARBITRATION HEARING. WRONG MOVE ON MY PART. I TRADED IN THE 2001 FOR A 2002 AND HAVE THE SAME IGINITION PROBLEMS ... STALLS OUT/STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHILE DRIVING! I DO NOT RECOMMEND BUYING A FORD FOCUS. THIS CAR IS A HORROR AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 15, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT UNABLE TO SEE AS A RESULT OF HEADLIGHTS NOT BEING BRIGHT ENOUGH, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAD LIGHT ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE CANNOT BE ADJUSTED, ALSO THE KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, AT TIMES THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE RESTARTED BEFORE THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED, INTERMITTENTLY THE TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. *AK *NLM
Electrical system, Jul 15, 2002
AT 40MPH WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE SHUT OFF, AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. CAUSE DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2002
WHILE PARKING IGNITION SWITCH WILL LOCK UP BECAUSE KEY WILL NOT TURN VEHICLE ON, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE TOWED. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Structure, Jul 1, 2002
AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, VEHICLE JERKS HARD AND STALLS. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE CHECKED AND REPAIRED BY DEALER WITH NO RESOLUTION.*AKTHE DEALER IS HAVING CONSUMER TO MONITOR THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STARTS FAILING, BY PUSHING A BUTTON. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO PINPOINT WHERE THE PROBLEM IS OCCURING. THE VEHICLE WAS DOWNSHIFTING WHILE IN MOTION, THE SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED. ALSO THE JERKING AND STALLING WERE CAUSED BY AN ERRATIC FUEL PUMP DRIVER MODULE. THIS MODULE HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. THE IGNITION LOCK WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE PRESENT IN THE DOOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS REPAIRED, THE WHEEL WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT SO DEALER ADJUSTED THE UPPER BALL JOINT, AND THE SUN VISOR WAS BROKEN WHICH WAS ALSO REPLACED. *JG
Fuel system, Other, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 27, 2002
VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT ONCE GAS GAUGE REACHES A QUARTER TANK. ALSO, KEEPS GETTING A POWER SURGE. POLICEMAN OFFERED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE, AND MOVED HER VEHICLE. NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME SHE TURNED IGNITION SWITCH, ODOMETER WOULD INCREASE SEVERAL THOUSAND IN MILEAGE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Seat belts, Equipment, Jun 25, 2002
A/C TENDS TO HAVE SMOKE AND VERY BAD SMELL COMING FROM VENTS, BRAKES CONSTANTLY SQUEAL AND GRIND, VEHICLE DOESN'T ALWAYS WANT TO START, NO PICKUP OR STALLING WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS, ETC. ENGINE MAKES LOUD GRINDING NOICES, ENGINE ALSO MAKES LOUD REVING NOISES LIKE IT CAN'T GET INTO GEAR. FRONT PASSANGER SEATBELT TIGHTENS AND LOCKS FOR NO REASON. FORD MANUFACTOR NOTIFIED VIA CERTIFIED LETTER TWICE, NO CONTACT TO DATE. WALDORF FORD REFUSES TO FIX SAYING, "IF WE CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM, WE CAN'T FIX IT." BOTH REFUSE TO FIX ANYMORE. IN LAST YEAR IN SHOP 10 TIMES, FOR OVER 45 DAYS, AND NO RESOLUTION.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2002
THERE IS A DELAY WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, AT 55-65 MPH VEHICLE JERKS AND IS HARD TO CONTROL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jun 12, 2002
THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON EXACTLY 1 WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. IT WAS RETURNED TO ME 2 DAYS LATER AND 1 WEEK AFTER THAT THE LIGHT CAME ON. BOTH TIMES THE CAR STOPPED CUT OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THE MAIN COMPUTER. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT AND I RETURNED AGAIN IN ANOTHER WEEK SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THEY SAID THERE WAS A LEAK AROUND THE SEAL ON THE GAS TANK. THEY RETURNED IT TO ME. IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH, I BROUGHT IT BACK AGAIN (THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THE CAR CUTS OFF). AGAIN THEY SAID IT WAS THE MAIN COMPUTER AND THEY REPLACED IT AND RETURNED IT TO ME. I HAVE TALKED TO A FORD REP AND THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND EVEN OFFERED TO SELL ME ANOTHER ONE! THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST FORD!
