2001 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,790 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 173 involved a crash and 49 involved a fire. 136 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentFeb 24, 2012
RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.
IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.
Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V482000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkagesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 29, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.
THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Campaign 01I017000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 01V258000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerMar 28, 2001
PM CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING AN IN-PROCESS TEST AND THE OCCUPANT MAY NOTICE A CHUCKING, OR PERCEIVED LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK, OR THE SEAT BACK COULD UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE.
IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 01V108000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerDec 14, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.
IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
Campaign 00V418000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,790 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2003
WE PURCHASED OUR 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IN OCTOBER OF 2001. DURING THE FIRST YEAR WE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDED THE BRAKES GRABBING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, SQUEALING AND NOISE ISSUES, AND LOW PERFORMANCE BRAKING. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP FINDS AND REPAIRS THE PROBLEM EVERY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE. THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS THAT ON MAY 13TH 2003 THE BRAKES TEMPORARILY FAILED TO ENGAGE MAKING THE VEHICLE UN-SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AND I AM WAITING FOR A RESOLUTION. I WANTED TO RELAY A MESSAGE TO THE NHTSA NOW DUE TO THE FACT THAT SEVERAL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND SOMETHING OTHER THAN A REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AT AN EARLIER TIME. *JB
Electrical system, May 12, 2003
DIFFICULTY TURNING KEY IN IGNITION (ILC). *NLM
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED/STALLED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM SENSOR. *AK *JB
Structure, May 2, 2003
FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR FILLS WITH WATER WHEN IT RAINS. *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 2, 2003
2001 FORD FOCUS - STALLS IN CORNERS AND GOING UPHILL- JUST LOOSES POWER AND DIES. SOUNDS LIKE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM THAT MANY OTHER FOCUS OWNERS HAVE HAD. *NLM
Electrical system, Equipment, Apr 30, 2003
MY CAR HAS A ELETRICAL OR COMPUTER PROBLEM WHICH AL PACKER FORD CANNOT SEEM TO FIX. I,VE HAD TWO RECALLS THEY HAD TO TAKE CARE OF SO FAR .WHEN I PURCHASE MY CAR I BROUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I THOUGHT TOOK CARE OF EVERYTHING INCLUDING A LOANER CAR WHICH THEY NERVER EVEN OFFERED FOR MY INCONVINECE
Suspension, Apr 29, 2003
THE FRONT WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT IN THE ARM CONTROL. *NLM.
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2003
THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLES REAR WIRING HARNESS FAILED. *NLM
Suspension, Air bags, Tires, Apr 24, 2003, crash
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR SINCE I HAVE HAD IT. THE REAR END MAKES LOUD NOISE, I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES, AND THEY ALWAYS TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG. IT MAKES A ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR END, AND SOMETHING IS SCRAPPING ON THE TIRE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. IN JULY, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 3 KIDS, AND THE TIRE ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE JUST WENT TO PIECES. WE WERE IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. WE WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO THE WOODS WHERE THE TREES STOPPED OUR ACCELERATION. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT COME OUT. I WAS SO THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE, AND MY KIDS ALSO. WE SUSTAINED ABOUT 8000 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED, AND NOW THE SAME TIRE THAT BLEW OUT, AND WAS REPLACED BY THE REPAIRMAN IS WORN AGAIN. I AM AFRAID EVERYTIME I DRIVE. I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER CAR, AND NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE IT AS A TRADE-IN BECAUSE OF THE BOTCHED DEAL UPON PURCHASE OF THIS CAR. THIS IS THE CAR FROM "HECK". NOW MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, AND THE ROARING NOISE IN THE REAR IS GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER. I HAVE HAD THE MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE WITH THIS CAR. IT IS A LEMON ON WHEELS, AND THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG. I HAVE HAD A CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER FOCUS OWNER, AND SHE HAS DESCRIBED SOME OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALSO HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SPEAK OF ALL THE FOCUS' THEY SEE AS TROUBLE. PLEASE HELP. *NLM
Visibility, Apr 21, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. *NLM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 20, 2003
VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO WARNING AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, IT SEEMED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT PUMPING BECAUSE GAS SEEMED TO NOT GET TO THE RIGHT PLACE. I WAS ALSO DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON ACCELERATOR AND THE GAUGE WENT DOWN. IT ALSO HAPPENED AT A LOWER SPEED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS WHICH IS STALLING IN TRAFFIC. THE MOTOR ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVING, MAKING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT HARD WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE DROPS SPEED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY INDICATIONS. VEHICLE STALLS IF THE AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS 75 DEGREES OR MORE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH THE CAR THREE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR MAY, 2002. AND TO DATE, APRIL 19, 2003, IT CONTINUES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE DASH LIGHTS BLINKING WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL IN TRAFFIC WHEN TEMPERATURES ABOVE 75 DEGREES. DURING THE WINTER MONTHS THE CAR DID NOT HAVE STALLING PROBLEM, ONLY THE LIGHTS BLINKING. SINCE THE WEATHER IS GETTING WARMER, THE VEHICLE IS STALLING WITH THE ABOVE PROBLEMS AGAIN. *JB
