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 22, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND THERE IS AN EXHAUST TUBE THAT RUNS OFF THE RIGHT SIDE (LOOKING FROM THE FRONT) OF THE MANIFOLD WHICH BROKE FROM RUSTING. I SEARCHED SOME FORUMS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60000 MILES ON IT SO I DON'T BELIEVE IT SHOULD OF RUSTED AND CRACKED LIKE IT DID. *NM
Equipment, Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD EXPEDITION XLT IN JULY 2001. WE HAVE ONLY RECEIVED 1 RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH PERTAINED TO THE PCV VALVE. WE HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY OTHER RECALLS BY FORD. WE HAVE CHECKED YAHOO.COM AND CURRENTLY THERE ARE 7 RECALLS. WE ARE WONDERING IF OUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED. THE VIN # IS [XXX]. WE ARE ALSO WONDERING IF THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THE AXLES OF 2001 MAKES. A YOUNG MAN WRECKED IN OUR FRONT YARD THE OTHER NIGHT BECAUSE HIS BACK RIGHT AXLE BROKE INTO AND MADE THE BACK RIGHT TIRE COME OFF AND FLY ACROSS OUR YARD. LUCKILY, HE WAS NOT HURT. WE HAVE 3 CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE WITH US AND ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY AS WELL AS OUR OWN. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER. *JB UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. WENT BACK AND FORTH EVENTUALLY ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO DIE. THIS HAPPENED AT ALL SPEEDS. THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT RESTART EASILY. IT MAY TAKE 20-30 MINUTES TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CONSUMER HAS NO IDEA WHY THIS HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL, NHTSA 03V482000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, AND FORD STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Sep 20, 2005
THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT PERMIT THE CAR TO START. THE SWITCH (XS4Z-11582-AC CVR ASY AUX FL) HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, ONCE AT 41,407 MILES AND AGAIN AT 57,834 MILES. THE DEALER AND AAA PROVIDED A TEMPORARY REMEDY TO THE STRANDED DRIVER, WHICH IS "WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, HIT IT HARD WITH A HAMMER TO ENGAGE THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY." AAA KEEPS SPARE FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCHES IN ITS EMERGENCY SERVICE SUPPORT TRUCKS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2005
LAST 2 YEARS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS PUTTING KEY IN IGNITION AND TURNING IT. I HAVE HAD TO JIGGLE IT AND PUSH IT IN. I GOT STRANDED AT WORK BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT GO IN THE IGNITION AND TURN. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IGNITION CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED COSTING ME $392.00 FOR THE PART!!!!!! THEY SAID THAT MY STEERING COLUMN COULD POSSIBLY BREAK DURING INSTALLATION! *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 16, 2005
2001 FORD FOCUS DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP.*MR THE CONSUMER SON RECEIVED RECALL 03N01 ON THE FUEL PUMP AND HAD IT REPLACED AT THE DEALER. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. ON SEPTEMBER 6TH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLES FORD AND THE CONSUEMR'S SON WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD INDREED FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AGAIN FREE OF CHARGE. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2005
DT:THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS LX. THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP , AND WHEN THE CONTACT GOT THE BILL IT WAS $500, INCLUDING TOWING. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE IN NOVEMBER 2003. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, AND AGAIN ON AUGUST 8, 2005 IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE REPAIR INVOICE FOR AUGUST 8, 2005 STATED DIAGNOSTIC KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION, NECESSARY TO REMOVE STEERING BEZELS, REMOVE IGNITION SWITC TO DRILL LOCK CYLINDER, REMOVE GUTS AND HOUSING. ALSO, IT WAS NECESSARY TO CODE NEW LOCK CYLINDER AND INSTALL IT. THIS COST $257.00. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS TTHE DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. THE COST $103.66 AND THE TOWING WAS $85.00 . THE SECOND TIME ALL THIS WAS OUT OF POCKET, BUT THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED $195, 50% OF THE PARTS AND LABOR. *NM
Air bags, Sep 12, 2005, crash
THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND BURNED THE DRIVER. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE IMMEDIATELY. *JB
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2005
9/8/05 MY HUSBAND CALLED VARSITY FORD ABOUT RECALL OF RE: CRUISE ON EXPEDITION 9/9/05 AS INSTRUCTED, I TOOK EXPEDITION TO VARSITY FOR REPAIR. ON WAY HOME NOTICED CRUISE DOES NOT WORK. MY HUSBAND HAD BEEN TOLD THIS WOULD BE A REPAIR NOT A DISCONNECT SO HE CALLED VARSITY. HE WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED AN APPT. TO CHECK THE CRUISE. I CALLED TO MAKE THE APPT. AND STATED SINCE THE CRUISE WORKED FINE BEFORE THE RECALL WORK, VARSITY WOULD NOT CHARGE ME TO GET IT WORKING AGAIN. I WAS TOLD,"NO. PROBABLY THE CRUISE MODULE HAS BLOWN." VARSITY REP, MONTY GUY STATED WOULD DO THE CHECK FOR FREE BUT TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS. I STATED THE CRUISE WORKED FINE BEFORE THE RECALL WORK. I WAS AGAIN TOLD VARSITY WILL TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PARTS GOING OUT FROM RECALL WORK. I CALLED FORD MOTOR. I WAS TOLD TO HAVE THE CHECK FOR FREE AND IF THE HARNESS IS LOOSE THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE, BUT FORD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALER. THIS IS A SCAM. PEOPLE, SUCH AS MYSELF, ARE TAKING THEIR VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERS IN GOOD FAITH FOR YOUR RECALL ONLY TO GET A DAMAGED VEHICLE BACK. THEN THE DEALER REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY SO HE CAN GET THE VEHICLE BACK IN AND HAVE CHARGES AGAINST THE CUSTOMER. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF INFORMING ALL I KNOW WITH A FORD AND THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. SHAME ON YOU. THE PUBLIC LOOKS TO YOU FOR HELP. ALL YOUR RECALL HAS DONE IS SET GOOD PEOPLE UP FOR WHAT IS TO ME A BLATANT SCAM BY FORD. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2005
THE IGNITION LOCKS UP DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CYLINDER. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ALMOST FOUR YEARS AND I WAS QUITE SURPRISED BY THIS. I LOOKED ON THE WEB AND IT LOOKS LIKE AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM THAT EVEN THE SERVICE AT FORD ADMITTED TO. I WAS PARTICULARLY SURPRISED WHEN THEY SAID FORD HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. PEOPLE HAVE SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD THE IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED 2 AND 3 TIMES IN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL SUFFER THE SAME FATE. I WOULD LIKE IT IF I DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR SOMETHING FORD KNOWS IS DEFECTIVE AND STILL MAKES THE CUSTOMER PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND MULTIPLE TIMES AS WELL. *NM
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2005
DT: THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. THE DASH PANEL LIGHTS ALSO DO NOT COME ON WHEN HEADLAMPS ARE ON. THE TURN SIGNALS WORK, AND REAR TAIL LIGHTS DO WORK WHEN BRAKE PRESSURE IS APPLIED. THE CONSUMER REPLACED A FUSE SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT CONTINUED TO BLOW OUT, INDICATING A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. BETWEEN THE HATCH AND THE BODY THERE IS WIRING HARNESS, AND INSPECTION OF THAT WIRING HARNESS DISCOVERED THAT THE SHIELDING OF THE WIRING SEPARATED OR CRACKED, INDICATING THE WIRES ARE STRESSED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A PROBLEM INDICATED ON A RECALL FOR PRIOR MODEL YEARS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, WHO SAID THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO A DEALER AT THIS TIME. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS OR CORRECTIONS MADE OTHER THAN THE ELECTRICAL TAPE THAT WAS PLACED ON THE EXPOSED WIRES BY THE CONSUMER. *AK
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2005
DT: THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED AND WILL NOT MOVE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING OFF AND ON SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED ON 12-23-04. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY DID NOTHING TO CHANGE THE VEHICLE. THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK *MR
Power train, Sep 6, 2005
THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE AND REVERSE WENT OUT WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION. I WAS ABLE TO START GOING IN 2ND GEAR AND THEN SHIFT TO DRIVE TO GO UNTIL I GOT HOME. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. BOB TOMES FORD SAID THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS SEEMS A LITTLE BIT RIDICULOUS SINCE MY VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. WE BOUGHT IT NEW. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN A FORD AND HAVE DRIVEN OTHER ONES WELL INTO THE 100,000 MILE RANGE WITH NEVER A PROBLEM. IT IS NOW SITTING UP AT FORD GETTING REPAIRED. IT HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2005
I HAVE A FORD FOCUS 2001 AND I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION TUMBLER FOR A SECOND TIME IN ONE WEEK NOW. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND IT WOULD NOT GET UNLOCKED BY THE IGNITION KEY. THE WHOLE PART WAS REPLACED IN THE SERVICE SHOP A WEEK AGO AND YESTERDAY I HAD TO BRING IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC BECAUSE OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE THE OLD PART IN MY TRUNK AND THEY WILL HAVE ANOTHER ONE ORDERED TODAY. *JB
Power train, Sep 6, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THE DPFE SENSOR WENT OUT. SHE SAID IT WENT OUT 2 YEARS AGO AND SHE HAD IT REPLACED. SHE SAID IT CUT OUT WHILE SHE WAS GOING 40-60 MPH. SHE DESCRIBED IT AS JERKING. SHE NOTICED THIS A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD HER THAT IT WAS A WEAK SENSOR, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD TO GET IT REPLACED. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 2, 2005
FIRST MY GAS PEDAL STUCK WHILE DRIVING. THEN A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER IT JUST BROKE. IT WAS LIKE I HAD NO GAS PEDAL. WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT SOMEONE DID NOT REAR END ME. HAD I BEEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY I WOULD PROBABLY BE DEAD BECAUSE CAR WOULD NOT GO. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 29, 2005
THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT START. I TRIED TO JIGGLE THE WHEEL, BUT CAR REFUSED TO START. *JB
Air bags, Aug 26, 2005, crash
I REAR-ENDED A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AT A STOP LIGHT. MPH WAS LESS THAN 10. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED GIVING ME 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO MY HAND AND ARM RESULTING IN LOSS OF WORK FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND SCARRING. MY WINDSHIELD ALSO SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE THAT WAS HIT HAD NO DAMAGE. MY WAS VERY MINIMAL. MY AIRBAGS AND WINDSHIELD WERE REPLACED, BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS NEVER FIXED. WITH THE MANY NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE PLUS THIS INCIDENT, MY WIFE AND I FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS CAR.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2005
DT: THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN WITH THE KEY IN. CALLER SAID IT WAS STICKING BUT TO IT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. UP UNTIL HOWEVER, SHE COULD FORCE IT AND IT WOULD WORK, THIS TIME SHE COULD NOT GET THE KEY TO TURN. SHE HAD THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A MONTH. IT STARTED WITHOUT WARNING AND KEPT GETTING WORSE UNTIL 08/26/2005. WHEN SHE TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT TURN. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2005
DT. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE, SURGE AND LOSE POWER AND THEN SHUT OFF. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE SIT FOR AWHILE THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO PASS 60- 70 MPH, WHEN THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THIS, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2005
YET ANOTHER FORD FOCUS OWNER WHO HAD THE IGNITION COMPLETELY LOCK-UP. THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER TURN, RENDERING THE CAR DEAD, AND IN NEED OF TOWING TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A REPLACEMENT IGNITION.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Aug 19, 2005
VEHICLE HESITATED UPON STARTING. CONSUMER REPLACED THE BATTERY. BUT, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. FINALLY, DEALER STATED THAT FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL 03V482000 DUE TO VIN. *AK *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 16, 2005
SIMILAR DESCRIPTION WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000, BUT NO MATCH ON VIN [XXX]. *JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Tires, Aug 15, 2005
MY CAR HAS 29,500 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT USED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO. FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: 1 - CAR STUMBLES/HESITATES/LOSES POWER AT AROUND 2-3K RPM...REGARDLESS OF SPEED...BUT STUMBLING/HESITATION IS BEST FELT ON THE FREEWAY. 2 - CAR HAS HAD SOME TYPE OF RECALL WORK AND DPFE SENSOR REPLACED AT: 17500 MILES. NOT SURE IF FUEL PUMP RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED...FORD DEALERS HAVE BEEN VERY RELUCTANT TO TELL ME WITHOUT MAKING ME SPEND $150+ ON A STUPID DIAGNOSIS...THAT'S CALLED GOOD BUSINESS. 3 - DPFE SENSOR REPLACED PRIOR TO ME PICKING UP THE CAR AT: 28440 MILES. 4 - 1000 MILES LATER...I HAVE THE STUMBLING. 5 - THINGS I'VE DONE TO THE CAR: A - REPLACED AIR FILTER B - REPLACED FUEL FILTER C - REPLACED PCV VALVE D - REPLACED PLUGS (USING BOSCH PLATINUM 2) SO FAR I'VE DONE ALL CHANGES MYSELF BECAUSE NO FORD DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO CARE TO OFFER ADVICE OR A HELPING HAND. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT I'VE ALMOST BEEN HIT FROM THE REAR DUE TO STUMBLING/HESITATION. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2005
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. TRAFFIC WAS TRYING TO MERGE, AND SHE WAS BLOCKED IN ON THE LEFT. SHE ACCELERATED A LITTLE TO GET AHEAD OF THE MERGING TRAFFIC. AT THAT TIME THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SHE STATED THAT WHEN SHE TRIED TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES, IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS PUSHING AS HARD AS SHE COULD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. SHE PLACED THE GEAR SHIFT IN NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. SHE CAME TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. THE RPMS WERE AT 7000 BEFORE SHE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. UPON RESTART, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE TO 7000 RPM. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE THROTTLE UN-STUCK BY PUSHING THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND RELEASING. SHE DROVE THE CAR TO A SEARS AUTO CENTER, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MALFUNCTIONING. HE COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, AND COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. WE ELECTED TO LEAVE THE CAR THERE, AND HAVE IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING. IT WAS A VERY SCARY AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS EVENT. *NM