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.
Exterior lighting, Jun 27, 2005
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. THE SPRING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THIS IS CONNECTED TO THE HORN, AIR BAG AND TURN SIGNAL. *AK THE TURN SIGNAL CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED, PRODUCT CODE#047-002. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2005
AT 38000 MILES THE IGNITION CYLINDER IN THE CONSUMER'S 2001 FORD FOCUS FAILED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JB *NM
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND THE IGNITION SWITCHED LOCKED ON ME AND COSTS 500.00 AT THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. I ALSO HAVE A FORD TAURUS AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED BUT A REP AT THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED THAT INSTEAD OF HAVING THEM TO FIX IT TO BUY THE PART (WHICH WAS ABOUT 70.00) AND HAVE SOMEONE ELSO TO PUT IT IN. THIS COST ABOUT 120.00 IN TOTAL. ALSO I HAD A WRECK IN THE FORD FOCOS AND IT SO HAPPENS THAT MY RENTAL CAR WAS A FORD FOCUS AND I DROVE IT FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS AND 1 DAY THE IGNITION LOCKED UP. I CALLED FORD AND THE REP LAUGHED AND SAID "OH YEAH THAT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, WE ARE AWARE OF IT BUT THERES NOTHING WE CAN DO". I WAS STRANDED FOR 3 HOURS BECAUSE I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL A FLATBED WRECKER TRUCK WAS AVAILABLE, BECAUSE WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS SO DO THE WHEELS AND THEREFORE THE CAR CANNOT BE ROLLED. BUT ANYWAYS 3 OF THE SAME CARS ALL WERE LEMONS. THEY ALL PRODUCED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS, AND IT SEEMS AS IF I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEMS AND IT JUST SO HAPPENS THAT THEREIS NO RECALL FROM FORD FOR THIS ISSUE. BUT AS THEIR REP CONFIRMED THEY ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 21, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES: THE DEALER FIRST SAID IT WAS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE LATCH , AND THEN REVERSED THE DECISION. THE DEALER DID OFFER TO PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR, BUT HE REFUSED. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 14, 2005
APPROX. ON MAY 10TH, WHEN PUTTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY CAR, IT WOULD NOT TURN. IT TOOK MANY TRIES OF WIGGLING THE KEY BACK AND FORTH, ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE LOCKED STEERING WHEEL SOME SMALL DEGREE TO GET THE KEY TO ACTUALLY TURN OVER IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ALLOW ME TO START MY CAR. THIS PROBLEM BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE MY SPARE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND COVER MY STEERING WHEEL IN AN ATTEMPT TO HIDE THE KEY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SOMEONE VIA PHONE AT THIS AGENCY AND WAS REFERRED TO THIS WEBSITE, BUT DID NOT HAVE ACCESS TO COMPUTER UNTIL NOW. AND I HAVE SPOKEN TO SOMEONE AT THE FORD COMPANY VIA PHONE WHO COULD OFFER NO SOLUTIONS UNLESS I WERE TO TAKE MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP, HAVE IT INSPECTED AND REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE ORDERED THE PART AND AM AWAITING ITS SHIPPING. COINCIDENTLY, WHILE ORDERING THE PART, THE YOUNG MAN WAITING ON ME STATED HIS GIRLFRIEND CALLED HIM OVER THE WEEKEND WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER NEWER FORD FOCUS. I GAVE HIM YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS. HE STATES HE HAS MET SEVERAL PEOPLE SINCE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AND GAVE YOUR WEBSITE TO THEM.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 13, 2005
DT: DRIVER'S SIDE ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCK FAILED IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. CONSUMER HAD TO OPEN MANUALLY. IF ONE NEEDED TO EXIT THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY FASHION HE WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL OVER SOMETHING TO GET TO ANOTHER DOOR. THE OTHER DOORS DID WORK. THE OWNER HAS ALREADY NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE LATCH HAD BEEN REPLACED. THEY WERE PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE LOCK. THE DOOR LOCKED THE WIFE INSIDE, AND SHE HAD TO CRAWL OVER THE SEAT TO GET OUT OF THE PASSENGER DOOR. *AK *SB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 13, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES A LOCAL SERVICE DEALER SAID THE INSULATION ON WIRES FROM THE TRUNK LID TO THE INSIDE HAS BEEN SCRAPED OFF IN THE FACTORY. THIS DID CAUSED A SHORT IN THE WIRES, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF ABRAKE LIGHTS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Tires, Jun 13, 2005
DT: BRAKES FAILED TWICE SINCE 2001. BRAKES WERE REPLACED IN 2001 AND 2002. KEPT REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE WATER PUMP/BATTERY, AND TIRES MALFUNCTIONED. ON JUNE 11 2005 WHILE DRIVING THE CAR STOPPED. THE CAR MADE A POPPING SOUND AND STARTED SMOKING. THERE WAS A WARNING, THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON. THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON RIGHT BEFORE. CAR DIDNT START BACK UP AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. CAR WAS TOWED TO HOME. DEALER REPORTED NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS REGULARLY SERVICED.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2005, fire
ON SATURDAY 5/14/2005 THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY WELL MAINTAINED FORD FOCUS SE, 2001, (EQUIPPED WITH A ZENTEC ENGINE), CAUGHT ON FIRE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THOSE DESCRIBED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS IN THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES: HTTP://WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/ARCHANGEL_JJN/ HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_FIRES.HTML. THE DAMAGES OCCURRED TO MY FOCUS ARE CLOSE TO THOSE GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBED IN THE PICTURES OF THE SECOND WEB SITE. THE FACT THAT THIS OCCURRED ON A PARKING LOT A BLOCK AWAY FROM A FIRE STATION PREVENTED FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. BUT HAD THIS OCCURRED ON MY HOUSE'S COVERED GARAGE, THE WHOLE HOUSE HAD BURNED. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR IS SIMILAR TO THE SITUATION DESCRIBED IN THE NHTSA 02V288000 CAMPAIGN. BUT MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON AUGUST 2003, AND THEREFORE DOES NOT QUALIFY TO THE VOLUNTARY FORD RECALL TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE REFERRED WEB SITES, THIS IS HE SAME SITUATION REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS CASE TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY, ALLSTATE, CLAIM NUMBER 179019215. THE ADJUSTER IS MR. RUBEN ROMERO @ 800 733-8910 X4385. AS ALLSTATE SUGGESTED, I ALSO CONTACTED FORD. YESTERDAY, I WAS INFORMED BY ALLSTATE THAT MY ACCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOST. ON MONDAY 5/16/2005, I CONTACTED MR. MCCLUSTER, FROM THE TIPTON FORD DEALERSHIP, WHO PHOTOGRAPHED MY PICTURES FROM THE FIRE. HE ASSURED ME THAT HE WAS GOING TO LOG THE INCIDENT INTO THE SYSTEM AND ASK ME TO CONTACT FORD AT 866 436-7332. WHEN I CALLED THAT NUMBER, THE SAME DAY, I TALKED TO ANDREW, EMPLOYER NUMBER 3176. HE GAVE THE CLAIM NUMBER 0422761365 AND INDICATED THAT FORD WAS GOING TO CONTACT ON TWO DAYS. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE CALL. IN MY OPINION FORD DID NOT FULLY FIXED THE CAUSES OF THE NHTSA 02V288000 CAMPAIGN AND THAT WAS THE REASON FOR MY CAR'S FIRE. THUS, FORD SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN ALL FOCUS VEHICLES SUFFERING FROM THIS PROBLEM AND IT ALSO MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Air bags, Jun 12, 2005, crash
ACCIDENT HAPPENED AT DEPT. STORE PARKING LOT. HIT CONCRETE POLE IN PARKING LOT CAUSING AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND CAUSING AIRBAG BURNS ON WRIST. CAR TOTALED.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 9, 2005
DT: WHEN OPENING THE TRUNK THE LATCH WILL NOT LOCK THE TRUNK. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYS ON ALL OF THE TIME, AND I CONSUMER TO GO OUT AND PLAY WITH THE TRUNK TO GET IT TO CLOSE.*AK
Steering, Jun 6, 2005
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITH HAS LOCKED UP LEAVING MY CAR COMPLETELY OUT OF SERVICE AND ME STRANDED, THE STERRING WHEEL AS WELL AS EVERYTHING ELSE LOCKS UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED 10 TIMES THREE TIMES RESULTING IN TOWING AND COMPLETE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. FORD HAS DONE NOTHING EXCEPT REPLACED THE PROBLEM PART EACH TIME RESULTING IN FAILURE AGAIN. IT IS ALSO NOT COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRENTY.
