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: service brakes
194 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 21, 2003
ON 11-12-2001 I PURCHASED A NEW FORD FOCUS AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. ON 5-13-03, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CAR HAD ONLY 18411 MILES ON IT AND WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, THEY SAID THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE SHOT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I COMPLAINED THAT NO VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS SHOULD FAIL THAT EARLY AT THAT LOW MILEAGE BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ASSIST ME IN ANY WAY, INSTEAD CHARGING ME $469.57. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MISUSED AND WAS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS BY MATURE DRIVERS. THIS YEAR/MODEL FORD FOCUS WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY AND I HAVE READ OF NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN FORD BUILT THE CAR AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 8, 2003
BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED AT 18000 MILES AND FAILED AT 23,300 MILES. AT 23,300 MILES THE ROTORS WERE BELOW THE MINIMUM THICKNESS REQUIREMENT. THE BRAKE PADS, HOWEVER, SHOWED ONLY MINIMAL WEAR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO AWARD WARRANTY TO THE BRAKE COMPONENTS. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Oct 3, 2003
THE VEHICLES BRAKES SQUEAKED FREQUENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 37000 MILES. THE CONSUMER STATED IT IS TO EARLY TO CHANGE PADS. BOTH TIRES ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. *NLM
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Seats, Sep 23, 2003
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE WEARING OUT ON VEHICLE.*MR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE WRONG TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. THE REAR SEAT LATCH, THE SEAT FABRIC AND THE KEY IGNITION FAILED.*TS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORE OUT, WHICH WERE ONLY USED ABOUT SEVEN TIMES AND THE REAR BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 13, 2003
PREMATURE BRAKE PAD AND ROTOR REPLACEMENTS ON FRONT OF FORD FOCUS SEDAN. BRAKES REPLACED AT 21,000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS ON ANY CAR THIS EARLY. FORD OWNERS OF FOCUS HAVE LISTED THIS PROBLEM HUNDREDS OF TIMES. YET I KNOW OF NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. SOME HAVE HAD IT IN LESS THAN 10,000 MILES. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *JB
Service brakes, Air, Sep 11, 2003
I HAVE HAD "BRAKE ISSUES SINCE DAY ONE OF OWNING MY 2001 FORD FOCUS STATION WAGON. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING THERE WAS MOANING SOUNDS WHEN I BRAKED. THE SALESMAN & SERVICE DEPT TOLD ME "IT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE NEW", @ AROUND 13,000 MILES THEY BEGAN TO MAKE MORE PROMINANT "MOANS" I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S "NORMAL". AT 16,500 MILES SEVERE MOANING & GRINDING, THEN NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP EASILY, I BROUGHT IT IN TO AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC , SINCE MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER "NORMAL WEAR & TEAR ITEMS" SUCH AS BRAKES & I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE,ALSO NOT IN MY WARRANTY, TO DETERMINE WHAT THE ISSUES ARE,& THIS MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I WAS METAL TO METAL, I NEEDED NEW FRONT ROTORS & PADS, $250.ALSO THAT THE FOCUS HAS BRAKE PROBLEMS & WAS NOT DESIGNED WELL. HERE IT IS 3 MONTHS LATER & @19,800 MILES MY BACK BRAKES START SQUEALING & SCREECHING LOUDLY, I BRING IT IN AGAIN & THE SHOES ARE COMPLETELY WORN DOWN & I NEEDED THE ROTORS MACHINED, IT WAS ANOTHER $135 (WHICH WAS I BARGAIN SINCE I CALLED THE FORD DEALER & THEY WANTED @$300 FOR THAT WORK). HE TOLD ME THAT HIS SHOP DOES ALL THE FLEET WORK FOR A NEIGHBORING ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR OFFICE & THE FOCUS' ARE CONSTANTLY IN THERE FOR BRAKES. I CALLED FORD'S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION LINE & REPORTED THE ISSUE. I AM MAILING A LETTER TO FORD'S DISPUTE RESOLUTION BOARD & I AM HOPING THAT YOU WILL HELP US FOCUS OWNERS WITH BAD BRAKES GET RETRIBUTION FROM FORD FOR THIS FAULTY SYSTEM. THANK YOU
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2003
BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT 35 MPH, AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO DOWN SHIFT TO FIRST GEAR TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, AND COME TO A STOP. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 3, 2003
PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 FORD FOCUS BRAKES!!! MANY COMPLAINTS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 20, 2003
FRONT WHEEL ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 20,598 MILES. BRAKES WERE SQUEALING FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE (NEW CAR), BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULD "LOOSEN UP" AND BE OKAY --- THEY NEVER DID STOP SQUEALING..WHEN WE INQUIRED ABOUT ANY RECALL, WE WERE TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS FROM THE FACTORY WHERE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 20, 2003
CAR IS A 2001 FOCUS WITH 21,000 MILES. UPON BRAKING, STEERING WHEEL SHUDDERS AND VIBRATES. WAS TOLD THAT CAR NEEDED NEW ROTORS AS THESE WERE WARPED. NO RESOLUTION THROUGH FORD MOTOR COMPANY. NO CAR SHOULD REQUIRE BRAKES AND ROTORS AFTER ONLY 21,000 MILES OF DRIVING. CAR ACTUALLY STARTED DOING THIS AT ABOUT 19,000 MILES AND HAS STAEDILY WORSENED. *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 12, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE REAR BRAKE PADS WORE OUT AT 8000 MILES. FRONT ROTORS AND PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ONCE AT 12000 MILES, AND 34000 MILES. NEEDS TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN.*AK
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, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Jul 22, 2003, crash
CONSUMER HAD A FRONT COLLISION AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK VEHICLE'S ENGINE STALLED CAUSING STEERING AND BRAKE FAILURE CAUSING A COLLISION INTO THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN. AIR BAG EQUIPMENT FAILED TO DEPLOY ON IMPACT. *MR
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
Service brakes, Air, Jul 22, 2003
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS PROBLEM WITH PADS & ROTORS, DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION,
Service brakes, Air, Jul 22, 2003
VIOLENT SHAKING OF STEARING WHEEL WHEN BREAKING DUE TO WARPING OF BREAK ROTERS. ROTERS WERE REPLACED AT 5000, 11,000, 20,000 MILES AND RECENTLY TURNRD AT 31,00 MILES. THE RATE OF FAILURE OF THE ROTERS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HAZZARD.
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