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.
Power train, Apr 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCLERATE BEFORE STALLING WITHOUT WARING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT REPAIR THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 30, 2012
THE CONTACT HEARD METAL SCRAPING THE GROUND AND THEN PLASTIC BEING DRAGGED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SHE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THE FUEL TANK ON THE GROUND. SHE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO GET PERMISSION FOR TRIPLE A TO TOW THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE ARM IN PLACE ON THE FUEL TANK HAD NO THREAD REMAINING. *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 15, 2012
FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT ONLY 65297 . FUEL SYSTEM HAS NO SIGN OF FOREIGN MATTER IN TANK. CAR WAS RUNNING FINE BEFORE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. COST TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP AND LABOR COST OF DROPPING EXHAUST SYSTEM AND PROTECTIVE METAL SHIELD TO GAIN ACCESS TO FUEL TANK . FUEL TANK MUST BE REMOVED TO REPAIR. NO ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON PRIOR TO CAR NOT STARTING WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY. THIS IS A OUTRAGEOUS REPAIR FOR A CAR WITH SUCH GOOD MAINTENANCE . I REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION INTO DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL CAR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 9, 2012
2001 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER MOTHER HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE RECALL. HOWEVER, IN FEB 2011, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A DEAD STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION, BECAUSE IT COULDN'T BE RESTARTED. THE PROBLEM WAS SOON DIAGNOSED AS A FUEL PUMP FAILURE AND SUBSEQUENTLY IT WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER'S MOTHER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD SHE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT. BUT, SOON AFTER THE STATEMENT WAS RETRACTED. FORD STATED THE REPLACEMENT COVERAGE WAS FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE ON THE VEHICLE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 21, 2012
CAR BEGAN TO HESITATE AND STALL. MULTIPLE START FAILURES. DEALER REPEATEDLY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT WAS UNDER RECALL FOR EXACT ISSUE (CSP 03M01). THIS ISSUE STARTED IN JANUARY OF 2009. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS A VAPOR MANAGEMENT VACUUM LEAK AND "REPAIRED". ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. FUEL FILTER REPLACED AGAIN IN MARCH OF 2009. ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. IN MAY OF 2009 DEALER DID MULTI-POINT INSPECTION FOUND NO CAUSE FOR PROBLEM. ISSUE NOT RESOLVED. NOVEMBER OF 2009 BACK AT DEALER FOR INSPECTION STILL NO CAUSE FOUND. APRIL 2010 CAR BACK TO DEALER HAD COMPUTER TESTED STILL NO CAUSE FOUND. IT'S SHOCKING TO ME THAT THIS CAR HAD A CSP ON IT FOR THE VERY ISSUE I WAS HAVING...AND IT WAS NEVER RESOLVED. NOW THE CAR IS OUT OF FORDS 10 YEAR RECALL AND THEY WON'T FIX THE KNOW DEFECT. SEEMS LIKE FORD AND THE DEALER DELAYED REPAIR UNTIL AFTER RECALL COVERAGE! *TR
Suspension, Feb 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND A CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING ALSO FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STEER TO THE LEFT ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE PRIVATE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT SPRING FROM THE STRUTS HAD DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,099.
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND OTHER GAUGES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE ALSO WOULD NOT DISPLAY AN ACCURATE READING. IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION FOR A BRIEF PERIOD AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. THE SIMILAR FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 03/14/12*LJ UPDATED 03/19/12
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 25, 2012
WHEN EXITING A CORNER OR BANKED TURN AT ANY SPEED, THE CAR WILL SPUTTER AND THEN SHUT OFF WHEN GAS LEVELS APPROACH 1/4 TANK. THE CAR WILL EITHER COAST AND THEN REGAIN POWER OR COMPLETELY DIE AND COME TO A STOP. AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO THE OCCUPANTS AND PASSING TRAFFIC. THE CAR WILL ALSO SPUTTER DURING BURSTS OF QUICK ACCELERATION. *TR
Seat belts, Jan 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,500.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 6, 2011
GOING UPHILL ON FREEWAY, THE CAR STARTED LURCHING. THE LURCHING WAS INTERMITTENT AS IT WOULD RUN SMOOTH AGAIN AND STARTED LURCHING. I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER GOING UPHILL UNTIL I WENT DOWN TO 3RD AND SECOND GEAR. I HAD THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, AND FUEL PUMP RELAY REPLACED. THE SYMPTOMS ARE VERY SIMILAR TO RECALL NUMBER #03V482000(2001 FORD FOCUS FUEL SYSTEM RECALL). I CALLED FORD ABOUT THIS RECALL, THEY LOOKED UP MY VIN NUMBER AND SAID TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 25, 2011, crash
