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: suspension
153 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Aug 23, 2008
FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. *TR
Suspension, Jun 19, 2008
WHILE MY YOUNG DAUGHTER AND I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY 65MPH, I SMELLED RUBBER BURNING, LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW AND SMOKE COMING FROM MY CAR, I TURNED RADIO DOWN AND HEARD THE LOUD WHINING SOUND AS I TRIED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD WAS A LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND I FELT SOMETHING HITTING UNDER MY DRIVER SIDE FLOOR, I HAD TROUBLE STEERING THE CAR BUT DID GET IT PULLED OVER, AFTER MY HUSBAND INSPECTED THE CAR BRIEFLY WE NOW KNOW THAT THE COIL SPRING BROKE CUT INTO MY TIRE AND OTHER DAMAGES, MY FRONT FENDERS WERE ACTUALLY SITTING ON MY TIRES. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED HOME WE DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS CAR. AFTER LOOKING AT OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT I HAVE HAD ALOT OF THESE PROBLEM AS WELL. MY CAR HAS SEEN THE BACK OF A TOW TRUCK MORE THAN ITS SHARE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jun 18, 2008
DEFECTIVE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED, WEDGED AGAINST TIRE, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. RIGHT SIDE FRACTURED JULY, 2005, LEFT SIDE FRACTURED MAY, 2008. COIL SPRING & RELATED PARTS REPLACED BOTH TIMES. *TR
Suspension, Jun 14, 2008
FRONT COIL SPRING BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, May 1, 2008
SUNDAY MORNING (4/6/2008) I GOT IN MY CAR AND BACKED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL AND GOING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY I HEARD A VERY LOUD METAL ON METAL SOUND. I PUT THE CAR UP ON JACK STANDS AND INSPECTED THE SUSPENSION. I FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE SPRING WAS NOT SEATED ON THE STRUT BASE. AT THIS TIME I DROVE THE CAR TO SEARS AUTO REPAIR IN NOVI, MICHIGAN. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR TO SEARS THE SPRING MOVED A COUPLE TIMES, MADE SOME NOISE, AND AFFECTED THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. SEARS INSPECTED THE SPRINGS AND FOUND THE DRIVERS SIDE SPRING WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED IN A COUPLE PLACES AT THE TOP. I ENDED UP REPLACING BOTH SPRINGS AND IT COST $436.86. ON MONDAY (4/7/2008) I DECIDED TO GO ON THE INTERNET TO FIND OUT IF OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS SPRINGS. I FOUND OUT IT WAS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE. IN FACT FORD ISSUED A TSB (03M02S2) AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE SPRINGS TO 150,000 MILES OR 10 YEARS (ONLY IF SERVICED AT A DEALERSHIP). UNFORTUNATELY I FOUND THIS OUT AFTER I REPAIRED THE CAR ON SUNDAY. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY FORD OF TSB ON THE SPRINGS. ALSO, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR USED (ABOUT 1.5 YEARS AGO) FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP WHICH SHOULD HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR THINGS LIKE THIS (SPRING CORROSION). ON MONDAY (4/7/2008) I DECIDED TO CALL THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE (800-392-3673) TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REIMBURSE MY EXPENSES AND DISCUSS THE SAFETY CONCERN. I WAS TOLD BY THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT FORD DID NOT VIEW THIS AS A SAFETY CONCERN. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER DESIGNING SAFETY CRITICAL SUSPENSION COMPONENTS (NOT COIL SPRINGS) AND TO ME THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER. IF THE COIL SPRING WERE TO FRACTURE FURTHER AND CUT MY TIRE WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I CAN IMAGINE THAT WOULD NOT BE A VERY SAFE SITUATION. I DON'T UNDERSTAND FORD NOT ISSUING A RECALL OVER A POOR QUALITY SUSPENSION COMPONENT WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY. IF NEEDED I HAVE THE OLD PARTS IN MY POSSESSION. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 24, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THEN FLAMES APPEARED. SHE STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE WHEN IT BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,899. UPDATED 04/11/08 *BF THE DEALER STATED CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE IN A PINCH BOLT TORQUED AND A ZETEC ENGINE CABLE ROUTING. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS. UPDATED 04/11/08 *TR
Suspension, Mar 20, 2008
COIL SPRINGS. LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WITH OUT REASON. THANKFULLY THE SPRING DID NOT BLOW OFF OF RETAINING AREA. IF IT HAD WHILE I WS DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED MY STEERING TO LOCK UP BLOW A TIRE OR WHO ELSE KNOW WHAT. AND THE OUTCOME FROM ANY OF THESE COULD HAVE BEEN LIFE THREATENING. *TR
Suspension, Mar 17, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A PATCH OF ICE, SLID INTO A CURB, AND CAUSED THE SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM TO BEND. A NEW SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS INSTALLED BY THE DEALER. ON MARCH 14, 2008, WHILE MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE, THE STEERING FAILED, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE CURB AND THE SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87587.
