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, Jun 10, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2002
CAR HAS STALLED OUT ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. DEALER(S) COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. CAR STILL SPUTTERS FREQUENTLY. MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED TO PROBLEM EXPERIENCED WITH TRANSMISSION OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WHEN "CHECK TRANSMISSION" LIGHT CAME ON; THAT WAS FIXED BY DEALER. LAST INCIDENT WAS FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2002 WHEN CAR STALLED OUT.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2002
VEHICLE FIRST STARTED TO "CHUG" FOR SEVERAL DAYS OF DRIVING AND FINALLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ABOUT A WEEK LATER.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2002
VEHICLE WILL EITHER STALL OR COME CLOSE, FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 700RPM AND 230RPM. HAS HAPPENED IN THIS MANNER SINCE PURCHASE AND HAVE HAD IT TO DEALER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE CONCERN OR FIX IT. MY VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANS AND INSTALLING AFTERMARKET INTAKE AND PCM PROGRAMING HAVE HAD NO EFFECT ON MY CONCERN. I AM A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZATION CALLED FOCALJET AND HAVE HEARD CONCERN FROM APPROXIMATELY 80-90 PERCENT OF OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE MOST WERE EQUIPED WITH MANUALS BUT NOT ALL.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2002
THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAR ALWAYS SHAKES WHEN ITS IN PARK OR AT A STOP LIGHT AND IT STALLED 2 TIME. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND STILL CANT FIND THE PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2002
THREE TIMES I HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE STICK EVEN THOUGH I HAVE LET OFF THE GAS. ONCE WHEN I HAD LESS THAN 5,000 AND AGAIN AT THE END OF LAST YEAR. ONCE WHEN I PARKED THE CAR AND ONCE WHILE I WAS STOPPING AT A LIGHT. BOTH TIMES I HAD TO SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE AND RE-START IT TO CURE THE FAILURE. I DID NOT REPORT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT IT DID IT AGAIN LAST WEEK WHILE I WAS DRIVING.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2002
VEHICLE STALLED 4 TIMES, ALWAYS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A STOP. DEALER CANNOT FIND CAUSE.*AK
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 7, 2002, crash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PERFORM PROPERLY. YH
Suspension, Jun 7, 2002
WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MPH EXTREME VIBRATIONS OCCURS WITHIN STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTSDOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY CAUSE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2002
CAR SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY, NO WARNING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, THE CAR TOOK A WHILE TO RESTART, RADIO WOULDNT COME BACK ON. DEALERSHIP REPLACED RADIO. AFTER NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE DEALERSHIP, SERVICE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP, AS REQUESTED BY FORD MOTOR CO, ASK SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AS TO HELP ISOLATE WHY IT WAS HAPPENING. I WAS ASKED IF I NOTICE THE LIGHTS DIM PRIOR TO CAR SHUTTING DOWN. I REPLIED, I DONT RECALL IF THE LIGHTS DIMMED BECAUSE I WAS MORE THINKING ABOUT IT IS DARK, I HAVE A BLACK CAR, NO LIGHTS, NO POWER & A SEMI COMING UP BEHIND ME, ON I40. MY THOUGHTS WERE OF NOT GETTING KILLED AT THAT MOMENT. THE CAR STARTED BACK UP, HOWEVER THE RADIO AGAIN DIDNT COME ON INCLUDING THE CLOCK. THE LAST TIME IT WAS BROUGHT IN AFTER IT SHUT DOWN, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE RADIO AND CLOCK NOT WORKING. IT WAS KEPT FOR ONE WEEK AND I WAS ADVISED THE RADIO WORKS, IT MERELY HAS A LOOSE FACE PLATEON THE RADIO & YOU HAVE TO KEEP" HITTING THE CONTROL TO GET IT ON. I KNOW FIRST HAND THE RADIO SHUTTING DOWN IS A RESULTING OF COMPLETE POWER LOSE (INCLUDING THE CLOCK). I DONT THINK A LOSE FACE PLATE ON THE RADIO WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. FROM WHAT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS, AFTER CONSULTING FORD , THEY HAVE REPLACED ANYTHING THE CAN BE REPLACED. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS CAR MANY TIMES. THE DEALER HAS LESS REPAIR INVOICES BECAUSE THEY HAVE COMBINED MULTIPLE REPORTS INTO ONE. IF YOU COUNT THE DEALERSHIP RECORDS OF HOW MANY TIMES, IT IS ALARMING. I PURCHASED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A SAFE CAR. 99%OF MY DRIVING IN ON THE INTERSTATE. I FEAR DRIVING THIS CAR AND DONT WANT TO PROVE IT IS UNSAFE BY MY DEATH. OTHER PROBLEMS W/CAR: TRACTION CONTROL FUEL GAUGE. ENGINE SURGES AT IDLE KEY SOMETIMES WILL NOT GO IN AND TURN, SOMETIMES THE KEY WILL BE STUCK AND YOU HAVE TO KEEP TRYING IT TO GET IT OUT. CAR LOCKS ITSELF AFTER YOU EXIT. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2002
CAR STALLED WHILE ON HIGHWAY ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. ALSO WAS GETTING POOR GAS MILEAGE. BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE PROBLEM SOLVED AFTER SECOND SERVICE.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2002
I WAS WATCHING THE NEWS LAST NIGHT AND HEARD A STORY THAT THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS THAT THE FORD FOCUS ENGINE CAN STALL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS WHAT HAPPEN TO MY CAR FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. BUT, WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW STARTER. THIS WAS STRANGE TO ME BEING THE FACT THE CAR WAS NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD. AFTER SEEING THIS REPORT I KNOW UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSE BY DEBRIS ACCUMULATING IN THE GAS TANK, BLOCKING FUEL FROM BEING DELIVERED TO THE ENGINE. AFTER THE NEW STARTER WAS INSTALLED I'M STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. FOR EXAMPLE AT TIME IT SEEM LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL OR IT FEELS LIKE ITS DRAGGING.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Jun 6, 2002
I HAVE REPORTED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS TO YOU WITH THIS LEMON. THE DEALER WAS TOLD WHEN THE CAR HAD 5000 MILES, THAT THERE WAS A BRAKE PROBLEM. SEVERAL EXPERTS HAVE NOTED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY CALIPER CAUSIING THE BRAKES TO FAIL AND THE TIRES TO CONTINUALLY BLOW OUT, RESULTING IN NUMEROUS ROADSIDE EMERGENCIES. THE DEALER HAS REUSED TO EITHER REPAIR, OR REPLACE THE CAR FROM THE BEGINNING STATING THEY WILL NOT LOSE MONEY AND THAT THE SAME THING HAS NOT OCCURRED OFTEN ENOUGH. THE CAR IS INOPERABLE SINCE THE DEFECTIVE CALIPER, THE ROTORS, AND THE SHOES ARE ALL SEVERELY WORN. THE REPAIR SHOPS STATE THAT THE CAR IS TOO NEW TO GET THE PARTS AND THAT ONLY FORDD CAN GET THE PARTS. THEY WANT ME TO PAY $200 MINIMUM FOR EACH ITEM OF AT LEAST FOUR, SAYING THEY WILL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN STATING SINCE MY COMPLAINTS BEGAN. I HAVE REPORTED THESE FACTS TO YOU BEFORE, NUMEROUS TIMES, AS WELL AS BY TELEPHONE. I HAVE GOTTEN NO RESULTS. I AM DISABLED AND HAVE SPENT THE LAST WEEK HOME ALONE WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO GET MY MEDICAL CARE, AND OTHER NEEDS. THIS CANNOT GO ON.*AK
Air bags, Jun 6, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR FRONT-END COLLISION. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AS EXPECTED, HOWEVER SOMETHING IN THE PROCESS CAUGHT THE SLEEVE OF DRIVER'S JACKET ON FIRE. DRIVER RECEIVED SEVERE BURNS. THERE WAS AN AREA THE SIZE OF THE HOLE IN THE JACKET WHERE THE MATERIAL HAD MELTED TO THE AIR BAG. CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE PROPELLANT USED TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG CAUSED THE FIRE. CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAGS CAN DEPLOY AT TEMPERATURES OF 500 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. HOWEVER NO SUCCESS IN CONTACTING MANUFACTURER CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. *TT *YD *NM
Suspension, Jun 3, 2002
WHILE DRIVING FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL MAKES A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. ALSO, STEERING WHEEL SHAKES ERRATICALLY. THERE IS ALSO A BURNING SMELL WHICH IS VERY HARSH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE JUST STALLED OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING.*AK THE VEHICLE STALLED AS IF IT HAD RUN OUT OF GASOLINE WITH AN ALMOST FULL TANK. AFTER LETTING THE ENGINE SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART.THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN A FEW DAYS AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM 15 TO 65 MPH, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *JG
Fuel system, Gasoline, Air bags, May 31, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 5MPH A FRONTAL COLLISION OCCURRED. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS VOILENTLY DEPLOYED CAUSING MAJOR INJURIES TO DRIVER, THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.*AK VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE. FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED. *JG *NLM
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, May 30, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHEN DRIVING IF VEHICLE HITS A BUMP THE REAR END OF VEHICLE GOES FROM SIDE TO SIDE LIKE ITS LOOSING TRACTION OF THE ROAD. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. JBCONSUMER FURTHER STATES THE VEHICLE USED TO GIVE THEM 300 MILES WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL TO EMPTY. NOW THE VEHICLE GIVES THEM 180 MILES. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS TROUBLE CHANGING GEARS AND HAS BEEN STALLING. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. *JG
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, May 30, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING MECHANISM IS GETTING LOOSER THE MORE CONSUMER DRIVES, THE LOOSER STEERING WHEEL GETS. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A LOT OF PLAY IN STEERING AND THAT MAKES IT VERY HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE. *JB THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE IS DECREASING FROM 300 MILES TO 200 MILES AND THEN TO 180 MILES FOR A FULL TANK OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCES STALLING AND CHANGING GEARS HAS BEEN DIFFICULT. *YH
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 29, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Air bags, May 28, 2002, crash
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH MINOR FRONTAL IMPACT WHILE COMING TO A STOP. PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG COVER FLIPPED UP AND SHATTERED ENTIRE WINSHIELD. ONLY DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLE WAS LICENSE PLATE FALLING OFF.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2002
MY VEHICLE HAS JUST BEEN TURNED INTO OUR DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING, FOR THE SAME REPEATED PROBLEM OF ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. THIS IS OUR 5TH VISIT, AND WE ARE ON OUR 4TH EGR VALVE. SAME COMPLAINT, THE CAR DRIVES SLUGGISHLY, SHUTTERS AND ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TRAVELING THROUGH A MAJOR INTERSECTION AT NIGHT. WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF A LEFT HAND TURN, AT THIS PARTICULAR INTERSECTION, 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC ARE TURNING LEFT AT THE SAME TIME. WE WERE ON THE INSIDE LANE, MAKING OUR TURN AND THE FOCUS SHUT OFF. WE WERE NEARLY REAR ENDED, AND BARELY AVOIDED A LARGE INTERSECTION ACCIDENT WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND US QUICKLY BRAKING AND SWERVING INTO THE OTHER LANE. IT WAS TERRIFYING! WE HAVE HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, AND EACH TIME OF OUR COMPLAINT, THE DEALER CANNOT DIAGNOSIS THE DIRECT PROBLEM. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS ARTICLES REGARDING OTHER FORD FOCUS VEHICLES HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. JUST RECENTLY HAVE READ ABOUT THE PAINT CHIPPING OFF FROM THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK, CAUSING A BLOCKAGE, SO THAT FUEL CANNOT FLOW THROUGH INTO THE PUMP. THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM. HOW MANY OTHER FOCUS OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THESE SAME REPEATED DIFFICULTIES? I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR A GOOD RELIABLE CAR FOR MY 16 YEAR DAUGHTER TO EVENTUALLY HAVE, AND CONSIDERING THE EXPERIENCES I HAVE HAD WITH SHUTTERING, SHUT OFFS..DO NOT WANT TO PUT HER BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS CAR FOR SAFETY REASONS. OUR PAPERWORK FROM THE DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO ACCUMULATING, WITH NO DIRECT ANSWERS.*AK
Tires, May 23, 2002
CONSUMER STATED HE COULD NOT DRIVE MORE THAN 45 MPH, ANYTHING OVER FELT AS IF HE WAS LOSING CONTROL AND DRIVING THROUGH A CONTINUOUS PUDDLE, SWERVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE, TIRES ONLY HAD 6500 MILES ON THEM, DUNLOP SP SPORT W-10, P205/50R16, DOTU22V4M61501MA2520. *YH
Power train, May 23, 2002
STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THE TRANSIMISSION WOULD CLATTER AT ANY SPEED. CLATTER BECAME PRONOUNCED AND TOOK THE CAR IN AND IT HAD A BAD BEARING. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ONE. WHILE THE CAR HAS 60K ON IT ALL THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY AS I DRIVE IT 100 MILES ROUND TRIP PER DAY.*JB