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, Aug 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, SHE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AS OIL AND RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VALVE STEM HAD FRACTURED, CAUSING THE PISTON TO DETACH FROM THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN SURGING AND THEN STALLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE FAILED. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM, BUT WHEN THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM) THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jul 24, 2013
I'VE HAD MY 2001 FORD FOCUS FOR YEARS NOW AND I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION (GOT THAT REPLACED) AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK WHEN EVER THEY WANT TO AND WILL SOMETIMES TURN ON ITS OWN. ALSO MY TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. I'VE TAKEN IT TO DIFFERENT PLACES TO GET IT FIXED AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO OPEN IT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE SO THAT I COULD SAVE ON GAS BUT ALL I'M DOING IS WASTING A CRAP LOAD OF MONEY ON JUST REPAIRING EVERYTHING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD RANDOMLY ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AS IF IT WERE GOING TO STALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR
Tires, Jul 10, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS EQUIPPED GOODYEAR EAGLE AUTHORITY TIRES (SIZE 225-50-16). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING RUBBER SMELL AS AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND CRASHED INTO SEVERAL BARRIERS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE ACTUAL TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED.
Engine, Jul 8, 2013
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION FILLING UP THE CAR WHEN I WAS FINISHED I WENT TO START THE CAR ONLY TO HEAR A SOUND THAT REMINDED ME OF RUNNING OVER COINS WITH A VACUUM AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND MY FATHER-IN-LAW LATER ON HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP. THE MECHANIC THERE SAID THAT THE VALVE SEAT BROKE OFF AND MESSED UP THE HEAD AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE SINCE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE. I ALSO HAVE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OTHERS AND THEIR FORD FOCUS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY OVER A SPAN OF FOUR YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL DELIVERY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V482000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), WHICH THE VIN WAS INCLUDED, HOWEVER THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT HE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL IN A REASONABLE TIME FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000. *TR
Engine, Jun 19, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EXPLODED WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A TRAFFIC STOP. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 197,000. *TR
Engine, Jun 18, 2013
FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNEW AND HAS KNOW FOR YEARS ABOUT BAD VALVE SEATS IN THEIR 2000-2004 FOCUS'S WITH 2.0L SPLIT PORT INJECTION ENGINE. WHERE EVER THESE HEADS WERE MADE , THE QUALITY CONTROL FOR THIS PART WAS NOT EVALUATED PROPERLY. THE ENGINE DROPS A 'PRESSED IN' STEEL VALVE SEAT THAT FALLS INTO THE CYLINDER AND PUTS TOO MUCH STRESS ON THE PISTON, BORE, AND CONNECTING RODS OF THE ENGINE. UNDER THIS STRESS IT GENERALLY WILL CAUSE RODS TO BREAK, WARP OR COME THROUGH THE BLOCK WALL. (WHICH IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY ENGINE). IT MAY BE A COOLING PROBLEM, IT MAY BE FAULTY DESIGN OR POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. REGARDLESS, IF THIS CAR WON SO MANY AWARDS OVER IT'S LIFETIME FROM MOTOR TREND OR OTHER INSTITUTIONS....THEN THEY SHOULD BE BACKING THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD TO FORK OUT THOUSANDS IN ENGINE REPAIRS AND PARTS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO SHOW UP AT VARIABLE MILEAGE...WHICH I'M SURE IS DUE TO EACH INDIVIDUALS DRIVING HABITS. AND IT'S OBVIOUS IT'S A DEFECT --DUE TO THE SIMILARITY EACH PERSON HAS EXPERIENCED. IT ALMOST ALWAYS HAPPENS TO THE SAME CYLINDER (NUMBER 4) AND IT'S ALWAYS JUST THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE...THIS IS NOT COINCIDENCE...THIS IS POOR QUALITY CONTROL...AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS SUCH. I BELIEVE A RECALL BY FORD IS IN ORDER....WITHOUT QUESTION BY FORD MOTOR....THEY'RE CEO MAKES MILLIONS...HOW ABOUT FIXING THESE CARS....IT MIGHT EXPLAIN WHY SO MANY PEOPLE STOP BUYING FORDS AND GO FOREIGN....AND I CAN HARDLY BLAME THEM WHEN THEY DO! YOU NEED TO COME HALF WAY WITH THE PEOPLE ON THIS MATTER FORD MOTOR---IT'S HURTING YOUR RELIABILITY AND DEPENDABILITY ISSUES. I REPLACED THE ENGINE FOR A WHOPPING $2896.00 AND WILL NEVER BUY A FORD ANYTHING. *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 11, 2013
