2001 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,790 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 173 involved a crash and 49 involved a fire. 136 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentFeb 24, 2012
RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.
IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.
Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V482000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkagesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 29, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.
THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Campaign 01I017000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 01V258000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerMar 28, 2001
PM CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING AN IN-PROCESS TEST AND THE OCCUPANT MAY NOTICE A CHUCKING, OR PERCEIVED LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK, OR THE SEAT BACK COULD UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE.
IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 01V108000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerDec 14, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.
IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
Campaign 00V418000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,790 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2004
I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2001 FORD FOCUS AND HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES AND I THINK THAT A PART THIS EXPENSIVE SHOULD LAST LONGER. I SEARCHED FOR OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FOUND MANY FRUSTRATED FOCUS OWNERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK THIS PART SHOULD HAVE A LONGER WARRANTY. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2004
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHEN I WOULD PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULDN'T TURN , IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES FOR MY CAR TO TURN ON. EVENTUALLY AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE KEY IT NEVER DID, AND I WAS FORCED TO TOW MY CAR HOME. I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET TO TOW IT TO THE DEALERS AND THEY SAID THAT THE COST TO FIX WILL RANGE FROM $350-600. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH TWO KIDS ON A LIMITED INCOME, THERE IS NO WAY I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD THIS.*AK
Suspension, Apr 20, 2004
MY REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY FAILED AT 8,000 MILES AND WERE REPALCED BY THE DEALER UNDER A RECALL PRGRAM. THE SECOND TIME, WHICH IS THE BASIS FOR THIS COMPLAINT, THEY FAILED AT 43,000 MILES (THIS IS ONLY 35,000 MILES LATER). THE DEALER CHARGED ME TO HAVE THEM REPLACED DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE CONCEDED THAT IT WAS PREMATURE BEARING WEAR. BOTH TIMES I HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMEING FROM MY REAR WHEELS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. ALSO THE BRAKE ROTORS PADS, AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON DUE TO THE FUEL PUMP BEING INOPERATIVE. FORD MADE THE REPAIRS BUT FAILED TO REPLACE THE O RINGS WHICH CAUSED THE PUMP TO FAIL AGAIN. FORD HAD FUEL PUMP RECALL #03NO1 BUT THE SAME EXACT PART WENT BAD. THE ROTORS WERE WARPED DUE TO THE CALIPERS SEEPING FLUID, BINDING THE PISTONS. *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2004
FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS; I HAD 21K+ MILES ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS, THE CAR WOULD VIBRATE WHEN BRAKING, AND SPECIALLY DOWNHILL. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT I NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS, AND "MOST LIKELY ROTORS". THAT'S RIDICULOUS FOR SUCH LOW MILES. FEARING FOR MY FAMILY SAFETY I DID REPLACE THE PADS AND ROTORS, BUT NOT WITH THE DEALER.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2004
KEY WILL NOT TURN. CALLED DEALER AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AFFECTING MANY FORD FOCUS'. AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB I SEE THAT IS TRUE. DEALER WANTED $325 + TOW TO REPLACE IGNITION. NOT SURE IF THAT INCLUDED REKEYING. IN ANY EVENT, I FOUND A LOCKSMITH WHO WILL COME TO MY RESIDENCE AND REPLACE THE IGNITION WITH A BETTER ONE THAN FORD IS OFFERING FOR SUBSTANTIALLY LESS MONEY.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 18, 2004
