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, Jan 3, 2008
IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3, THERE IS A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. SEVERAL THINGS DO NOT WORK OR HAVE SHORTS, OR THE SWITCHES OPERATE OTHER THINGS. RIGHT NOW, THE DEALER IS INSTALLING A NEW WIRING HARNESS FOR $500 AT LEAST. I JUST FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR 200 FOCUS ON THIS ISSUE. THIS IS THE SAME CAR AS MINE. MINE SHOULD ALSO BE COVERED. THE PROBLEMS BEGAN JUST A FEW DAYS AFTER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD ENDED, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS MINOR AND I COULD LEAVE IT ALONE. THE DEALER IS ALL-AMERICAN FORD IN HACKENSACK, NJ. CAN YOU HELP ME?*CN
Electrical system, Dec 30, 2007
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS. FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS NOW I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY DISCHARGING. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED MORE THAN ONCE AND THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY, MY CAR DID NOT START 12/22 AND AGAIN ON 12/26, 12/27 AND NOW TODAY, 12/30/07. I HAD TO HAVE SOMEONE JUMPSTART MY CAR EACH TIME EXCEPT THIS MORNING. NO ONE IS AVAILABLE THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING. I AM TIRED OF FORD SAYING THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I KNOW THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. WE NEED FORD TO COME FORWARD AND ADMIT OWNERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM AND EITHER FIX OUR CARS AT NO CHARGE OR ISSUE A BLANKET RECALL OR SOMETHING. I CANNOT AFFORD THE TOWING CHARGES, THE DAYS OFF WORK WHILE THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP ETC. THIS WILL GO ON FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN I CAN GO 3 MONTHS, MAYBE 6 MONTHS WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAVE TRIED NOT USING MY DOME LIGHT AND KEEPING IT IN THE OFF POSITION. I MANUALLY TURN OFF MY RADIO AND HEADLIGHTS BEFORE LEAVING THE CAR IN CASE THAT WAS WHAT WAS DRAINING THE BATTERY, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. I DO NOTICE THAT A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE THE BATTERY GOES DEAD THE CAR WILL START LUNGING A COUPLE OF DAYS IN ADVANCE BUT ONLY ABOUT ONE TIME PER DAY. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 24, 2007
ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO I WENT TO PUT KEY IN IGNITION AND I STRUGGLED FOR AN HOUR OR MORE TO GET IT TO TURN. VERY FRUSTRATED AT THAT POINT THAT I FINALLY HAVE RESIDED TO KEEPING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, WHICH IS NOT A GOOD IDEA,BUT AFRAID OF BEING STRANDED SOMEWHERE. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2007
RECENTLY THE IGNITION LOCK ON MY FORD FOCUS JAMS UP. I PLACE THE KEY IN THE LOCK, WHICH IS A BIT STICKY, AND THEN THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. AFTER 15-30 MINUTES OF TRYING TO TURN IT, IT WILL START, OTHER TIMES NO. WE ARE STILL RESEARCHING ON THE WEB HOW TO REPLACE THIS PART. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2007
2001 FORD FOCUS ZTS - IGNITION WOULDN'T START DURING SUMMER MONTHS (NOT PREDICTABLE); HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON SIDE OF ROAD A FEW TIMES UNTIL ENGINE COOLED DOWN (30 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR) BEFORE WOULD START AGAIN. LAST WEEK, WHEN KEY INSERTED INTO CAR, STEERING WHEEL WOULD BE LOCKED UP AND KEY WOULDN'T TURN. FINALLY FAILED ON ME TWO DAYS AGO; LUCKILY I WAS AT HOME AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 2-YEAR-OLD IN ZERO-DEGREE WEATHER! DEALER SAID IT WAS FAULTY SOLENOID SWITCH IN STARTER. HAVE READ THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT REPEATS ITSELF! I HOPE TO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2007
AS THE OWNER OF A FORD FOCUS 2001 - I ATTEMPTED TO START MY CAR AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. I WAS STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT - HAD TO BE TOWED. THE PROBLEM IS CHRONIC IN FORD FOCUS - YET FORD IS NOT RECALLING OR ATTEMPTING TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS IN ANY WAY TO REMEDY THE FLAW. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER ADDING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 15, 2003 AND RECURRED APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AGO. THE IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS $433 AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE; HOWEVER, THE FIRST REPAIR WAS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE IGNITION SWITCH SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER THREE YEARS. THE FORD MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,474 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,732.
