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, Oct 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH. A LOCKSMITH WAS CALLED AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT ALERTED.
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2006
2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKS UP 10/10/2006 CAR IS STRANDED OVERNIGHT IN A PARKING LOT IN AN UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $300 PLUS TOW FEES. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2006
FOR A WEEK I WAS HAVING TROUBLE TURNING MY KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2001 FORD FOCUS. THEN ONE MORNING I COULD NOT TURN MY KEY AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE FORD FOCUS. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER AT MY COST. I WAS TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE, FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT IS, ACCORDING TO THEM, NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I WANT TO KNOW HOW THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THIS PROBLEM CAN LEAVE SOMEONE STRANDED ANYWHERE WITH NO WARNING.*JB
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2006
IGNITION SWITCH DETERIORATED RESULTING IN A FAILURE; THERE WERE NO PRIOR INDICATIONS OF THE IMMINENCY OF THIS FAILURE. IGNITION SUBSEQUENTLY COMPLETELY FAILED TO TURN. ENTIRE IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM REPLACED. THE KEYS WILL BE THE NEXT TO FAIL, AS THEY ARE WEARING DOWN IN A MUCH MORE SUBSTANTIAL MANNER THAN I HAVE EVER SEEN AN AUTOMOBILE KEY DETERIORATE. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2006
CONCERN: 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 (IGNITION SWITCH STUCK) THIS CAR HAS ONLY 35000 MILES. AS I HAVE SEARCHED FOR REPAIR INSTRUCTION FOR THIS PROBLEM I KNOW IT IS WIDE SPREAD. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR EVERYDAY TO COLLEGE AND THE IGNITION SWITCH STUCK AND LEFT HER STRANDED. THE KEY WOULD GO INTO THE CYLINDER BUT WOULD NOT TURN. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF SHE WERE ALONE AND STUCK IN A PARKING LOT IN THE DARK!!! I BELIEVE THE SCENARIOS ARE SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH THAT FORD NEEDS TO REMEDY THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WINTER IS SETTING IN AND PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ARE GOING TO BE GETTING STRANDED IN THEIR FORD FOCUS'. THIS WON'T GET ATTENTION UNTIL SOMEONE DIES! FORD IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! *NM
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2006
I HAD TAKEN MY GRAND-DAUGHTER TO THE DENTIST AND WHEN WE CAME OUT THE KEY IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. I SPENT THE MOST OF THE MORNING TRYING TO GET IT TO TURN ONE MORE TIME SO THAT I COULD TAKE IT TO FORD TOWN TO GET IT FIXED. I KNEW WHAT HAD HAPPENED BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2004 FORD FOCUS AND HERS HAD JUST LOCKED UP ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE AND SHE NEVER DID GET IT TO TURN OVER, SHE HAD TO HAVE HER CAR TOWED AND THE IGNITION CYLINDER DRILLED OUT, FINALLY WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT TO TURN OVER ONE MORE TIME AND THE MAN AT FORD TOWN TOLD ME TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE NEXT DAY THEY WOULD TRY AND WORK MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT FIXED. I TOOK IT TO FORD TOWN THE NEXT DAY AND THEY FIXED IT AND IT COST ME $184.37. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2006
IGNITION LOCK-UP. FIRST TIME MAJOR DISASTER WITH INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALERSHIP COSTING ME $1055.26 JUST BECAUSE THE KEY CYLINDER/KEY WOULD NOT WORK. SECOND TIME IT LOCKED UP, 14 MONTHS LATER, STILL COST ME OVER $500.00 FOR FIX AND NEW KEYS AT DEALERSHIP. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2006
CAR WON'T START. KEY WILL NOT ENTER IGNITION. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2006
IGNITION LOCK, COULD NOT TURN KEY. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2006
MY IGNITION KEY OFTEN STICKS IN THE IGNITION AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT. THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE IT WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PIECE OF JUNK. IT MAKES THE CARS UNSAFE AS THEY SOMETIMES LOCK THE COLUMN AND SOMETIMES MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RESTART THE CAR IN UNSAFE LOCATIONS, SUCH AS HIGH CRIME AREAS OR ADJACENT TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. IT MAKES THE CARS VULNERABLE TO THEFT. FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AND IT SEEMS EVERY FOCUS WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AS THEY DO NOT OWN UP TO THEIR DESIGN FAILURES. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2006