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 10, 2002
WHEN PUTTING KEY IN IGNITION KEY WON'T TURN, AND SOMETIMES IT WILL AFTERWARDS JIGGLE AROUND. TOOK TO DEALER, AND TUMBLERS REPLACED. ALSO, TAILGATES ARE TOO HIGH. CONSUMER HAS INJURED SHOULDERS OPENING AND CLOSING THE TAILGATES.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jun 10, 2002
VEHICLE HAS STALLED TWICE AT 65 MPH. DEALER HAS REPLACED COMPUTER CHIP AND FUEL PUMP. BOTH TIMES CRUISE WAS ON, BUT NOT SET.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2002
CAR WOULD REPEATEDLY CHUG AND ALL GUAGES WOULD DROP TO 0, RADIO/CD WOULD TURN OFF. FINALLY, CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY CAR BEHIND US WAS ABLE TO SWERVE AND GO AROUND. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2002
CAR SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY, NO WARNING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, THE CAR TOOK A WHILE TO RESTART, RADIO WOULDNT COME BACK ON. DEALERSHIP REPLACED RADIO. AFTER NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE DEALERSHIP, SERVICE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP, AS REQUESTED BY FORD MOTOR CO, ASK SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AS TO HELP ISOLATE WHY IT WAS HAPPENING. I WAS ASKED IF I NOTICE THE LIGHTS DIM PRIOR TO CAR SHUTTING DOWN. I REPLIED, I DONT RECALL IF THE LIGHTS DIMMED BECAUSE I WAS MORE THINKING ABOUT IT IS DARK, I HAVE A BLACK CAR, NO LIGHTS, NO POWER & A SEMI COMING UP BEHIND ME, ON I40. MY THOUGHTS WERE OF NOT GETTING KILLED AT THAT MOMENT. THE CAR STARTED BACK UP, HOWEVER THE RADIO AGAIN DIDNT COME ON INCLUDING THE CLOCK. THE LAST TIME IT WAS BROUGHT IN AFTER IT SHUT DOWN, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE RADIO AND CLOCK NOT WORKING. IT WAS KEPT FOR ONE WEEK AND I WAS ADVISED THE RADIO WORKS, IT MERELY HAS A LOOSE FACE PLATEON THE RADIO & YOU HAVE TO KEEP" HITTING THE CONTROL TO GET IT ON. I KNOW FIRST HAND THE RADIO SHUTTING DOWN IS A RESULTING OF COMPLETE POWER LOSE (INCLUDING THE CLOCK). I DONT THINK A LOSE FACE PLATE ON THE RADIO WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. FROM WHAT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS, AFTER CONSULTING FORD , THEY HAVE REPLACED ANYTHING THE CAN BE REPLACED. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS CAR MANY TIMES. THE DEALER HAS LESS REPAIR INVOICES BECAUSE THEY HAVE COMBINED MULTIPLE REPORTS INTO ONE. IF YOU COUNT THE DEALERSHIP RECORDS OF HOW MANY TIMES, IT IS ALARMING. I PURCHASED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A SAFE CAR. 99%OF MY DRIVING IN ON THE INTERSTATE. I FEAR DRIVING THIS CAR AND DONT WANT TO PROVE IT IS UNSAFE BY MY DEATH. OTHER PROBLEMS W/CAR: TRACTION CONTROL FUEL GAUGE. ENGINE SURGES AT IDLE KEY SOMETIMES WILL NOT GO IN AND TURN, SOMETIMES THE KEY WILL BE STUCK AND YOU HAVE TO KEEP TRYING IT TO GET IT OUT. CAR LOCKS ITSELF AFTER YOU EXIT. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2002
I WAS WATCHING THE NEWS LAST NIGHT AND HEARD A STORY THAT THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS THAT THE FORD FOCUS ENGINE CAN STALL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS WHAT HAPPEN TO MY CAR FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. BUT, WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW STARTER. THIS WAS STRANGE TO ME BEING THE FACT THE CAR WAS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD. AFTER SEEING THIS REPORT I KNOW UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSE BY DEBRIS ACCUMULATING IN THE GAS TANK, BLOCKING FUEL FROM BEING DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE. AFTER THE NEW STARTER WAS INSTALLED I'M STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. FOR EXAMPLE AT TIME IT SEEM LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OR IT FEELS LIKE ITS DRAGGING.*AK
