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.
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2007
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE NIGHT AND AS I WAS DRIVING ALL THE LIGHTS, INSIDE AND OUT, EXCEPT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR PLACE AND THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT SAFE. I COULD'VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE SEARCHED FOR RECALLS ON 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 AND HAVE NOT FOUND ANY. I ALSO LOOKED UP HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPLACE IT ($359). THIS IS NOT A SMALL PROBLEM. PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ARE VERY DANGEROUS.
Suspension, Tires, Mar 2, 2007
MY 2001 ZX3 FOCUS WOULD EAT TIRES .. GOT IT USED BUT WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES PUT NEW FIRESTONE TIRES ON AND HAD IT ROTATED EVERY 3000 MILES TO KEEP IT FROM SHAKING .. DID THAT 4 TIMES AND SOLD THE P.O.S. THE PEOPLE AT FIRESTONE TOLD ME IT WAS BAD ENGINEERING ON FORDS PART . BRAKES WOULD MAKE NOSE THAT THE DEALER HAD NO CLUE WHAT IT WAS . .. NOW I DATE SOMEONE I WITH A 2002 FORD FOCUS. AT 30,000 NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS . NEW PCM . AND THE LIST IS STILL ADDING UP. IF THE FOCUS ISN'T A LEMON ... THEN THERE IS NO POINT OF THE LEMON LAW. TIME TO CHANGE IT AND MAKE IT HARDER TO SELL CARS THAT ARE MADE SO CHEAP!!! *JB
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2007
IT HAD BECOME HARDER AND HARDER OVER THE COURSE OF A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO TURN THE KEY IN MY IGNITION. THEN ONE NIGHT AFTER WORK, I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. I CONTACTED AAA, AND THEY SENT OUT A LOCKSMITH THE NEXT DAY. THE LOCKSMITH HAD TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE IGNITION BECAUSE, ACCORDING TO HIM, CERTAIN PIECES WERE BROKEN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Feb 21, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ,AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND THEY DID AN INCOMPLETE REPAIR JOB. THE DEALER GOT THE HEAT TO WORK BUT IT ONLY WORKED WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE HEAT ON HIGH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON A REALLY BAD SNOW DAY SHE SMELLED RUBBER BURNING AND TURNED THE HEAT OFF AND OPENED THE WINDOW. SHE HAD TO SHUT THE WINDOW AND TURN THE HEAT BACK ON, AND WHEN SHE DID FUMES BEGAN TO GATHER IN THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENTIRE VEHICL WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME WHEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN ENTIRELY. FORD AND TOYOTA GAVE HER THE RUN AROUND CONCERNING REPLACING THE VEHICLE AND A TRADE IN. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONTINUE USING THE VEHICLE WHILE A TRADE IN WAS BEING NEGOTIATED. WHEN THE CONTACT WENT TO SIGN NEGOTIATION PAPERS SHE WAS DECLINED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED. THE SALESMAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND IT CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEET. UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2007
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FAILED, PREVENTING CAR FROM STARTING. KEY WOULD GO INTO IGNITION BUT WOULD NOT TURN. I WAS STRANDED IN PARKING GARAGE UNTIL A TOW TRUCK THAT COULD REACH IT WAS LOCATED. IGNITION CYLINDER REBUILT, NEW KEYS CREATED, TOTAL COST $550. DEALER KEPT OLD PARTS. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE OF THE SAME PART. IT WAS FIRST REPLACED IN OCTOBER 2003. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 16, 2007
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, 45 MPH...5:30 AM MST...NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM. VEHICLE DRIVING SMOOTHLY, NO SPUTTERS AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS. DROVE MY SON TO HIS WORKPLACE APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES AND ON THE WAY HOME, VEHICLE SIMPLY STALLED, JERKED AND AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS....NOTHING. CARS SWERVED AROUND ME AS I STRUGGLED TO PULL OFF TO THE RIGHT. I WAS NEARLY HIT BY THREE DIFFERENT VEHICLES. IT WAS VERY DARK AND I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR. I MANAGED TO WALK TO A GAS STATION/STORE AND CALLED MY DAUGHTER. HER HUSBAND HELPED ME TOW THE VEHICLE TO KEARNS AUTO CENTER NEAR WHERE THE CAR HAD STALLED. THE FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. MANAGER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SHIELD WAS A 2002 ADDITION, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE WAS SOLD AND MANUALS DISTRIBUTED WAS FOR A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE SHIELD HAD ALLOWED GAS TO LEAK UNTIL IT TOTALLY DESTROYED THE FUEL PUMP ITSELF. THERE WAS NO DISCLOSURE, VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW WITH 8 MILES SHOWING. MANUAL AND CARE SCHEDULE WAS FOR THAT OF A 2001. VEHICLE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT WAS 47,312 MILES...FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND TWO DEALERS IN THE SALT LAKE CITY AREA WERE NOTIFIED OF THE SITUATION, NONE HAVE RESPONDED. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED, AND TWO DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. HE LIFTED THE HOOD, AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE BATTERY CABLE. THE CABLES MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE BATTERY CABLE AND THE HARNESS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 102,000. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE BATTERY CABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. *AK
Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 11, 2007
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS SE AUTOMATIC: MY IGNITION LOCK AND THE STEERING WHEEL ARE JAMMED. IT IS A VERY RECENT DEVELOPMENT AND I AM FINDING OUT THAT I MAY HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX IT, WHICH I AM VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT SINCE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY A RECALL OF THE VEHICLE. I STILL HAVE NO IDEA HOW I AM GOING TO FIX IT AND I MIGHT HAVE TO END UP TOWING THE CAR WHICH WILL COST EVEN MORE AND I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO DO THAT, BUT IF I LEAVE IT ON MY STREET THEN I WILL GET A PARKING TICKET. SHAME ON YOU FORD FOR NOT ISSUING A RECALL, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH MY FOCUS IS THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BROKE IN 2005. THE MOTOR GOT JAMMED AND BROKE OR SOMETHING, BUT NOW MY WINDOW WON'T ROLL UP AND MY CAR IS GETTING RAINED INSIDE OF, AGAIN THANKS FORD FOR NOT ISSUING A RECALL ON THAT PROBLEM, WHICH IS A PROBLEM THAT EVERY FORD FOCUS OWNER THAT I KNOW HAS. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN, AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE THAT FORD'S SUCK!!!!! *NM
Visibility, Feb 8, 2007
REAR WINDOW DOES NOT OPERATE AUTOMATICALLY EITHER FROM THE DRIVER'S MECHANISMS NOR THE ONE BY THE WINDOW. THIS IS THE SECOND WINDOW, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. THE FIRST WINDOW, ALSO REAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT FIXED AT THE TIME. SINCE THIS IS THE SECOND WINDOW, AND NOW THE DRIVER'S WINDOW IS STARTING TO SOUND LIKE IT'S GOING TO BREAK, I FEAR THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A DEFECT, AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT USING PROPER MATERIAL TO ENSURE THE VEHICLE WORKS PROPERLY. BEING UNABLE TO OPEN AND/OR CLOSE THE WINDOW PRESENTS A HAZARD, THUS THIS MATTER SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY THE MANUFACTURER AND FIXED AT THEIR AND NOT OUR EXPENSE, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2007
AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIME MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 STALLS. SO FAR THE STALL HAS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN AT A STOP, BUT SPUTTERING AND LOSS OF POWER RANDOMLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS HAS ME WORRIED ABOUT AN EMINENT STALL. I HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER CHANGED AS WELL AS THE EGR VALVE AND EGR PRESSURE FLOW SENSOR AND NOTHING HAS SOLVED THIS PROBLEM. *MN
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2007
I WAS OUT SHOPPING AT NIGHT IN A DARK PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WENT TO MY CAR THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN I WAS LEFT STRANDED FOR HOURS UNTIL A TOW COULD COME GET MY CAR THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IT WAS LOCKED. *NM
Structure, Jan 18, 2007
WATER LEAKS INTO PASSENGER FLOOR WHEN IT RAINS I HAVE HAD TO DEALER TWICE STILL NOT FIXED NOW WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 7, 2007
