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, Aug 4, 2006
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE SWITCH , REPLACED SWITCH ONE TIME, THE NEXT TIME I HAD TO HAVE THE KEYS REPROGRAMMED ONE TIME AND NOW MY POS IS SITTING ACROSS TOWN WILL NOT CRANK BECAUSE THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. IF I SIT IN THE CAR AND BANG AROUND ON THE KEY WHILE IN THE IGNITION FOR 3 OR 4 HOURS I MIGHT ACCIDENTALLY GET THE CAR TO CRANK. NOW ONCE THE VEHICLE ( I DON'T KNOW WHY I CALL IT A VEHICLE ITS MORE LIKE NIGHTMARE ) DOES GET STARTED UP AND AS LONG AS I LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH IT WILL RE-START. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM FOR 4 YEARS. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2006
WENT OUT TO START CAR PARKED IN GARAGE AND IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD NOT TURN WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE HE REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BUT THEY HAVE TOLD ME THEY ONLY REPLACE THESE TYPES OF PARTS ONCE UNDER RECALLS? *JB
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2006
INSERTED KEY IN IGNITION AND KEY REFUSES TO TURN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. CAR NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2006
IGNITION DIDN'T TURN, THE ONLY WAY TO TURN KEY WAS TO BANG AGAINST KEY WITH SCREW DRIVER, PROBLEM GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, SO EVENTUALLY I HAD TO GET IT REPAIRED. MANY FORD FOCUS FORUMS STATE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM UPON MANY FOCUS'! *NM
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2006
WHEN WE PULLED UP AT THE STORE THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE; HOWEVER, WHEN WE TRIED TO LEAVE THE STORE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP AND WE COULD NOT START THE CAR. WE TRIED MANY DIFFERENT THINGS (AS IT SAYS IN THE MANUAL) INCLUDING THE MANUAL OVERRIDE ON THE BASE NEXT TO THE GEAR SHIFT AND CHECKING FOR BLOWN FUSES. WE ENDED UP HAVING TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO OUR HOME WHERE A LOCKSMITH CAME OUT AND REPLACED THE CYLINDER IN THE IGNITION. HE ALSO HAD TO RECODE THE KEYS SO THAT THEY WOULD WORK IN THE IGNITION. THE WORST PART WAS THAT WE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN (NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO PRIOR PROBLEMS, ETC.) AND WE WERE STUCK OUT IN 98 DEGREE HEAT WITH OUR 2 SMALL CHILDREN!! *NM
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2006
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN RESPONSE TO HELP ANOTHER PERSON IN ELECTRICAL COMPLAINTS. THE FLICKER YOU HAVE WITH YOUR 2001 FOCUS IS SUPPOSEDLY A GROUND ISSUE TO THE CHASSIS. IT APPEARS TO HAVE FIXED MY PROBLEM WITH THE INSTRUMENTS AND HEADLIGHTS AND ANYTHING ELECTRICAL FLICKERING SPORADICALLY. THE FIX IS PRETTY CHEAP UNDER 20 BUCKS AND YOU COULD DO IT YOURSELF IF YOU ARE SOMEWHAT MECHANICAL. AS FOR MY COMPLAINT. FOR A CAR TO BE IN THE TOP 10 FOR A FEW YEARS AND A GREAT ECONOMY CAR THIS IS NOT THE CAR WITH AN ANSWER. I HAVE SUCH REPLACED 2 ALTERNATORS UNDER WARRANTY, 3 BATTERIES BEFORE I FIXED MY GROUND PROBLEM. REPLACED PVC VALVE 2 TIMES, RADIATOR, TRUNK RELEASE ACTUATOR, NUMEROUS HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS, RADIATOR AND HOSES THAT WERE BUSTED FROM OVERHEATING, COUPLE OF BELTS, DRIVER DOOR LOCK, SOMETHING WITH THE GAS TANK I THINK TO BE A FUEL PUMP. ALL OF THIS WITH 30K ON THE CAR. SINCE THEN I HAVE ONLY REPLACED TIRES AND RIMS ON THE CAR AT 130K I DECIDED TO REPLACE ANY PART AFTER WARRANTY WITH AFTERMARKET GEAR. SO NOW THE CAR HAS A COLD AIR INTAKE, SVT ENGINE, AEM ON BOARD COMPUTER TO ADJUST WITH LAPTOP, NITROUS, AFTERMARKET HELLA LIGHTS, NEW PAINT JOB, NEW DASH INDIGLO LIGHTS, NEW STEREO SPEAKERS, INTERIOR. SO AFTER ALL THIS I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE JUST BOUGHT A LEXUS AND CALLED IT A DAY. THE CAR NOW RUNS GREAT AND HAS NOT HAD A SINGLE PART FAILURE SINCE. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2006
THE IGNITION CYLINDER IS A KNOWN FAILURE IN THE 2000-01 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART. THE STEERING WHEEL AND IGNITION LOCK UP AND THE VEHICLE IS USELESS. THE WORN KEYS SEEM TO WORSEN THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A 12-18 MONTH LIFE SPAN ON THE PART AND THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE. IF YOU WOULD GO TO AUTOMOTIVE TALKNET.COM AND CHOOSE THE TOPIC IGNITION CYLINDER ON THE FORD FOCUS YOU WILL SEE HOW MUCH OF A RECALL THIS SHOULD BE AND HOW WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL THE MONEY WE HAVE SPENT. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2006
PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH - MULTIPLE TIMES - FINALLY HAD LOCKSMITH CHANGE THE IGNITION. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2006
FORD FOCUS 2001 IGNITION SWITCH JAMMED. DOES NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO BE STARTED. IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NO RECALL AND IT WILL COST $450 FOR THE DEALER TO FIX THIS VERY OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE SHORTING OUT. INTERIOR LAMPS FLASH AND FLICKER. SIDE MIRRORS WORK SPORADICALLY. HEADLAMPS FLASH AND FLICKER ON OCCASION. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THREE YEARS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED, THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BEING REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP.
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING AND IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
Electrical system, Jun 1, 2006
THE REAR WIPER IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 STOPPED WORKING. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT 5 WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS GOING INTO THE HATCH LID HAD CRACKED INSULATION AND EXPOSED CONDUCTORS. ONE WIRE WAS COMPLETELY SEVERED. I HAVE USED ELECTRICAL TAPE TO TEMPORARILY RENDER THE SITUATION SAFE UNTIL I CAN MAKE A MORE PERMANENT REPAIR. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED THAN MANY OTHER 2001 FOCUS OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE EXPOSED CONDUCTOR CONSTITUTE A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD. *JB
Electrical system, May 8, 2006
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON DROVE FINE ON SATURDAY NIGHT, BUT ON SUNDAY MORNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD GONE HAYWIRE. WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGNITION, NO SOUND CAME FROM THE IGNITION, BUT THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLICKERED ON AN OFF, I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND, THE "DOOR OPEN" BELL CAME ON, AND I SMELLED ELECTRICAL SMOKE. THE FORD DEALER SAID THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY, THE BATTERY CABLES, AND THE STARTER. THIS SOUNDED A LOT LIKE THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V288000, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. *NM
Electrical system, May 5, 2006
SECOND TIME IGNITION CYLINDER IN 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS LOCKED UP. FIRST LEFT ME STRANDED AND HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED IN. TODAY, IGNITION HAS LOCKED UP AGAIN. DEALERSHIP DOESN'T KNOW IF THEY WILL PAY FOR IT, BUT THEY'D BETTER. HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF POST ABOUT THIS PROBLEM--WHY ISN'T FORD ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM???*JB
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2006
KEY WILL NOT GO BACK INTO THE IGNITION CYLINDER. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2006
2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON SE: [XXX] INTERMITTENT PROBLEM: REAR HATCH OPENS WHEN CAR IS STARTED. REAR HATCH CANNOT BE CLOSED WHEN CAR IS RUNNING. WHEN I JIGGLE THE WIRING HARNESS AT THE TOP OF THE HATCH, I HEAR CRACKLING NOISES. EVENTUALLY, AFTER JIGGLING THE HARNESS, I CAN GET THE PROBLEM TO GO AWAY. I ALSO HAD THE FUSE BLOW FOR THE REAR LIGHTS A WHILE BACK, BUT REPLACED IT WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS, THINKING NOTHING OF IT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 00V411000 ADDRESSES A PROBLEM WITH THE DECK LID WIRING HARNESS SHORTING OUT WHERE IT BENDS, AND DEVELOPING BROKEN WIRES. LOSS OF TAIL LAMPS IS ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES. I BELIEVE THE HATCH OPENING IS A RELATED PROBLEM TOO, ALTHOUGH THE RECALL DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTION IT. THIS RECALL IS FOR YEAR 2000 FOCUS WAGONS. MINE IS A 2001, BUT ITS MANUFACTURE DATE IS 2000. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME, SAYING THAT THE VIN IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. MEANWHILE, I AM DRIVING AROUND WITH THIS ELECTRICAL ISSUE. YOU WOULD THINK THAT FORD WOULD TREAT CUSTOMERS BETTER, RATHER THAN JUST SAYING THEY DO ON THEIR COMMERCIALS. I HAVE NEVER HAD THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE SAY "YES" TO ANY OF MY ISSUES. THEY JUST RECORD THE COMPLAINT AND HAPPILY ASK IF THERE'S ANYTHING ELSE THEY CAN "DO" FOR ME. THEY ALSO SAY THAT EVEN IF THE CAR WERE COVERED, ITS MILEAGE IS TOO HIGH. IS THERE A MILEAGE LIMIT ON THIS RECALL? I DIDN'T SEE IT. PLEASE SEE IF YOU CAN GET THESE SLIGHTLY-LATER-MANUFACTURED FOCUS WAGONS ADDED TO THE RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOU HELP! *NM UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2006