2001 FORD FOCUS, 6 YRS OLD, ONLY 38K MILES. IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO INSERT KEY MORE THAN HALFWAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER ($75), WHO REPLACED CYLINDER FOR $350. DEALER REPORTS THEY STILL SEE THIS REPAIR ABOUT ONCE A MONTH ON THE 2000, 2001 MODELS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2006
*THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!* WHEN LEAVING WORK MY CAR WOULD NOT START, THE STARTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT COME ON...I WENT INSIDE FOR 10 MIN TO TRY TO ARRANGE A RIDE HOME...WHEN I CAME BACK TO THE CAR I DECIDED TO TRY ONE LAST TIME AND THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP NO PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING HOME (AT ABOUT 8.30PM LOCAL TIME...FULLY DARK OUTSIDE) AT APPROX. 50 MPH THE CAR DIED INCLUDING MOST ACCESSORIES, MOST NOTABLY, THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN I TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THIS ALL HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY, I WAS BRAKING AND THERE SEEMED TO BE SOME POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKES BUT NOT FULL BRAKING POWER. I WAS HEADED STRAIGHT AT A LARGE TREE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY CAME TO LIFE AGAIN AND I MANAGED TO JUST MISS IT. I LIMPED THE CAR ABOUT A 1/4 (AT 10 MPH) TO MY BROTHERS APARTMENT AND IT DIED 2X AGAIN ON THE WAY. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I DISCOVERED THAT WIGGLING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION INDUCES THE CAR TO DIE. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED ON A WIDE SCALE BASIS AND IT CONCERNS ME THAT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO BE INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS PROBLEM AND MANY MANY PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE OF THIS RISK (AS WAS I UNTIL ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO). I HAVE FOUND NO WAY TO GET THE MATTER CORRECTED VIA THE MANUFACTURER AS THE CURRENT REPLACEMENT PART IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ORIGINAL AND IS NOTED FOR SHORT LIFETIME AND FOR FAILING IN THE SAME MANNER. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2006
MY IGNITION WILL NOT TURN. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING. I GUESS THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2006
2001 FORD FOCUS. KEY ( IGNITION SWITCH) FAILED. KEY WON'T TURN . *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 29, 2006, fire
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 - 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS DARKENED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STALL. IT WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS OBSERVED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT A BARREN CAME OUT OF ONE OF THE PULLEYS HOWEVER THAT WOULD NOT CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT. TWO DAYS LATER THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED. THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR OBSERVED A SECURITY VIDEO WHICH IDENTIFIED THE VEHICLE SMOKING AND A WINDOW HAD FALLEN.
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2006
I OWN A FORD FOCUS ZX3 (2001). I SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS EVERYONE ELSE WITH MY CAR. MY IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND I WAS LEFT STRANDED. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ABOUT THE ISSUE, AND IT SEEMS TO ME THAT EVERY OTHER FOCUS OWNER HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS PURCHASING A NEW IGNITION CYLINDER (~$400). FORD NEED TO ADMIT TO A FAULTY PART AND LOW QUALITY OF MATERIALS. PLEASE HELP THIS BE AN OFFICIAL RECALL. THANK YOU. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED COMPLETELY, AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THE KEY WAS ALSO NOT ABLE TO BE INSERTED ALL THE WAY IN TO THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE STARTED, AND NO ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DRILLED OUT THE IGNITION CYLINDER, AND REPLACED THE CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH. THE DEALER CITED A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH AS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Aug 21, 2006
