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: engine and engine cooling
248 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONDENSER BOX TO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V482000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 157,000...UPDATED 01/30/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP FOUND PCV HOSE AT THE BACK OF THE ENGINE COLLAPSED (REPAIRED), PERFORMED FUEL INDUCTION SYTEM FLUSH, AAA REPLACED ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AS A WHOLE. UPDATED 2/5/2013 *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 28, 2012, fire
ON 7/27/2012, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE INTERIOR THROUGH THE VENTS. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER,THERE WAS NO BRAKE (MY GUESS IS THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD MELTED.). MY HUSBAND USED THE E BRAKE AND PARK TO STOP AND SOMEONE YELLED...GET OUT OF THE CAR.MY HUSBAND AND SON JUMPED OUT AND THE CAR BECAME ENGULFED. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT. HE TOLD ME THAT JUST BEFORE THAT IT STARTED HESITATING SOME,LIKE IT WAS GOING TO CUT OFF, BUT DIDN'T. FOR A MORE DETAILED STATEMENT PLEASE CONTACT HIM. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT THEY GOT OUT... THANK YOU, *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2011
ENGINE SUDDENLY HAD NO OIL IN IT. IN TURN, THE ENGINE IS NOW BLOWN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Visibility, Oct 30, 2011
MY MAIN COMPLAINTS ARE THE POWER WINDOWS, AIR CONDITIONING, FUEL SYSTEM ISSUE 3 OF THE 4 POWER WINDOW MECHANISM IN MY CAR HAVE BROKEN AND TWO ARE WEDGED UP, WHICH WASN'T A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN TO ME BECAUSE I RARELY HAVE PEOPLE IN THE REAR SEATS. NOW, I HAVE TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD FIX MY DRIVER WINDOW OR WEDGE IT. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME BECAUSE IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND CANNOT OPEN MY WINDOW THEN I MIGHT MAKE IT OUT ALIVE. MY A/C IS BROKEN AS WELL SO IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, I NEED TO CHOOSE TO EITHER FIX MY A/C OR FIX MY POWER WINDOW SO THAT I CAN HAVE VENTILATION. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET AN ISSUE FIXED WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM AS IT SOMETIMES LURCHES IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. IT HASN'T STALLED ON ME YET IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION LIKE IT HAS FOR SOME PEOPLE, BUT I AM WORRIED IT WILL HAPPEN SOON. I AM HOPEFUL FORD WILL FIX MY WINDOW ISSUES AS THIS IS A DIRECT CAUSE OF CHEAP PARTS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2011
I'VE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD FOCUS AND DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE I'VE BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY COUNTLESS TIMES.THUS FAR I'VE REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE. TWICE I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. MY THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE AND HAS UNEXPECTED MOMENTS OF ACCELERATION AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE THROTTLE SENSOR. BOTH OF MY FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN AND WERE VERY CLOSE TO PUNCTURING MY TIRES. AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE TO NUMEROUS MECHANICS NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHY MY CAR SHAKES SO BADLY. I HAVE VERY POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WHICH IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. MY FAN HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND MY CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS OVERHEATING AS WELL. DURING THE COURSE OF ALL OF THESE CAR MALFUNCTIONS, I'VE BEEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND IN RISKY NEIGHBORHOODS AT NIGHT. THIS CAR HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 15, 2011
THIS VEHICLE HAS SUDDENLY DIED DOZENS OF TIMES SINCE APRIL OF 2011. IT DIES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON THE INTERSTATE, IT DIES WHEN BRAKING IN A PARKING AREA. THERE IS NO SPECIFIC SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE VEHICLE STARTS BACK UP AFTER TWO OR THREE TIMES WHILE GIVING IT GAS. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL OR LOW AND OUR VERY REPUTABLE MECHANIC CAN FIND NO CAUSE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS AND I HAVE SEEN WHERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED ONLINE AND I HOPE REPORTING THIS WILL SHOW A PATTERN WITH THESE VEHICLES. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2011
