2001 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,790 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 173 involved a crash and 49 involved a fire. 136 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentFeb 24, 2012
RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.
IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.
Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V482000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkagesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 29, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.
THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Campaign 01I017000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 01V258000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerMar 28, 2001
PM CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING AN IN-PROCESS TEST AND THE OCCUPANT MAY NOTICE A CHUCKING, OR PERCEIVED LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK, OR THE SEAT BACK COULD UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE.
IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 01V108000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerDec 14, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.
IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
Campaign 00V418000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,790 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 2, 2003
VEHICLE HESITATED/LOST POWER. WHEN TURNING THERE WAS A LOUD CLUMPING SOUND.*AK
Tires, Dec 2, 2003, crash
FIRESTONE FIREHWAK GTA 02 TIRES THAT CAME WITH FORD FOCUS. AFTER READING REVIEWS ON THIS TIRE, I FEEL I'M NOT ALONE, I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REPLACE ALL MY TIRES WITH NEW TIRES, HELL I JUST GOT 2 NEW FRONT TIRES AND IF I READ REVIEWS BEFORE HAND I WOULD HAVE CHOSE A DIFFERENT COMPANY, WOW. PLEASE IS THERE ANYTHING FORD CAN DO TO REPLACE THESE TIRES, THEY HAVE NO TRACTION AT ALL IT SEEMS. I SLIDE OFF THE ROAD LAST MONTH GOING 2- MPH WITH 100 FEET BRAKING DISTANCE AND INTO SOME CONSTRUCTION ON A SLIGHTLY WET ROAD, I KNOW I'M A CAREFUL DRIVER, AND ALL THESE BAD REVIEWS GOD. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 29, 2003
AT 75 MPH IN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC, VEHICLE ENGINE MISSED THEN LOST POWER. ENGINE WOULD NOT RISE ABOVE 1000 RPM. NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISION IN MERGING OUT OF TRAFFIC. ENGINE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 1500 RPM, EVENTUALLY STALLED. AFTER 15 MINUTES, RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE STALLING AGAIN.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 29, 2003
I HAVE HAD MY CERTIFIED PREOWNED FORD FOCUS ZX3 FOR 10 MONTHS NOW. I HAVE RUN IT UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. I STARTED HAVING A A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND NOTICED A SLIGHT VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT FOR A WEEK, THINKING THAT IT MAY BE A HARD SPOT IN THE BRAK PAD. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP A WEEK LATER TO HAVE THEM INSPECT IT, WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER NEW CAR WARRANTY, AND THEY STATED THAT I NEEDED NEW PADS AND ROTORS, SERVICE CHARGE :$10. I CHECKED THEM MYSELF AND NOTICED THAT THE PADS WERE STILL AT 50%. I REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS. THE NOISE IS STILL PERSISTENT, BUT THE NOISE, ACCORDING TO FORD IS NORMAL. I WISH THERE WOULD BE AN INVESTIGATION BROUGHT FORWARD AND A RECALL FOR ALL FORD FOCUS TRIM LEVELS TO SERVICE BRAKE ISSUES, SUCH AS PREMATURE WEAR (STATES ON ORDFOCUSBRAKEPROBLEMS.COM).*AK
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT OFF. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AND DRIVE TO THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED THAT COMPUTER FAILED.*AK
Suspension, Nov 25, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH TIRES CUPPING, STEERING AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP, THAT THE CONTROL ARMS WERE TOO SHORT IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO TIP IN, WHEN THE TIRES TIPPED IN, IT CAUSED THE INNER EDGE TIRE TO WEAR AND THEN THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE ALSO PULLED TO THE RIGHT. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING. *JB *NM
Electrical system, Nov 23, 2003
