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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,790

Of the 2001 reports, 173 involved a crash and 49 involved a fire. 136 people were injured and 8 people died.

Primary concernElectrical system500 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints1,790Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship14 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system500
  2. Fuel system301
  3. Gasoline277
  4. Engine and engine cooling248
  5. Service brakes195
  6. Hydraulic175
  7. Suspension153
  8. Air bags147

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  1. Suspension, Air bags, Tires, Apr 24, 2003, crash

    I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR SINCE I HAVE HAD IT. THE REAR END MAKES LOUD NOISE, I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES, AND THEY ALWAYS TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG. IT MAKES A ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR END, AND SOMETHING IS SCRAPPING ON THE TIRE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. IN JULY, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 3 KIDS, AND THE TIRE ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE JUST WENT TO PIECES. WE WERE IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. WE WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO THE WOODS WHERE THE TREES STOPPED OUR ACCELERATION. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT COME OUT. I WAS SO THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE, AND MY KIDS ALSO. WE SUSTAINED ABOUT 8000 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED, AND NOW THE SAME TIRE THAT BLEW OUT, AND WAS REPLACED BY THE REPAIRMAN IS WORN AGAIN. I AM AFRAID EVERYTIME I DRIVE. I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER CAR, AND NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE IT AS A TRADE-IN BECAUSE OF THE BOTCHED DEAL UPON PURCHASE OF THIS CAR. THIS IS THE CAR FROM "HECK". NOW MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, AND THE ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR IS GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER. I HAVE HAD THE MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE WITH THIS CAR. IT IS A LEMON ON WHEELS, AND THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG. I HAVE HAD A CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER FOCUS OWNER, AND SHE HAS DESCRIBED SOME OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALSO HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SPEAK OF ALL THE FOCUS' THEY SEE AS TROUBLE. PLEASE HELP. *NLM

  2. Steering, Suspension, Apr 8, 2003, crash

    THE VEHICLE HIT A DITCH IN THE ROAD AND FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED COMPLETELY. *JB.................*AK

  3. Suspension, Mar 31, 2003

    THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING LOCKED UP. *JB LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING AND RIGHT FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS NOT HONORED UNDER RECALL. *TT

  4. Suspension, Mar 26, 2003

    THE REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED AND CAUSE THE WHEEL TO WOBBLE. *NLM

  5. Suspension, Tires, Mar 23, 2003

    REAR TIRES BALD AT 20,000. I HAVE REPLACED 4 TIRES AND NEED TO REPLACE 2 MORE. I HAVE 42,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I HAVE ROTATED THE TIRES ALL ALONG, BUT THEY ALWAYS END UP WEARING QUICK IN THE REAR. FOR EXAMPLE ONE SET OF TIRES HAD GREAT TREAD WHEN THEY WERE ROTATED TO THE BACK WITH ABOUT 15,000, THEN AT 20,000 THEY WERE BALD!!! (LIKE SOMETHING IN THE REAR CHEWED THEM UP) CAR JUMPS SIDE TO SIDE WHEN HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN ROAD AND ON HIGHWAY, IT FEELS LIKE CAR DOESN'T HAVE GOOD CONTROL BECAUSE OF THIS. DEALERSHIP AND FORD REP. SAY TIRES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OF COURSE AND CLAIM NOT TO FIND ANY OTHER PROBLEMS. THEY BLAME IT ON THE DRIVER STYLE. FUNNY THIS HAS NEVER EVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE, INCLUDING MY FIRST FOCUS LEMON I HAD FOR 25,000 MILES (THEY REPLACED MY FIRST FOCUS FOR US FOR FUEL PROBLEMS THEY COULDN'T FIX) I KICK MYSELF FOR AGREEING TO EXCHANGE FOR A NEW FOCUS. NEVERTHELESS, IT REALLY SEEMS LIKE AN ENGINEERING/DESIGN FLAW OR SOMETHING ELSE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT IS MAKING THESE TIRES WEAR SO FAST. *JB

  6. Suspension, Mar 20, 2003

    THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED THE WHEEL TO CAVE IN. *NLM

  7. 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

  8. Suspension, Feb 27, 2003

    MY NEW 2001 VEHICLE IN LESS THAN A YEAR STARTED MAKING CLUCKING NOISE LOUD VIBRATION. THE COMPLETE AXLE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND NEW TIRES THE BEARINGS FAILED AND FORD WOULD NOT HELP. EVEN THOUGH IT USUALLY TAKES SIX YEARS BEFORE THEY GO THEY CONFIRMED THE BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I SPENT OVER 300.00 DOLLARS WITH ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO SAID THEY SHOULD PAY.

  9. Suspension, Feb 19, 2003

    THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON 3 OCCASIONS FOR A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEEL.*JB....*AK

  10. Suspension, Electrical system, Feb 18, 2003

    FORD FOCUS 2001. PURCHASED IN AUGUST OF 2001. HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENTION. HAS BEEN IN SHOP 6 TIMES TO BE FIXED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE NOISE KEEP ON COMMING BACK. THE CAR HAS NUMBERS OF OTHER PROBLEMS. THE BREAKS MAKE NOISE, THE WINDSHIELS LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS, AND WHEN I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE STALLS SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS.

  11. Suspension, Feb 9, 2003

    16K- DEC 02 BRAKES AND ROTORS SHOT $387 16.5K JAN 03 TRANSMISSION REBUILT 2 WEEKS DUE TO PARTS ON BACK ORDER 16.7K FEB 7, 2003 LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AS WIFE PULLED INTO TRAFFIC FULL EXTENT OF DAMAGE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME

  12. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2003

    THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: THE BRAKES HAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE, PULSATION WHEN MODERATE-HARD BRAKING, AND GRINDING, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP-BROKEN, BATTERY AND CASE, BELT ASSEMBLY AND IDLER SEAL, TRANSMISSION/PAN GASKET LEAK, TEMP GUAGE-FOUND BURNT RESISTER/CONNECTOR-GOES HOT AND COOLS WHEN A/C IS ON AND THE FAN DOES NOT COME ON, THE VEHICLE STALLED AT AN INTERSECTION, THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT SEAL IS LEAKING, THE FUEL SENDER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY/INOP, AND THE REAR SUSPENSION-REAR SHOCKS-SEEMED WEAK AND HEARS A NOISE IN THE REAR END WHEN GOING OVER A DIP. SCC

  13. Suspension, Jan 20, 2003, crash

    OUR SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2001 FORD FOCUS ON A SMALL BACK ROAD NEAR A SHOPPING CENTER. HE WAS DRIVING APPROMIMATELY 20 MPH THRU A SLIGHT CURVE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. AS HE WAS APPROACHING THE STOP SIGN, HE LIGHTLY APPLIED HIS BRAKES AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO NEGOTIATE THE SLIGHT CURVE IN THE ROAD, BUT HIS STEERING HAD FAILED - UNABLE TO NEGOTIATE THE CURVE HIS CAR VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE THEN BACK TO HIT THE CURB. THE IMPACT ACTIVATED THE AIR BAGS, SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD AND THE WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. IT APPEARS THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAD A COMPLETELY CLEAN BREAK - USUALLY NOT SEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS WAS REPORTED TO ME BY SEVERAL FORD EMPLOYEES AS A "VERY SUSPICIOUS BREAK" AS WELL AS THE TOW DRIVER FROM THE FORD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE. OUR SON ALSO REPORTED TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THAT HE FELT A "SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT RIGHT END " OF THE 2001 FORD FOCUS. HE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE CAR- BUT COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG - CONTINUED AND THE VIBRATION HAD CEASED. WE ARE THANKFUL THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY AS HE USUALLY TRAVELS ON A DAILY BASIS.

  14. Suspension, Dec 2, 2002

    CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING VIBRATION. ALSO STATED OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FAN ON THE MOTOR. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE ALIGMENT OR THE BALL JOINTS TO BE OFF. TS

  15. Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Nov 17, 2002, crash

    CAR WAS TURNING RIGHT WHILE LEAVING WAL-MART PARKING LOT ONTO 4 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. FRONT LEFT WHEEL HAD TURNED SIDEWAYS IN WHEEL AND THE BRAKE LINE WAS BROKEN. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE AND IT CROSSED HIGHWAY AND CAME TO STOP ON RAISED CONCRETE MEDIAN. DAMAGE TO THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE WAS SIGNIFICANT. DT

  16. Suspension, Oct 9, 2002

    CONSUMER STATES THAT THE LEFT FRONT WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN SPEED DROPPED DOWN TO 30 MPH. VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

  17. Suspension, Oct 2, 2002

    WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NLM

  18. Suspension, Tires, Sep 16, 2002

    VEHICLE WAS TAKING TO DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIRS ON WHEEL BEARINGS. UPON RECEIVING VEHICLE BACK THERES WAS A NOISE IN THE REAR. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT TIRES WERE CUPPING AND WEARING IRREGULARLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

  19. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 12, 2002

    CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A VIBRATION IN VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL AT SPEEDS OVER 55 MPH. VEHICLE SWAYS BACK AND FORTH, ALSO VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. DEALER HAS REPLACED AND BALANCED TIRES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER 6 TIMES COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEM.*AKTHE SPINDAL WAS STRIPPED AFFECTING BRAKES AND CAUSING VIBRATION AND PULSATION. IT WAS STATED THAT THE SPINDAL APPEARED TO BE DEFECTIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE ENGINE STALLS. *JG

  20. Suspension, Sep 3, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL PULL TO THE LEFT. CHECKED OVER 6 TIMES. STILL CAUS EOF PROBLEM UNKNOWN.*AK

  21. Suspension, Aug 28, 2002

    VEHICLE FRICTIONED AGAINST CURB AND FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF. DELAER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

  22. Suspension, Air bags, Aug 16, 2002

    ATTEMPTING TO ENTER FREEWAY AT APPROX 50 MPH, THE FRONT RIGHT FELT LIKE IT WAS STARTING TO SKID. THE NEXT THING I KNOW, THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED, WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG COVER SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. NO SHEET METAL DAMAGE TO CAR. THE FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT HAD SEPARATED, THE CONTROL ARM BROKE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE PATH OF TRAVEL, TORE UP THE WHEEL AND BROKE THE ROTOR. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE FRONT WHEEL TO THE CAR WAS THE STRUT TOWER. POLICE CAME OUT BUT NO REPORT DONE. FORD WILL NOT HONOR WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH CAR HAS LESS THAN 19000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS WRONG AS FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED, AND AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED AS CAR SKIDDED/SLID TO A STOP.*AK

  23. Suspension, Jul 21, 2002, crash

    TRAVELING ON I-465 EASTBOUND IN INDIANAPOLIS AT APPROX. 60 MPH. THE CAR MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND THEN THE DRIVER (MY SON) LOST CONTROL AND CROSSED TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC AND HIT A RETAINING WALL ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS ONE PASSENGER WITH HIM AT THE TIME AND HE WAS FOLLOWING US HOME. WE WERE ABOUT 100 YARDS IN FRONT OF HIM AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE ENTIRE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION, STEERING AND TIRE ASSEMBLY WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED. LEFT REAR TIRE AND SUSPENSION ALSO DAMAGED. SUN ROOF WOULD NOT CLOSE. VERY LITTLE EXTERIOR DAMAGE DONE SCRATCHED PAINT VERY SMALL DENTS, ALMOST ALL OF THE DAMAGE WAS DONE UNDER THE TIRE WELL.*AK

  24. Suspension, Jul 9, 2002

    VEHICLE WOULD SHIMMY AT 45 MPH OR MORE . VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER,AND PROBLEM WAS REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FUTHER INFORMATION.*AK

  25. Suspension, Jul 6, 2002, crash

    WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 65MPH ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL 2 LANE ROAD, THE CAR SUDDENLY VEERED HARD RIGHT. COUNTER STEERING HAD NO EFFECT ON RECOVERY. THE CAR WAS AT ABOUT 90 DEGREES WHEN IT IMPACTED THE CURB AND WAS LAUNCHED OVER A 10 FOOT CULVERT. THE FORD FOCUS THEN ROLLED 5 TIMES LANDING ON 3 WHEELS. THE 4TH WHEEL AND SUSPENSION (FRONT RIGHT) WAS FOUND APPROX. 30 YARDS FROM THE VEHICLE. EVIDENCE SHOWES THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS LOSE, INDICATED BY EXCESSIVE WEAR AND GROOVING TO THE SPINDLE WHERE THE LOWER BALL JOINT MOUNTED. OTHER EVIDENCE SHOWS THE RIGHT SIDE HALF-SHAFT HAS A CLEAN BREAK AT THE SPLINES (SPLINE WAS STILL INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION WHILE THE HALF SHAFT WAS OTHER WISE NOT DAMAGED AND LAYING IN THE FIELD). THE 2001 ZX3 S2 WAS TOTALED. I HAVE PICTURES WHERE NEEDED. *AK