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: hydraulic
175 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Seat belts, Wheels, Aug 11, 2003
THE DEALER CHANGED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE 3 TIMES , THE ROTORS. TWICE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. *AK *CB. THE HUB CAP WAS LOOSE AND FELL OFF, THE CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED, THE TURN AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MADE A LOUD NOISE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE PIPE AND GASKET, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS REPLACED, BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FAILED TO GO OUT. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Aug 7, 2003, crash
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ANOTHER VEHICLE JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE VEHICLE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *AK *CB *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2003
I PURCHASED MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ON AUGUST 6 2002. IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKES AND NOW MY IGNITION IS STUCK. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP (CITRUS FORD IN ONTARIO CALIFORNIA) AND AFTER SPENDING AN EXTRA 1200 ON AN EXTRENDED WARRANTY WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, THEY TOLD ME THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. HAVE THEY LOOKED AT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW SPENDING ABOUT 595.00 FOR A NEW IGNITION CYLINDER. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL FOCUS OWNERS. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL OR AT LEAST AN AMENDMENT SO THE WARRANTY WILL COVER THE COST.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 5, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN OCTOBER 17TH 2002. I DRIVE USUALLY HIGHWAY TO WORK ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. MY BRAKES SQUEALED FREQUENTLY. CHANGED BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AT 19700 MILES AT THE INSPECTIONS. THEY STARTED TO SQUEAL NOISELY AGAIN 31500 MILES. THERE IS ALWAYS DUST IN THE FRONT WHEELS. PROBABLY NEXT YEAR, I NEED TO REPLACE THEM AROUND 38-39 THOUSAND FOR THE SECOND TIME.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2003, crash, fire
WHILE DRIVING T AT NORMAL SPEED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CAUSING BRAKES AND STEERING TO FAIL, RESULTING IN A FRONT COLLISION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2003
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT/REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE PEDAL HAD GONE DOWN AND MADE A SQUEAK NOISE. *AK THE FRONT END BOUNCED AND VIBRATED DUE TO THE PINCH BOLT THAT RETAINED THE STEERING KNUCKLED TO THE LOWER BALL JOINT. (MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER TORQUE) THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END AND REAR. THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED, THE FLAT TIRE WAS BALANCED AND THE BEAM WORKED OKAY. THE VEHICLE MADE NOISE WHEN RELEASED FROM PARK MODE, STOP, AND WAS INTERMITTENT. (HAS BEEN ADJUST 3-4 TIMES BUT WOULD GO BACK TO THE SAME THING) *SCC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 11, 2003
CAR HAS MANY ISSUES IN REGARDS TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM. CAR HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP ON MORE THAN 10 OCCASIONS. THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS. FINALLY I WAS TOLD MY MASTER CYLINDER WAS BAD. IT APPERENTLY WAS REPLACED, WHEN I DROVE THE CAR AFTER THIS REPAIR MY BRAKES 'WENT TO THE FLOOR' I ALSMOST RAMMED INTO ANOTHER CAR. THE BRAKES ARE COMPLETLEY MESSED UP AND A SAFETY DANGER. I WAS TOLD BY BRIAN THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT TITUS-WILL FORD THAT MY BRAKES ARE SAFE, HOWEVER HE WOULD NOT BACK IT IN WRITING. THIS SHOP REFUSED TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE ACCORDING TO THEM NOTHING IS WRONG. SO BEWARE IN TACOMA, I HAVE UNSAFE BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FORD AND THEY ARE USELESS ALSO. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2003, crash
ENGINE STALLS AND POWER LOSS AND BRAKES NOT RESPONDING RESULTED IN REAR END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 23, 2003
I HAVE 22,000 MILES ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS, I HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THAT'S RIDICULOUS FOR SUCH LOW MILES. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH, I SEE THAT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD. THE LAWSUIT IS FOR EXACTLY MY PROBLEM. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 18, 2003
THIS CAR HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THREE OCCASIONS FOR BRAKE SQUEAL. SOUNDS LIKE METAL TO METAL. THIS IS A MAJOR SQUEAL NOT JUST A SQUEAK. DEALERSHIPS REPEATEDLY REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY SAY IT'S A "NORMAL NOISE". I'VE DRIVEN CARS FOR 20+ YEARS AND NEVER HAS A BRAKE SQUEAL BEEN NORMAL. IT'S BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT 7,000, 15,000 AND 16,500 MILES. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 17, 2003
