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, Nov 2, 2005
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. ON OCTOBER 31, 2005, I NOTICED THAT MY CAR KEY WOULD NOT FIT INTO MY IGNITION ALL THE WAY AND MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN. MY STEERING WHEEL IS ALSO LOCKED IN PLACE. THERE WERE NO PRECEDING SYMPTOMS TO WARN ME OF THIS FAILURE. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD COMPANY, WHICH EXPECTS ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND TOWING. HOWEVER, IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH FOCUS OWNERS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE, ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS, IF YOU CAN. IT IS A SERIOUS INCONVENIENCE, TIME WISE AND FINANCIALLY. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Oct 31, 2005
POORLY DESIGNED IGNITION CYLINDERS. THIS CAUSES THE TUMBLERS TO FAIL RESULTING IN A LOCK-UP OF THE IGNITION. THE OWNER CANNOT TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR AND AS A RESULT, HAS TO BE TOWED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDERS IN THE 2000 AND 2001 FOCUS WERE THE EUROPEAN DESIGN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY CYLINDER TWICE. ONCE IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THE SECOND TIME IT WAS NOT AND I HAD TO PAY $200. THERE ARE OTHER FOCUS OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. SEE THE WEBSITES BELOW. HTTP://WWW.AUTOWHIZ.COM/MESSAGEBOARDS/MESSAGE.PHP?ID=1784 HTTP://CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_IGNITION.HTML HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EEA6DD2/286 AMONG MANY OTHERS I WAS TOLD THAT THEY PUT AN ENGINEER IN THE POSITION TO SPECIFICALLY RE-DESIGN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. SO WHILE FORD CONTINUALLY CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM, IT IS APPARENT THAT THEY DID. WHILE THERE WERE NO DEATHS NOR INJURIES, IT IS NOT UP TO THE PEOPLE TO PAY FOR FORD'S POOR QUALITY. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2005
THE IGNITION IS LOCKED UP IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE FOR POSSIBLE REMEDIES, I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCHES ON MY MODEL CAR DATING BACK FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS. THE STANDARD RATE FOR THESE REPAIRS SEEMS TO BE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $350 WHICH TO SOMEONE DRIVING A LOW COST VEHICLE LIKE THE FOCUS IS A LOT OF MONEY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS ADMITTED PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL AND INSTEAD IS CREATING A BOON INDUSTRY FOR THE DEALERS HAVING TO REPLACE THESE PARTS? HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE TO GET SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS? I HAVE OWNED FORD CARS MY ENTIRE LIFE AND I CANNOT SEE A REASON TO CONTINUE TO BUY THEM IF THIS IS THE TYPE OF PRODUCT AND SUPPORT THEY ARE GOING TO START TO PRODUCE. *NM
Air bags, Oct 31, 2005, crash
DT: THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH WHEN HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER HEAD, AND WHEN SHE DID SO, THE AIR BAGS THEN DEPLOYED. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES SINCE SHE WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS. A POLICE AND INSURANCE REPORTS WERE TAKEN. *AK.
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2005
KEY STARTED GETTING HARD TO INSERT INTO IGNITION SWITCH. KEY WOULDN'T TURN OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE, BUT ALWAYS MANAGED TO WIGGLE IT TO GET IT STARTED. IT FINALLY FAILED COMPLETELY RESULTING IN A MISSED DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT FOR MY 69 YEAR OLD MOTHER. MATTHEWS FORD IN ASHEVILLE, NC SAYS THAT THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AND THEY REPLACE THEM ALL THE TIME. WILL COST AT LEAST $250 TO GET THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AND MORE FOR A TOW. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 20, 2005
THERE IS A RECALL PROGRAM ON THE 2001 FORD FOCUS THAT I OWN WHICH I WAS NOTIFIED OF IN WRITING BY LETTER. (03N01) THE LETTER STATES THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IF THE CAR IS EXHIBITING STALLING, SPUTTERING, CUTTING OFF, ETC. MY CAR DID ALL OF THOSE THINGS. THE LETTER ALSO STATES THAT THE REPAIR SHOULD TAKE 1/2 DAY. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND REPAIRED SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT AT MY EXPENSE DESPITE THE FACT THAT I HAVE A LETTER. THE REPAIR THEY DID ALSO TOOK 4 DAYS. I WAS OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR. THE CAR IS NOW STALLING AND CUTTING OFF CONSTANTLY PUTTING MY FAMILY AND MYSELF IN A GREAT DEAL OF DANGER. I CALLED THE NUMBER ON THE LETTER I RECEIVED ABOUT THE RECALL. THE REPRESENTATIVE NAMED MOHAMMED WAS OF NO ASSISTANCE TELLING ME THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALERSHIP. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT I DID ALREADY TAKE THE CAR AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED WITH THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED ON THE LETTER PAID FOR THE REPAIR THAT WAS DONE THOUGH THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. I AM AFRAID THAT IF THE CAR IS NOT REPAIRED SOON, AT FORD'S EXPENSE THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF DANGER TO MY FAMILY OR MYSELF. LYNDON, MOHAMMED'S SUPERVISOR ALSO SPOKE WITH ME AND REPEATED THE SAME THINGS I TOLD HIM OVER AND OVER OFFERING NO ASSISTANCE. *NM
Suspension, Oct 19, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER OVER THE PAST WEEK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER, WHO NOTED THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN IN 2003 ON A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. THE NETS, 01I017. THIS WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT UNDER RECALL OR ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY THE SECOND TIME AROUND. THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE CRACKED AND THE BEARINGS WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THIS AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FORD DEALER MANAGER, AND FORD MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THIS REPLACED. *AK
Power train, Oct 19, 2005
DRIVING ALONG AND THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE JUST CAME ON AND I DIDN'T TOUCH ANYTHING. THE WHEELS FELT LIKE THEY HAD LOCKED UP AND WERE SCREECHING ON THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE BLACK MARKS ON THE DRIVEWAY FROM THE TIRES. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, THEY CHECKED IT AND TOLD ME THE SHIFT MOTOR AND GEM MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A TSB ON THE PROBLEM. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANT. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS AND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL NOT COVER THIS PROBLEM. THE FORD MOTOR CO. HAS SAID THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN THE 99-2001 EXPEDITIONS AND F250 LD AND F-150 AND LINCOLN 99-2001 NAVIGATOR. THEY ALSO HAVE SAID WHAT THE NEW PART NUMBER THAT IT SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH. I WOULD THINK IF I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND THE 4X4L COMES ON I COULD GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT, SINCE YOU ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO GO 30 MPH OR LESS IN 4X4L. I HAVE NOT YET HAD THE CAR REPAIRED. REPAIRS ARE GOING TO COST ME OVER $800. I HAVE PAID FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEES OF $68.00. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2005
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS' IGNITION CYLINDER STRIPPED AND BROKE. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FOCUS'. I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE PARTS AND REIMBURSEMENTS BE MADE. *NM
Air bags, Oct 18, 2005, crash
MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON ON 10/14/05 WHEN HE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HE SUSTAINED 2ND DEGREE BURNS ON HIS LEFT ARM, FROM WRIST TO ELBOW, DUE TO THE AIRBAG CHEMICALS VENTING IN AN IMPROPER WAY. HE IS BEING TREATED BY A PHYSICIAN FOR HIS INJURIES. THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING DRIVEN AT PRESENT. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 17, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THERE IS NHTSA RECALL 03V482000 REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. . HE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE STALLED FOUR TIMES. THERE WAS HESITATION AND A VIBRATION WITH BEFORE IT LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE STALLED APPROXIMATELY 50 TIMES BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD ACTUALLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THIS USUALLY HAPPENED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT. BUT IT DOES HAPPEN SOMETIMES AT RANDOM. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. . THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND CAN NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE IT HAD A DIFFERENT FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. THEY REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT HIS OWN COST. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 14, 2005
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON HAS NEVER GONE OFF SINCE, HIGHLY INCREASED RUNNING NOISE, ENGINE HESITATION THAT AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT CAUSES THE WHOLE CAR TO JERK FAILURE: I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW HEAD THAT FORD HAD REDESIGNED A NEW ONE AND IT WOULD COST $1000. THE ONE I CURRENTLY HAVE DEPOSITS CARBON AND WILL KEEP DOING SO UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY GIVES OUT. THE THING THAT IRKS ME IS FORD OBVIOUSLY KNEW THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IF THEY DESIGNED A NEW ONE, THEREFORE I FEEL THEY SHOULD BE COVERING THIS. CORRECTIONS: NONE, CANNOT AFFORD. WILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THE CAR GIVES OUT.
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2005
2001 FORD FOCUS STUCK IGNITION. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ON THE INTERNET I FIND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS AND SOME PEOPLE IT HAPPEDED TO SEVERAL TIMES. MY COMPLAINT - WHY HASN'T FORD BEEN FORCED TO RECAL AND FIX THE IGNITION SWITCH ON THE 2000-2001 FOCUS ( THEY FIXED PROBLEM FOR LATER YEARS).
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2005
IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER IN 2001 FORD FOCUS IS COMPLETELY FROZEN. THE CAR IS UNABLE TO BE STARTED WITH ANY KEYS. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED. I HAVE NOTED MANY INSTANCES, VIA RESEARCH, OF THIS HAPPENING WITH FOCUS', AND AM DEEPLY DISTURBED THAT FORD HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. *NM
Structure, Oct 12, 2005
DT: 2001 FORD FOCUS - THE CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 05S27 CONCERNING CORROSION OF THE REAR DOORS IN MARCH 2005. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT THIS RECALL DID NOT AFFECT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A HATCH BACK CAR. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING; THIS WOULD NOT EFFECT THIS VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE DUE TO THE CORROSION. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 12, 2005
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE HOME EARLY IN THE MORNING OF THE 12TH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK, AND THEN THE SOUND OF SOMETHING DRAGGING UNDER MY CAR. I PULLED OVER TO SEE MY GAS TANK HAD FALLEN OUT AND WAS BEING DRAGGED UNDER THE CAR. ANOTHER CAR PULLED UP BEHIND ME BECAUSE HE HAD SEEN SPARKS COMING FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET AS IT WAS BEING DRAGGED ALONG WITH THE TANK. A POLICEMAN ALSO PULLED UP BEHIND ME AND LOOKED AT THE CAR, THEN HELPED ME MOVE IT OUT OF THE STREET. LATER THAT MORNING MY FATHER TEMPORARILY WIRED THE GAS TANK TO THE FRAME SO WE COULD BRING THE CAR HOME. HE PUT IT UP ON RAMPS AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO SEE THAT THE BOLT WHICH HELD THE GAS TANK IN PLACE HAD STRIPPED COMPLETELY OUT. HE SPENT THE NEXT 3 HOURS REMOUNTING THE TANK. IT WAS A BLESSING THAT THE SPARKS FROM THE BROKEN FRAME DID NOT IGNITE THE GAS TANK. IF IT HAD, MY CAR COULD HAVE EITHER CAUGHT ON FIRE OR BLOWN UP AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2005, crash
DT CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE BATTERY CABLES AND THE RECALL REPAIRS WAS DONE ON MAY 21, 2003, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED AND IT CAUSED ANOTHER VEHICLE TO REAR END CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 12, 2005. CONSUMER STATED THAT HER HUSBAND CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND THE BATTERY CABLES BURNED OUT AND MELTED AGAIN, AND THAT IS THE SAME THING HAPPENED AS STATED IN THE RECALL. CONTACTED FORD, THEY SAID TO BRING VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION, BUT THAN LIKELY IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE. *AK
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 11, 2005
2001 FORD FOCUS PROBLEMS PROBLEM 1 - IN THE PAST, WHENEVER I WOULD TRANSITION BETWEEN FREEWAYS, MY CAR WOULD BEGIN TO STALL. I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL, AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN FOR AT LEAST 10 - 15 SECONDS. IT HAPPENED MOSTLY ON A CIRCULAR ON RAMP. AND I THINK THIS PROBLEM LEAD TO THE NEXT ISSUE. PROBLEM 2 - I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP (WHICH WAS EXPENSIVE). I THINK THIS ISSUE HAPPENED DUE TO THIS STATEMENT I READ "NHTSA INVESTIGATORS SAID THE ALLEGED ENGINE STALL PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY DEBRIS ACCUMULATING IN THE GAS TANK, BLOCKING FUEL FROM BEING DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE." EVENTUALLY, THIS "DEBRIS" PROBLEM CAUSES STRAIN ON THE FUEL PUMP. AND NOW, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE ISSUE, AND THEY SAID IT'S A GAS VAPOR LEAK OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT. THEY TOLD ME TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR A GAS LEAK. THAT ISSUE MAYBE FROM THE MECHANIC WHO FIXED IT, BUT IF FORD WOULD HAVE PUT A RECALL FOR THAT ISSUE, I WOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. PROBLEM 3 - I TOOK MY FOCUS INTO FORD TO GET A "BUZZING" SOUND CHECKED OUT. THEY FIXED THE BEARING PROBLEM BECAUSE MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NOW, 2 YEARS LATER, THE SOUND IS BACK. I READ A STATEMENT "...A REAR-WHEEL BEARING FAILURE THAT COULD LEAD TO A WHEEL FALLING OFF..." I AM AFRAID THAT THIS NOISE I HEAR TODAY IS DUE TO THAT SAME PROBLEM 2 YEARS AGO. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS GOING TO COST ME CLOSE TO $400 TO REPAIR IT. FIRST OF ALL, THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY TO ME. SECONDLY, I'M VERY AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE. I'M AFRAID SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN WHEN SHE DRIVES THE CAR. THIRD, I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR FOR ME TO HAVE TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT IS "FAULTY" DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