Air bags, Apr 18, 2003
THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A VERY LOW SPEED AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NLM
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2003
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS ZTS. WITH A 1/2 TANK OF FUEL OR LESS, MY CAR STALLS IN MID ACCELERATION, WHILE GOING AROUND CURVES, DUE TO WHAT FEELS LIKE LACK OF FUEL. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE ONCE THE CURVE IS PASSED, I DO NOT IMMEDIATELY GET FUEL BACK TO THE ENGINE. I HAVE AVOIDED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS, BUT IT'S GETTING WORSE. IT ORIGINALLY STARTED WITH A 1/4 TANK OR LESS. NOW IT'S A 1/2 TANK OR LESS. IT'S STARTING TO WORRY ME. THIS HAPPENS AT NORMAL DRIVING SPEEDS AND IS MUCH WORSE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC FROM AN OFF-RAMP. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 16, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DECELERATING TO A STOP. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2003
CAR STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. *NLM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 14, 2003
STARTING AT ABOUT 39,000 MILES (OCTOBER, 2002), WHENEVER MY CAR HAD A QUARTER TANK OR LESS OF GAS, THE CAR WOULD START CHOKING AND FEEL LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. IF I STOPPED AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES, IT WOULD BE OK FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS CONTINUED AFTER I HAD THE FUEL FILTER REPLACED, AND A MECHANIC COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED AT MANY SPEEDS, BUT MOST OFTEN WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. TODAY, AT 49,000 MILES, I HAVE MORE THAN HALF A TANK OF GAS, GOING ABOUT 35 MPH, AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 13, 2003
MY FORD FOCUS HAS BEEN HAVING ABHORRED BRAKE WEAR. I HAVE PUT 50,000 MILE ON IT AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND PADS 3 TIMES. I KNOW OF CARS GOING 80000 WITH NO PROBLEM. THERE HAS GOT TO BE SOMETHING WRONG I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. *NLM
Power train, Apr 11, 2003, crash
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE LEFT AXLE SNAPPED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Seats, Equipment, Apr 9, 2003
THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FOUND WORN ON THE INSIDE ALONG WITH AN EXPOSED WIRE. (THESE TWO TIRES WERE NOT OF THE SAME MANUFACTURER) OTHER PROBLEM WERE AS FOLLOWED: THE BUTTON ON THE CASSETTE PLAYER HAD BROKEN, THE ADJUSTER BUTTON FOR THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD POPPED OFF, WHILE DRIVING THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED IN/OUT OF OVER DRIVE (TRANSMISSION PROBLEM-PER MECHANIC), THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, THERE WERE NO FUSES IN THE WIRES UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT, TRUNK LOCK POPPED OFF, A/C BUTTON LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON WHEN THE HEAT WAS ON, THE BRAKES SQUEALED(SINCE PURCHASE), THERE WAS A BLIND SPOT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, AND WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SEE OTHER VEHICLE'S DUE TO THE SEATS BEING TOO HIGH. MR SCC *JB
Steering, Apr 9, 2003
FOCUS ZX3 HAS 20,000 MILES, STEERING COLUMN LOCKED, ENTIRE IGNITION LOCKED, COULDN'T TURN KEY, HAD TO BE TOWED AND TOOK A DAY TO REPAIR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. *JB
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2003, crash
AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT I MUST HAVE BOTH HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND THE FRONT BUMPER REPLACED ON MY 2001 FOCUS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY INSISTS THAT IT WILL ONLY PAY FOR AFTER MARKET PARTS, NOT OEM PARTS. FURTHER, THEY TELL ME THE AFTER MARKET PARTS CARRY NO CERTIFICATION THAT THEY ARE EQUAL TO THE OEM PARTS. I WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE USING PARTS THAT ARE SAFETY RELATED THAT CANNOT BE CERTIFIED TO BE OF THE SAME KIND AND TYPE AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. DOES NHTSA HAVE A POSITION OF THE USE OF NON-OEM SAFETY PARTS IN THE REPAIR OF AN AUTOMOBILE? *JB
Steering, Suspension, Apr 8, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE HIT A DITCH IN THE ROAD AND FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED COMPLETELY. *JB.................*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Apr 3, 2003
I PURCHASED A NEW FORD FOCUS IN JULY OF 2001. MY WIFE USES THE CAR TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 18 MONTHS AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE LAIRD NOLLER DEALERSHIP IN LAWRENCE FOR THE 30,000 CHECK UP WITH 33,000 MILES ON THE CAR. AFTER SPENDING $300 FOR THE CHECK UP, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH TWO MECHANICS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE ROTORS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED ON A CAR THAT IS DRIVEN PRIMARILY ON THE HIGHWAY SINCE THERE IS NOT A LOT OF STOP AND GO DRIVING. THERE A DOZENS OF LISTINGS ON THE INTERT AND THE NHTSA WEBSITE OF THE SAME COMPLAINT ON THEIR FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT FORD PUTS THIN ROTORS ON THE FOCUS TO BEGIN WITH SO THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACED VERY EARLY. I WAS ALSO LEARNED FROM AN EMPLOYEE AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE PERSON THAT PERFORMED THE SERVICE ON OUR FOCUS HAS HAD TROUBLE MEETING HIS QUOTA OF UPSELLING REPAIRS ON CARS THAT COME IN FOR THEIR CHECK UP. AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WAS SHAKING AND THE FRONT TIRES WERE MAKING NOISES. WHEN WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN IT WAS FINE , AFTER WE PICKED IT UP IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE. WE CALLED BACK UP TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD TO DRIVE IT FOR A FEW DAYS AND IT SHOULD BE FINE. AFTER WAITING THE TWO DAYS, THE BRAKE PADS BEGAN TO GRIND INTO THE ROTORS AND THE CAR DID NOT DRIVE WELL AT ALL. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH FORD AND WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME AND THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. FORD KNOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ROTARS THEY ARE USING ON THE FOCUS, BUT IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I AM WORRIED THAT ARE NOT OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR THAT MAY MAKE IT UNSAFE. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THEM AROUND IN THE CAR. I BELIEVE THAT WITH THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN, FORD SHOULD BE TOLD TO INITIATE A RECALL ON THE ROTARS.