FRONT BRAKE HAS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH A JERK. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Tires, Wheels, Equipment, Jun 9, 2003
THE CAR STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS AT 7000 MILES. FRONT END JUMPING. I HAD A TIRE GO BAD AND REPLACED IT. HAD THE TIRE ROTATED AND THE FRONT END LINED UP. THEN, THE NOISE AND THE CAR STILL DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. I TOOK IT BACK TO FORD AND THE RIM IS BENT. REPLACED THAT. SO FAR I AM OUT 250.00 FOR THE TIRE AND 298.00 FOR THE RIM/. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, BUT BY 15000 MILES THE CAR WAS JUMPING, FRONT END PROBLEMS. HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND THE CAR LINED UP AGAIN. I HAVE THE PROBLEMS STILL. ( I WAS TOLD(WAY I DRIVE, CURVES,THE WAY I TAKE THE CORNERS, ) WELL, # ONE I AM 43 YRS OLD AND THIS IS NOT MY FIRST CAR. I HAVE HAD MUSTANGS BEFORE AND NEVER ROTATED THE TIRES OR CHANGED MY DRIVING HABITS. ( WHAT EVER). AT 15000 THE BRAKES STARTED TO SQUEAK ALL THE TIME (WET, COLD, MOISTURE, DRY). PER THE MANUAL THIS WILL HAPPENED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS COMMON WITH FOCUS. I HAD A ESCORT FOR OVER 4 YRS AND THEY NEVER DID WHAT THIS CAR HAS. WITH THE FRONT AND BACK THE RECALL 02S42/01B85 WAS DONE FINALLY IN MARCH. THIS RECALL STATED PINCH BOLT THAT RETAINS THE STEERING KNUCKLE TO THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON YOUR VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER TORQUE. ****** ( THIS CONDITION EXISTS, YOUR VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE VIBRATION OR NOISE... THIS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION WITH A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH,) THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD FORD DEALERSHIP WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR SINCE AUGUST. I FEEL THAT THE RECALL CAME TO LATE AND NOW MY TIRES ARE DESTROYED. ONE TIRE IS WORST THAN THE OTHERS. REMEMBER THAT ONE TIRE IS BRAND NEW ( 7000 LESS MILES).... THE BRAKE PEDAL IS STILL MAKING A NOISE WHEN I RELEASE IT AT THE PARK MODE OR STOP TURN AROUND STOP AT LIGHT OR WHENEVER. THEY HAVE ADJUSTED IT 3-4 TIMES. AND WITH IN MINS. OF THEM ADJUSTING IT, IT IS BACK TO THE SAME THING. THIS IS A ON GOING PROBLEM, WASTED TIME AND TROUBLES. I DO NOT WANT EVERYBODY TO NOTICE WHEN I HAVE MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR OR I GET HURT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS IMPORTANT YOUR REPLY HELP DEBRA.W. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 7, 2003
2001 FORD FOCUS, W/ ONLY 17,900 MILES - BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS SHOT. FORD WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY, BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T DETERMINED THIS TO BE A DEFECT. FORD FOCUS BREAK/ROTOR DEFECT. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 4, 2003
I HAVE A FORD FOCUS WITH ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS USED FOR LIGHT DRIVING, BUT MY ROTORS AND PADS ARE COMPLETELY WORN. I'VE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT HAS SUCH A BAD BRAKE SYSTEM. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING SUCH POOR QUALITY BRAKES ON A CAR. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2003
WE PURCHASED OUR 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IN OCTOBER OF 2001. DURING THE FIRST YEAR WE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDED THE BRAKES GRABBING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, SQUEALING AND NOISE ISSUES, AND LOW PERFORMANCE BRAKING. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP FINDS AND REPAIRS THE PROBLEM EVERY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE. THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS THAT ON MAY 13TH 2003 THE BRAKES TEMPORARILY FAILED TO ENGAGE MAKING THE VEHICLE UN-SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AND I AM WAITING FOR A RESOLUTION. I WANTED TO RELAY A MESSAGE TO THE NHTSA NOW DUE TO THE FACT THAT SEVERAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND SOMETHING OTHER THAN A REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AT AN EARLIER TIME. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 16, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 13, 2003
MY FORD FOCUS HAS BEEN HAVING ABHORRED BRAKE WEAR. I HAVE PUT 50,000 MILE ON IT AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND PADS 3 TIMES. I KNOW OF CARS GOING 80000 WITH NO PROBLEM. THERE HAS GOT TO BE SOMETHING WRONG I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Seats, Equipment, Apr 9, 2003
THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FOUND WORN ON THE INSIDE ALONG WITH AN EXPOSED WIRE. (THESE TWO TIRES WERE NOT OF THE SAME MANUFACTURER) OTHER PROBLEM WERE AS FOLLOWED: THE BUTTON ON THE CASSETTE PLAYER HAD BROKEN, THE ADJUSTER BUTTON FOR THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD POPPED OFF, WHILE DRIVING THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED IN/OUT OF OVER DRIVE (TRANSMISSION PROBLEM-PER MECHANIC), THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, THERE WERE NO FUSES IN THE WIRES UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT, TRUNK LOCK POPPED OFF, A/C BUTTON LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON WHEN THE HEAT WAS ON, THE BRAKES SQUEALED(SINCE PURCHASE), THERE WAS A BLIND SPOT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, AND WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SEE OTHER VEHICLE'S DUE TO THE SEATS BEING TOO HIGH. MR SCC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Apr 3, 2003
I PURCHASED A NEW FORD FOCUS IN JULY OF 2001. MY WIFE USES THE CAR TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 18 MONTHS AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE LAIRD NOLLER DEALERSHIP IN LAWRENCE FOR THE 30,000 CHECK UP WITH 33,000 MILES ON THE CAR. AFTER SPENDING $300 FOR THE CHECK UP, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH TWO MECHANICS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE ROTORS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED ON A CAR THAT IS DRIVEN PRIMARILY ON THE HIGHWAY SINCE THERE IS NOT A LOT OF STOP AND GO DRIVING. THERE A DOZENS OF LISTINGS ON THE INTERT AND THE NHTSA WEBSITE OF THE SAME COMPLAINT ON THEIR FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT FORD PUTS THIN ROTORS ON THE FOCUS TO BEGIN WITH SO THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACED VERY EARLY. I WAS ALSO LEARNED FROM AN EMPLOYEE AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE PERSON THAT PERFORMED THE SERVICE ON OUR FOCUS HAS HAD TROUBLE MEETING HIS QUOTA OF UPSELLING REPAIRS ON CARS THAT COME IN FOR THEIR CHECK UP. AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS SHAKING AND THE FRONT TIRES WERE MAKING NOISES. WHEN WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN IT WAS FINE , AFTER WE PICKED IT UP IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE. WE CALLED BACK UP TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD TO DRIVE IT FOR A FEW DAYS AND IT SHOULD BE FINE. AFTER WAITING THE TWO DAYS, THE BRAKE PADS BEGAN TO GRIND INTO THE ROTORS AND THE CAR DID NOT DRIVE WELL AT ALL. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH FORD AND WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME AND THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. FORD KNOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ROTARS THEY ARE USING ON THE FOCUS, BUT IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I AM WORRIED THAT ARE NOT OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR THAT MAY MAKE IT UNSAFE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THEM AROUND IN THE CAR. I BELIEVE THAT WITH THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN, FORD SHOULD BE TOLD TO INITIATE A RECALL ON THE ROTARS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2003
THE ROTORS AND PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A LOW MILEAGE. *JB.....*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2003
THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A LOW MILEAGE. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Structure, Tires, Mar 18, 2003
THE ENGINE MISSED USUALLY MILDLY, BUT SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY AS TO SHAKE VEHICLE AND SOMETIMES STALL, ALSO THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A RAW GAS SMELL, SUSPENSION, BRAKE,TRANSMISSION AND TIRE PROBLEMS.*AK. CONSUMER ALSO NOTED THE REAR HATCH POPPED OPEN BY ITSELF.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 6, 2003
FRONT BREAKS SQUEAKED. BROUGHT TO DEALER. PUT IN FRONT BRAKES AND PADS. STILL SQUEAKED. BACK TO DEALER. TOLD ME NOW I NEEDED REAR BRAKE SHOES AND THE DRUM NEEDS TO BE SANDED. CAR IS DRIVEN NORMALLY AND ONLY HAS 14,000 MILES ON IT. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 4, 2003
WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 27, 2003
FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS ARE WORN AND MUST BE REPLACED AFTER 15,000 MILES. FORD DEALER CLAIMS THE PREMATURE WEAR IS NORMAL AND NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN GENTLY IN A COMBINATION OF CITY AND OPEN ROAD DRIVING, WITHOUT ANY UNUSUAL BRAKING REQUIREMENTS. WE LIVE NEAR SOME MOUNTAINS, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS ALMOST NEVER DRIVEN IN THE MOUNTAINS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO UNUSUAL EVENTS THAT MIGHT HAVE DAMAGED THE BRAKES. THEREFORE THE PAD AND/OR ROTOR ARE DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN OR MANUFACTURER. THERE IS NO WAY THAT TOTAL WEAR OF THE BRAKES SHOULD OCCUR IN ONLY 15,000 MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING.*JB