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.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 15, 2010
FORD FOCUS 2001. IGNITION LOCKS UP REQUIRING NEW TUMBLER. KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE CAR WON'T START NOR CAN YOU GET IT IN NEUTRAL TO PUSH IT OFF THE ROAD. IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT NOT REMEDIED BY FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION ON BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 100,000.
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, HE HEARD NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT LENSES WHICH BECAME FOGGY OVER TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD CHANGED HEADLIGHT MANUFACTURERS BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,800. UPDATED 1/19/2010 *CN UPDATED 03/25/11*JB
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Oct 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE UNLATCHED DOORS THAT WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AGAIN. THE DRIVE SIDE AND REAR RIGHT PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE PLASTIC CLIP THAT HOLDS THE WINDOWS TOGETHER WAS BROKEN AND TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE REPAIRS. THE DRIVER SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE BACK AND FORTH BECAUSE THE SEAT HANDLE WAS STRIPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Seats, Sep 30, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WHICH INCLUDED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUTS WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SIT SIDEWAYS WHEN PARKED. THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE, SO IT SLID FORWARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TOO DIM AND DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING ON THE ROAD. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT ALARM WOULD RING ALTHOUGH THE SEAT BELT WAS ENGAGED AND THE LATCH WOULD ALSO POP OPEN SUDDENLY AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND WOULD ACCELERATE SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD HAVE TO BE PERFORMED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 107,000.
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TAILGATE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. ALL OTHER BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING FINE BUT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT HAS FAILED DUE TO THE WIRES MELTING. THE CONTACT HAS CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT AND REFERENCED THE RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING (00V411000) FOR THE 2000 MODEL FORD FOCUS. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE VIN NUMBER THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND HE CAN NOT RECEIVE A REMEDY REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE WHICH IS STATED IN THE RECALL AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Power train, Sep 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING, SECONDS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT HAD APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 137000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 15, 2010
MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS' 2001 FORD FOCUS HAD HER STRANDED AFTER WORK AUGUST 13 WHEN SHE PUT HER KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT IT WOULDN'T TURN. WE CALLED AAA, AND THEY COULDN'T 'FIX' IT, SO WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD THE REPAIR WILL COST BETWEEN $450.00 AND 1000.00!!! I'M A SINGLE MOM AND MY DAUGHTERS' STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GOSH SAKE. I THOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WOULD BE A SAFE AND DEPENDABLE ONE. I SPENT A LOT OF MY SAVINGS ON THIS CAR AND INSURANCE FOR HER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW, I'VE GOT A VEHICLE WE CAN'T START. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS NOT FLOWING INTO THE ENGINE PROPERLY. WHEN HE FIRST STARTED THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, HOWEVER WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY FOR A FEW DAYS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE, LOSE POWER AND STALL WHENEVER IT WAS DRIVEN FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR AT 40 MPH. HE HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE GEAR IN ORDER TO TEMPORARILY FIX THE FAILURE. WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT RECALL 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Jul 9, 2010
