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, Dec 31, 2008
MY SECOND 2001 FORD FOCUS STATION WAGON(# ) HAS JUST STARTED TO LOSE FUEL PRESSURE SPORADICALLY WHEN DRIVING. SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS CAUSED A LOSS IN BREAK-ABILITY, SINCE THE ENGINE ISN'T RUNNING SMOOTHLY WHEN THE PRESSURE DROPS. IT DEFINATELY CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AS WELL, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A WRECK. MY FIRST 2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON (#) HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND IT WAS REPAIRED BY FORD UNDER THE NHTSA 03V482000 RECALL, YET FORD IS DENYING THE SECOND WAGON FOR A RECALL REPAIR. I HOPE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE QUICKLY, AS IT MAY CAUSE HARM TO SOMEONE IF I LEAVE THIS INTERMITTENTLY-BAD PUMP IN THE CAR. THIS FUEL PUMP PRESSURE FAILURE OCCURS ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY NOW, WHICH MAKES THE CAR UNRELIABLE TO DRIVE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO CONSIDER THIS CAR AS THEY DO MY OTHER CAR, AND FIX THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM THAT IS DEFINATELY A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON IT. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM ALREADY. I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO TO FIX IT; AND I WILL KEEP THE OLD PART FOR REFERENCE AND POSSIBLY REFUND IF YOU ARE ABLE TO RESEARCH THIS AND HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR FUEL PUMPS THAT DON'T PRODUCE ADEQUATE FUEL PRESSURE CONSISTENTLY. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Dec 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE MERGING OFF THE HIGHWAY AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE ROLLING BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY. SHE RECOVERED THE TIRE AND NOTICED THAT THE BOLTS, LUGS, NUTS, AND WHEEL BEARING WERE STILL ATTACHED TO THE TIRE. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I017000 (WHEELS LUGS, NUTS, BOLTS); HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD PROVIDE A WARRANTY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIR. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT INFORM HIM OF THE RECALL. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2008
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND AS I WAS LEAVING WORK ONE DAY, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE KEY WOULDN'T FIT IN THE IGNITION. AFTER I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PUT MY KEY IN IT WOULD NOT TURN. I HAD TO CALL FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH FORD FOCUS' AND TOLD ME TO HAMMER IN MY KEY BECAUSE A BARREL WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE IGNITION. I HAMMERED IN MY KEY AND WAS ABLE TO START MY CAR; HOWEVER, THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Dec 19, 2008
2001 FORD FOCUS IGINITION KEY DOES NOT TURN TO START VEHICLE. *TR
Seat belts, Dec 1, 2008, crash
DURING A RECENT AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT SECURE THE DRIVER. THE DRIVE SUFFERED FACIAL INJURY WHEN CONTACT WAS MADE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. I WILL CONTACT THE FORD DEALERSHIP THIS WEEK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS, WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE IN PLACE, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPAIR. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE TWO DAYS LATER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE PAPERWORK STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ONE WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR, BUT THEY REFUSED TO TAKE HER CALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE NEVER REPLACED AND WOULD COST $3,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,923 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2008
THE PROBLEM I'M HAVE WITH MY 2001 IS MY KEY WILL NOT TURNING MY IGNITION. AFTER REVIEW THE COMPLAINTS I SEE SEVERAL PEOPLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. CAN YOU REVIEW THE COMPLAINTS WITH THE IGNITIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2008