Electrical system, May 10, 2002
STARTERN RELAY SENSOR ON VEHICLE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL OUT INTERMITTENTLY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT FIX PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 9, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED OUT WITH ALL LIGHTS IN INSTRUMENT PANEL COMING ON. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *JG *AK
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 9, 2002
POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO OPEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. CONSUMER AND CHILD WERE STUCK INSIDE VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST TWO MINUTES TRYING TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS. HORN STARTED BEEPING/ HEADLIGHTS AND HAZRARDS LIGHTS WOULDN'T GO OUT, AND TRUNK WOULDN'T OPEN. AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL WAS ENTERING VEHICLE. TWO DAYS PRIOR DOOR KEY CODE WOULD TAKE 3-5 TRIES TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. DEALER WAS AWARE AND INSPECTED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 2, 2002
THE BUSHINGS FAILED RUINING THE BACK TIRES. THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE A MIND OF THEIR OWN WHICH COULD BE DANGEROUS IN AN ACCIDENT AND FORD HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE AND THEY DISCOVERED BROKEN PARTS IN THERE. THERE IS AN UNDIAGNOSED PROBLEM WITH AS SCRAPING NOISE AS I TURNED A CORNER INTO A PARKING LOT. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, EVERY TIME WE DO SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS TO IT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2002
PURCHASED CAR IN DECEMBER 2000 WITHIN DAYS BRAKES SQUEALING AND GRINDING..CALLED DEALER SAID TO LET WEAR IN..PROBLEM PERSISTED..ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ..TOOK CAR TO NEAREST D DEALERSHIP..IN JANUARY 2001..BRAKES SHOES BACK AND PADS ON FRONT REPLACED. OXYGEN SENSOR, AND PARKING BRAKE REPLACED ..BRAKES STILL HAD PROBLEM ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON..TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED..KEPT 12 DAYS..BRAKES ADJUSTED AND COMPUTOR AND IGNITION WERE REPLACED..LIGHT OFF..BRAKES STILL TROUBLE..TOOK BACK NUMEROUS TIMES..FOR CHECK-UPS..AT 16,000 TOLD BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED IN FRONT AND TIRES WHERE ALL WORN AWAY ON INSIDE OF TIRE..BALD!! ..MANUFACTOR AND DEALER WOULD NOT PAY FOR..REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES, ALIGNMENT, AND NEW BRAKES PUT ON FRONT BRAKES..CAR STILL NOT RIGHT WITH BRAKES..SHAKING VIOLENTLY OF CAR WHILE BRAKING AT ANY SPEED. OR GOING DOWNHILL .TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP ROTORS WERE NO GOOD AS WELL AS FRONT BRAKES. THEY REPLACED..INNER TIRES ALREADY WEARING OUT...BRAKES STILL GIVING NOISE AND GRINDING..TOOK BACK WITHIN MONTH..THEY SAID FINE..TOOK BACK AGAIN WHEN OIL CHANGED..BRAKES WHERE SAID TO BE FINE..BRAKES NOISY AND GRINDING AS USUAL..3 WEEKS LATER BRAKES FAILED..HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP....THEY STATE NEEDS NEW BRAKES ON FRONT AND BACKSHOES CRACKED AND NEED NEW ROTORS...THEY KEEP SAYING ITS THE WAY WE DRIVE CAR...NO WAY..NEVER HAD THIS MUCH PROBLEM WITH ANY BRAKES IN ANY CAR WE HAVE OWNED...CAR IS VERY UNSAFE AND MADE WITH INFERIOR PRODUCTS.. (TIRESIZE: 15)