MY CARS BATTERY WAS NOT WORKING, AS TOLD BY A TRIPLE A MECHANIC. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO GET IT REPLACED AND THEY SAID THAT THE BATTERY WAS WORKING FINE, THE ALTERNATOR WAS BAD. THEY SAID THE CAR WOULDN'T GO OUT OF THE SHOP IF IT WASN'T FIXED. SO I PAID THEM $416 TO GET THE ALTERNATOR FIXED. AFTER I GOT THE CAR BACK WITHIN A DAY, IT STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START, WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME THEY MESSED UP MY METERS, THE LIGHTS WOULDN'T TURN ON AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START, NOT ONLY DID THEY CHARGE ME WRONGFULLY THERE WAS NO ALTERNATOR PROBLEM, THE BATTERY WAS BAD. I CALLED THEM AND THEY WOULDN'T ANSWER ME PROPERLY, THEY SAID THAT IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT AND I SHOULD REPLACE THE BATTERY MYSELF. THEY HUNG UP THE PHONE. THIS COMPANY IS A FRAUD, THEY LIE AND WONT ANSWER MY CALLS. MY CAR IS MESSED UP, THEY CHANGED ALL THE WIRES THE LIGHTS WONT WORK, THE GAUGES DON'T WORK. I CALLED THE SHERIFF AND THEY SAID I SHOULD TAKE THEM TO COURT, THEY ALSO REPLACED MY TIRED AND THEY USED DIFFERENT TIRES. IM EXTREMELY MAD AND I NEED HELP. *TR
Visibility, Jul 6, 2010
THE REAR PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER WINDOWS ARE BROKEN. IT STARTED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER, NOT GOING UP, OR DOWN, THEN NOT STAYING UP AT ALL.. THEN IT WAS THE REAR DRIVER SIDE THAT DID THE SAME THING. THE PROBLEM IS EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT IS UP AND IN PLACE, ALL OF A SUDDEN IT IS A QUARTER DOWN, OR HALF WAY DOWN. IF IT RAINS YOU MIGHT AS WELL TAPE PLASTIC OVER WINDOWS, TO KEEP RAIN AND COLD OUT. I HAVE BEEN READING THE COMPLAINTS THAT ARE FILED ON ODI.NHTSA.DOT AND ALSO READING THE MULTIPLE ONES THAT COME UP ON THE INTERNET WHEN YOU TYPE IN FORD FOCUS WINDOW PROBLEMS. HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES SOMETHING NEED TO AFFECT BEFORE THEY DO AN INVESTIGATION OF AN ITEM? IT IS OBVIOUS TO ME THAT THE ISSUE II THE WINDOW MOTOR REGULATOR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Jul 5, 2010
2001 FORD FOCUS HAS FAILED TWICE DURING LONG TRIPS. VEHICLE STUTTERS, STRUGGLES AND WILL MAINTAIN A SPEED OF ONLY 35-40 MPH DURING THESE EPISODES. STOPPING, RESTARTING WILL RESET AND ALLOW ANOTHER 5-10 MILES OF PROPER OPERATION AND THEN IN HAPPENS AGAIN. DURING BOTH INSTANCES IT WAS HOT AND HUMID. WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TRIP BOTH TIMES, BUT THIS IS A SCARY SITUATION ON THE INTERSTATE!!!!! SUSPECTING FUEL CONTROL MODULE, BUT EVERYTHING TESTS FINE AT THE SHOP AND UNABLE TO RECREATE SYMPTOMS FOR MECHANIC. ONLINE FORD DATABASE SAYS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL FOR FUEL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, BUT THE SYSMPTOMS ARE EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT.
Steering, Jun 30, 2010
MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING AND THE KEY REFUSING TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE USUALLY BEEN ABLE TO GET IT TO RELEASE AFTER A FEW TRIES. RECENTLY, IT'S GOTTEN WORSE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO TURN FOR A FEW MINUTES, LEAVING ME WITH FEARS OF BEING STRANDED. UNFORTUNATELY, MY LUCK RAN OUT YESTERDAY. I TRIED BOTH KEYS, I TRIED JUST LETTING IT SIT, I TRIED TAPPING THE KEYS LIGHTLY WITH A HAMMER, AS DID THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. NOW I'M OUT $125 FOR THE TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP, $500 FOR A NEW IGNITION LOCK, AND $180 FOR TWO NEW KEYS, BECAUSE OF THE WEAR ON THE OLD KEYS. I AM SHOCKED BOTH AT THE PRICE, AND AT HOW FREQUENTLY THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN. I HAVE BEEN A PROUD FORD FOCUS OWNER FOR 9 YEARS, BUT THE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR MAKE ME LEERY ABOUT EVER BUYING FORD AGAIN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Jun 26, 2010
STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL 2001 FORD FOCUS SE. 2.0L L4 DOHC DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE HEADING TO WORK AND WAS GOING TO SET THE CRUISE. I COULDN'T GET IT TO ACTIVATE TRIED SPEEDING UP AND SLOWING DOWN AND SETTING - DIDN'T OPERATE. A FEW MOMENTS LATER A CAR MERGED IN FRONT OF ME FROM THE ON RAMP. I SLOWED DOWN LET TRAFFIC ON THE LEFT GO BY. I THEN MERGED TO LEFT LANE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND IT STUCK AT/NEAR FULL THROTTLE. I TAPPED THE BRAKES TO SEE IF THE CRUISE HAD ENGAGED - NO CHANGE, LOOKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS AN OBSTRUCTION BY THE PEDAL - NONE FOUND, TRIED PULLING PEDAL BACK WITH MY FOOT - NO EFFECT, TRIED STOMPING ON ACCELERATOR TO SEE IF IT WOULD UNSTICK - NO CHANGE. I WAS NOW GOING OVER 80 MPH AND CLOSE TO REAR ENDING A CAR IN FRONT OF ME I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES HARD, IT DIDN'T SLOW DOWN. AT THIS POINT I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND MERGED TO THE RIGHT AND OFF TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. I OPENED THE HOOD AND INSPECTED THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AT THE THROTTLE PLATE. FOUND THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD DISCONNECTED AND GOT LODGED BETWEEN THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND THE THROTTLE PLATE ACTUATOR KEEPING THE THROTTLE PLATE AT OR NEAR FULL THROTTLE. I RECONNECTED THE CRUISE CABLE WENT TO WORK RETURNED HOME AND HAVE SET THE CAR ASIDE FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. *TR
Visibility, Jun 25, 2010
I PURCHASED MY 2001 FORD FOCUS SE IN MARCH 2001. THE FIRST WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE IN 2004, LEAVING ONE REAR WINDOW IN THE DOWN POSITION AND UNABLE TO OPEN; IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. THE 2ND REGULATOR BROKE IN 2006, LEAVING THE OTHER REAR WINDOW IN THE DOWN POSITION AND UNABLE TO OPEN; ALSO JUST STOPPED WORKING ONE DAY. THE 3RD REGULATOR BROKE (FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE) ON 6/23/2010 ONLY THIS TIME, THE REGULATOR DIDN'T JUST FAIL AND STOP WORKING, THE WHOLE THING BURST INTO PIECES WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ROLL THE WINDOW UP AND SHATTERED THE WINDOW WHILE I WAS DRIVING. GLASS CAME RAINING DOWN INSIDE THE VEHICLE, LEAVING A MINOR CUT TO MY LEG (BECAUSE IT WAS VERY MINOR, I'M NOT CONSIDERING IT AN "INJURY" AND CHECKED THE "NO" FIELD BELOW). FORTUNATELY, I WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT HAPPENED SO LOW SPEEDS DIDN'T ALLOW THE GLASS TO BLOW AROUND BUT IF I HAD BEEN ON THE FREEWAY DOING HIGH SPEEDS, I COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY EXPERIENCED SEVERE CUTS FROM THE SHATTERING GLASS FLYING INTO MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST TWO WINDOW REGULATORS THAT BROKE (BOTH REAR) HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED AS OF YET, I COULDN'T AFFORD THE PARTS (QUOTED AS $120 EACH AT THE TIME) SO VICE GRIPS ARE INSIDE THE DOOR HOLDING THE WINDOWS UP, BOTH FAULTY REGULATORS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HAD NEW GLASS PLACED IN IT ON 6/24/2010 AND COST $146.00. THEY DID NOT HAVE A REGULATOR AT THE REPAIR SHOP SO THAT WINDOW IS NOW ALSO BEING HELD UP BY OTHER MEANS AND THE FAULTY REGULATOR IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THAT WINDOW AS WELL. I PLAN ON REPLACING ALL 4 OF THEM THIS WEEKEND, EVEN THOUGH ONLY 3 HAVE BROKEN AT THIS POINT, I'M SURE THE 4TH IS SOON COMING SO IT WILL BE REPLACED AS WELL. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT REGULATORS BREAKING ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE SO IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT WHEN GLASS STARTS SHATTERING WHILE DRIVING, THAT SIGNIFICANTLY RAISES THE RISK/SAFETY FACTOR AND CAUSE FOR CONCERN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 FOCUS ZX3 - 5SP THAT TENDS TO STALL WHEN THE AC IS ON. BUT IT MAY NOT STALL DURING THE "INITIAL" USE PERIOD. WITHOUT WARNING, IT WILL STALL AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. MY SERVICE SHOP CHECKED THE COMPUTER CODES FOR A PROBLEM AND NOTHING CAME UP. YESTERDAY, IT WAS DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 30MINS WITH THE AC ON (OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AROUND 80+ DEGREES). THE VEHICLE RAN FINE WITH THE RPMS NORMAL WHEN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 90 MINS. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART IT WOULD STALL. TO GET STARTED I NEEDED TO KEEP FOOT ON GAS PEDAL (TO MAINTAIN A HIGH ENOUGH RPM TO PREVENT THE STALL). IF I DID NOT KEEP THE RPMS UP, VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPING, I NEEDED TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL TO MAINTAIN THE RPMS. (THIS CAN BE CHALLENGING WITH A 5-SPD.) THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED FOR OVER FOUR HOURS. IT THEN STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEM AND RAN NORMALLY. DURING THIS PERIOD I DID NOT HAVE THE AC ON. I SEE THAT THIS MAY BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS. HOWEVER, NEITHER FORD MOTOR'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE NOR THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP (ECHELON FORD) ON 6/8/10 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE IT. I WAS CHARGED $108 FOR THE SHOP TIME AND STILL HAVE NO TECHNICAL ANSWER TO THIS CRITICAL AND POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEM... *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 15, 2010
2001 FOCUS 112K MI. BOUGHT FROM LOCAL FORD DEALER, 1 YR OLD W, 21K ON IT. A RECENT INSPECTION BY MY OWN MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME IS ROTTED AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IT. ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE LOCAL DEALER LAUGHED WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT A NINE YEAR OLD CAR W/ RUSTED FRAME. *TR
Suspension, May 14, 2010
I WAS PULLING OUT THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE REAR AXLE SNAPPED IN TWO. THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2010
I HAVE HAD A FORD FOCUS 2001 FOR TWO YEARS AND IN THOSE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND ENGINE MOUNTS. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS I COMMON PLACE IN ALMOST ALL FORD FOCUS'S. I FEAR THAT THIS CAR MIGHT LEAVE ME ANYWHERE, NOW ONE WEEK AGO THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAS BROKEN. THIS IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR. I DEMAND THAT THESE CARS OF 1998 THREW 2003 BE LABELED AS LEMONS AND HAVE FORD ISSUE A RECALL OR REIMBURSEMENTS ON THEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND WHEN HE RESTARTED IT, THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE DEALER, WHEN CONTACTED, STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,275.
Wheels, Apr 27, 2010
FIRST, I HEARD A NOISE IN MY REAR WHEEL WELL. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE NOISE GOT WORSE AND I COULD FEEL LIGHT SHIMMYING IN THE CAR. I BROUGHT IT IMMEDIATELY TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED A BROKEN REAR WHEEL BEARING THAT MY WHEEL TO WOBBLE AND LOSE STABILITY. REPLACEMENT REQUIRES A WHOLE NEW DRUM, AT THE COST OF $300. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2010
FAILED IGNITION KEY LOCK CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL AND FREEZE IN PLACE. PREVENTING ME FROM RESTARTING MY CAR IN TRAFFIC. ADDITIONALLY, I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL TO GUIDE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE PLACE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE DURING MY OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE, AND WAS REPAIRED USING FORD PARTS, AT A NON-FORD MECHANIC. COST APPROXIMATELY $350. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER A MINUTE IT WOULD NOT START UP. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE HOOD WHICH SOON BECAME A FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 93,000. UPDATED 6/21/10 *CN UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SITTING STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PREVENT THE STALLING IF KEEPING SLIGHT PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT ONCE THE PRESSURE WAS RELEASED, THE ENGINE WOULD IDLE AND THEN STALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT HAD NOT CONFIRMED IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AS OF YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN SHE TRIED TO TURN ON THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO 'SLAMMED' THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE; THE KEY HAD TO BE 'SLAMMED' EVERYTIME TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 82,000.