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.
Air bags, May 21, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH TWO FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED,AND THEN PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG BURSTED AND BURNED PASSENGER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AKI
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 18, 2002
I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THEY HAVE TOLD ME " THEY HAVE NO REPAIR PROCEDURE" AT THIS TIME. THE WASHER TANK VENT IS LOCATED SUCH THAT IT ALLOWS UP TO 3 QUARTS OF FLUID TO DRAIN OUT OF THE TANK. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR TO COLEMAN FORD TWICE AND THEY DID REPLACE THE TANK AND CHECK THE SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE TANK VENT ISSUE IS CORRECTED IS WHAT I WAS TOLD AT COLEMAN FORD.*AK
Air bags, May 13, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND NONE OF FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
Electrical system, May 10, 2002
STARTERN RELAY SENSOR ON VEHICLE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL OUT INTERMITTENTLY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT FIX PROBLEM. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 8, 2002
BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, PEDAL STIFFENS UP AND CONSUMER CANNOT PRESS DOWN ON PEDAL TO APPLY BRAKES. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED. BUT PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *TT
Tires, May 6, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE ABOUT 60MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEWOUT INTO TWO SEPARATED PIECE OF TREAD. FIRESTONE, FIREHAWK , DOT NUMBER W279. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Air bags, May 4, 2002, crash
AIRBAG DEPLOYED AT LESS THAN 20MPH. NECK INJURY. *AK
Air bags, May 3, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE PASSENGER' SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO BUMPS OR SUDDEN STOP THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Power train, May 3, 2002
CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 37 DAYS SINCE BOUGHT NEW. STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES.*AK
Power train, May 3, 2002
TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE WHETHER AT IDLE OR WHEN SHIFTING. THE DEALER CHECKED OUT THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES AND MAINTAINED THAT IT WAS A NORMAL FUNCTION OF THE TRANSMISSION TO MAKE NOISE OR CLATTER.*AK
Air bags, May 3, 2002, crash
THE ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG IS THAT UPON DEPLOYMENT IT SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD, SHOWERING GLASS THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR CAUSING CUTS AND SCRATCHES IN ADDITION TO THE BURNS FROM THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS. FORD CORPORATE STATED THAT THIS WAS ABNORMAL, HOWEVER THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THIS WAS NORMAL. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 30, 2002
THIS VEHICLE WAS LISTED AS USED BUT HAD ONLY 600 MILES ON IT WHEN WE PURCHASED IT. WE HAVE NOT SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE, BUT I FEEL THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 14,800 MILES ON A NEW CAR. THE SERVICE MANUAL STATES THAT YOU DO NOT NEED A BRAKE INSPECTION UNTIL 15,000 MILES, HOWEVER, MY CAR ALREADY HAS ROTOR DAMAGE. THE DEALER AS WELL AS FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD ME IT WAS MY PROBLEM AND THE DEALER SAID THE MANUAL IS "WRONG." I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WHEN BRAKE SYSTEMS GIVE OUT, WITHOUT WARNING, WELL BEFORE THE INDUSTRY STANDARD. I AM HAVING MY BRAKES FIXED TODAY ELSEWHERE SINCE THE DEALERSHIP WANTED TO CHARGE ME $500 TO FIX THE DAMAGE. THERE IS A WEBSITE OUT THERE CALLED WWW.FORDFOCUSBRAKEPROBLEMS.COM WHERE YOU CAN FIND A LARGE AMOUNT OF CONSUMERS SUFFERING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR FORD FOCUS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2002
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 FOCUS WAGON ON INTERSTATE OFF RAMPS IT STARTS TO STALL AND HESITATE. THE RPMS DROP OUT WITH ABSOLUTLY NO POWER. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND IS REALLY SCARY. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS YESTERDAY WHILE IWAS MERGING FROM A RAMP AND MY CAR DIED OUT INFRONT OF A SEMI TRYING TO GET ONTO THE RAMP.I PULLED OVER AS FAR AS I COULD TO GET OUT OF HIS WAY HE LOCKED UP HIS BRAKES. I TAKE THIS SAME RAMP ALL THE TIME SINCE ITS ONMY WAY HOME FROM WORK. THIS PROBLEM STARTS IF I LET THE GAS GET BELOW A 1/2 TANK. I BEEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM BRINGING IT BACK TOMORROW AGAIN TO HAVE THEY FIND THE PROBLEM. I AM AT MY WITS END WITH THIS. I TOLD MY FAMILY ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND SAID IF I GET KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT ON A RAMP IT BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM OF IT DYING. AND TO GO AFTER FORD FOR THIS. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS SO THEY KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. I WENT OVER YOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHISCLE/ IT IS UNREAL THE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE IN COMMON WITH THEM, IT WORRYS ME. I WAS GOING TO GIVE THIS CAR TO MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE SHE 16 BUT NOT NOW. I WANT HER TO COME HOME IN ONE PIECE. I HAVE HAD A WATER NOISE IN THE DASH THEY CANT FIND, STICKING GAS PEDAL NOW FIX FOR NOE AFTER 2 TIMES IN THE SHOP. THE OIL SMELL IN THE CAR. LEAKING OIL I SEE IN IN THE DRIVEWAY BUT CAN'T SEEM TO FIND WHERE ITS COMMING FROM. I WISH I KNEW MORE ABOUT THE LEMON LAW A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. IT DOESN'T APPLY TO ME NOW BECAUSE OF MY MILEAGE. I DRIVE ABOUT 100 MILES A DAY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION PLEASE CONTACT ME. THANK YOU. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 29, 2002