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2002
AVANCE TRAC CONTROL DOESN'T ENGAGE AND/OR MULFUNCTIONS-DISABLING IT TOTAL. MANY ELECT PROBLEMS. TWICE IT HAS SHUT DOWN ON INTERSTATE I40 AT RATE OF SPEED OF 50 AND 60 AND ONCE AT MAYBE 5 MPH IN THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN IT SHUTS DOWN THERE IS NO WARNING. OTHER PROBLEMS W/THIS CAR HAVE BEEN RADIO HAD TO BE REPLACED, FUEL PUMP MODULE, KEY GETS STUCK AND KEY WILLN'T TURN. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 29, 2001
MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAKES CLATTERING NOISE AT IDLE SPEED. TRANSMISSION DIFFICULT TO SHIFT AND GRINDS GEARS. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, ENGINE SPUTTERS AS IF IT IS GOING TO STALL. INSTRUMENT LIGHTS FLICKER DUE TO LOW ALTERNATOR RPM. IDLE THEN INCREASES.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 4, 2001
COMPLAINT : IGNITION LOCK WOULD NOT RELEASE KEY AND TURN FAR ENOUGH TO CUT THE ENGINE OFF ( KEY WOULD OTHERWISE MOVE FREELY). HISTORY : KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT ON RANDOM OCCASIONS WITHOUT A SECOND TRY . THE KEY WOULD ALWAYS COME OUT ON THE SECOND TRY AND COULD NEVER REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 3, 2001
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THEY SAID THEY PROGRAMMED THE AUT. DOOR LOCKS. THERE WERE NONE. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE OR LEAVE IT. THE DOOR CLIP IS BROKEN, TAPES ARE CHEWED, BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED ON HWY.,COMPLAINED OF BRAKES @5K MILES - DOWN TO ROTOR -THEY SAID IT WILL BE EVERY 15K MILES. "NOT OUR PROLEM." THIS CAR IS A DANGEROUS LEMON. I DON'T WANT TO DIE! FAN BELT IS LOOSE/NEEDS REEPLACEMENT. MY WARRANTY IS UP SOON. I WANTED WHAT I PAID FOR -SAFETY, AND HAVE A "DEATH TRAP". FORD SAYS "WE CANNOT LOSE ANY MONEY" TO ME. I INFORMEDD MY INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE I AM AFRAID, AND DO NOT WISH TO BE BLAMED FOR FORD'S POOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP. EXACT DATES CAN BE FOUND. *AK (TIRESIZE: 185/65R14) (TIRESIZE: 185/65R14)
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2001, fire
AFTER I STARTED THE CAR I TURNED ON THE AC UNIT. MINUTES LATER AS I TURNED A CORNER I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, NEAR THE DEFROSTER AREA. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD GOT OUT AND CALLED THE POLICE. THE SMOKE GOT THICKER AND THEN A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. I FIRST NOTICED IT AS IT ENTERED THE VEHICLE VIA THE PASSENGER SIDE A/C VENT. FIRE DEPARTMENT SPENT ABOUT 25 MIN TO PUT OUT FIRE. CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS, NOTIFIED INSUR AND DEALER. INSUR TO PAY LEASE BALANCE. LITTLE TO NO RESPONSE FROM FORD. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2001
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE, THE KEY WILL STICK IN IGNITION AND WILL NOT START VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE THREE TIMES, AND FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK