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: fuel system
297 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 29, 2003
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 23, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES TO START AGAIN. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 21, 2003
FUEL PUMP FAILED AGAIN AT 78,501. THIS TIME CAR QUIT AND WHILE I WAS TRYING TO RESTART IT FUEL STARTED POURING OUT OF THE REAR OF THE CAR. LUCKILY A NICE LADY RAN OVER TO MY CAR AND ALERTED ME. CAR WAS TOWED TO SAME FORD DEALER THAT HAD REPLACED THE PUMP 8 MONTHS PRIOR. FUEL PUMP FAILED AGAIN ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME FORD OFFERED 100% OF REPAIR COSTS (MINUS THE TOW, OF COURSE). I COULD HAVE DIED AND TAKEN MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE WITH ME IF THAT CAR HAD EXPLODED. MY 2 YEAR OLD SON RIDES IN THIS CAR WITH ME EVERY DAY...I'D LIKE TO SEE HIM GROW UP. LET'S MAKE FORD COME UP WITH A PERMANENT SOLUTION THAT WE ALL CAN "LIVE" WITH. *LA
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 20, 2003
I HAD JUST FINISHED FUELING UP THE CAR AND PULLED AWAY FROM THE PUMP WHEN THE CAR DIED IN THE GAS STATIONS ENTRANCE. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER WHO STATED THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CAR HAD 53,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME AND FORD ONLY AGREED TO PAY FOR 1/2 THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER COME CLOSE TO GETTING THE GAS MILEAGE THAT FORD SAYS IT SHOULD. MY V6 HONDA ACCORD GETS BETTER GAS MILEAGE THAN THIS 4 CYLINDER FOCUS? *LA
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2003
VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN MAKING TURNS OR REVERSING. VEHICLE WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED WHEN IT STALLED WHILE MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY SURGE AND ACCELERATE AT A HIGH SPEED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO DISENGAGE THE EXCESS SPEED. THE CAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 12, 2003
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION ENGINE STALLED. TECHNICIAN SERVICE D VEHICLE, AND NOTICED THAT FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK WHILE STOPPED AT A GAS STATION CONSUMERS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS LIGHT CAME ON CONSUMER TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON GAS NEEDLE FELL TO EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PART FAILED PREMATURELY. *TS *NLM
Fuel system, Other, Sep 25, 2003
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY OFF-RAMP, MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 STARTED TO BUCK AND HESITATE, EVENTUALLY STALLING AND CAUSING A DANGEROUS CONDITION DUE TO SUDDEN DECCELERATION AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE HAD ENOUGH INERTIA TO COAST DOWN THE RAMP AND EVENTUALLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT INTO AN EMERGENCY LANE USING THE REMAINING ASSIST LEFT IN THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THERE, I ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT FINALLY STARTED. IT HAD A HALF TANK OF FUEL SO LOW FUEL LEVEL WAS NOT THE CAUSE AND I HAD ONLY DRIVEN 163 MILES SINCE THE LAST FILL-UP SO I KNEW THE FUEL GUAGE WAS OPERATIONAL. I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION TO FILL UP JUST IN CASE AND AS I AS ABOUT TO TURN IN THE CAR DIED AGAIN. IT RESTARTED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS AND I WAITED A LONG TIME FOR TRAFFIC TO GET AS CLEAR AS IT WOULD ON THIS BUSY ROAD. THEN, AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN IN, CREEPING FORWARD AND FEARING THE WORST, THE CAR DIED AGAIN, BUT LUCKILY I HAD NOT YET BEGUN TO IMPEDE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IF I HAD BEEN, AN ACCIDENT WOULD LIKELY HAVE RESULTED. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE DID START AND I PULLED IN, FILLED UP, AND DROVE HOME UNEVENTFULLY TO DO SOME RESEARCH. ON THE MESSAGE BOARD AT FOCALJET.COM I READ ABOUT OTHER FOCUS CONSUMERS ENCOUNTERING A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP AND SOME SORT OF DEGRADATION OF A MATERIAL LINING THE FUEL TANK CAUSING THE CONDITION I EXPERIENCED. I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN OF HIGH PRIORITY AND SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO FORD'S ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. I AM ANGRY THAT MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER RUNNING THE MOST MUNDANE OF ERRANDS AND I WILL LET THEM KNOW ABOUT IT TOMMORROW.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 15, 2003