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2005
DT: THE IGNITION CYLINDER FAILED TWICE. IT FAILED IN 2003 AND IN 2005. FORD TELS ME THERE IS HIGH FAILURE RATE ON THESE CYLINDERS. THE KEY LOCKS UP, AND YOU CAN'T GET THE KEY OUT. AND YOU CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL. *AK
Steering, Equipment, Jun 5, 2005
MY STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN THE CAR ON. I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK NO PROBLEM WHEN I CAME OUT I COULD NOT GET THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT MOVE THEREBY NOT ALLOWING ME TO TRUN THE CAR ON
Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2005
DT: WENT TO REPLACE THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT AND THE PLASTIC HOUSING WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THEN, CHECKED RIGHT AND IT STARTED TO MELTING. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, AND SAID WARRANTY EXPIRED, NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK
Power train, Jun 3, 2005
I FIRST NOTICED A ROARING SOUND COMING FROM MY RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I TOOK MY CAR IN TODAY TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT AXEL ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND THEY COULDN'T TELL ME. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I DON'T FEEL THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS NOR DO I THINK I DID ANYTHING TO CAUSE SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO HAPPEN. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE I REALIZED IT COULD POSSIBLY BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY IN MICHIGAN AND ASKED WHAT THEY DO ABOUT VEHICLES THAT ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I DID TELL THE GENTLEMAN ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS THAT I HAD SEEN ON THIS SITE AND AGAIN HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I GUESS IF SOMEONE GETS KILLED DUE TO THESE "UNSAFE" VEHICLES THEN SOMEONE WOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT WHICH IS A SHAME.
Air bags, Jun 1, 2005, crash
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED A THIRD DEGREE BURN ON MY RIGHT ARM AND STOMACH. IT IMPLODED AND BURNED A 6-8 INCH HOLE IN MY SWEATSHIRT AND JEANS.
Air bags, Jun 1, 2005, crash
DT: 8-10 MONTHS AGO CONSUMER BOUGHT A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SERVICE DEALER NOTICED AIR BAG SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING AND WENT AHEAD AND INSTALLED A NEW AIR BAG. THIS WEEKEND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS PAST WEEKEND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT INVOLVING ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO REPAIRS AS OF YET WERE DONE. THE AIRBAGS HAD NOT BEEN CHECKED OUT, NO EXPLANATION WAS GIVEN AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Electrical system, May 31, 2005
3 TIMES IN 1 WEEK, MY IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK. THE KEY TURNS, THE CAR STARTS, BUT WILL NOT COME OUT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 1 MONTH AND IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 48K MILES ON IT. AFTER EXTENSIVE INTERNET RESEARCH AND SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FOCUS PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2005
THE VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK AT THE STOP LIGHT THE MOTOR BLEW OUT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE #4 VALVE SET DISLODGED SOME HOW MOST PARTS STAYED IN #4 AND #3, BUT GOT IN EVERY PART OF THE HEAD. THE SERVICE QUOTE NEED REPLACED ENGINE WITH LONG BLOCK. VEHICLE NEED ENGINE ASSEMBLY COMPLETE- REMOVE AND REPLACE. *BF
Steering, Electrical system, May 21, 2005
I DON'T THINK THAT THE PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING IS LIFE THREATENING. MY PROBLEM IS AS FOLLLOWS: I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 AND FOR SOME REASON THIS PARTICULAR CAR HAS A PROBLEM THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS BY ITS SELF. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO IT HAPPEND FOR THE FIRST TIME AND I HAD TO HAVE TOW TRUCK TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN AND I NO LONGER HAVE WARRANTY ON MY CAR. I JUST THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM THAT THIS CAR HAS. AFTER REVIEWING OTHER PEOPLE THAT OWN A FORD FUCUS AND THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM I REALLY BELIEVE THAT A RECALL IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. ANYWAYS, I WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT CHARGING ME SINCE THE CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE WHEN IT WAS UNDER THE WARRANTY. BUT THEY SAID THAT SINCE IT HAPPEN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO THEY COULDN'T DO IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. I WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE IN YOUR DEPARMENT COULD HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON WARRANTY. I JUST THINK THAT WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS A MANUFACTUR DEFECT AND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN BEFORE AND THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIX IT AT NO CHARGE.