I HAVE HAD MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH LOCK UP ON ME A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES IN THE FIRST 14 MONTHS I OWED MY FOCUS. IF YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM, LOOK AT THE TIP OF YOUR KEY -- IS IT BEING WORN DOWN AT THE TIP? THIS IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM -- FORD BASICALLY USED INFERIOR METAL WHEN DESIGNING THEIR KEYS FOR THE 2000-2001 FORD FOCUSES. THEY HAVE SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN LATER MODELS. AFTER HAVING MY IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED OR REBUILT THREE TIMES, FINALLY AFTER THE FOURTH TIME, THEY GAVE ME A NEW SET OF KEYS. BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE MY CURRENT "NEW" KEY GETS WORN DOWN ENOUGH TO LOCK UP THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN I INSERT IT. I AM IN THE MIDST OF PURSUING THE LEMON LAW ON MY CAR. I'VE ASKED FORD TO "REPURCHASE" MY CAR AND THEY HAVE COUNTERED MY OFFER TO "REPLACE" MY CAR WITH ANOTHER FOCUS -- FULLY ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE "IGNITION CYLINDER MALFUNCTION... WAS A KNOWN CONCERN IN 2001 MODELS, AND WAS UNFORTUNATELY UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED ON YOUR VEHICLE." THIS PROBLEM HAS THE POTENTIAL OF BEING RECALL-WORTHY (IN MY OPINION) BUT I HAVE NO IDEA OF HOW TO GET THAT PROCESS ROLLING! ALL I DO KNOW IS THAT ALL FOUR SEPARATE TOW TRUCK OPERATORS(WITHOUT BEING ASKED BY MYSELF) TOLD ME THAT THEY TOW 12-15 FORD FOCUSES A MONTH WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM! THAT'S RIDICULOUS! I WAS TOLD BY A KIND FORD SERVICE GUY THAT IF I EVER DO GET IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE MY IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP AND MY KEY WILL NOT TURN AND START MY CAR, THAT IF I LIGHTLY TAP THE END OF THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH SOMETHING HARD -- IT MAY WORK TO ALLOW IT TO TURN. SO IF YOU ARE IN A PICKLE, GIVE THIS A TRY. IF YOUR CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BE SURE TO KEEP A GOOD RECORD OF EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS TO YOU. THEN LOOK INTO THE LEMON LAW REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR STATE. *LA
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 20, 2003
2001 FORD FOCUS, HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP (THE CAR JUST DIED) WITH A LITTLE OVER 40,000 MILES ON CAR; TOLD AT THE TIME THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED AND WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE; WENT ON LINE AND DID A SEARCH FOR "PROBLEMS WITH FORD FOCUS"; FOUND SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS; HAD FUEL PUMP REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSE AT PACIFIC COAST FORD IN FEDERAL WAY, WA; ALSO, BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS SQUEAKED. *LA
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 20, 2003
FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT 22,000 MILES. DEALER REFUSED REFUND DUE ON EXTENDED FUEL SYSTEM WARRANTY STATING THAT THE WARRANTY COVERED THE FUEL TANK ONLY. *LA
Exterior lighting, Nov 19, 2003
TURN SIGNAL CAME ON AND OFF WHEN USED. DEALER WAS AWARE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT.*AK
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 13, 2003
WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE THE KEY DID NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN FOUR TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK
Fuel system, Other, Nov 13, 2003
WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC 2001 FORD FOCUS STALLED.*MR (NAR) DEFECTIVE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE. *CB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 13, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3. AROUND APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES I STARTED NOTICING THE ENGINE MISSING. SHORTLY AFTER WHEN THE GAS TANK WOULD BE 1/4 FULL AND BELOW THE CAR WOULD EXPERIENCE WHAT FELT LIKE FUEL STARVATION, FREQUENTLY IN COORDINATION WITH A SHARP TURN. THE CAR WOULD SPIT AND SPUTTER FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN IT WOULD CLEAR UP AND BE FINE. THIS USUALLY OCCURRED WHEN ACCELERATING ON AN INTERSTATE ON RAMP AND WAS (AND STILL IS) POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. THE SEVERITY AND FREQUENCY OF THE CAR STALLING GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE OVER A FEW MONTHS TIME. NOW THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000 MILES ON IT. ON NOVEMBER 9, 2003 WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WITH 1/2 TANK OF GAS THE CAR STARTED GOING THROUGH FUEL STARVATION. IT LAST A FEW SECONDS AND THEN CLEARED UP. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. BEFORE THE LAST INCIDENT, I THOUGHT THAT IF I MADE SURE THE GAS TANK WAS NOT LOW THE CAR WOULD BE OKAY. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS INCIDENT AFTER THE LAST INCIDENT. I SEARCHED THE NHTSA SITE AND FOCALJET. I SAW THAT MANY PEOPLE WERE SUFFERING THIS PROBLEM AND LEARNED WHAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS THE LINING OF THE GAS TANK COMING LOOSE AND KEEPING THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE FROM TAKING UP AS MUCH GAS AS THE CAR NEEDS TO KEEP RUNNING. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ON NOVEMBER 11, 2003. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE HAD HEARD OF THE PROBLEM, BUT HAD NEVER HAD A CUSTOMER THAT HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. I AM TAKING THE CAR IN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2003 TO GET REPAIRED. TO BE CLEAR, THE CAR HAS NOT TOTALLY STALLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. IT ACTS LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE AND THE RPMS GO DOWN. PUSHING IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DOES NOT MAKE THE RPMS GO UP. THE CAR RUNS VERY ROUGH FOR SEVERAL SECONDS (SPITTING AND SPUTTERING IS HOW I DESCRIBE IT) AND THEN CLEARS OUT. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE NOT TO STALL. CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, AND THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. *PH
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2003
WHEN I DRIVING MORE THAN 40 MILES CONTINUALLY THE ENGINE STALLS, I HAVE TO WAIT AND MAKE SEVERAL TRIES TO RESTART IT AGAIN, SOME TIMES WHILE I IN THE HIGHWAY ITS MAKE ME LOSE THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOST OF ACCELERATION.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Nov 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. ALSO, VEHICLE FAILED TO START. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN KEY IN IGNITION, IT WAS STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2003, crash
DUE TO A BRAKE BOOSTER DEFECT CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE POLICE DID ARRIVE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS ISSUED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 29, 2003
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 29, 2003
2001 FORD FOCUS SERIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS. I BOUGHT A NEW 2001 FORD FOCUS SE IN MAY 2001. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE. FORD REPLACED "CRACKED BRAKE SHOES" ON THE CAR AND SAID IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ITS NOW OCTOBER 2003, MY AIR CONDITIONING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. ALSO MY CAR WAS AGAIN MAKING LITTLE SQUEAKING NOISES WHEN BRAKING. SO, I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT AT 22,000 MILES MY CAR BRAKES WERE TOTALLY SHOT, THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, I NEEDED ALL NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS IMMEDIATELY, AND THAT I SHOULD NOT DRIVE ANYWHERE. THERE ARE SEVERAL WEBSITES ALL WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHER FORD FOCUS OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. SOME BRAKES ARE TOTALLY FAILING ON CARS! WWW.FORDFOCUSBRAKEPROBLEMS.COM FOR ONE WITH LINKS TO SEVERAL OTHERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FAST! THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME!*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 27, 2003
THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS LOCKED IN PLACE AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE LOCKED. ALSO, EXHAUST SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES BECAUSE IT DID NOT REGISTER PROPERLY. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 23, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES TO START AGAIN. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 22, 2003
WHILE DRIVING A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN ,AND THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2003
ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED VARIOUS COMPUTER COMPONENTS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 21, 2003
AT ANY SPEED WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED A GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, CAUSE OF FAILURE UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 21, 2003
ON 11-12-2001 I PURCHASED A NEW FORD FOCUS AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. ON 5-13-03, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CAR HAD ONLY 18411 MILES ON IT AND WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, THEY SAID THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE SHOT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I COMPLAINED THAT NO VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS SHOULD FAIL THAT EARLY AT THAT LOW MILEAGE BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ASSIST ME IN ANY WAY, INSTEAD CHARGING ME $469.57. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MISUSED AND WAS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS BY MATURE DRIVERS. THIS YEAR/MODEL FORD FOCUS WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY AND I HAVE READ OF NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN FORD BUILT THE CAR AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. *LA