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS LX WITH 199,871 MILES ON IT AND ITS MY FIRST FORD CAR. I HAVE OWNED MANY OF FORD TRUCKS IN MY LIFE AND ALWAYS FIXED PROBLEMS WITH THEM MYSELF. BUT WITH MY FOCUS, EVERY TIME IN THE PAST 4 YEARS WHEN I TURN A CORNER ROUGHLY AROUND 15 MPH OR OVER, IT CUTS OUT AND THE CAR BOGS OUT AND JUMPS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO JUMP OUT THEN I GET A BAD SMELL ALMOST LIKE SULFUR COMING FROM THE CAR. ALL FLUID LEVELS ARE GOOD WITH A FULL GAS TANK. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS HOT OR COLD. USUALLY I CAN JUST PUNCH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND IT WILL EVENTUALLY GAIN RPM'S AGAIN AND GO WITH NO PROBLEMS UNTIL I TURN SHARP AGAIN. I HAVE RECENTLY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND CABLES, ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH PLATE, FUEL PUMP AND VARIOUS PCV VALVES AND HOSES. HAD THE FUEL PRESSURE TESTED AND IT WAS FINE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONSISTENT LIKE THIS FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FORD GURU BUT THIS CAR IS MAKING ME THINK TWICE. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN THAT GO WITH ME ALMOST EVERYWHERE WITH ME AND JUST TODAY AS I TURNED A CORNER GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY RAMP, IT BOGGED OUT WORSE THEN EVER WITH MANY ANGRY DRIVERS ON MY TAIL. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH THE CAR INTO THE GUARD RAIL. I HIT THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR LIKE I USUALLY DO AND IT STARTED GOING AGAIN, BUT IN FIFTH GEAR IT KEPT JUMPING AND CUTTING OUT. I TURNED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT RAN FINE ALL THE WAY HOME. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON MY MAKE AND MODEL AND TRIED MANY SOLUTIONS WITH NO LUCK. WITH YOUR EXPERTISE, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I SEE THIS PROBLEM ALLOT WITH FOCUS BUT NEVER ANY WORKING SOLUTIONS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONDENSER BOX TO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR
Service brakes, May 15, 2013, crash
BEFORE I FINALIZED THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, IT WAS EXAMINED THOROUGHLY BY A MECHANIC. THE 2001 FORD FOCUS' TITLE WAS TRANSFERRED TO ME A WEEK AND A HALF PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. ON THE DAY OF THE CRASH, IT WAS A MISTY DAY AND THERE WAS A FAIR AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC. I SLOWED DOWN WHEN I SAW AN ACCIDENT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKES FAILED AND I CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT HAD COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH SPACE FOR ME TO STOP SAFELY, BUT I SLID. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED, WHICH SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE PERSON FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HAD MENTIONED SHE HADN'T LIKED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BRAKES, EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW. *TR
Electrical system, May 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED AND HE WOULD OFTEN JUMP START THE VEHICLE, WHICH WOULD TEMPORARILY RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT WERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Engine, May 7, 2013
SATURDAY MAY 04/2013 MY CAR KILLED OVER 30 TIMES DRIVING ABOUT 5 MILES. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR DOING 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO RESTART A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AT THIS SPEED. IN THIS CASE, I DROVE INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF FORD OF BELLEVUE AND IT CONTINUED TO KILL WHILE THERE TRYING TO MOVE IT. THE SERVICE PERSON BLEW ME OFF WOULDN'T EVEN TAKE THE TIME CHECK IT OUT OR EVEN LISTEN. AS I WAS DRIVING OUT IT KILLED TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. THE SALES MANAGER SAID TO BRING IT IN MONDAY. SUNDAY IT STOPPED KILLING. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN MONDAY, I ASKED FOR THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE SERVICE EMPLOYEE WENT TO FIND HIM & IT TOOK ABOUT 10 MINUTES, THAT WAS CURIOS AS THE PLACE WAS DESERTED. WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED, HE REFUSED TO DISCUSS THE MATTER ONLY SAYING WE WERE BUSY. I HAD CONTACTED FORD AS WELL AS THE FRANCHISE HOLDER AUTO NATIONS PREVIOUSLY BUT NOTHING WAS DONE. LAST WEEK I SENT A LETTER TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER AT FORD BUT I SUSPECT NOTHING WILL BE DONE AT THAT LEVEL AGAIN. IN MY RESEARCH I FOUND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TODAY THAT WAS POSTED BY ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL " THE VEHICLE IS STALLING AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES DUE TO FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM/FUEL PUMP. I AM A ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. I TALKED TO FORD, THEN I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER. THEY TOLD ME, AS THEY HAVE IN THE PAST IT'S A FUEL PUMP ISSUE..." THERE IS MORE TO THIS POSTING BUT THE BOTTOM LINE FORD KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM ALL ALONG AND CHOSE TO IGNORE IT. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN & IT COULD BE A KILLER. *TR
Structure, Apr 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE WIRES FAILED. THERE WAS ALSO A CRACK IN THE SEAM OF THE LIFTGATE WINDOW AND RAIN WATER WAS ABLE TO ENTER THE VEIHCLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE WIRES TO SHORT AND MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 9, 2013
THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR LOCK IS JAMMED OR STUCK, I CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE,THE OTHER 3 DOOR LOCKS WORK FINE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. SHE WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V482000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ
Air bags, Feb 2, 2013, crash
STOPPED IN TRAFFIC FOR REDLIGHT, TRAFFIC STARTED TO MOVE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED AND I REAR ENDED HIM CAUSING AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND SMASH WINDSHIELD. WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE TO MY SURPRISE THERE WAS NO FRONT END DAMAGE ONLY A SCUFF MARK ON FRONT BUMPER WHERE MY CAR WENT UNDER THE 1991 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THAT I HIT. RECEIVED A POWDER BURN TO MY LEFT HAND FROM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CAR THAT I HIT HAD NO DAMAGE. INSURANCE COMPANY THINKS THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE TO BE TOTALED BECAUSE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AT HE TIME OF IMPACT I WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 5 AND 10MPH. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Jan 26, 2013
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND I TURNED ON MY CRUISE CONTROL, I HAD TO BARELY BRAKE FOR A CAUTION WHEN A CAR WAS COMING IN MY LANE, ONCE I WENT AROUND THEM...I LEFT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF....BUT THE CAR SPED UP ON ITS OWN...APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MILES AN HOUR. MY BRAKES WERE WORKING JUST FINE. I CALLED MY DAD TO SEE WHAT HE WANTED ME TO DO....I DROVE ON TO WORK (APPROX 20 MORE MILES) AND DIDN'T HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL THE WHOLE TIME....THE CRUISE WAS OFF...THE PEDAL WAS STUCK AND THE CAR CONTINUED GOING 60 MILES PER HOUR....ONCE I CAME TO MY EXIT, I TOOK IT OUT OF 5TH GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) AND THE CAR REVVED UP HORRIBLY...I PULLED INTO WORK AND SHUT IT OFF. RESTARTED IT AND IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING. THESE CARS NEED RECALLED!!!! *TR
Suspension, Dec 30, 2012, crash
FRONT RIGHT LOWER BALLED JOINT SEPARATED AND BROKE THE CONTROL ARM ALMOST SEPARATED THE WHEEL FROM THE CAR. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *TR
Engine, Dec 19, 2012
