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
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Seat belts, Aug 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR ON THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE TRANSMISSION ALSO SLIPPED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DRIVE THE SAME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT IN STOCK AND THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF ENTIRELY. THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER WHENEVER THE SIGNAL LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS, OR AIR CONDITIONING WERE ACTIVATED. THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUED TO SHORT AND, WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HIGH BEAMS HAD TO BE ACTIVATED. THE SEAT BELT IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SEAT WAS INOPERABLE AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT CONTINUED TO MOVE BACKWARDS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHILE THE IGNITION IS ON. FINALLY, NONE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ARE FUNCTIONAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Equipment, Aug 25, 2008
I WILL START WITH THE FACT THE CAR IS ON IT'S FOURTH BATTERY. IT HAS HAD THE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED ALONG WITH EVERY SENSOR IN THE CAR SOME TWICE. THERE WAS A STEERING COLUMN RECALL DONE ON IT. THE TWO BACK WINDOWS TRACKS HAVE BEEN BROKE A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES. THE DOOR HANDLES BRAKE THREE SO FAR. THE STEREO IS BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME. I HAVE HAD TO DO THE BRAKES TWICE SO FAR AND ALL THIS AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 63,498.8 MILES . *TR
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2008
THE IGNITION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT RELEASE THE STEERING WHEEL OR START THE CAR. THE KEY WILL GO IN BUT NOT TURN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE SAME CAR. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION 22 MONTHS AGO. THIS IS FRUSTRATING AND HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN BOTH INSTANCES. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ANYONE BUT ME? THE CAR IS A 2001 FORD FOCUS LX. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2008
KEY WILL NOT GO ALL THE WAY INTO IGNITION CYLINDER ON 2001 FORD FOCUS, SO THE CAR CANNOT BE STARTED. IT APPEARS THAT MANY FOR FORD FOCUS OWNERS, BUT FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT A RECALL IS NEEDED. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2008
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. I WALKED OUT TO MY CAR AFTER WORK, LATE AND NIGHT, IN A DARK, EMPTY PARKING LOT, AND TRY AND START MY CAR. MY IGNITION WILL NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. I TRIED FOR 30 MIN TO GET IT WORKING BEFORE I GAVE UP. IT JUST HAPPENED, NO WARNING OF AN ISSUE. I DO NOT SEE THIS TO JUST BE WEAR. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SPORADICALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THEN RESTART MOMENTS LATER. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE ENGINE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY CABLES. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES); THEREFORE, SHE WAS NOT ENTITLED TO ANY REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2008
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE BEHAVES AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO TURN. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 18, 2008
WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS WITH 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IGNITION LOCKUP. THOUSANDS OF CASES, YET NO RECALL FROM FORD. KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION. HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. COULD ENDANGER SAFETY. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2008
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION WAS LOCKED UP AND KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START MY CAR. I WAS STRANDED IN AN UNSAFE PART OF CITY WHILE WAITING FOR AAA TO SHOW UP AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2008
IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP LEAVING US STRANDED. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY CLAIM THEY COULD DO NOTHING AND TOLD ME TO CALL A DEALER AND HAVE IT FIXED. THIS CALL WAS MADE AT AROUND 9PM SO THERE WERE NO DEALERSHIPS OPEN. MY FIANCE HIT THE KEY WHILE IN THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO TURN AND UNLOCK THE IGNITION. I AM UNABLE TO REMOVE MY KEY FROM THE IGNITION FOR FEAR IT MIGHT DO THIS AGAIN WHEN I AM ALONE. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2008
THE WIRING IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 THAT CONNECTS THE REAR HATCH TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR DETERIORATES SIGNIFICANTLY. THE WIRING ON MY CAR HAS STRIPPED THROUGH THE INSULATION, AND HAS BROKEN 4 OF THE 8 WIRES COMPLETELY IN HALF. THIS DISABLES THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT, THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER, AND THE TRUNK LID CAUSING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2008
2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IGNITION DOES NOT TURN. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER TOLD HER IT WOULD COST AROUND $350 TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND THEN THE PROBLEM MIGHT RETURN. SHE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF NHTSA HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS. *KB
Electrical system, May 31, 2008
THE KEY ONCE INSERTED IN THE IGNITION WILL NOT START MY CAR (2001 FORD FOCUS). *TR
Electrical system, May 31, 2008
KEY WILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION-2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 I'M HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAYJUNE 2, 2008 TO FIND SOMEONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM/REPAIR 2 DAY WAIT WITHOUT A CAR. *TR
Electrical system, May 20, 2008