Suspension, Tires, Jan 8, 2008
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS, ORIGINALLY THERE HAS ONLY BEEN ONE OWNER TO THIS VEHICLE. VERY RECENTLY, I EXPERIENCED A VERY LOUD NOISE IN MY LEFT REAR TIRE WHICH AS DAYS PAST, I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. MY TIRE HAD BEGUN TO WOBBLE TO THE POINT I THOUGHT THAT IT MAY COME OFF MY CAR. THIS WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE TIRE. *TR
Suspension, Dec 29, 2007
NOTICED A CREAKY SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHEN MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT, THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. CAR HAS 72,000 MILES. REPLACES BOTH FRONT SPRINGS. HAVE NEVER KNOWN COIL SPRINGS TO JUST BREAK ON A CAR. AND JUDGING FROM THE OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED HERE AND ELSEWHERE ON THE INTERNET FOR THIS YEAR CAR, IT IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM. SHAME ON FORD FOR NOT FOLLOWING UP ON THIS. *TR
Suspension, Nov 3, 2007
2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WITH <55,000 MILES HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE BOTH FROM SPRINGS BROKEN. AT THE TIME OF DISCOVERY NEITHER SPRING HAD WORKED LOSE FROM THE PERCH, HOWEVER WITH ADDITIONAL TIME THE SPRINGS WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVE AND POTENTIALLY PUNCTURE A TIRE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM ONE OF THE FRONT WHEELS. WHEN HE DRIVES OVER SPEED BUMPS, IT SOUNDS AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE UNDER THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO STATED THAT WHEN HE DRIVES BETWEEN 50-75 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. HE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED AND THE FRONT END ALIGNED, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THOSE WERE NOT THE CAUSE OF THE VIBRATION AND NOISE. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 02V289000 (STEERING: LINKAGES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HE HAD THE BATTERY INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS FINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED WHEN THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND MOVED THE BATTERY CABLE. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, HE REALIZED THAT THE CABLES LOOKED AND SMELLED BURNT. HE THEN DISCOVERED NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES). HE NOTIFIED FORD ABOUT THE TWO RECALLS AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM BOTH. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED SINCE HE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Suspension, Jul 18, 2007
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED. LOUD CRUNCH NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES. I AM GOING TO HAVE THE SPRING REPLACED THIS WEEK, 07/18/07. *TR
Suspension, Jul 6, 2007
DURING ~55,000 MILE BRAKE CHECKUP IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ON MY 2001 FORD TAURUS ARE BROKEN, SEEMINGLY IN THE SAME PLACE. PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED BY LOCAL SERVICE CENTER. *TR
Suspension, Apr 2, 2007
I DRIVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS. MY CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, AND AS I WENT TO BACK OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE TO GO TO WORK, I HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND MY CAR STRUGGLED TO BACK UP. I LEFT MY CAR PARKED AS I THOUGHT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. I DROVE THE CAR TO WORK THE NEXT MORNING (GOING 65 ON THE FREEWAY), AND THE NOISE CONTINUED TO WORSEN AND I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING RUBBER. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID I WAS VERY LUCKY THE TIRE DID NOT BLOW BECAUSE THE SPRING HAD BROKEN AND WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. THIS IS A PROBLEM I KNOW FORD IS WELL AWARE OF. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE HAD ANYTHING HAPPENED TO ME AND MY FAMILY AS A RESULT OF THIS GROSS NEGLIGENCE BY FORD. REPAIRS ENDED UP COSTING $570 TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS, STRUTS, AND MOUNTS. *JB
Suspension, Mar 31, 2007
STRANGE NOISE WHEN TURNING AND/OR HITTING BUMPS. BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKEN WITH THE LEFT SPRING BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SPRINGS AND STRUTS AND HAVE FRONT END ALIGNMENT DONE. *JB
Suspension, Mar 28, 2007
BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF EACH OTHER, CAUSING THE CAR TO SAG AND DRIVE ABNORMALLY. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Mar 2, 2007
MY 2001 ZX3 FOCUS WOULD EAT TIRES .. GOT IT USED BUT WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES PUT NEW FIRESTONE TIRES ON AND HAD IT ROTATED EVERY 3000 MILES TO KEEP IT FROM SHAKING .. DID THAT 4 TIMES AND SOLD THE P.O.S. THE PEOPLE AT FIRESTONE TOLD ME IT WAS BAD ENGINEERING ON FORDS PART . BRAKES WOULD MAKE NOSE THAT THE DEALER HAD NO CLUE WHAT IT WAS . .. NOW I DATE SOMEONE I WITH A 2002 FORD FOCUS. AT 30,000 NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS . NEW PCM . AND THE LIST IS STILL ADDING UP. IF THE FOCUS ISN'T A LEMON ... THEN THERE IS NO POINT OF THE LEMON LAW. TIME TO CHANGE IT AND MAKE IT HARDER TO SELL CARS THAT ARE MADE SO CHEAP!!! *JB
Suspension, Jun 16, 2006
BROKEN COIL SPRINGS. *JB