ON MAY 9, 2011 MY CAR WENT FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO BILL WILCOX'S CHARLON FORD AGENCY OF RIDGECREST, CA. AFTER $1725 REPAIRS, I EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN MILEAGE, DROPPING FROM 30-31MPG TO 25-26 MPG, A 17 TO 18 % DROP. THAT BEGAN IMMEDIATELY, WITH THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF GAS - IN VISALIA; AND, IT WAS LATER CONFIRMED WAS CAUSED BY THE IMPROPER USE OF A TORCH ON A SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO ROB HOLBROOK'S AUTO CREW IN CLEARFIELD, UTAH, CHECKED FOR UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE AND EVIDENCE THAT CHARLON FORD'S REPAIRS CAUSED THE PROBLEMS. HE IS A LICENSED SAFETY INSPECTOR FOR THE STATE OF UTAH. WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO THAT MAIN CROSS MEMBER, WHERE THE ATTACHMENT FOR THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT IS AFFIXED TO THAT PORTION OF THE SUB FRAME, WAS CONFIRMED. THE SUB FRAME WAS QUITE DISTORTED, BOWED IN AND OUT, AND EXHIBITED EVIDENCE THAT THE MOUNT HAD BEEN REMOVED BY USE OF A TORCH SO THE REAR DOG BONE MOTOR MOUNT COULD BE REPLACED. DEFORMATION OF THAT CROSS MEMBER AND RESULTANT CHANGES TO THE SUSPENSION WERE THE REASONS FOR LOW MPG AND TIRE WEAR BECAUSE OF IMPROPER CAMBER. BILL WILCOX, STATED TO CALIFORNIA BAR THAT TOE-IN WAS ONLY ADJUSTED WHILE THE CAMBER WAS OVERLOOKED OR COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. BUT, THE USE OF A TORCH TO THIS UNIT IS NOT CALLED FOR - UNLESS IT IS TO REPLACE THAT UNIT. LEAVING THE SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IN THAT CONDITION, LEADS TO A STRESS POINT THAT COULD LEAD TO CRACKING AND TEARING, AND COULD PREMATURELY CAUSE RUSTING WHICH WEAKEN THOSE ATTACHMENTS TO THE SUSPENSION. IF REPAIRS ARE MADE IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT IT AND SURROUNDING STRUCTURES BE RETURNED TO PROPER DIMENSIONS. BUT PROBLEMS ARISE WHEN IMPROPER HEAT AFFECTS STRENGTH AND CREATES PERMANENT SOFTNESS AND INCREASING BRITTLENESS. THE CROSS MEMBER HAD TO BE REPLACED AND A NEW ALIGNMENT PERFORMED - AT A COST OF $851.74. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2011
ENGINE SUDDENLY HAD NO OIL IN IT. IN TURN, THE ENGINE IS NOW BLOWN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Visibility, Oct 30, 2011
MY MAIN COMPLAINTS ARE THE POWER WINDOWS, AIR CONDITIONING, FUEL SYSTEM ISSUE 3 OF THE 4 POWER WINDOW MECHANISM IN MY CAR HAVE BROKEN AND TWO ARE WEDGED UP, WHICH WASN'T A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN TO ME BECAUSE I RARELY HAVE PEOPLE IN THE REAR SEATS. NOW, I HAVE TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD FIX MY DRIVER WINDOW OR WEDGE IT. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME BECAUSE IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND CANNOT OPEN MY WINDOW THEN I MIGHT MAKE IT OUT ALIVE. MY A/C IS BROKEN AS WELL SO IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, I NEED TO CHOOSE TO EITHER FIX MY A/C OR FIX MY POWER WINDOW SO THAT I CAN HAVE VENTILATION. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET AN ISSUE FIXED WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM AS IT SOMETIMES LURCHES IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. IT HASN'T STALLED ON ME YET IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION LIKE IT HAS FOR SOME PEOPLE, BUT I AM WORRIED IT WILL HAPPEN SOON. I AM HOPEFUL FORD WILL FIX MY WINDOW ISSUES AS THIS IS A DIRECT CAUSE OF CHEAP PARTS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2011
I'VE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD FOCUS AND DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE I'VE BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY COUNTLESS TIMES.THUS FAR I'VE REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE. TWICE I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. MY THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE AND HAS UNEXPECTED MOMENTS OF ACCELERATION AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE THROTTLE SENSOR. BOTH OF MY FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN AND WERE VERY CLOSE TO PUNCTURING MY TIRES. AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE TO NUMEROUS MECHANICS NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHY MY CAR SHAKES SO BADLY. I HAVE VERY POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WHICH IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. MY FAN HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND MY CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS OVERHEATING AS WELL. DURING THE COURSE OF ALL OF THESE CAR MALFUNCTIONS, I'VE BEEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND IN RISKY NEIGHBORHOODS AT NIGHT. THIS CAR HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 5, 2011
