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
1,790 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATES AS IF IT WILL STALL. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), WHICH CORRECTED THE FAILURE. CURRENTLY, FOUR YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED AND WAS ONLY COVERED FOR 12,000 MILES, THEY WOULD NO LONGER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY NEW REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2009
IGNITION LOCK BROKE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THIS LEFT ME STRANDED IN A PRETTY ROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD. AFTER GETTING A LIFT HOME, I SEE THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 FORD FOCUS, LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED IN SOME PRETTY DANGEROUS PLACES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2009, fire
OUR DAUGHTERS 2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE, BURNED INTO THE CABIN. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A LOT. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT OUR DAUGHTER WAS NOT INJURED, NOR THAT ANYONE ELSE OR PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED. SHE HAD ONLY BEEN OUT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 4-6 MINUTES BEFORE IT ERUPTED IN FLAMES. PRIOR TO THAT THE CAR APPEARED TO DRIVE FINE. NO SMELLS, NO WARNING LIGHTS. VERY SCARY. I FELT THAT I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE, AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY, APPEARS TO WANT TO JUST SETTLE THE CLAIM, WITH NO INVESTIGATION. HOW ARE WE TO MAKE CARS SAFER, IF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, DON'T NOTIFY ANYONE? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DROVE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS EVENTUALLY DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. ON MAY 25, 2008, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE MECHANIC FURTHER STATED THAT THE PART COULD NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER TOOL TO REMOVE THE FUEL PUMP. ONLY THE FORD DEALER WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE TOOL. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WOULD BE $1,000. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 59,000.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY HIGH. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REFUSED DUE TO THE COST. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE AFTERMARKET PARTS WERE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE PARTS CONSISTED OF THE PCV VALVE AND FUEL FILTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER CONDUCTED A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS THE STALLING IN THE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES MENTIONED IN THE CAMPAIGN, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 24, 2009
2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCK UP. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, May 10, 2009
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ON 2001 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK WILL NOT UNLOCK AND OPEN. STAYS IN LOCKED POSITION AND DRIVER HAS TO EXIT THROUGH PASSENGER'S SIDE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 30, 2009
1. I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. 2. THE IGNITION LOCKED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS GOING WRONG. AS A RESULT, I COULD NOT GO TO WORK, AS I WORK AN HOUR AWAY. 3. FORD IS NOT WILLING TO EXTEND A "GOODWILL REPAIR OR WARRANTY" ON MY BEHALF, AND SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION. RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THAT IN SOME CASES, THE REPLACEMENT WILL RESULT IN THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM IN FORD FOCUS MODELS FROM 2000-2003 AND YET FORD HAS NOT TAKEN OWNERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM. I WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED AT MY OWN EXPENSE AND THE IGNITION REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE, FOR A MANUFACTURED PROBLEM. THE TOTAL OF BOTH WILL LIKELY BE MORE THAN HALF OF THE CURRENT BLUE-BOOK VALUE OF MY CAR. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Air bags, Apr 29, 2009, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 2001 FORD FOCUS SE WAGON APPROXIMATELY 45MPH WHEN SHE DESCRIBED STEERING LOCKED UP IN TURN THEN SHE HEARD TIRES SQUEALING AND VEHICLE JERKED HARD LEFT CAUSING HER TO GO OFF THE ROAD, HIT A ROCK WALL AND FLIPPED THE CAR END OVER END. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE LANDED UPSIDE DOWN BUT WAS ABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE THROUGH BROKEN WINDOW. SHE RECEIVED CUTS AND BRUISES AND WAS TAKEN TO EMERGENCY ROOM FOR X-RAYS WHERE THEY SAID SHE HAD NO SERIOUS INJURIES AND WAS RELEASED. ON SCENE INVESTIGATION BY POLICE AND TOW TRUCK OPERATED SUGGESTED BALL JOINT FAILURE OR OTHER STEERING/SUSPENSION FAILURE. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2009