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2007
VEHICLE IGNITION LOCK FROZE WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION. IGNITION KEY WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE LOCK. DRIVER WAS LEFT STRANDED AND LOCK SMITH HAD TO BE CALLED TO DRILL OUT THE IGNITION AS A TEMPORARY FIX AND THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. VEHICLE MAKE: FORD VEHICLE MODEL: FOCUS SE YEAR: 2001 *TR
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2007
I BOUGHT MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IN APRIL 2007 FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. ONE DAY A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO I WENT INTO A STORE AND WHEN I CAME OUT MY KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. FORTUNATELY I GRABBED A PASSERBY TO HELP ME AND HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THEN A FEW DAYS AGO I GOT HOME FROM WORK ONE NIGHT, PARKED MY CAR, AND WENT INSIDE. NEXT MORNING WHEN I TRIED TO LEAVE FOR WORK THE KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION AND THE WHEEL WAS LOCKED AGAIN. AFTER AN HOUR OF TRYING TO GET THE KEY IN, I HAD TO CALL A MECHANIC TO TOW THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND GET IT REPAIRED. IT COST ME $400. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2007
IGNITION SWITCH- MY KEY WON'T ENTER THE IGNITION. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS DEFECTIVE PART. FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS FAULTY PART. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2007
IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP BEYOND A MERE STEERING LOCKUP AND COULD NOT BE STARTED. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE HAS 84K MILES. I HOPE I WON'T BE PAYING FOR A REPAIR THAT IS LIKELY TO BREAK AGAIN SOON. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2007
WHENEVER IT RAINS MY 2001 FORD EXPEDITIONS ELECTRICAL GOES CRAZY, I GET A LEAK FROM WHEAT I AM GUESSING IS THE WINDSHIELD, AND THE FLOOR GETS WET, THEN MY AC RUNS WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND MY LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF, THE RADIO GOES ON AND OFF AND KEEPS DRAINING THE BATTERY, TOOK IT TO FORD, BUT ALL THEY SAY IS IT NEEDS A NEW GEM MODULE BUT NEVER SAYS ANYTHING ABOUT THE WINDSHIELD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 15, 2007
2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IGNITION FAILURE THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND DOES NOT TURN AND THE CAR I GUESS IS KNOWN FOR IT AND THE COMPANY DOES NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM THE CUSTOMER HAS TO PAY FOR THE NEW IGNITION EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS AND THE CAR IS KNOWN FOR DOING THIS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2007
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND WITHIN THE LAST MONTH IT HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS DUE TO A SUBSTANDARD/DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. I ALSO FOUND THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM, QUITE THE CONTRARY; THERE ARE SEVERAL CAR FORUMS THAT HAVE COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS ISSUE. FOR EXAMPLE, HERE IS ONE AT CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_IGNITION.HTML I ACCEPT THE FACT THAT CAR OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN MAINTENANCE BUT AN IGNITION CYLINDER SHOULD NOT BE GOING BAD IN A 6 YEAR OLD CAR. FURTHERMORE, I HAVE READ SEVERAL FORD FOCUS OWNERS SAY THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS REPAIR DONE MORE THAN ONCE. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT; I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP PAYING OUT $500 TO GET THIS FIXED. PLEASE DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING AND RECALL THIS PART AND REPLACE IT WITH ONE THAT WORKS. DON'T MAKE ME REGRET BUYING A FORD IN THE FUTURE. HTTPS://SECURE.FORD.COM/SERVLET/SATELLITE/FOOTER/CONTACT-FORD/CONTACT-US-EMAIL?CONTACTMAINTOPIC=VEHICLESERVICEISSUES *JB
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCKED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. SHE HAD TO STRIKE THE TIP OF THE KEY WHILE IT WAS STILL IN THE IGNITION FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE STARTED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2006, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,834 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM ONE OF THE FRONT WHEELS. WHEN HE DRIVES OVER SPEED BUMPS, IT SOUNDS AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO STATED THAT WHEN HE DRIVES BETWEEN 50-75 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. HE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED AND THE FRONT END ALIGNED, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THOSE WERE NOT THE CAUSE OF THE VIBRATION AND NOISE. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 02V289000 (STEERING: LINKAGES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HE HAD THE BATTERY INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS FINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED WHEN THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND MOVED THE BATTERY CABLE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, HE REALIZED THAT THE CABLES LOOKED AND SMELLED BURNT. HE THEN DISCOVERED NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES). HE NOTIFIED FORD ABOUT THE TWO RECALLS AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM BOTH. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED SINCE HE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2007