BOUGHT A 2001 FORD FOCUS (USED) FROM A ORIVATE PARTY. THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD THE IGNITION CHANGED TWICE AND IT HAS LOCKED UP ON ME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. I BOUGHT A CYLINDER AND KEY SET FROM AUTO ZONE AND CHANGED IT OUT MYSELF, $90 LATER THE CAR WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF THE ANTI-THEFT IN CAR AND I REFUSE TO TAKE IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER (ARCENEAUX FORD). FORD SHOULD REPLACE THESE IGNITION CYLINDERS BECAUSE THEY ARE JUNK AND SEEM TO OCCUR OFTEN. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 4, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER SWITCH HAS SEIZED. HE COULD NOT PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE CONTACT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS 40,000 MILES. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CONTACTED A REPAIR SHOP. HE WAS GOING TO CONTACT A LOCKSMITH. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERABLE ON 1/3/06. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT IGNITION WILL NOT TURN WITH THE KEY. THIS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES , AND SHETOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 1-3-07. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR, AND SHE WILL HAVE THE REPAIR ORDER FROM THE WORK DONE. *AK
Electrical system, Dec 27, 2006
THE IGNITION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 HAS LOCKED UP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, RENDERING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO START THE CAR, AS THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE LOCK. EACH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IN THE PAST, I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO START THE CAR BY JIGGLING THE KEY IN THE LOCK FOR UP TO TEN MINUTES. THIS TIME, HOWEVER, AFTER JIGGLING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION FOR A FULL FORTY-FIVE MINUTES, THERE WAS STILL NO GIVE IN THE IGNITION. I TRIED TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO EITHER SIDE AS HARD AS I COULD WHILE TURNING THE KEY, AND IT DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AFTER FINALLY GIVING UP, I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOME ADVICE ONLINE, AND I SAW RIGHT AWAY THAT HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR CARS. EACH TIME, IT TAKES THEM HAVING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION FOR A COST OF BETWEEN 200 AND 700 DOLLARS, ALL COSTS INCLUDED. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT I WILL HAVE TO TAKE THE SAME COURSE OF ACTION, AS I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE I CAN POSSIBLY DO. I CAN'T EVEN HAVE A FRIEND PULL MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, AS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER IT IN ITS PRESENT STATE. I WILL HAVE TO PAY THE COST OF A PROFESSIONAL TOW-TRUCK AND THEN PAY THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE IGNITION ON TOP OF IT ALL. I UNDERSTAND THROUGH MY RESEARCH ONLINE THAT THE REASON THIS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN DEALT WITH THROUGH A RECALL BY FORD IS THAT IT DOES NOT POSE "AN IMMEDIATE AND IMMINENT HEALTH RISK." THAT MAY BE SO, BUT IT CAUSES FORD FOCUS OWNERS, LIKE MYSELF, COUNTLESS AMOUNTS OF FRUSTRATION AND ANGER TO NOT BE ABLE TO USE OUR CARS. MY CAR IS NOW SITTING ON THE CURB OUTSIDE MY HOUSE, IN PERFECTLY DRIVABLE CONDITION IN EVERY WAY, AND I CAN'T EVEN TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. IF YOU HAVE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, PLEASE LOBBY WITH ALL OF YOUR INFLUENCE TO HAVE FORD ADDRESS AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 21, 2006
CONTINUALLY STALLING OF THE ENGINE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, HARD TO START AS IT WILL STALL DURING STARTUP. IT BEGAN JUST STALLING FOR A SECOND ABOUT ONCE A WEEK AT THE MOST. NOW WHEN I DRIVE IT, IT DOES IT ABOUT EVERY 10 SECONDS. IT HAS LEAD TO MY CAR FAILING TO SPEED UP, THE ENGINE KICKING AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR ALTOGETHER FAILING TO DRIVE WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. IT IS NOW NEARLY UNDRIVABLE. THE CAR WILL BE LOOKED AT IN THE FOLLOWING WEEK BUT FORD SAYS THAT WHILE THEY HAVE RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM ON THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL OF VEHICLE, IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURED DATE. *JB
Visibility, Dec 21, 2006
THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW OPERATING CABLE MECHANISM BROKE. THIS WAS SHORTLY FOLLOWED (WITHIN A MONTH OR SO) BY THE FAILURE OF THE SAME MECHANISM IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. BOTH WINDOWS FAIL TO RISE AND ANY ATTEMPTS TO USE THE WINDOW SWITCHES ARE ANSWERED WITH GRINDING CRACKING SOUNDS. THE WINDOWS ARE CURRENTLY HELD UP USING COAT HANGERS. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2006