MY IGNITION LOCKS UP AND I AM UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES NOW AND EACH TIME I HAVE TO HAVE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED COSTING ME AROUND $400.00 EACH TIME. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AT ABOUT 16,000 MILES AND NOW I HAVE 85,000 MILES ON MY CAR. THERE IS NO SIGN WHEN AND WHERE IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN, IT JUST DOES AND THEN IT LEAVES YOU STRANDED AND IN NEED OF A TOW TRUCK, WHICH IS MORE COST TO THE CONSUMER. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2006
IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS LOCKED. UNABLE TO PUT KEY ALL THE WAY INTO IGNITION SWITCH. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2006
IGNITION CYLINDER FORD FOCUS LX 2001 93,980 MILES LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET. INSERT KEY - IGNITION LOCKSUP YOU'RE STRANDED AND HAVE TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. COST FOR REPAIR BY FORD DEALERSHIP $489.20. WHEN WE FIRST STARTED NOTICING IGNITION PROBLEM - WE CALLED FORD TO GET A PRICE ON THE PART AS MY HUSBAND WAS GOING TO REPLACE HIMSELF. WAS TOLD BY PARTS GAL THAT HE COULD NOT PERFORM THIS HIMSELF - IT'S NOT LIKE THE OLD DAYS - THERE ARE NOW SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE WIRING AND INSULATION IT HAS TO BE DONE BY FORD. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE IGNITION WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL TOW TRUCK AND TAKE TO FORD. TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMS US THIS IS COMMON DEFECT WITH ALL 2001-2006 FORD FOCUS AND TEMPOS. BEFORE WE HAD IT TOWED MY HUSBAND THOUGHT MAYBE THE KEY WAS JUST WORN OUT - FORD SAID THE KEY DID LOOK WORN AND THE KEY DID NEED REPLACING BUT IT HAD TO BE DONE SPECIAL BECAUSE KEY CONTAINS A CHIP AND IT TAKES SPECIAL PROGRAMMING - KEY COST $35.00 P/KEY LABOR WOULD COST $50.00 - WE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD AND HAVE IT TOWED IN CASE THIS WASN'T THE PROBLEM. (DON'T WANT TO BE THROWING AWAY MONEY) NEXT DAY I CONFRONTED FORD MECHANIC ABOUT THIS BEING A KNOWN CYLINDER DEFECT AND ASKED WHY IT WASN'T A RECALL - MECHANIC SAYS HE AGREES IT SHOULD BE A RECALL - BUT INSTEAD IT WAS A TSB TELLING TECHS HOW TO FIX AND TO MY HORROR FIX IT WITH ANOTHER IDENTICAL FAULTY PART. I ASKED IF THERE WAS SPECIAL PRICING SINCE IT WAS FORD'S FAULT. ANSWER NO. ASKED IF NEW KEYS WERE INCLUDED IN PRICE - ANSWER NO. I ASKED IF PROBLEM COULD REAPPEAR. ANSWER YES. IMAGINE IF MY DAUGHTER OR I WERE OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE OR ON A ROAD TRIP - WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED OR THE EXPENSE FOR TOWING. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT OUT OF TOWN NOW AND I AM HORRIFIED THAT I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $489.20 FOR A KNOWN DEFECT THAT WILL MORE THAN LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. WHY IS FORD FIXING THE PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER FAULTY PART -RIP OFF SCAM? *NM
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE TURNED, HOWEVER IT WAS NOT REMOVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE DEFECT.
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLES IGNITION SHUTS DOWN AND THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SHUT OFF. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ONE TIME AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE.
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 13, 2006
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A 2 LANE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN I TURNED THE AC ON AND THE CAR JUST STOPPED. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW COMPRESSOR WHICH WOULD COST 1000 DOLLARS..I FOUND A GARAGE THAT WOULD DO IT FOR LESS USING A USED ONE...MY PROBLEM WAS THIS WOULD HAPPEN EVERY TIME I TURNED THE AIR OR THE DEFROSTER ON. I WAS AFRAID I WOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT..AND AM STILL AFRAID TODAY WHEN I DRIVE IT FAR..WONDERING IF IT WILL STALL OUT AT HIGH SPEED AGAIN AND CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY JAMMING AND NOT TURNING AND MY NEWEST PROBLEM IS I STOPPED FOR GAS AND WHEN I TRIED TO START IT ALL I GOT WAS A CLICKING SOUND.. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2006
FROZEN IGNITION LOCK. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2006
WHEN TRYING TO PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THE IGNITION LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO ENTER OR WHILE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. BUT AFTER A WHILE, TRYING TO MAKE IT WORK THE IGNITION GIVES IN. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS. NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE BECAUSE THE KEY MAY NOT WORK. BOTH KEYS ARE DOING THE SAME THING. *JB