THIS IS THE 2ND TIME MY IGNITION IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUSES. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH OUT RESOURCES AND THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM WITH NO WARNING. THE COST OF TOWING, PARTS, AND LABOR COST AROUND 500.00. I FIND THIS VERY FRUSTRATING THAT FORD WILL NOT RECALL THE IGNITION SWITCH, FULL WELL KNOWING THIS IS A PROBLEM. I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT KNOWING IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE. IT IS A FINANCIAL BURDEN AS WELL AS AN INCONVENIENCE, THAT AFTER BEING FIXED ONCE SHOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN WITH IN 2 YEARS, MY CAR ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 4, 2008
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN HER CAR JUST DIED, WHILE DRIVING. IT STARTED UP AGAIN IMMEDIATELY, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. I WENT ONLINE TO VIEW RECALLS, AND IT STATED THAT 2001 FORD FOCUS HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND 2 OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO THIS VEHICLE THAT WERE ALSO RECALLS. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO HAVE THESE RECALLS FIXED, BUT WHEN THEY PULLED UP THE VIN NUMBER, THEY SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR. THE OTHER RECALL I FOUND WAS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND BATTERY FAILURE. I HAVE ALREADY BURNED UP ONE BATTERY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THE RECALL STATES THAT THE CABES OVERHEAT AND MAY MELT. THIS VEHICLE DID THIS AS WELL. THE OTHER RECALL IS WHERE THE LATCH ON THE BACK DOOR BEGINS TO NOT LATCH PROPERLY, CAUSING THE DOOR TO COME OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE BACK DOOR WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY ON THIS VEHICLE EITHER AND AT TIMES WE HAVE TO OPEN AND CLOSE IT SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET IT TO LATCH. THESE 3 RECALLS ARE ALL THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED ON 2001 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES, WHICH OUR VEHICLE IS, BUT BECAUSE OUR VIN # DOESN'T MATCH THE RECALLS, THEY REFUSE TO FIX THEM. THESE ARE TRUE SAFETY ISSUES. MY DAUGHTER COULD BE KILLED BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES. HOW CAN I HAVE MY VEHICLE ADDED TO THESE RECALLS? I AM EXTREMELY UPSET AND CONCERNED THAT THESE ITEMS WILL NOT BE ADDRESSES WHEN FORD KNOWS THAT THEY ARE A PROBLEM ON OTHER 2001 FOCUS VEHICLES. I WILL SUE SHOULD SOMETHING HAPPEN TO MY DAUGHTER DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND FORDS UNWILLINGNESS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 28, 2008
MY VEHICLE, 2001 FORD FOCUS, DISPLAYS ALL THE SYMPTOMS REGARDING A FAULTY FUEL PUMP FUEL DELIVERY MODULE. AT ONE-QUARTER TANK, THE ENGINE WILL STALL ON RIGHT TURNS. DURING EXTENDED DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE AND STUTTER EVENTUALLY STALLING, AND DURING IDLING, THE VEHICLE WILL DROP POWER REQUIRING CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON FEB 7, 2007 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE THREE MONTHS TOO LATE TO HAVE FALLEN UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I AM FURIOUS THAT FORD WOULD PROVIDE A 10YR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT'S VEHICLES - REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, BUT WOULD EXCLUDE MODELS THAT HAVE VIN NUMBERS JUST OUTSIDE THE WINDOW OF "KNOWN OCCURRENCE OF PROBLEM". THE VEHICLE HAD STALLED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY (US95 IN LAS VEGAS CLARK COUNTY), AND FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE VEHICLE HAD OVER $1300 OF SERVICE COMPLETED DURING THIS INCIDENT, BUT THE ISSUE HAS NOW RE-OCCURRED. SYMPTOMS BEGAN IN LATE SEPTEMBER, AND HAVE GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING LONG DISTANCES, AS THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN STALLING AROUND CORNERS AND DURING IDLING. I CURRENTLY CAN NOT AFFORD PAYMENTS ON A NEW VEHICLE, AND WANT FORD TO HONOR ITS PLEDGE FOR SAFETY BY ADMITTING MORE VEHICLES UNDER ITS EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY. FORD'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS DEFECT IS 03N01 AND FORD CLAIMS THAT OVER 671, 000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED. I SUSPECT VERY FEW 2001 FOCUSES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD, AND FEWER EVER RECEIVED NOTICE REGARDING THIS "RECALL". I FIND IT HARD TO DEFEND THEIR PATRONIZING POSITION THAT "(THEY'RE) SORRY, BUT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE". I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO KEEP THIS VEHICLE ROAD WORTHY, I AND I REFUSE TO SPEND ONE PENNY MORE. FOR A VEHICLE MODEL THAT HAS HAD SO MANY FLAWS, I AM APPALLED AT THE LACK OF SUPPORT ACTUALLY PROVIDED. I WILL NOTE, THAT FORD WAS VERY HELPFUL IN REPLACING THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY-THREE TIMES. THANKS RECALL ID FROM NHTSA: 03V482000 FORD TSB 03N01. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 28, 2008
TO BEST DESCRIBE WHAT IS HAPPENING YOUR WEBSITE HAS A CAMPAIGN FOR MY COMPLAINT HERE: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/CARS/PROBLEMS/DEFECT/RESULTS.CFM?ACTION_NUMBER=EA02014&SEARCHTYPE=QUICKSEARCH&SUMMARY=TRUE THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER IS 02V288000. MY WIFE DRIVES A 2001 FORD FOCUS SE. THE BATTERY CABLES AND BATTERY ARE GOING THROUGH EXTREME CORROSION THAT REQUIRES ME TO CLEAN THE CONNECTIONS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 2 WEEKS. THE CORROSION IS ALSO CAUSING HEAT THAT IS MELTING THE CABLES INSULATION. WHEN THE CORROSION GOES UNTREATED, WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO BAD CONNECTION. THE PROBLEM RIGHT NOW IS THAT THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS IN 2002 AND FORD IS NOT RECOGNIZING THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER ME TELLING THEM ABOUT THE RECALL INFORMATION I LINKED ABOVE. I HAVE CALLED IN A COMPLAINT ALREADY TO THE NHTSA BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. ANY HELP IN DEALING WITH THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2008, crash
WHILE IN CURVE DRIVING 50 MPH STEERING LOCKED UP, NOT SURE IF CAR CUT OFF BUT I WAS UNABLE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT WHEEL RESULTING IN ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT TELEPHONE CRUSHING PELVIS, AND BREAKING MY LEFT ARM.. I SPENT 37 DAYS IN HOSPITAL AND NOW HAVE PLATES AND SCREWS IN MY PELVIS AND ARM. IT HAS BEEN A MONTH SINCE THE ACCIDENT AND I AM NOW IN A WHEEL CHAIR FOR 2 MONTHS HEALING TIME BEFORE I CAN START THERAPY TO BEGIN WALKING, AND DOCTORS SAY I WILL HAVE TO HAVE A HIP REPLACEMENT IN THE NEXT 2 TO 5 YEARS. HELP ME PLEASE FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS I AM 24 YEARS OLD.. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 10, 2008
I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE WORK TO GO HOME. I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION, A COST OF $500. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2008
NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING ONTO PAVEMENT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FOR FEAR OF OVERHEATING TOOK IT INTO A PEP BOYS AS WAS CLOSEST REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING (PLASTIC I MIGHT ADD) WAS FAULTY AND WITH PARTS AND LABOR IT CAME TO $455 FOR THE JOB. THE NEAREST FORD DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NEED 2 DAYS TO EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Oct 8, 2008
ON 10/3/08 I WAS CHANGING OIL ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WITH 60000 MILES AND NOTICED RUST HOLES THROUGH THE FRONT SUBFRAME, WHICH HOLDS THE MOTOR, LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARMS TO THE CAR BODY. IT IS A VERY CRUCIAL PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE FRAME WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IF I HIT A LARGE BUMP THAT THE FRAME MAY BREAK IN HALF AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. THIS REPAIR WAS ESTIMATED BY THE DEALER TO BE AROUND $900.00. THE CAR IS BEING REPAIRED AS I WRITE THIS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART FORD HAS USED AND THEY SHOULD INSPECT AND REPLACE THE PART ON THIS MODEL BEFORE ONE DOES BREAK AND SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 6, 2008
IGNITION SWITCH WONT TURNED ON. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2008, fire