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED.*AK THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO EVALUATE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER BEING TOWED. ALL THREE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS 1/4 FULL OR LESS. ALL THREE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE SAT OVERNIGHT AND WAS STARTED IN THE MORNING. *PH *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 22, 2003
GAS TANK LEAKS WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 19, 2003, crash
FUEL SYSTEM,GASOLINE: DELIVERY PROBLEM. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 16, 2003
CAR STALLS AROUND RIGHT TURNS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Visibility, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2003
2001 FORD FOCUS DISPLAYING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION DUE TO SEVERAL LEAKS, CRUISE CONTROL, AND TRUNK OF VEHICLE. *MR WATER LEAKED ONTO THE FLOORBOARD OF THE TRUNK WHICH WAS ONLY ADJUSTED(PROBLEM REPEATED), THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED INTERMITTENTLY(NEW SWITCH WAS ORDERED, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SQUEAKED AND WAS FIXED, THE TRANSMISSION LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED BUT THE SERVICE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE, WATER LEAKED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE (PROBLEM REPEATED) THEN THE R & L COWL GRID WAS REPLACED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BUT DIDN'T, COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE UPPER RADIATOR AND THE HOSE CLAMP WAS REPLACED, THE TRUNK DID NOT SHUT PROPERLY AND THE LATCH WAS REPLACED BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN DUE TO THE PARTS BEING RECALLED, THE REAL WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED, THE SECOND RECALLED PART WAS THE PINCH BOLT TORQUE AND BATTERY CABLE ROUTING WHICH WAS REPLACED, AND THE MECHANICS FOUND THAT THE BRAKES HAD WORN OUT IN THE FRONT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS ON 10 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND SIX ATTEMPT FOR THE LEAKS, THE PROBLEM IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF SEVERAL LEAKS, SEVERAL CIRCUIT AND SWITCHES HAVE BROKEN DOWN ON THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO CONCERNED WITH THE GAS MILEAGE WHICH HAD CONSISTENTLY FALLEN AND DID NOT ACT AS THE PROMOTED DEALERS STICKER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A FULL REFUND FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE. *SCC *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 9, 2003
FUEL PUMP FAILED ON 2001 FORD FOCUS Z AFTER ONLY 48000 MILES. STRANDED IN DESERT NEAR BARSTOW CALIFORNIA. THIS IS A KNOIWN AND COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 2, 2003
HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP AFTER ADDITION OF MINIMAL MILES. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *SCC *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 31, 2003
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP PICKUP BEING CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. THE CAR WAS STALLING AND LOSING POWER ON RIGHT HAND TURNS. DEALER REFUSED TO FIX, SO I DID IT MYSELF; FOUND THE FUEL PUMP SCREENS VERY CLOGGED. CAR RUNS FINE NOW. *PH
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 28, 2003
PROBLEM IS ONGOING.WHEN THE GAS TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 TANK FULL, THE ENGINE HESITATES, AS IF IT'S NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL, WHEN I TRY TO RESUME SPEED AFTER DROPPING FROM HIGHWAY SPEED OF 40+ TO ANYTHING BELOW THAT AND THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. PROBLEM TYPICALLY OCCURS WHEN MERGING ONTO A THRUWAY FROM AN ACCESS RAMP. MY MECHANIC SPECULATES THAT FUEL PUMP IN GAS TANK DOESN'T GET ENOUGH FUEL BECAUSE WHAT FUEL IS LEFT SLOSHES AWAY FROM PUMP. PROBLEM IS LONG-STANDING, FUEL FILTER HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT DIDN'T HELP. I CHOSE TO KEEP THE TANK FULL RATHER THAN SPEND $100S OF DOLLARS INVESTIGATING PROBLEM.*AK SPECIAL NOTE: MODEL IS A STATION WAGON WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION.