CAR HAS CUT OFF 5 TIMES IN LAST YEAR AT SPEEDS OF 55MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE LAST TIME CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO LOSE CONTROL AND RUN OVER A MEDIUM. SHE WAS LUCKY THAT SHE DID NOT CROSS IT AND KILL HERSELF AND SOMEONE ELSE. FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO FIX IT AS "THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM." WHEN WILL THE NHTSA DO SOMETHING? AFTER SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE KILLED?*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2002
WE TAKE THE CAR TO ALBANY FORD FOR EVERY MAJOR SERVICEING. WHEN WE STARTED TO HEAR THE GRINDING NOISE, WE REPORTED IT TO THE SERVICING PERSONEL. THEY FELT IT ODD THAT THE BRAKE PADS AS WELL AS THE ROTORS SHOULD FAIL AT 22000 MILES BUT REFUSED TO REPLACE SAYING THAT THE WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER AS THIS WEAR AND TEAR. ALSO WHEN WE TOOK THE CARE FOR SERVICING AT 5000 MILES, THE BRAKE PADS WERE 10 MM AND WHEN WE TOOK THE CAR BACK AT 14000 MILES, THE PADS WERE 5MM. NOBODY AT THE SERVICE CENTER INFORMED US THAT THE BRAKE PADS WILL NEED TO BE CHANGED SOONER AS THEY ARE WEARING OUT FASTER THAN USUAL. AT THAT TIME THEY DID NOT FEEL IT WAS ODD. THEY REALLY SHOULD HAVE WARNED US, BUT INSTEAD THEY PUT THE BLAME ON US SAYING WE WERE BRAKING HARD. WE DONOT DRIVE THE CAR VERY MUCH AS WE HAVE GOOD PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN THE AREA WE LIVE.I CONTACTED OTHER REPAIR SHOPS AND ONE OF THEM, AT MIDAS SAID THAT SHE WAS SEEING THIS AS A THIRD CASE OF BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM IN TWO WEEKS. THE OTHER TWO CARS WERE MUSTANG. WE TRIED GETTING IN TOUCH WITH A SUPERVISOR, BUT THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO CALL US BACK AT THE TIME WHEN WE ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM, THE LEFT SIDE BRAKE LIGHT SEEMED TO HAVE STOPPED WORKING. HOW DO WE GET THE FORD PEOPLE TO TAKE OUR COMPLAINTS RIGHT AWAY.*AK
Air bags, Apr 26, 2002, crash, fire
I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AT APPROX 20 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG BURST A FLAME AND SMOKE, BURNED MY BLOUSE AND BRA, AND BURNED ME WITH SECOND TO THIRD DEGREE BURNS.*AK
Seat belts, Apr 25, 2002
REAR SEAT BELT EXTENDER GETS STUCK DURING COLD WEATHER, NOT BEING ABLE TO USE SEATBELT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 23, 2002
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THERE IS AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. FORD HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE ONCE UNDER AVERSIVE RECALL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AGAIN AT 33000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *YH
Air bags, Apr 23, 2002, crash
MY 16 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MINOR ACCIDENT. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AT SUCH A SPEED IT CAUGHT HER SLEEVES ON FIRE. ONCE HER SLEEVES WERE ON FIRE SHE PANICKED THINKING HER HAIR WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE, WHICH CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND END UP IN SOMEONE'S YARD. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SEAT, INSTEAD IT DEPLOYED TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALLED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. BEING THAT THIS CAR IS TARGETED TOWARDS TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ABOUT THE AIRBAGS AND AT THE RATE OF SPEED IN WHICH THEY DEPLOY. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE CAR TO BE TOTALLED, OTHERWISE SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE IN CONTROL TO SAVE THE CAR AND HERSELF FROM 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS THAT SHE SUFFERED ON HER ARMS.*AK
Air bags, Apr 22, 2002, crash
UPON IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND I (THE DRIVER) RECEIVED SECOND-DEGREE BURNS TO MY ABDOMEN.
Visibility, Apr 19, 2002
WHEN THE TEMPATURE GETS TO ABOUT 20 DEGREES OR COLDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL START TO ARCH INTO A BOW AND ARROW SHAPE AND BECOME INOPERABLE. CONTACTED DEALER. NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 19, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT BRAKE ADJUSTERS ON THE REAR BRAKES HAVING BEEN ADJUSTING IMPROPERLY CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO WEAR OUT SEVERAL TIMES. NLM
Suspension, Apr 19, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WILL START TO PULL TO THE LEFT AND WHEN TRYING TO ADJUST IT TO THE RIGHT THE VEHICLE WILL THEN MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT AND THEN BACK TO THE LEFT SO THE VEHICLE IS MOVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE ON THE ROAD. CONTACTED DEALER. NLM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 19, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING WILL STALL OUT THE CONSUMER ALSO SMELLS GAS. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. NLM
Power train, Apr 19, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE, ON NUMEROUS OCCASION HAS BEEN STUCK IN PARK POSITION THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD THE CONSUMER TRYS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE OUT OF GEAR. CONTACTED DEALER. NLM