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 FORD FOCUS OVER A 6 LANE SUSPENSION BRIDGE FROM PA TO NJ, MY CAR STARTED TO ACT AS IF IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS. CAR SLOWED WITHOUT WARNING THEN DIED,THIS HAPPENED AS A 18 WHEEL TRUCK WAS BARING DOWN ON ME AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. SITTING AS A DEAD DUCK THE TRUCK BARELY MADE IT AROUND ME NEARLY CAUSING A MULTI CAR ACCIDENT. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR (BARELY KEEPING IT RUNNING) I SLOWLY MADE IT TO THE TOP AS IT DIED AGAIN , I GLIDED DOWN THE BRIDGE IN NEUTRAL, I PULLED OVER AT THE END OF THE BRIDGE AND RESTARTED THE CAR AGAIN, THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY, EACH TIME HAVING TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR.. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND HAD TO FIGHT FORD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH SEEMED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM UNTIL NOW.. THIS TIME I ALMOST GOT KILLED.. THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. *JB
Suspension, Apr 16, 2004
AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3, MY TAIL END STARTED TO SWAY OUT FROM UNDERNEATH ME. THEN I NOTICED A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I THEN PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE SITUATION AND NOTICED MY WHEEL BEARING WAS NOT SECURED PROPERLY. THEN I WENT ONLINE AND RESEARCHED FORD FOCUS RECALLS AND DISCOVERED THERE TO BE ONE ON THIS ISSUE. I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT PAT & DAN'S DELBALSO FORD DEALERSHIP IN KINGSTON, PA. THEY REFERRED ME TO FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. AFTER SPEAKING TO FORD, I MADE A RETURN CALL TO DELBALSO FORD AND THEY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR ME. THEY MADE ME WAIT ABOUT A WEEK FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND THEY MORNING OF, I MADE A CALL FOR THEM TO GET MY CAR WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. AS A RESULT I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET TO COLLEGE WHICH IS ABOUT 20 TO 30 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOME. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE MISSED WORK BECAUSE OF THIS AS WELL. I MADE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO HAVE MY PROBLEM RESOLVED BY CONTACTING THE FORD MANUFACTURERS' SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEIR RECALL HAD BEEN CANCELLED. THEY WENT ON TO SAY THAT THEY WERE JUST BEING "NICE" AND ASSISTING THEIR CUSTOMERS BY PERFORMING THE "WARRANTY PROGRAM" AND THAT THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR RECIEVED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT WHEN OWNERSHIP CHANGES AND ALL WARRANTY INFORMATION IS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS LIABLE FOR ALL RECALL INFORMATION TO BE SENT OUT. I WAS NEVER MAILED NOR BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THIS WARRANTY PROGRAM SINCE I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN WRONGED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF IT. THE PEOPLE AT FORD MOTOR CO. HAVE BEEN VERY RUDE AND OBNOXIOUS OVER THE FACT THAT THEY ARE "EXEMPT" FROM ASSISTING ME WITH MY PROBLEMS. I FEEL SINCE I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE PROGRAM THAT THEY SHOULD BE MANDATED TO HELP ME. WHEN I WAS DRIVING I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERLY INJURED BECAUSE OF THEIR PRODUCT FAILURE THAT THEY KNEW OF AND COULD HAVE PREVENTED.*AK
Electrical system, Apr 15, 2004
THE IGNITION - THE KEY WON'T GO IN, OR GOES IN HARD, BUT WILL NOT TURN. I AM TOLD THAT IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION AND COMPUTERIZED KEY, AND THE WARRANTY WON'T COVER THE $800+ CHARGE. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THE KEY HAS BEEN STUCK IN THE INGITION.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2004, crash
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 70 MPH. DRIVER TRIED TO BRAKE BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CRASHED. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2004, fire
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO EXPOSED WIRES. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. PASSENGER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND DISCONNECTED THE FUEL BOX. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK
Power train, Apr 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 8, 2004
NHTSA RECAL 03V482000 CONCERNING STALLING. RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED ON FEBRUARY 17,2004. SINCE THEN, VEHICLE HAS STALLED FOUR TIMES. WHILE ACCELERATING VEHICLE HESITATED, AND THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO CHARGED THE CONSUMER TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST.*AK *MR
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2004
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE KEY WILL GO INTO THE IGNITION (AND THE DINGING SOUND STARTS), BUT THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 3, 2004