IGNITION KEY DIFFICULT TO INSERT THEN IGNITION MECHANISM AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER DETERMINED THE WIRE JACKETS ON THE WIRE HARNESS AT THE DECK LID, WORE AWAY AND RESULTED IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. IN ADDITION, THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT BRACKET WITHIN THE DECK LID ALSO SHORTED OUT, DUE TO THE WIRES BEING BURNED. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 00V411000 REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/WIRING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2006
WHEN I TRIED TO START MY FORD FOCUS 2001 ZX3 CAR AFTER LEAVING THE POST OFFICE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I EVENTUALLY FOUND A LOCKSMITH WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK KEY CYLINDER AT A COST TO ME OF $189.00. WHEN I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. THEY HAD NO RECORD OF RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME RESPONSE FROM FORD. I FEEL THAT AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE OPENED INTO THIS WITH ACTION ALONG THE LINES OF CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES TO US. THIS IS AND HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS CARS. EVEN THE LOCKSMITH WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. FORD'S RESPONSE IS NO RESPONSE AND NOT AN ACCEPTABLE ONE. THANK YOU. *NM
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2006
AT FIRST, KEY WOULD GO INTO IGNITION ALL THE WAY, BUT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. WOULD HAVE TO TAKE KEY OUT, PUT BACK IN, ETC UNTIL FINALLY IT WOULD TURN. TODAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED, EXCEPT THEN IT WOULDN'T GO IN AT ALL. IT TOOK 10 MINUTES OF JIGGLING IT AROUND FOR IT TO GO IN; NOW, TO GET THE KEY IN I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL AND MESS AROUND WITH IT UNTIL IT GOES IN. TALKED TO MECHANIC AND FORD DEALERSHIP - MUST REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER. I LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS AN OVERLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS AND THAT THE PART IS DEFECTIVE. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2006, fire
WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 FORD FOCUS THE BATTERY CAUGHT ON FIRE. LUCKILY, HE PULLED OVER AND SOMEONE STOPPED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR FAULTY BATTERY CABLES. THESE WERE ALREADY REPLACED BY BELL FORD IN PHOENIX. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED AND IS STILL WAITING REPAIRS. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2006
WE BOUGHT OUR DAUGHTER A 2001 FORD FOCUS. ALL THE REVIEWS STATED THAT THE CAR WAS A GOOD, ECONOMICAL, SAFE CAR. WE PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2004. SINCE THE PURCHASE HER STEERING AND IGNITION SYSTEM HAS LOCKED UP ON HER TWICE. AFTER READING MANY SITES IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS. THIS IS AN ECONOMICAL CAR THAT MANY PARENTS ARE RELYING ON TO GET THEIR COLLEGE AGED CHILDREN TO AND FROM SCHOOL. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL ALL FORD FOCUSES SO THEY CAN ALL HAVE NEW IGNITIONS INSTALLED. THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN IS MOST IMPORTANT HERE. PARENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTINUALLY WORRY THAT THEIR 22 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER MAY BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE WITHOUT HELP DUE TO FORDS LAZY ATTITUDE. PLEASE RECALL THESE CARS THAT SO THAT PARENTS CAN HAVE PEACE OF MIND KNOWING THEIR CHILDREN ARE SAFE.*NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2006
IGNITION NOT TURNING ON 2001 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE READ A MESSAGE BOARD THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING A LOT WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. ALSO, BRAKES HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD BUYER BUT AM CONSIDERING CHANGING TO A DIFFERENT MAKE. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THIS OCCURRED A SECOND TIME 30,000 MILES LATER AND THE SAME COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.