THE FORD FOCUS 2001 KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION, I HAVE SPENT MANY HOURS, AND A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE GOTTEN STRANDED AT NIGHT ALONE, MANY HOURS FROM HOME ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IT IS FRIGHTENING TO DRIVE MY CAR ANY LONG DISTANCE FOR FEAR OF BEING STRANDED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2009
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO HERTRICH IN MILFORD DE AND IGNITION REPLACED AND KEY PROGRAMMED TO NEW IGNITION. THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED AT APPROX 30,000 MILES AND THE SECOND TIME AT 87,000 MILES. SERVICE TECH SAID CYLINDERS WERE JAMMED AND IT TOOK BEATING IT WITH A HAMMER TO RELEASE THEM TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. MY DAUGHTER HAD DRIVEN TO WALMART TO HAVE HER OIL CHANGED. THEY CALLED HER BACK TO TELL HER THEY COULD NOT START HER CAR TO DRIVE IT INTO THE SERVICE BAY. CALLED FORD TO REPORT THEIR PROBLEM AS MY DAUGHTERS FRIEND ALSO HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER FORD FOCUS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2009
THE ENGINE SNAPED AND NOW THE CAR IS NO LONGER WORKING. HOWEVER PRIOR TO THAT IT WOULD IDLE ACTING AS IF IT WAS STALLING OUT AND MAKING NOISES. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2009
I OWN A FORD FOCUS AND THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN ON. IT JUST LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON. HAD TO HAVE IGNITION REPLACED AT 85,000. MILES. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2009
2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH NOT TURNING WHEN TRYING TO START VEHICLE. MY STARTED EARLY MORNING AFTER WORK -20 OUTSIDE. LUCKY I WAS HOME. GOOGLED AND SOMEBODY SAID HIT IT WITH HAMMER AND IT WILL TURN OR REPLACE NEW IGNITION SWITCH. HIT IT MANY TIMES AND NOW IT GOT WORSE. FIX IS NOT CHEAP AND IT IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINTS FROM MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITION OR SAFETY EVACUATION THAT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF YOU CAN'T START YOUR VEHICLE. CAN SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE FORD IS GETTING AWAY WITH NEGLIGENCE OR I SUPPOSE WILL JUST BAIL THEM OUT SO THEY CAN KEEP RIPPING PEOPLE OFF WITH EXPENSIVE VEHICLES AND FAULTY EQUIPMENTS. IS THAT HOW THIS WORKS. SCREW THE TAX PAYERS AND CONSUMERS WHO KEEP THIS COUNTRY PRODUCTIVE. FORD NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCTS AND THEIR COMMITMENTS TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. PLEASE RECALL THIS DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2009
THE IGNITION SWITCH SO CALLED 'SAFETY' LOCK ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON REFUSED TO RELEASE, AFTER REPEATED TRIES, SO I COULDN'T START MY CAR, THE WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN, AND I WAS LEFT STRANDED AWAY FROM HOME. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FORD MADE TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE THAT THEY PUMPED OUT INTO THE MARKET. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND APPARENTLY A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH FOCUS OWNERS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2009
JUST PAID 401.00 AT THE DEALERSHIP TO CREATE A NEW TUMBER ON A KEY IGNITION. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 19, 2009
KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, HAVING TO LEAVE KEY IN CAR. HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING THE DAY AND DURING THE WEEK. WILL HAVE THE IGNITION REPLACED. *TR
Visibility, Feb 17, 2009
WINDOWS FELL DOWN WHILE DRIVING DRIVER WINDOW AND BOTH BACK WINDOWS. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 17, 2009
BATTERY POSITIVE TERMINAL CORROSION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAVE REPLACED BATTERY TWICE AND ALTERNATOR ONCE BECAUSE OF NO START, DEAD BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. BATTERY CABLE SHOWS BATTERY CORROSION. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2009
