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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 11, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS AND ROTORS AT 30,000 MILES IN OCTOBER 2003. THEN AT 47,000 MILES ON JULY 29. 2005. THE BRAKE PADS WORE OUT AND THE ROTORS RUSTED AND PITTED. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THIS WAS NORMAL. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK *JB
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2005
I BOUGHT MY 2001 FORD FOCUS 4 MONTHS AGO AND I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER BECAUSE THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. AFTER RESEARCH, I AM SEEING THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY CAR. MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS COMPONENT 3 OR 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS. I DO NOT LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUOUSLY HAVING A PROBLEM WITH A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE DEPENDABLE. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 9, 2005
IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 7, 2005, crash
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN DECEMBER OF 2003 FOR THE SO CALLED "RECALL" OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE LISTED SYMPTOMS AMONG OTHER ISSUES. THE DEALERSHIP KEPT MY CAR FOR 2 DAYS AND DROVE IT LESS THAN A MILE AND DETERMINED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM AND CHARGED ME FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER REPAIRS DUE TO EXHAUST PROBLEMS AND FUEL PROBLEMS. NOW MY VEHICLE WILL NOT START DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WHEN I REQUESTED IT TO BE DONE. NOW I HAVE TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BENEFIT FROM THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY THAT THEY PUT ON THE FUEL SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIMES HAVE SMALL SURGES. ON JULY 15, 2005 IT SURGED WHILE AT A RED LIGHT AND CAUSED ME TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. NOW MY INSURANCE MAY INCREASE. I AM A TEACHER AND WE DON'T MAKE A LOT OF MONEY. I HAVE SPENT MORE THAN $1600 IN REPAIRS NOT COVERED IN MY WARRANTY SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2001. *NM
Suspension, Aug 5, 2005
ADDITIONAL STATEMENT FOR CLAIM # 10131720 ALONG WITH FRONT WHEEL BEARING BEING REPLACED, THE FRONT AXEL BEARING IT ALSO BEING REPLACED. *NM
Suspension, Aug 5, 2005
PROBLEM WITH SUSPENSION. CAR SHAKES WHEN TURNING AT ANY SPEEDS ALONG WITH NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE DRIVING WITH A FLAT TIRE. TIRE WAS NOT FLAT. TOOK IN TO DEALERSHIP FOR A DIFFERENT SAFETY RECALL AND WAS TOLD THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DETERIORATED. PART IS BEING REPLACED. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2005
2001 FORD FOCUS SEDAN, 21,000 MILES. IGNITION SWITCH COMPLETELY FAILED AROUND 1.5 YEARS AGO AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW HAS COMPLETELY FAILED AGAIN AND WILL REQUIRE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. DANGEROUS!!! THIS IS MY DAUGHTER'S CAR, PURCHASED NEW TO PROVIDE HER SAFE TRANSPORTATION, AND CANNOT COUNT ON IT EVEN TO START RELIABLY FOR HER. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2005
I WENT OUT TO MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 AND TRIED TO START IT UP AND THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN. THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT UNLOCK. IN CALLING PEFFLEY FORD DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST OVER THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX. I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS FOR YEARS AND NEVER HAD SUCH A PROBLEM, BUT ON LOOKING ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON AND MOST FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUSES. COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND TELL ME IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM? THANK-YOU SO VERY MUCH! *NM
Electrical system, Jul 28, 2005
I HAVE HAD MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 FOR ABOUT 3 AND HALF YEARS. RECENTLY, THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAS ALREADY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IGNITION CYLINDERS ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST FOR A LONG TIME. THE REASON WHY I BOUGHT THIS CAR WAS BECAUSE IT WAS DEPENDABLE. IF PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ARE OCCURRING WHEN AM I GOING TO EXPECT NEXT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 60 MPH. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALER, AND THEY TOLD HER THE EGR VALVE WAS BAD. SHE HAD NOT HAD THE VALVE REPLACED YET. SHE NOTICED THE PROBLEM ON 7-23-05. SHE HAS BEEN ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND LOTS OF FUEL RELATED PROBLEMS; BUT NOTHING SPECIFIC TO THE EGR VALVE.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 24, 2005
THE CAR BEGAN CHUGGING AS IF HAVING BAD GAS. WHILE ON RTE 40W IN TEXAS, THE CAR DIED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHEN THE CAR DIED. I WAS TRAVELING AT APX. 75 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURED. I WAS TOWED INTO NM AND HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. FORD WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL OF MY FUEL PUMP AND THEY INSIST THAT THE RECALL ONLY EXTENDS UP TO 2000 MODELS. I HAVE A 2001 FOCUS ZX3.