AFTER PURCHASING CAR WITH 62K MILES ON IT, I DISCOVERED A COOLANT LEAK THE NEXT DAY. THIS LEAK HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE LAST WEEK. A SEARCH OF DIFFERENT INTERNET SITES FOUND AT LEAST 15 REPORTS OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING COMING LOOSE/BREAKING LOOSE FROM ITS POSITION AGAINST THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS IS WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM ON MY CAR, AND THE DESCRIPTION IN AT LEAST ONE OTHER CASE APPEARS TO BE IDENTICAL TO MY OWN LEAK. THE DESCRIPTIONS FOUND ONLINE RANGE FROM NEARLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE TO APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. THIS LEAK IS SEVERE ENOUGH TO GENERATE A 2FT WIDE BY 4FT LONG PUDDLE OF COOLANT IN APPROXIMATELY 12HOURS. CONTINUOUS LEAK EVEN AFTER CAR HAS SAT FOR GREATER THAN 12 HOURS RULES OUT A FAILURE ONLY WHILE UNDER PRESSURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 FOCUS ZX3 - 5SP THAT TENDS TO STALL WHEN THE AC IS ON. BUT IT MAY NOT STALL DURING THE "INITIAL" USE PERIOD. WITHOUT WARNING, IT WILL STALL AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. MY SERVICE SHOP CHECKED THE COMPUTER CODES FOR A PROBLEM AND NOTHING CAME UP. YESTERDAY, IT WAS DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 30MINS WITH THE AC ON (OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AROUND 80+ DEGREES). THE VEHICLE RAN FINE WITH THE RPMS NORMAL WHEN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 90 MINS. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT WOULD STALL. TO GET STARTED I NEEDED TO KEEP FOOT ON GAS PEDAL (TO MAINTAIN A HIGH ENOUGH RPM TO PREVENT THE STALL). IF I DID NOT KEEP THE RPMS UP, VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPING, I NEEDED TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL TO MAINTAIN THE RPMS. (THIS CAN BE CHALLENGING WITH A 5-SPD.) THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED FOR OVER FOUR HOURS. IT THEN STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEM AND RAN NORMALLY. DURING THIS PERIOD I DID NOT HAVE THE AC ON. I SEE THAT THIS MAY BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS. HOWEVER, NEITHER FORD MOTOR'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE NOR THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP (ECHELON FORD) ON 6/8/10 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE IT. I WAS CHARGED $108 FOR THE SHOP TIME AND STILL HAVE NO TECHNICAL ANSWER TO THIS CRITICAL AND POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEM... *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2010
I HAVE HAD A FORD FOCUS 2001 FOR TWO YEARS AND IN THOSE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND ENGINE MOUNTS. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS I COMMON PLACE IN ALMOST ALL FORD FOCUS'S. I FEAR THAT THIS CAR MIGHT LEAVE ME ANYWHERE, NOW ONE WEEK AGO THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAS BROKEN. THIS IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR. I DEMAND THAT THESE CARS OF 1998 THREW 2003 BE LABELED AS LEMONS AND HAVE FORD ISSUE A RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENTS ON THEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND WHEN HE RESTARTED IT, THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE DEALER, WHEN CONTACTED, STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,275.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER A MINUTE IT WOULD NOT START UP. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE HOOD WHICH SOON BECAME A FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 93,000. UPDATED 6/21/10 *CN UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Power train, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 8, 2010
I HAVE HAD MY FORD FOCUS WAGON FOR THREE YEARS NOW. I HAD TO REPAIR A ALOT OF THINGS ON THIS CAR! TRANNY, ALTERNATOR, FUEL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND THE ONLY DOOR THAT OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE IS THE PASSENGER RIGHT FRONT, WHICH MY KIDS HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH TO GET TO THE BACK BECAUSE BOTH BACK DOORS BROKE NOT EVEN FOUR MONTHS FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. ALSO THE DRIVER DOOR ONLY OPENS FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF THE COMPANIES DEFECTED CAR DOOR HANDLES. MY FRIEND HAS THE SAME CAR, AND ITS THE SAME WAY. NOT MENTIONING HOW EVERYTIME I STOP IT DIES OUT AND I HAVE TO TRY AND KEEP STARTING IT. IT SEEMS THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Equipment, Dec 26, 2009
IGNITION STICKS AND MOVES AROUND, HORN FELL COMPLETELY OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR AND HIT SOMEONE'S CAR, THE FAN BOX AND ALL FELL COMPLETELY OFF AND DOWN, BACKFIRING STALLING RATTLING VIBRATES FRONT RIGHT SIDE AROUND TIRE AREA RATTLES HORRIBLY, CHECK ENG. LIGHT STAYS ON MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR IS BAD TRANSMISSION SENSOR IS BAD LIGHTER STOPPED WORKING CAR COMPLETELY GOES DEAD SPITS SPUTTERS, MANIFOLD PIPE BROKE SO NOW ITS LOUD. ITS ALL DAY LONG NON STOP PERIOD WE HAVE REPLACE SEVERAL SENSORS AND TUBES AND WIRES FOR IT DOESN'T WORK NOT GETTING THE GAS MILEAGE I SHOULD AND I HAVE HAD IT 11 MONTHS BUT HARDLY DOVE IT 3 TOTAL ALL TOGETHER I CANT AFFORD ANY THING ELSE TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS 3 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT ITS BEEN PURE ?!@#$%. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REAR DOOR HANDLES WHICH WERE REPAIRED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 05V030000). THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR CAME OPEN DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WOULD FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECT. REPAIRS TO THE PASSENGER DOOR WERE SCHEDULED WITH THE DEALER AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND WAS REPLACED PER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2009