VEHICLE SURGES AND LACKS POWER OR ENGINE DIES. WHEN DOING ONLINE RESEARCH OF THESE SYMPTOMS. I FOUND A RECALL THAT IS EXPIRED FOR THE VEHICLE. (RECALL # 03V48200) I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED INDEFINITELY DO TO THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE IS RELIABLE OTHER THAN THAT AND CAN PROVIDE MANY MORE YEARS OF USE. ALSO, THESE ARE GENERALLY GOOD STARTER VEHICLE FOR YOUNG DRIVERS, AND COULD PROVE TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS, INCLUDING THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY IF THE VEHICLE LEAVES THEM STRANDED BESIDE THE ROAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 15, 2011
THIS VEHICLE HAS SUDDENLY DIED DOZENS OF TIMES SINCE APRIL OF 2011. IT DIES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON THE INTERSTATE, IT DIES WHEN BRAKING IN A PARKING AREA. THERE IS NO SPECIFIC SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE VEHICLE STARTS BACK UP AFTER TWO OR THREE TIMES WHILE GIVING IT GAS. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL OR LOW AND OUR VERY REPUTABLE MECHANIC CAN FIND NO CAUSE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS AND I HAVE SEEN WHERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED ONLINE AND I HOPE REPORTING THIS WILL SHOW A PATTERN WITH THESE VEHICLES. *KB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. HE THEN INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V482000 (FUEL DELIVERY MODULE) AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE. THE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,400. UPDATED 10/04/11 *BF UPDATED 10/05/11
Suspension, Aug 29, 2011
COIL SPRING ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE A METAL OBJECT FROM BROKEN SPRING JAMMED INTO THE FRONT TIRE. THE CAR IS OLD, BUT HAS BEEN KEPT INSIDE A GARAGE AND HAS LOW MILEAGE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2011
WHILE PASSING A CAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE ROAD, MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTINUED GOING DOWN TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN. I TAPPED THE BRAKES, CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY OBSTRUCTIONS BY THE PEDAL, TRIED EVERYTHING I COULD TO FREE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT NOTHING WORKED. BY THIS TIME THE CAR WAS TRAVELING IN EXCESS OF 80 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES WERE NOT SLOWING THE CAR DOWN AT ALL. FINALLY I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND WHILE THE ENGINE KEPT RACING AT FULL THROTTLE, I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY HUSBAND RETURNED TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND FOUND THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DISCONNECTED AND LODGED BETWEEN THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR, JAMMING THE THROTTLE AT FULL THROTTLE. FORTUNATELY THIS HAPPENED ABOUT TWO MILES FROM THE HOUSE. HE WAS ABLE TO RECONNECT THE CABLE AND DRIVE THE CAR HOME, BUT HE SAID THAT WHILE DRIVING BACK, THE THROTTLE WAS SLOW TO THROTTLE DOWN WHEN HE RELEASED THE PEDAL. ONCE BACK HOME HE FOUND THE CABLE HAD DISCONNECTED AGAIN. WE ARE GOING TO CONTACT FORD TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS FOR THE 2001. WE FOUND RECALLS ON THE 2000 MODEL BUT NONE ON THE 2001. WE ALSO FOUND ONE COMPLAINT THAT WAS DESCRIBED EXACTLY AS OURS WITH THE CABLE DISCONNECTING AND HANGING UP ON THE BRACKET. *TR
Air bags, Aug 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2011
I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I SPOKE A FRIEND ABOUT IT AND SHE STATED SHE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM SHE HAS A FORD FOCUS PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO IF IT WAS AN EMERGENCY I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LEAVE OR PULL OFF IN THE EVENT OF SOMETHING HAPPENING. *KB
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 10, 2011
THE LATCHES ON THREE OF THE DOORS EITHER DO NOT LATCH WHICH MAKES THE DOOR FLY OPEN OR IT LATCHES AND DOESN'T OPEN, AFTER INSPECTION THE LATCHES ARE SO CORRODED WITH RUST THAT THEY DO NOT WORK AT ALL. BEFORE I REALIZED THAT THE DOOR WASN'T LATCHING I HAD A PROPANE TANK FOR A GRILL IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN AND IT HIT THE DOOR AND THE DOOR FLEW OPEN AND THE TANK WENT FLYING DOWN THE STREET AND ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON THIS BUT MY VIN # ISN'T ON THE RECALL BUT SHOULD BE! I WAS QUOTED OVER $800 TO FIX THE DOORS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V030000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: DOORS: LATCH) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED AND THE RECALL HAD SINCE EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE BATTERY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY CABLES WERE HOT AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TOUCH THEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.