THE CAR ALMOST STALLS THEN SURGES LIKE A KICK. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY AT AROUND 30MPH. ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE GO ALL THE WAY UP AND THEN BACK DOWN TO ZERO THEN EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED BUT NOW THE PROBLEM IS BACK AFTER ONLY 2 WEEKS WITH A NEW BATTERY. I TOOK TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2007
I HAD TO HAVE MY IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 FOCUS. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2007, fire
2001 FORD FOCUS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY A ENGINE FIRE CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR 2 YEARS TO GET A DECISION FROM FORD**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY AN ENGINE FIRE AND FURTHER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR THE SAME DEFECT. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PICTURES OF DEFECT, COPY OF A RECALL ISSUED BY ALLDATA ONLINE, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE DAMAGE. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2007
COULD NOT INSERT MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION. IT WOULD ONLY GO HALFWAY IN. I WAS STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT AND HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO PICK ME UP. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THEY DRILLED THE LOCK OUT AND REPLACED WITH NEW CYLINDER. THE OLD PART WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY THE DRILLING. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY AND UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AS OF JULY 16, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 53,000. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2007
MY WIFE OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS LX,WE HAVE BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT IGNITION PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR FOR MONTHS WHERE THE KEY DID NOT TURN THE IGNITION. I CALLED FORD SERVICE , AND THEY ADVISED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION WHICH WILL COST BETWEEN $380 AND $480. I COULD NOT AFFORD THIS,, AND LOST TIME AT WORK TO GO AND MESS WITH THE IGNITION. I HAD TO WIGGLE IT BACK AND FORTH ,SOMETIMES TAKING ME 2 HOURS, TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. I READ FORUMS ON THE INTERNET THAT MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY COULD NOT FORD REIMBURSE ANY COST OR DO THIS FOR CHEAPER THEN THE AMOUNT I WAS QUOTED. THE CARS WILL SIT IN THE DRIVEWAY UNTIL I COULD GET ENOUGH MONEY FOR REPAIRS. THE CAR WONT EVEN TURN NOW EVEN AFTER WIGGLING IT BACK AND FORTH, SO I MAY HAVE TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2007
FORD FOCUS IGNITION KEY WILL NOT INSERT. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE I AM STRANDED WITH AN IMMOBILE CAR. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 3, 2007
IGNITION KEY CURRENTLY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM LOCK. PREVIOUS TO THIS STATUS, IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN ONCE INSERTED. PROBLEM EVOLVES BETWEEN THESE TWO TYPES OF ISSUES. SEE FORDS TSB 05-21-17. ISSUES ARE WELL KNOWN. FAILURE MEANS THAT ONE EITHER IS STUCK SOMEWHERE AND CANNOT GET THE CAR STARTED (THINK WINTER AND MAINE) OR, AS CURRENTLY IS THE CASE, HAVING TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WHILE OUT AND ABOUT! FORD REFUSES TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR ALTHOUGH THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD BE, IN MY OPINION, A RECALL. FIRST INCIDENT WAS 22 MAY 2007 BUT ISSUE WILL NOT GO AWAY WITHOUT A COSTLY REPAIR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Apr 10, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS WITH A CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE OF 140,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS DRIVING 55 MPH ON A HOT DAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND LOSE ACCELERATION , THEN LOST POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD STALL, BUT THE CAR WOULD STILL BE DRIVING UNTIL THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT HAD THE MECHANIC CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, AND FUEL FILTER, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOLD HIM TO TAKE IT TO THE FORD DEALER TO GET IT DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS A FAILURE IN THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, BUT THE PARTS WERE ON NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER. *AK