2001 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS AND INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE COMMON PROBLEM OF VALVE SEAT BREAKAGE IN FORDS OLDER ENGINES. THE BREAKAGE WAS DUE TO INTAKE VALVE SEATS THAT WERE MADE OF A POWERED METAL THAT SHATTERED EASILY. THE CONSUMER WROTE TO FORD REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO HER ENGINE. ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2012, ROUGHLY TWO MILES AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY, THE CONSUMER CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, SHE ENGAGED THE GAS PEDAL, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE AN UNUSUAL NOISE AND JERKED LOUDLY AND VIOLENTLY. SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ABUT TWO MORE FEET, BEFORE THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO NEUTRAL AND IT DIED COMPLETELY AND HAD TO BE PUSHED TO A PARKING LOT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED, ONE OF THE PISTONS, CYLINDER #1 WAS EXTREMELY DAMAGED, DUE TO THE VALVE SEAT FAILURE WHICH SHATTERED THE PISTON AND BROKE OFF PIECES OF THE PISTON SKIRT AND BENT THE CONNECTING ROD. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER WALL, AS PIECES OF THE PISTON SKIRT WERE FOUND IN THE OIL PAN AND PIECES OF THE PISTON CROWN WERE FOUND IN THE BOTTOM OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *JB
Power train, Engine, Dec 17, 2012
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I ENGAGED THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR BEGAN TO CLANK AND JERK LOUDLY AND VIOLENTLY. I DROVE' THE CAR ABOUT TWO FEET BEFORE THE STEERING SEIZED UP, THE CAR COULD NOT BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL, DIED COMPLETELY, AND HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONE OF THE PISTONS, CYLINDER # 1, WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED, DUE TO THE VALVE SEAT FAILURE WHICH SHATTERED THE PISTON, BROKE OFF PIECES OF THE PISTON SKIRT, AND BENT THE CONNECTING ROD. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE CYLINDER WALL, BUT PIECES OF THE PISTON SKIRT WERE FOUND IN THE OIL PAN, AND PIECES OF THE PISTON CROWN WERE FOUND IN THE BOTTOM OF INTAKE MANIFOLD. VALVE SEAT BREAKAGE IN THE OLDER MODEL FOCUS, IS SO COMMON THAT AERA ENGINE REBUILDERS ASSOCIATION ISSUED TWO BULLETINS (TB 1725 & TB 1939) TO ALERT THE INDUSTRY TO THIS ISSUE. THESE BULLETINS STATE THAT THE 'INTAKE VALVE SEATS ARE MADE OF A POWDERED METAL THAT SHATTERS EASILY'. ON OCTOBER 29, 2012, AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED, I PHONED FORD TO REQUEST A REFUND FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS AND WAS INFORMED, THAT SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL NO REFUND COULD BE ISSUED. THE VALVE SEATS HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN MODIFIED FROM THE FAULTY POWDERED METAL TYPE, THIS SHOWS THAT FORD IS AND WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. INTERNET ENTRIES THAT OUTLINE THIS PROBLEM ON THE 2001 MODEL CAN BE FOUND AT NUMEROUS WEBSITES, INCLUDING: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/FOCUS/2001/. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 12, 2012
HEADLIGHT FAILURE. WITH ENGINE RUNNING, WHEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED ON, THE HEADLIGHTS (BOTH) DO NOT ALWAYS GO ON. ALSO, AFTER BEING ON FOR A WHILE (OFTEN WITHIN 10 MINUTES, ALMOST ALWAYS WITHIN 20 MINUTES), BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL SUDDENLY TURN OFF ON THEIR OWN. WHEN HEADLIGHTS GO OFF, DASHBOARD LIGHTS, AND OTHER OUTSIDE LIGHTS, REMAIN ON. WHEN THE SWITCH IS ON, BUT HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OFF, IF THE HIGH BEAMS ARE TOGGLED ON AND THEN OFF, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO ON (FOR A WHILE). THIS SEQUENCE OCCURS REPEATEDLY. UNLESS IT IS DARK (E.G. IF IN TWILIGHT OR IN DAYTIME RAIN), OR UNLESS I CAN SEE THE HEADLIGHT REFLECTIONS, I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THE STATUS OF MY HEADLIGHTS. DEALERSHIP INITIALLY REPLACED A RELAY, WITHOUT SOLVING PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP THEN REPLACED THE "MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH" CONTROLLING TURN SIGNALS AND HIGH BEAMS, WITH SEEMING SUCCESS. I AM IN POSSESSION OF THE FAILED ORIGINAL-EQUIPMENT "MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH". DEALERSHIP WAS UNDERSTANDING AND HELPFUL, BUT WOULD NOT TREAT THIS INTERMITTENT, SUDDEN, REPEATED HEADLIGHT FAILURE AS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO GAS PUMP FAILURE, AND TO FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGE, WHICH WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. [NOTE ALSO THAT CAR DESIGN DOES NOT ALLOW HEADLIGHTS TO TURN ON OR STAY ON WHEN ENGINE IS OFF - THIS MAY SAVE ACCIDENTAL BATTERY DRAIN, BUT DEPRIVES OPERATOR OF ILLUMINATION OR SIGNALING ABILITY THAT MAY BE NEEDED IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.]
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR JUST AS ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES REDUCED TO ZERO ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.