2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, IT STARTED NEAR BATTERY, CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-80 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK MOMENTARILY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS BEING REDESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR THIS FAILURE, AND WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2008. THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND AWAITING THE REPLACEMENT PART IN ORDER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 30,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 25, 2008
MY SON & I GOT DONE EATING I LEFT THE RESTAURANT PARKING LOT & THOUGHT I WOULD STOP BY THE NEXT PLACE WHEN MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OPENED UP OUT INTO TRAFFIC. LUCKY NO ONE WAS RIDING IN THE BACK. AND NO ACCIDENT HAPPEN. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF PLAYING WITH THE LOCK I GOT IT TO CLOSE & HAVEN'T USED THAT DOOR SINCE. I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IN CONTACTING FORD DIRECTLY AND ALL I GOT WAS A SURVEY FORM WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MY PROBLEM. BACK IN 2005 WHEN THEY RECALLED MY CAR FOR FAILURE ON DOOR LOCKS I HAD TAKEN IT TO VALLEY VIEW FORD AND HAD IT SERVICED. NOW THREE YEARS LATER THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND NOBODY WANTS TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MAYBE IT TAKES SOMEONE TO DIE AND SUE THEM. VERY UNHAPPY WITH FORD, I NOW WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Visibility, Sep 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS FAILURES. THE MAIN FAILURES WERE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BRAKE SYSTEM, BENT TIE ROD, SHAKING AND VIBRATING, REAR WINDOW MECHANISMS, AND FLOODING AFTER IT RAINS. THE LEAK OCCURS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE WATER RISES 2 TO 3 INCHES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER DUE TO THE INSPECTION COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,473.
Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2008
MY HEADLIGHT FELL OUT OF THE HOUSING AND MELTED THE HOUSING AROUND IT. IT NO LONGER WORKS AS A RESULT OF THIS.... THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE OF THIS PART. I WOULD NOT KNOW WHY THE LAMP IT'S SELF WOULD JUST FALL OUT OF THE HOUSING. I HAVE ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT WAS TOLD NO BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP BUT YOU CAN'T TRUST WHAT THEY SAY BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME YEARS AGO THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY FUEL PUMP AND THERE WAS, THEY ARE JUST RUDE THERE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2008
MY DAUGHTER TRIED TO START THE CAR TO GO TO SCHOOL AND COULDN'T GET THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS AT HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED, UNLIKE THE MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AT A REPAIR COST OF OVER $300, AND THE NUMBER OF BAD IGNITIONS THAT ARE IN THE FORD FOCUS CARS, IT SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE IGNITIONS. WE HAVE HAD MANY CARS THAT WERE OLDER THAN OUR FOCUS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2008
MY IGNITION LOCKED UP. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET TO FIND REPAIR METHODS AND FOUND TONS OF COMPLAINTS FROM FELLOW FOCUS OWNERS. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY COMMON AND CANNOT BE FIXED, IT HAS TO BE REPLACED ADDING UP TO A TOTAL OF $500.00. MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I HAVE FOUND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. MY WIFE ALSO OWNS A FOCUS AND I'M JUST WAITING FOR THAT PHONE CALL. HOPEFULLY SHE'S NOT STRANDED IN A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. SEARCH FOCALJET.COM AND FOCUSFANATICS.COM FOR COMPLAINTS. THERES ALSO AN ONLINE PETITION FOR FORD THAT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY OVER 2,000 FOCUS OWNERS TO DATE. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2008
THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 LOCKED UP, LEFT ME STRANDED. UNABLE TO START THE CAR. IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED TO ME THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS 2000 -2003 MODELS. FORD REFUSES TO ADMIT TO A PROBLEM. I HAVE THE OLD PART IF NEEDED. REPAIR COST $333. *TR