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.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2008
ON HOT DAYS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND IS RESTARTED IT GOES INTO A MODE WHERE IT CONSISTENTLY STALLS AT IDLE AND LOW RPM. IT HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND ONLY OCCURS SOME OF THE TIME. NETHER FORD OR INDEPENDENT MECHANICS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED STALLING IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2008
I OWN 2 SEPARATE FORD FOCUSES - BOTH 2001 MODELS. ONE IS A ZTS AND THE OTHER AN SX. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE SX IGNITION LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WE HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED. NOW, BARELY A YEAR LATER, THE ZTS MODEL IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. SEARCHING ONLINE FOR A CHEAPER SOLUTION (THE DEALER CHARGES UPWARDS OF $300 TO FIX THE ISSUE), I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND WIDELY KNOWN BUT NOT ACKNOWLEDGED. I'VE BEEN STRANDED TWICE ALONE WITH THIS CAR AND NOW THE IGNITION WON'T TURN AT ALL NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRY TO JIGGLE THE KEY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND COULD LEAD TO VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY FORD AND REPAIRED. *TR
Steering, Aug 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SIDESWIPED A PARKED VEHICLE. THE MIRROR WAS DAMAGED. THE POLICE WAS NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL ARM DISENGAGED, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Seat belts, Aug 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR ON THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE TRANSMISSION ALSO SLIPPED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DRIVE THE SAME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT IN STOCK AND THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF ENTIRELY. THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER WHENEVER THE SIGNAL LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS, OR AIR CONDITIONING WERE ACTIVATED. THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUED TO SHORT AND, WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HIGH BEAMS HAD TO BE ACTIVATED. THE SEAT BELT IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SEAT WAS INOPERABLE AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT CONTINUED TO MOVE BACKWARDS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHILE THE IGNITION IS ON. FINALLY, NONE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ARE FUNCTIONAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Equipment, Aug 25, 2008
I WILL START WITH THE FACT THE CAR IS ON IT'S FOURTH BATTERY. IT HAS HAD THE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED ALONG WITH EVERY SENSOR IN THE CAR SOME TWICE. THERE WAS A STEERING COLUMN RECALL DONE ON IT. THE TWO BACK WINDOWS TRACKS HAVE BEEN BROKE A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES. THE DOOR HANDLES BRAKE THREE SO FAR. THE STEREO IS BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME. I HAVE HAD TO DO THE BRAKES TWICE SO FAR AND ALL THIS AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 63,498.8 MILES . *TR
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2008
THE IGNITION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT RELEASE THE STEERING WHEEL OR START THE CAR. THE KEY WILL GO IN BUT NOT TURN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE SAME CAR. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION 22 MONTHS AGO. THIS IS FRUSTRATING AND HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN BOTH INSTANCES. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ANYONE BUT ME? THE CAR IS A 2001 FORD FOCUS LX. *TR
Suspension, Aug 23, 2008
FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 22, 2008
2001 FORD FOCUS, SEVER GASOLINE LEAK, WHEN NOTICED HALF A THANK HAD LEAKED IN 1 HOUR. STOPPED CAR, HAD IT TOWED AFTER ALLOWING THE LEAK TO STOP. COULD HAD GET ON FIRE, ROAD GOT COVERED WITH GAS. DEALER FOUND DISCONNECTED GAS LINE TO GAS PUMP ON GAS PUMP. COULD NOT CONNECT THE GAS LINE BACK SINCE NECK WAS DAMAGED, REPLACED GAS PUM AND GAS LINE. PUMP WAS CHANGED BY SAME DEALER ON 2005 AFTER CAR DIED BECAUSE PUMP BROKE, RECALL WAS IN EFFECT AND PUMP CHANGES AS RECALLED. *TR
Wheels, Aug 20, 2008
WE HAVE HAD THREE INCIDENTS INVOLVING TWO VEHICLES IN WHICH WHEELS HAVE COME OFF OF FORD F-550 VEHICLES DUE TO SHEARED LUG BOLTS. THE WEIGHTS OF ALL OF OUR VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECORDED AND FALL BELOW THE MANUFACTURERS GVWR. PER A TIRE COMPANY'S RECOMMENDATION, WE HAVE ISSUED A MANDATE THAT ALL SIMILAR VEHICLES HAVE THEIR WHEELS RE-TORQUED, TO MEET THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS AFTER DRIVING, AFTER TRAVELING 50 MILES FOLLOWING ANY WORK DONE ON THE WHEELS. WE HAVE HAD THE WHEELS ON VEHICLE THAT DID NOT COME OFF INSPECTED AND CHECKED TO PROPER TORQUE FOLLOWING ALL INCIDENTS AND THEY HAVE BEEN TORQUED APPROPRIATELY. THE INCIDENT DATES WERE, 12/29/07 ,02/15/08, AND 07/17/08 . ON 12/29/07 AN EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING UP A ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 20 M.P.H. WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE BACK DUAL WHEELS CAME OFF DUE TO BROKEN LUG BOLTS. THIS WAS A NORMAL USE OF THE VEHICLE ON A WELL-MAINTAINED DIRT ROAD. ON 02/15/08 TWO EMPLOYEES WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 84 TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 M.P.H. WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEELS CAME OFF THE VEHICLE AND PASSED THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING MILE. THE STUDS WERE ALSO SHEARED OFF IN THIS INSTANCE. THE INTERSTATE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. IT WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT THE TIRES DID NOT STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE. ON 07/17/08 AN EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING ON OREGON STATE HIGHWAY 82 AT APPROXIMATELY 55 M.P.H. WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEELS CAME OFF. THE WHEELS STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE DAMAGING THAT VEHICLE?S BRAKE SYSTEM. IN THIS CASE, A FATALITY COULD HAVE EASILY OCCURRED TO THE OTHER DRIVER. THAT DRIVER?S NAME IS: KEITH CULIVER - 740 11TH AVENUE NORTH, PAYETTE, ID (WORKING FOR TNT FOREST PRODUCTS). WE HAVE REPLACED THE LUG BOLTS ON ALL OF OUR FIVE VEHICLES IN THIS CLASSIFICATION AS AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID FURTHER PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, ONE ACCIDENT OCCURRED FOLLOWING THIS REPLACEMENT. *TR
Visibility, Aug 20, 2008
REAR ELECTRIC WINDOW MALFUNCTION.\ FORD FOCUS SE 2001 IT STARTED WITH THE WINDOW NOT GOING DOWN SINCE 2004 AND NOW ONE WINDOW YOU CAN PULL DOWN BY YOUR HAND. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2008
KEY WILL NOT GO ALL THE WAY INTO IGNITION CYLINDER ON 2001 FORD FOCUS, SO THE CAR CANNOT BE STARTED. IT APPEARS THAT MANY FOR FORD FOCUS OWNERS, BUT FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT A RECALL IS NEEDED. *TR
Seat belts, Aug 18, 2008
THE REAR SEAT CENTER SEAT BELT IS INTERMITTENTLY LOCKED IN THE RETRACTED POSITION AND YOU NEVER CAN RELY ON IT TO BE USED. IT SEEMS TO HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN. CURRENTLY OURS IS LOCKED SO TIGHT IN THE RETRACTED POSITION, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL IT OUT AND USE IT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 5, 2008
I HAVE A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM WITH MY 2001 FORD FOCUS STATION WAGON. IF THE GAS GETS BELOW 1/2 TANK, THE ENGINE STALLS AND THE MOTOR STARVES FOR FUEL, BUT THERE IS ABOUT 1/2 TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE NOW IN 30 DAYS. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2008
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. I WALKED OUT TO MY CAR AFTER WORK, LATE AND NIGHT, IN A DARK, EMPTY PARKING LOT, AND TRY AND START MY CAR. MY IGNITION WILL NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. I TRIED FOR 30 MIN TO GET IT WORKING BEFORE I GAVE UP. IT JUST HAPPENED, NO WARNING OF AN ISSUE. I DO NOT SEE THIS TO JUST BE WEAR. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SPORADICALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THEN RESTART MOMENTS LATER. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE ENGINE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY CABLES. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES); THEREFORE, SHE WAS NOT ENTITLED TO ANY REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2008
THERMOSTAT HOUSING HAS STARTED LEAKING COOLANT. THIS IS REPORTEDLY A COMMON FAILURE ON FOCUS WITH 2.0L DOHC ENGINE (ZETEC). THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILURE MAY OR MAY NOT BE A CONNECTION TO THE VALVE COVER LEAKING OIL ONTO THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING AND HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH PRODUCES A FAINTLY NOTICEABLE BURNING SMELL WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE HESITATED, AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, SURGED, AND EXPERIENCED OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE BECAME SLUGGISH AND STALLED AT ANY SPEED. AFTER WAITING 20 TO 40 MINUTES, THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL SERVICE STATION FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF UPDATED 08/07/08 THE DEALER LOWERED THE FUEL TANK, REMOVED THE OLD FUEL PUMP AND FOUND THE SCREEN IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. UPDATED 08/07/08
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 9, 2008
WAS DRIVING HOME AND ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING AND GOT LOUDER AND WHEN I RETURNED HOME HAD MY HUSBAND LOOK AT IT AND FOUND 3 MOTOR MOUNTS WERE RUSTED OFF. DEALERSHIP REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS A WEEK LATER AT MY COST AND DIDN'T GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2008
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE BEHAVES AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO TURN. *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
Electrical system, Jun 18, 2008
WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS WITH 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IGNITION LOCKUP. THOUSANDS OF CASES, YET NO RECALL FROM FORD. KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION. HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. COULD ENDANGER SAFETY. *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
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2008
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION WAS LOCKED UP AND KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START MY CAR. I WAS STRANDED IN AN UNSAFE PART OF CITY WHILE WAITING FOR AAA TO SHOW UP AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
Visibility, Jun 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND ONLY WORK TEMPORARILY IN THE HIGHEST SPEED. AFTERWARDS, THEY WOULD SLOWLY STOP WORKING COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP; HOWEVER, HE SPOKE TO THE DEALER ON THE PHONE AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE CURRENTLY STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,600.
Suspension, Jun 14, 2008
FRONT COIL SPRING BROKEN. *TR