Suspension, Oct 8, 2005
THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING SNAPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR PREVIOUS ISSUE INDICATING A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE BREAKAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT LEADING TO REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS ON THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE EXACT SAME PART BREAK ON MY FORD WINDSTAR VAN BUT FORD DECLINES RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
Suspension, Oct 8, 2005
THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING SNAPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR PREVIOUS ISSUE INDICATING A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE BREAKAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT LEADING TO REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS ON THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE EXACT SAME PART BREAK ON MY FORD WINDSTAR VAN BUT FORD DECLINES RESPONSIBILITY.*JB
Visibility, Oct 6, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED IN 3-03 WINDSHIELD CRACKED. HE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD WINDSHIELD REPLACED. IT WAS STILL LEAKING, AND HE TOOK IT BACK AGAIN. THE DEALER REPLACED IT AGAIN. BUT, IT WAS STILL LEAKING. THE DEALER REPLACED IT A THIRD TIME. IT CONTINUED TO LEAK. IN 4-03 THE DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SAID HE WOULD SEAL THE WINDSHIELD. A MONTH AGO, IT CRACKED AGAIN. HE TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND HE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE DEALER SEALED IT TWICE. IT WAS STILL LEAKING. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS DEFECT IN THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE WATER LEAKED INTO THE DOME LIGHT, AND THE CONTACT WAS AFRAID THERE MIGHT BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AGAIN ON 9/18/2005 BUT ON 9/23/2005 THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT IS WAS STILL LEAKING. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2005
CONSUMER IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD NOT TURN. *TX THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP AND EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE TO BE RE-CODED. *JB
Air bags, Oct 3, 2005, crash
(1) AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE THEN GOING OUT A FEW DAYS BEFORE ACCIDENT. (2) IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT CAUSE IN TURN CAUSING ME TO RELEASE CLUTCH AND BUMP IN TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. ADDITIONALLY AIRBAG CAUSED 2ND DEGREE BURNS ON MY LEFT WRIST AND SPRAINED KNUCKLES ON RIGHT HAND. (3) CAR IS CURRENTLY AT AUTOWAY FORD FOR EVALUATION/REPAIR. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Sep 27, 2005
WHEN ACCELERATING IN VARIOUS INCLINES OR DECLINE MY CAR CHOKES AND HESITATES AS IF IT HAS WATER IN THE GAS LINE OR THE FUEL FILTER IS CLOGGED. IT STARTS TO JERK AND SPUTTER AND REFUSES TO ACCELERATE IF I PUSH ON THE PEDAL INSTEAD IT CHOKES OUT. EITHER THE CAR DIES RIGHT THERE OR I MANAGE TO PULL IT OVER AND LET IT DIE ON ITS OWN AS SOON AS I COME TO A STOP. TROUBLE RESTARTING THE CAR AS IF TO MUCH AIR INTAKE TO CHOKE IT OUT. FINALLY IT STARTS AND IT RUNS AFTER BLOWING THE LINES BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO DRIVE IT'S GOOD FRO MAYBE ANOTHER 10 15 MILES AND THE AGAIN IT STARTS PUTTERING AND WANTED TO DIE NO CHOICE BUT TO LET IT DIE TO RESTART. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES HAVE HAD A COLLAPSED FUEL LINE AND HAS BEEN REPLACE BUT STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AGAIN WHEN IT'S IN THE SHOP IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AND YET THEY DO NOT DRIVE IT AT THE TIME ITS NORMALLY DRIVEN OR AT THE EXTREMES OF THE TRAFFIC WHILE IT HAPPENS SO AS TO SEE WHAT IT DOES. A BEST EXPLANATION YOU CAN FIND FROM A MECHANIC IS NO PROBLEM SEEABLE. AND YET THERE IS ONE FROM US THE PURCHASER. *JB
Power train, Sep 22, 2005
CLUTCH PEDAL FAILED DUE TO FAILED/DEFECTIVE WELD, LEADING TO DAMAGE TO CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER. WELD SHOWED INDICATION OF INSUFFICIENT HEAT PENETRATION. DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD HAVE NOT PASSED QUALITY INSPECTION. DEFECTIVE PART AVAILABLE. CAR STRANDED IN GEAR. *NM