OUT OF NOWHERE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN MY IGNITION. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 3 YEARS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, I STOPPED TO BUY XMAS GIFTS AT THE MALL, AND WHEN I RETURNED, I COULD NOT TURN THE KEY IN MY IGNITION. AND NOW EVERY DAY I SPEND 20 MINUTES OR MORE JUST TRYING TO START MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE THIS HAPPENED. AND THE WORST THING IS NEVER KNOWING WHEN IT WILL BE REALLY BAD, OR IF I WILL END UP STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! BEING THAT THIS COULD END UP IN BEING STRANDED, I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON THE 2001 FORD FOCUS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2009
2001 FORD HAS AN OIL LEAK ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. CONSUMER STATES THAT FORD FEEL THAT THE LEAK IS NORMAL AND THAT THERE IS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE OIL LEAK WAS CAUSED BY METAL CHIP DEBRIS OR DAMAGE TO THE SEALING SURFACE THAT OCCURRED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, THE ENGINE MUST BE PULLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 03/01/10
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Feb 2, 2009
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 FORD FOCUS BACK IN NOVEMBER OF 2008', I EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER ALONG WITH THE DASHLIGHTS GOING HAYWIRE. I THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY AUTO REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND COULD NOT DO WHAT I DESCRIBED TO THEM. APPROX. 1 WEEK LATER IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN, THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE SOME DIAGNOSTIC CODES. THEY CLEANED SOME GROUND WIRES BUT STATED THAT WAS ALL THEY COULD FIND, THE SAME THING HAPPENED A FEW DAYS LATER, I CALLED MY MECHANIC, AND WE BOTH AGREED THAT I SHOULD SEND IT TO THE FORD DEALER. I HAD IT TOWED AGAIN, THIS TIME TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I STATED THAT THE PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. AFTER APPROX. 1 WEEK, THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE ALTERNATOR DROPPED TO 11.5 VOLTS. I ADVISED THEM TO REPLACE WITH A NEW ALTERNATOR. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THEY WERE SURE THAT IS WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ON OR ABOUT 1/2/09, I EXPERIENCED THEY SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS. I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY AND ADVISE THEM I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS NOT THE $ 550.00 ALTERNATOR THAT I PAID FOR. I AGAIN REITERATED TO THEM THAT IT HAS TO BE DRIVEN, TO HAVE THE SYMPTOMS OCCUR. SINCE I HAD THE NEW ALTERNATOR INSTALLED I ONLY PUT ON 325 MILES. MY SERVICE MANAGER KORY FOSTER WITH GOSCH FORD IN HEMET, CA HAS ONLY CALLED ME TWICE SINCE 1/2/09. WHEN HE CALLS HE HAS ALWAYS STATED THAT HE CANNOT FIND ANYTHING AND HE DOES NOT NO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS HE HAS NOT HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS. I HAVE TOLD HIM EVERYTIME I HAVE SEEN HIM AND WHEN HE CALLS TO DRIVE IT ! IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO STALL OUT. THE LAST TIME HE CALLED ME WHICH WAS LAST WEEK SOMETIME, THAT I COULD COME GET MY CAR IF I NEEDED IT. I ADVISED HIM TO KEEP IT UNTIL IT IS FIXED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 12, 2009
2001 FORD FOCUS RECALL FOR FAULTY FUEL PUMP. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL, BUT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE 95.00 JUST TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE TEST WOULD ONLY DETECT A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WHEN IT WAS IN FAILURE MODE. THE TEST WOULD NOT REVEAL A PROBLEM SINCE THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ON THE ROAD AND ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. *JB UPDATED 04/20/10 THE CONSUMER STATED FOR YEARS HIS DAUGHTER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING. UPDATED 05/07/10.*JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 9, 2009
THIS CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. ONE DAY THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER. IT WAS AS IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOCKED. WE GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT IT IS VERY COMMON IN FORD FOCUS'S BUILT BETWEEN 2000-2003. THE QUICK FIX WAS TO CARRY A HAMMER AROUND AND GIVE IT A HIT WHEN THE KEY GETS STUCK. THIS HAS WORKED PRETTY WELL UNTIL THIS MORNING. IT TOOK ME 15 MINUTES TO START THE CAR. *TR