WHEN I TRIED TO START MY 2001 FORD FOCUS THIS MORNING TO RETURN HOME, THE IGNITION LOCKED. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED 2CE BEFORE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN I WENT ON THE WEB FOR INFO I SPENT HRS READING OF ALL THE OTHER CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT FORD HAS DONE NOTHING TO SOLVE THIS. IT WAS SUGGESTED I WRITE TO THIS SITE. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2006
2001 FORD FOCUS: IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN AFTER INSERTION, SO THE CAR WON'T START. JAMMING KEY HARD INTO COLUMN AND MAYBE ROCKING THE STEERING WHEEL EVENTUALLY ENABLES THE KEY TO TURN AND START THE VEHICLE. INTERMITTENT, BUT NOW BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. LAST TIME IT TOOK 40 MINUTES TO START CAR - COULD BE PERSONAL DANGER. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Equipment, Nov 28, 2006
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS ZTECH. MY CAR WAS STALLING AT RANDOM IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND FINALLY WOULDNT START AT ALL. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID MY BATTERY CABLES WERE MELTED, SO THEY REPLACED THEM, REROUTED THEM, ALONG WITH MY CLIPS, ETC. THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY MY CABLES WOULD BE LIKE THAT AND SAID THAT IS PROBABLY WHY MY CAR DOESN'T START ALL THE TIME, BUT THEY COULDN'T BE POSITIVE SO THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE MY STARTER AS WELL. THEY CHARGED ME $998. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME IN PREVIOUS YEARS. I WENT TO THE VEHICLE RECALL SITE AND SEE THAT FORD STARTED A RECALL IN 2003 ON THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. WHY DIDN'T I RECEIVE RECALL INFORMATION ON MY CAR? I'VE STALLED BEFORE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC LAST YEAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAD MY BATTERY REPLACED. THIS HAPPENS TOO MUCH. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN'S SAFETY TO WORRY ABOUT. WHAT BOTHERS ME IN ADDITION TO THAT IS THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT I USED SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THIS RECALL AND RELATED IT TO MY VEHICLE'S PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A TERRIBLE SAFETY ISSUE, AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP GETTING NEW BATTERIES/CABLES AND STARTERS. ALSO, MY KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION, AND FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT EITHER, EVEN THOUGH MY DEALER SAID IT'S A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PRODUCT. THEY SAID IT WOULD COST ME AT LEAST $400 TO FIX IT. I'VE ALREADY GOTTEN STUCK AT A STORE TWICE. IT JUST WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2006
IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T GET THE KEY IN. HAD TO HAVE IT DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED - $300. *JB
Tires, Nov 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT NEW TIRES SHOULD BE INSTALLED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THE PRESSURE WAS 44 PSI. 20,000 MILES LATER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED AND THE TIRES WERE CUPPED AND THE BELT BROKE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS REGULARLY CHECKED WERE ROTATED REGULARLY. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO ADMITTED THAT FORD HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO ALSO ADMITTED TO THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT WOULD NOT OFFER TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. MAKE TIRE: DAYTON/MODEL: UNKNOWN/SIZE: F15/MANUFACTURED: DAYTON.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 22, 2006
WENT TO LEAVE WORK ONE EVENING, PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. I WAS STRANDED AND HAD TO CALL MY HUSBAND TO PICK ME UP. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY INSTALLED NEW IGNITION TUMBLER. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER A MONTH, THE DEALERSHIP PAID HALF OF THE BILL. *JB
Structure, Nov 20, 2006
WATER LEAK INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER FOOT WELL. STARTED IN JULY, WENT BACK TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES, FINAL TIME WAS TOLD IT NEEDS TO GO TO A BODY SHOP, POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE BODY PANEL ISSUES? *JB