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2005
THE IGNITION HAS GONE OUT ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS. I WOULD NORMALLY JUST REPLACE IT AND MOVE ON BUT WHEN SEARCHING FOR A NEW PART ON THE INTERNET I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING. IN ALL CASES PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD AND THEY CHOOSE TO IGNORE IT. I AM NOW SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR ONE IT IS FIXED IN CASE I ENCOUNTER MORE PROBLEMS.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2005
DT: CONSUMER IN MAY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE LETTER WAS FOR THREE OR FOUR PARTS. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND THEY HAD TO BE ORDERED. THEY WERE NOT YET IN. CONSUMER DID NOT CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE INFORMATION ON THE RECALL, THE PARTS OR NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE.*AK
Tires, Jul 22, 2005
DT: THREE TIRES ON THE CONSUMER'S RV HAD BLOW AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE CONSUMER CONSULTED A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE TIRES AND NOTED THAT THE SIDEWALLS WERE TOO WEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT WILLING TO HELP. FIRESTONE WILL NOT RETURN CONSUMER'S PHONE CALLS. THESE FAILURES OCCURRED AT 18,000 MILES. THE 4TH TIRE FAILED AT 15,000 MILES. THIS PROBLEM WAS PREVALENT WITH THE REAR TIRES (FIRESTONE STEELTEX TIRES). *NM
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2005
2001 FORD FOCUS, IGNITION AND STERRING WHEEL LOCK UP
Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2005
NO EVENT LED TO THIS FAILURE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE. LUCKILY, I WAS IN A LANE THAT ALLOWED ME TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER; HOWEVER, A DEFECT SUCH AS THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT.
Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2005
UPON TURNING MY DIRECTIONAL ON TO MAKE THE LEFT HAND TURN IT HESSITATED TO COME ON WHILE THE DIRECTIONAL STILL STAYED DOWN TO GO LEFT. AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS THE DIRECTIONAL CAME ON AND SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AS WELL AS A STREAM OF SMOKE OUT OF THE HAZARD LIGHTS BUTTON ON THE STEERING COLUMN. I SHUT THE DIRECTIONAL OFF AND THE SMOKE STOPPED AND CLEARED AWAY. I PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION WHICH WAS ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY NOT USING THE DIRECTIONAL AGAIN. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM AND THEY SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE "TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FRIED." BEING THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS ONLY ABOUT 20 YARDS AWAY THEY CAME AND PICKED MY VEHICLE UP GIVING ME A LOANER VEHICLE TO USE. THEY TOLD ME THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO COST ABOUT $120.00 FOR THE PART AND LABOR. I HUNG UP WITH THEM AND WAS NOT HAPPY. THAT EVENING AFTER DISCUSSING THE MATTER WITH MY FATHER HE AND I FELT IT SHOULD NOT BE MY RESPONSIBLITY TO PAY THIS AMOUNT ON A DEFECTIVE PART THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY. THAT NEXT MORNING I PICK UP MY VEHICLE AND ASKED THE BILL TO BE BILLED AND MAILED TO MY DADS BUSINESS, HE OWNS A NAPA AUTO PARTS STORE. AFTER HAVING SHOWED MY FATHER THE BILL AND HE CALLED TWO OTHER FORD DEALERSHIPS, THAT HE KNOWS AND DOES BUSINESS WITH. HE TOLD THEM MY SITUATION AND THEY INFORMED US THAT IT IS A "COMMON PROBLEM" AND THAT THEY FIX THE PROBLEMS FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS AT NO EXPENSE TO THE CUSTOMER. AFTER FIGHTING TOOTH AND NAIL ALL DAY WITH MY DEALERSHIPS MANAGER AND PARTS MANAGER THE DEALERSHIPS MANAGER SAID HE WOULD THROW THE BILL OUT AND NOT CHARGE ME BECAUSE WE ARE GOOD CUSTOMERS. WHY WOULD TWO OTHER DEALERSHIPS PERFORM THIS AT NO COST AND MINE WANT TO CHARGE ME? MY FATHER HAS ALSO CONTACTED FORD AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT THIS AND HE WAS GOING TO GET BACK TO US. WHY ISN'T THEIR A RECALL ON THIS?
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2005
TWO NIGHTS AGO, AT A PARKING GARAGE IN A LOCAL MALL, WHEN TRYING TO LEAVE, I WAS UNABLE TO START MY CAR. I COULD INSERT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. I ALSO NOTICED THAT MY KEY WAS WORN DOWN A BIT, SO I FIGURED MAYBE THE KEY WAS NOT "CLICKING" PROPERLY WITH THE IGNITION. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY APARTMENT BUILDING AND ATTEMPTED TO USE MY SPARE KEY TO SEE IF THE KEY MADE A DIFFERENCE. IT DID NOT. THE NEXT DAY I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DELEARSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE IGNITION CYCLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MY KEYS NEEDED TO BE RECODED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER ANY OF THIS. SO I PAID $650 TO HAVE THIS WORK DONE. ADDITIONALLY, I WAS TOLD THAT TWO RECALLS NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED AT NO COST TO ME. BOTH WERE ADDRESSED, HOWEVER, THEY CHARGED ME $36.08 FOR "MECHANICAL LABOR." I SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHARGED FOR ANY WORK DONE ON RECALLS. THIS EVENING I LOGGED ONTO A WEBSITE CALLED "AUTOMOTIVETALK.NET." I WAS AMAZED AT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. SOME OF THE POSTINGS DATED BACK TO 2003. I DON'T SEE HOW A PROBLEM LIKE THIS IS CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, OR WHY THE OWNER (ME) WOULD HAVE TO BEAR THE BRUNT OF THESE OUTRAGEOUS SERVICE CHARGES.