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 HAS STALLED AROUND TURNS AND WHEN IT GETS BELOW 1/3 TANK CONSISTENTLY SINCE I GOT IT, AND IN MID MARCH IT COMPLETELY STALLED OUT AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TOOK NEARLY 20 MINUTES TO RESTART. I JUST VISITED FORDS WEB SITE TO FIND OUT ANY RECALL INFORMATION AND IT CAME UP WITH NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM, OR ANY OTHER PROBLEM. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Apr 1, 2004
VEHICLE WAS SURGING AT A STEADY SPEED OF 53-63 MPH. *PH *SC *JB
Service brakes, Air, Apr 1, 2004
IN DEC,OF 2003 I HAD CAUSE TO GO TO FORD AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE BRAKES ON MY CAR,THIS WAS THE 4TH TIME I HAD COMPLAINED TO THEM. AT THIS TIME THEY SAID THE FRONT BRAKES WERE WORN TO 0.I WAS INTO FORD JUST 2 MONTHS BEFORE FOR THE SAME THING AND NOTHING WAS SAID AT THE TIME,NOW THEY DECIDED THAT WE WERE GOING TO PAY FOR THE WHOLE THING ROTORS INCLUDED I WAS SHOCKED BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT THE CHEAP BRAKES THAT FORD PUTS ON ONLY LAST FOR LESS THEN 12,000 MILES WE PAID TO HAVE THEM REPLACED BECAUSE FORD GAVE US NO CHOICE,NOW WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BACK BRAKES MAKING A LOUD SQUILING NOISE I AM SO UNHAPPY THAT THEY CHOOSE TO DO NOTHING.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 29, 2004
2001 FORD FOCUS 34500MILES; AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY DROPS OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPPEDS AND UNDER LOAD . ALSO BRAKES AND ROTOR SHOT AT 345OO MILES. FORD CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL. CANNOT BELIEVE IT.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 23, 2004
VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED DUE TO A CONTAMINATED FUEL TANK. *PH THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, AND AFTER READING THE NOTICE SHE REALIZED THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. *JB
Structure, Electrical system, Mar 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING FROM A PARKING LOT DOORS LOCKED. DOORS WERE INOPERATIVE, EXCEPT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALSO, HORN STARTED TO BLOW AND THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 19, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TUMBLER FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION MODULE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2004
WHEN DRIVING THERE IS A HESITATION. CONSUMER FEELS THAT ENGINE MAY SHUT OFF. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 12, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE FOR THE FUEL PUMP. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND LEFT IT THERE FOR 2 DAYS. WHEN CONSUMER PICKED UP THE VEHICLE HE FOUND THAT DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE PARTS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALSO, CONSUMER DID NOT THINK THAT MECHANIC ACTUALLY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AFTER DOING RECALL REPAIRS. HE STATED THAT THE RECALL CALLED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP WITH FULLER. VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING THE SAME THING, HESITATING AND STALLING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A PINGING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SEVERAL MOMENTS LATER CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE ENGINE DIED. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE HAD THROWN A ROD THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 12, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD FOCUS IN JAN/2001. AFTER 16000 MILES MY ROTORS CRACKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH OTHER BRAKE PARTS THIS REPAIR WAS DONE ON 10/15/02 AND WAS COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. AFTER 30000 MILES I BEGAN TO HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE WHENEVER I APPLIED THE BRAKES. AT 30528 MILES, ON 03/05/04, I WAS INFORMED BY THE OASIS FORD DEALERSHIP (OLD BRIDGE, NJ) TECHNICIAN THAT MY ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH OTHER BRAKE PARTS AND BECAUSE THIS WAS A WEAR PROBLEM, IT WAS NOT COVERED BY MY VERY EXPENSIVE WARRANTY. I TOLD HIM THAT THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED ONLY 14000 MILES AGO. HE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ROTORS PROVIDED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. HE SAID THEY WERE TOO THIN AND COULD NOT BE MACHINED BECAUSE THAT WOULD REDUCE THEM BELOW "SPECS". THIS REPAIR WOULD COST ME $360.00 NOW AND, PRESUMABLY, ANY FUTURE BRAKE REPAIR. THE ROTORS APPEAR TO BE OF INFERIOR QUALITY AND PERHAPS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. I AM AVAILABLE FOR ANY FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. REGARDS, ED BARRY. *AK