Electrical system, May 19, 2005, fire
ON SATURDAY 5/14/2005 THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY WELL MAINTAINED FORD FOCUS SE, 2001, (EQUIPPED WITH A ZENTEC ENGINE), GOT FIRE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THAT DESCRIBED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS IN THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES: HTTP://WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/ARCHANGEL_JJN/ HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_FIRES.HTML THE DAMAGES OCCURRED TO MY FOCUS ARE CLOSE TO THOSE GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBED IN THE PICTURES OF THE SECOND WEB SITE. THE FACT THAT THIS OCCURRED ON A PARKING LOT A BLOCK AWAY FROM A FIRE STATION PREVENTED FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. BUT HAD THIS OCCURRED ON MY HOUSE'S COVERED GARAGE, THE WHOLE HOUSE HAD BURNED. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR IS SIMILAR TO THE SITUATION DESCRIBED IN THE NHTSA 02V288000 CAMPAIGN. BUT MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON AUGUST 2003, AND THEREFORE DOES NOT QUALIFY TO THE VOLUNTARY FORD RECALL TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE REFERRED WEB SITES, THIS IS HE SAME SITUATION REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS CASE TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY, ALLSTATE, CLAIM NUMBER 179019215. THE ADJUSTER IS MR. RUBEN ROMERO @ 800 733-8910 X4385. AS ALLSTATE SUGGESTED, I ALSO CONTACTED FORD. YESTERDAY, I WAS INFORMED BY ALLSTATE THAT MY ACCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOST. ON MONDAY 5/16/2005, I CONTACTED MR. MCCLUSTER, FROM THE TIPTON FORD DEALERSHIP, WHO PHOTOGRAPHED MY PICTURES FROM THE FIRE. HE ASSURED ME THAT HE WAS GOING TO LOG THE INCIDENT INTO THE SYSTEMA AND ASK ME TO CONTACT FORD AT 866 436-7332. WHEN I CALLED THAT NUMBER, THE SAME DAY, I TALKED TO ANDREW, EMPLOYER NUMBER 3176. HE GAVE THE CLAIM NUMBER 0422761365 AND INDICATED THAT FORD WAS GOING TO CONTACT ON TWO DAYS. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE CALL. IN MY OPINION FORD DID NOT FULLY FIXED THE CAUSES OF THE NHTSA 02V288000 CAMPAIGN AND THAT WAS THE REASON FOR MY CAR'S FIRE. THUS, FORD SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN ALL FOCUS VEHICLES SUFFERING FROM THIS PROBLEM AND IT ALSO MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Suspension, May 18, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD ABOUT 60 MPH AND THE BACK HUB BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS A SPLIT SECOND FROM FALLING OFF. ALSO, REAR BEARINGS WENT OUT. HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO NOTED THAT THE BOTH REAR BEARINGS WENT OUT. VISIBLE TO NAKED EYE, COULD LOOK BACK AT WHEEL AND SEE THAT IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. RECALL FOR CORROSIVE ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN SHOP FOR REPAIRS. SPOUSE CHECKED WHEEL TO SEE IF IT WAS PROPERLY SECURED, AND DISCOVERED THE HUB WAS TOTALLY RUSTED. *AK
Air bags, May 15, 2005, crash
FOCUS DRIVER HIT REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT - BOTH FOCUS AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PASSANGER AIR BAG DOOR HIT WINDSHIELD SO HARD IT SHATTERED WINDSHIELD AND SHARDS OF GLASS WENT EVERY WHERE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. LUCKLY THERE WAS NO PASSANGER OR INJURY COULD HAVE RESULTED FROM FLY GLASS. FOCUS AND OTHER DRIVER WERE NOT INJURED. COMPLAINT IS THE POOR LOCATION OF PASSANGER AIRBAG. WHEN ACTIVATED THE WINSHIELD IS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF THE PASSANGER AIRBAG DOOR. GLASS GOES EVERYWHERE INSIDE VEHICLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 13, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE FUEL PUMP. *AK *SC *JB