Electrical system, Jul 15, 2005
OVER TIME I WAS HAVING MORE DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. EVENTUALLY IT TOOK UP 10-15 MINUTES OF TOGGLING THE KEY AND GEAR SHIFTER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THIS SAME PROBLEM WAS FIXED THREE TIMES UNDER WARRANTY (WHICH HAS SINCE EXPIRED). THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED. THE OLD PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 15, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER DROVE TO AUSTIN TEXAS, WHEN SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S HOUSE DUE TO THE DEALER BEING CLOSED. THE CONSUMER HEARD OF A RECALL ON FORD FOCUS ZX3, WHICH WAS HAVING WHAT CONSUMER BELIEVED TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD WHO SAID THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ONE WEEK AFTER HE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER HAD THE ERG VALVE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THIS MAY HAVE BEEN A FALSE READING. THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V288000 WAS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; BATTERY/CABLES. *AK *SC
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2005
I WAS AT THE STORE AND GOT INTO THE CAR AND WENT TO STICK THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. IT WOULD DING BUT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO ANYTHING. I ASSUMED IT WAS MAYBE THE FACT THAT I NEEDED A NEW KEY. I HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEN I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW IGNITION LOCK AND CYLINDER. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE BECAUSE I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. I LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IS A BUNCH OF '!@#$%. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I ASSUMED IT WAS RELIABLE. I WAS WRONG. I TALKED TALKED TO A LOT OF PEOPLE RECENTLY THAT TOLD ME ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THERE FOCUS'S. WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE FOR PEOPLE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS. I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE FIRST COMPLAINT OR THE LAST. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 9, 2005
I OWN A FORD FOCUS WAGON 2001. I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED DURING RECALL# 03V482000. I HAD THIS RECALL PERFORMED ON MY CAR IN 2002. THIS PAST MONTH THE PUMP FAILED AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT. AFTER READING YOUR DISCRIPTION OF THE ORIGONAL PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP I REALIZED FORD NEVER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I EXPERIENCED THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH THE SUPPOSED CORRECTED FUEL PUMP. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS CLOGGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. HE SAID IT WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW AND THE NEW FUEL PUMPS HAD BEEN CHANGED. ONCE I REALIZED THIS HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A RECALL I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 5, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS. OVER THE PAST 1 1/4 YEARS, MY CAR HAS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CAR EXPERIENCES A LOSS OF POWER, "BUCKS LIKE A BRONCO", AND EVENTUALLY STALLS WITHIN A MATTER OF MOMENTS. THIS HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES ON HILLY STATE HIGHWAYS WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. IF THE CAR IS ALLOWED TO SIT, IT WILL TYPICALLY RESTART AFTER A HOUR OR SO. LAST WEEK THIS OCCURED ON FLAT TERRAIN WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING AND THE CAR GOING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT LOOK AT THE VEHCILE UNTIL THE NEXT DAY AND ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE FUEL PUMP HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO GUARANTEE THAT REPLACEMENT WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I ADVISED THE DEALERSHIP OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 AND WAS ADVISED THAT IT DID NOT PERTAIN TO MY CAR. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS ADVISED THAT UNLESS THE DEALERSHIP COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THE FDM WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNDER THE PROGRAM.
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2005
FORD FOCUS 2001 (1) KEY HAS BEEN HARDER TO REMOVE FROM IGNITION, AND MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN (2) KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION. I BELIEVE CYLINDER TUMBLERS ARE WORN OUT. (3) CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME, AND I NEEDED TO BRING IT TO A DEALER. MY RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 00-02 FOCUS'S.
Power train, Jun 30, 2005
DT: WHEN DRIVING A CERTAIN SPEED THE VEHICLE WILL JERK, USUALLY BETWEEN 35-45 MPH,. IT IS WORSE WHEN TRYING TO GO UP HILL. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER THAT REPLACED PARTS 2 DIFFERENT TIMES, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP, AND THEY REPLACE IT. THE DEALER THOUGHT THAT MAY SOLVE FPROBLEM, BUT IT DID NOT. *AK