THE IGNITION IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WON'T TURN, LEAVING ME STRANDED. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, EACH ONE LEAVING ME STRANDED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STATE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2008
MY KEY WILL GO INTO THE IGNITION OF MY FORD FOCUS, HOWEVER THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. EVEN AFTER "JIGGLING" THE STEERING WHEEL, I CAN'T TURN THE KEY AT ALL. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS FOR SOME REASON THE KEY CAN TURN. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT "TESTS" TO SEE IF PERHAPS PARKING STRAIGHT ON,ETC WILL ALLOW ME TO START MY CAR HOWEVER THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON TO IT. THIS PROBLEM LEAVES ME QUITE FRUSTRATED, POSSIBLY STRANDED, AND POSSIBLY IN DANGER AS I CAN'T START THE CAR WHEN I NEED TO. IT HAS BEEN A COUPLE DAYS AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY SO I HAVE NOT DONE ANY REPAIRS YET. BUT AFTER READING THAT THIS IS A PROMINENT PROBLEM, LOOKS LIKE I WILL HAVE TO FIX IT. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE FOR FEAR THAT MY CAR WILL NOT LET ME TURN THE KEY. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 31, 2008
LOCK CYLINDER LOCKED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2008
I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN JUL07. IN DEC07 STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CAR SURGING/JOLTING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY (55-65 MPH) THEN CAR WOULD JUST STALL, COMPLETELY DIE. ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, NO POWER STEERING NO LIGHTS. I WOULD MANAGE TO GET IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD NARROWLY AVOIDING ACCIDENT AND CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER SAT FOR ABOUT 10 MINS IT WOULD START. IT WOULD DRIVE OK FOR ABOUT 10-20 MILES AND THEN SURGE AND DIE. IT HAPPENS PERIODICALLY AND IN BETWEEN THE CAR MAY DRIVE FINE FOR WEEKS. SERVICE CENTER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN 3-18-08 WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 65MPH, JOLTED TWICE AND COMPLETELY DIED. I WAS NEARLY KILLED AS A SEMI WAS BEHIND ME AND ANOTHER BESIDE ME. I HAD TO FIGHT THE CAR TO GET IT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NARROWLY MISSED THE SEMI RUNNING UP OVER THE TOP OF ME. AFTER SITTING FOR 10 MIN IT STARTED AGAIN BUT WOULD NOT REACH FULL POWER. I COULD ONLY GET IT UP TO ABOUT 50 MPH, THEN STARTED JOLTING AND DIED AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 6 MILES THIS CONTINUED FOR 30 MILES. ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I HAD THAT READ BY ADV AUTO LATER AND IT WAS TWO CODES ONE FOR MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. IT HAS BEEN IN SERVICE GARAGE SINCE THEN. THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I DID NOTICE THAT THIS SEEMS TO ONLY BE HAPPENING WHEN IT RAINS. THEY SPRAYED WATER TODAY ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHILE IT WAS RUNNING AND IT DIED IN THEIR SHOP. THEY STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. IT ALSO HAS A LOUD VIBRATION/NOISE IN FRONT END. MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED, NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW BATTERY, NEW BELT REPLACED DEC 27,07. THE VEHICLE DIED AGAIN FEB 5, 2008 6 TIMES. IT DIES AT ALL SPEEDS AND SOMETIMES STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS/SIGNS. I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED WITH IT AND NEED A RELIABLE CAR TO GET TO WORK AND AM MAKING CAR PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 36 DAYS IN THE LAST 90. ALSO VERY CONCERNED ABOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OR KILLING MYSELF, MY KIDS OR SOMEONE ELSE. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 24, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THEN FLAMES APPEARED. SHE STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE WHEN IT BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,899. UPDATED 04/11/08 *BF THE DEALER STATED CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE IN A PINCH BOLT TORQUED AND A ZETEC ENGINE CABLE ROUTING. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS. UPDATED 04/11/08 *TR
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2008
2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN TO START CAR. ELDERLY WIFE WAS FORCED TO WAIT IN CAR IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPS. UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. WE HAVE SCHEDULED THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED AT A COST OF APPROX. $400. THIS PRESENTS A FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2008
THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN TO THE "ON" POSITION, REGARDLESS OF WHAT IS TRIED. THE CYLINDER APPARENTLY IS STUCK, AND THE CAR WILL THEREFORE NOT START. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2008
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND LIKE OTHER COMPLAINTS MY IGNITION ALSO JAMMED UP, AND LEFT ME DOWN AND HAD TO FIND A WAY GET HOME FROM MY JOB ,AND COST ME $ 240.00 FOR A LOCKSMITH THE NEXT DAY. I THINK FORD SHOULD TAKE ACTION AND RECALL THIS VEHICLE, AND REPAY ALL THAT HAD THIS PROBLEM. GC *TR
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2008
IGNITION SWITCH SEIZING, UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. 2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON. HAS HAPPENED, AND BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF FORD OWNERS, YET FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS THEY DO NOT SEE IT AS A 'SAFETY ISSUE'. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED TO ME, IT WAS AROUND 11PM ON A FRIDAY NIGHT, ON A SMALL SIDE ROAD NEAR MACK AND WOODWARD, DOWNTOWN DETROIT. THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL ANYONE CAN CONVINCE ME MY SAFETY WAS NOT IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY PART! *TR
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2008
KEY WILL NOT TURN...CAN'T START CAR..KEY TUMBLER DEFECTIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2008
KEY WILL NOT TURN ALL THE OFF AND CAN'T BE REMOVED. *TR