Suspension, Apr 18, 2006
YESTERDAY MORNING AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY I HEARD A CLUNK IN THE FRONT END OF MY FORD FOCUS AND WHEN I DROVE THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT. I DROVE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY. AFTER EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE REP HE TOLD ME IT MIGHT BE A SPRING FAILURE THAT IS COVERED BY A RECALL. I WAS SURPRISED I HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL AND HE TOLD ME THEY ONLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT IF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINS! THIS IS CRAZY! WHAT IF I HAD BEEN GOING 70 MPH WHEN THE SPRING BROKE? THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL I HAVEN'T BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS YEAR. EARLIER IS WAS A FUEL PUMP THAT FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE ACCELERATION, THIS TIME AS I WAS DRIVING 70 MILES AN HOUR! THE PART WAS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE AS IT WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL. *JB
Suspension, Jan 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING ON BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS T A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE PIVOT JOINT HAD WORN OUT PREMATURELY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STABILIZER BAR. *AK UPDATED 2/7/2006 - *NM
Suspension, Oct 19, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER OVER THE PAST WEEK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER, WHO NOTED THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN IN 2003 ON A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. THE NETS, 01I017. THIS WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT UNDER RECALL OR ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY THE SECOND TIME AROUND. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE CRACKED AND THE BEARINGS WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THIS AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FORD DEALER MANAGER, AND FORD MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THIS REPLACED. *AK
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 11, 2005
2001 FORD FOCUS PROBLEMS PROBLEM 1 - IN THE PAST, WHENEVER I WOULD TRANSITION BETWEEN FREEWAYS, MY CAR WOULD BEGIN TO STALL. I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL, AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN FOR AT LEAST 10 - 15 SECONDS. IT HAPPENED MOSTLY ON A CIRCULAR ON RAMP. AND I THINK THIS PROBLEM LEAD TO THE NEXT ISSUE. PROBLEM 2 - I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP (WHICH WAS EXPENSIVE). I THINK THIS ISSUE HAPPENED DUE TO THIS STATEMENT I READ "NHTSA INVESTIGATORS SAID THE ALLEGED ENGINE STALL PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY DEBRIS ACCUMULATING IN THE GAS TANK, BLOCKING FUEL FROM BEING DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE." EVENTUALLY, THIS "DEBRIS" PROBLEM CAUSES STRAIN ON THE FUEL PUMP. AND NOW, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE ISSUE, AND THEY SAID IT'S A GAS VAPOR LEAK OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT. THEY TOLD ME TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR A GAS LEAK. THAT ISSUE MAYBE FROM THE MECHANIC WHO FIXED IT, BUT IF FORD WOULD HAVE PUT A RECALL FOR THAT ISSUE, I WOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. PROBLEM 3 - I TOOK MY FOCUS INTO FORD TO GET A "BUZZING" SOUND CHECKED OUT. THEY FIXED THE BEARING PROBLEM BECAUSE MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NOW, 2 YEARS LATER, THE SOUND IS BACK. I READ A STATEMENT "...A REAR-WHEEL BEARING FAILURE THAT COULD LEAD TO A WHEEL FALLING OFF..." I AM AFRAID THAT THIS NOISE I HEAR TODAY IS DUE TO THAT SAME PROBLEM 2 YEARS AGO. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS GOING TO COST ME CLOSE TO $400 TO REPAIR IT. FIRST OF ALL, THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY TO ME. SECONDLY, I'M VERY AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE. I'M AFRAID SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN WHEN SHE DRIVES THE CAR. THIRD, I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR FOR ME TO HAVE TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT IS "FAULTY" DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
Suspension, Oct 8, 2005
THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING SNAPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR PREVIOUS ISSUE INDICATING A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE BREAKAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT LEADING TO REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS ON THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE EXACT SAME PART BREAK ON MY FORD WINDSTAR VAN BUT FORD DECLINES RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
Suspension, Oct 8, 2005
THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING SNAPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR PREVIOUS ISSUE INDICATING A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE BREAKAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT LEADING TO REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS ON THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE EXACT SAME PART BREAK ON MY FORD WINDSTAR VAN BUT FORD DECLINES RESPONSIBILITY.*JB