Fuel system, Other, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2003
I AM WRITING TO YOU IN REGARD TO A HOST OF PROBLEMS I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING WITH MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3.THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: (1) GEARS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND SIGNS OF LOCKING UP DURING DRIVING -- AND BRAKE GRINDING SOUNDS; (2) CONTINUOUS "FLICKERING" OF HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS; (3) AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYSTEMS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY; (4) LARGE POND OF WATER (DURING HEAVY RAINS) IN FLOOR ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE; (5) PROBLEMS WITH FUEL MODULE AND FUEL MONITOR; AND (6) TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN PROGRESS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN PROGRESS -- ECM CODES ERASED BY DEALERSHIP -- FUEL MONITOR AND BAD RUNNING CONDITION VERY EVIDENT. HE FURTHER STATED THE FLUID IS BURNT VERY BADLY , HE CANNOT SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION AT THIS POINT AND THAT THIS VEHICLE IS GOING TO GO DOWNHILL FROM HERE. IN OTHER WORDS, THE 2001 FOCUS THAT I PURCHASED FROM TOWN & COUNTRY FORD, INC. ONLY NINE MONTHS AGO IS NOT DRIVABLE AND IT WILL COST AT LEAST $2,000 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT. IT HAS TO BE! I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE AND MAKE PAYMENTS ON IT AT THE SAME TIME.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 20, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND IT IS STALLING AND/OR HESITATING WHEN GOING AROUND RIGHT TURNS WHEN THE TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL. A FEW DAYS AGO IT ACTUALLY DIED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE ON THIS SITE AND FEEL A RECALL SHOULD HAPPEN FROM IT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. THANKS.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 15, 2003
CAR LOST FUEL PRESSURE AND WOULD NOT DRIVE. AFTER WAITING UNTIL CAR COOLED DOWN CAR WILL START AND DRIVE. CAR ONLY HAS THIS PROBLEM WHEN THE TEMPATURE IS ABOVE 90 DEGREES.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 15, 2003
THE FUEL PUMP IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS SE (2.0 SPI ENGINE) FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER AND LIMITED VEHICLE CONTROL. MY VEHICLE HAD 39000 MILES ON AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. FORD REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT FOR THIS DANGEROUS MECHANICAL FAILURE.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 11, 2003
SIX MONTHS AGO I HAD MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IN THE SHOP. THE COMPLAINT WAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND I WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING MY CAR. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR HAD RUN OUT OF GAS AND IT WOULDN'T START TILL YOU FILLED IT UP. I COULDN'T LET MY GAS GO BELOW 1/4 OF A TANK. THE CAR DEALERSHIP HADN'T FOUND ANY PROBLEMS AT THE TIME BUT OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS IT KEPT GETTING WORSE. EVENTUALLY YOU HAD TO HAVE AT LEAST 1/2 A TANK OF GAS IN ORDER TO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM STARTING IT AND IT BEGAN SPUTTERING AND BOGGING OUT. EVENTUALLY IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN RIGHT MEANING IT BOGGED OUT AND JERKED AND SPUTTER EVERYTIME YOU PUSHED THE GAS TO GO UP HILLS OR WHEN YOU FIRST PULLED OUT SOMEWHERE. IT FINALLY LET ME SITTING IN PITTSBURGH GOING THROUGH OAKLAND I STARTED TO PULL OUT FROM A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN YOU GAVE IT GAS IT JUST MADE ALL THESE FUNNY SOUNDS AND IT TRIED TO MOVE BUT WOULDN'T THEN SHUT OFF RIGHT THERE IN TRAFFIC. I HAD IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL PUMP WENT BAD AND IN MY HOME TOWN THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE THE PART IN STOCK ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY HAVE CHANGED SO MANY OF THEM IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LEAK GAS. OWNER WOULD SMELL GAS FUMES INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING IT ON. NOTICED ON REARVIEW MIRROR A TRAIL OF GASOLINE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 3 OR MORE TIMES FOR GAS LEAKS. MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF THE LEAKAGE, WHICH STILL LEAKED AFTER REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jun 26, 2003
PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO EA02-022. STALLS (ENIGINE SHUTS OFF) WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY OR AT ANY SPEED. FAILS TO START IN DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOT, THEN CAR GETS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP AND CAR WORKS FINE WITH NO PROBLEM FOUND. REPLACED FUEL FILTER WITH NO EFFECT ON PROBLEM. VERIFIED SPARK WORKS AND RELAYS ARE CLOSING WHEN CAR WOULD NOT START. HAPPENS VERY FREQUENTLY. ABOUT ONCE PER WEEK. CAR NOW HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT AND PROBLEM STARTED TO OCCUR AROUND 32,000 MILES. PLEASE FIX THIS IS DANGEROUS!! STALLS OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. STALLING THIS OFTEN MAKES THIS PROBLEM HIGHER RISK THAN AN OCCASIONAL STALL.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 25, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3, AND JUST HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON AILMENT FOR FORD FOCUSES, AND IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION AT NHTSA AS A FAULTY PART. I WISH TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE DATA ACCUMULATING ON THIS SUBJECT, IN HOPES THAT FORD DOES A RECALL FOR THIS MECHANICAL FLAW. MY DEALERSHIP SIMPLY TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE 'FUEL PUMP WENT BAD' AND NEEDED REPLACING. *NLM