THE CONNECTING ROD BROKE IN THE ENGINE. OUR MECHANIC SAID THAT ALMOST ALL 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW I HAVE 130,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT I KEPT UP WITH ALL RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE. JUST LUCKY WE MADE IT HOME SAFE. IF THERE IS SUCH A PROBLEM WITH MOST FOCUS WHY WASN'T IT FIXED BY FORD BEFORE A BREAK DOWN AND LOST OF MY VEHICLE. *TFR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2009, fire
OUR DAUGHTERS 2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE, BURNED INTO THE CABIN. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A LOT. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT OUR DAUGHTER WAS NOT INJURED, NOR THAT ANYONE ELSE OR PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED. SHE HAD ONLY BEEN OUT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 4-6 MINUTES BEFORE IT ERUPTED IN FLAMES. PRIOR TO THAT THE CAR APPEARED TO DRIVE FINE. NO SMELLS, NO WARNING LIGHTS. VERY SCARY. I FELT THAT I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE, AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY, APPEARS TO WANT TO JUST SETTLE THE CLAIM, WITH NO INVESTIGATION. HOW ARE WE TO MAKE CARS SAFER, IF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, DON'T NOTIFY ANYONE? *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY HIGH. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REFUSED DUE TO THE COST. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE AFTERMARKET PARTS WERE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE PARTS CONSISTED OF THE PCV VALVE AND FUEL FILTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER CONDUCTED A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS THE STALLING IN THE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES MENTIONED IN THE CAMPAIGN, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2009
THE ENGINE SNAPED AND NOW THE CAR IS NO LONGER WORKING. HOWEVER PRIOR TO THAT IT WOULD IDLE ACTING AS IF IT WAS STALLING OUT AND MAKING NOISES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2009
2001 FORD HAS AN OIL LEAK ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. CONSUMER STATES THAT FORD FEEL THAT THE LEAK IS NORMAL AND THAT THERE IS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE OIL LEAK WAS CAUSED BY METAL CHIP DEBRIS OR DAMAGE TO THE SEALING SURFACE THAT OCCURRED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, THE ENGINE MUST BE PULLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 03/01/10
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS, WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE IN PLACE, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPAIR. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE TWO DAYS LATER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE PAPERWORK STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ONE WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR, BUT THEY REFUSED TO TAKE HER CALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE NEVER REPLACED AND WOULD COST $3,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,923 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2008
NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING ONTO PAVEMENT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FOR FEAR OF OVERHEATING TOOK IT INTO A PEP BOYS AS WAS CLOSEST REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING (PLASTIC I MIGHT ADD) WAS FAULTY AND WITH PARTS AND LABOR IT CAME TO $455 FOR THE JOB. THE NEAREST FORD DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NEED 2 DAYS TO EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2008
ON HOT DAYS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND IS RESTARTED IT GOES INTO A MODE WHERE IT CONSISTENTLY STALLS AT IDLE AND LOW RPM. IT HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND ONLY OCCURS SOME OF THE TIME. NETHER FORD OR INDEPENDENT MECHANICS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED STALLING IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2008
THERMOSTAT HOUSING HAS STARTED LEAKING COOLANT. THIS IS REPORTEDLY A COMMON FAILURE ON FOCUS WITH 2.0L DOHC ENGINE (ZETEC). THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILURE MAY OR MAY NOT BE A CONNECTION TO THE VALVE COVER LEAKING OIL ONTO THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING AND HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH PRODUCES A FAINTLY NOTICEABLE BURNING SMELL WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 9, 2008
WAS DRIVING HOME AND ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING AND GOT LOUDER AND WHEN I RETURNED HOME HAD MY HUSBAND LOOK AT IT AND FOUND 3 MOTOR MOUNTS WERE RUSTED OFF. DEALERSHIP REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS A WEEK LATER AT MY COST AND DIDN'T GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR. *TR