2002 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,014 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 85 involved a crash and 24 involved a fire. 82 people were injured and 1 person 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
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 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
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
285 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2004
CAR WILL RANDOMLY NOT START. THIS OCCURS BOTH WHEN ENGINE HAS BEEN COLD FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND AFTER ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING A WHILE AND THEN SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. CAR WILL EVENTUALLY START USUALLY AFTER WAITING ABOUT 30-40 MINUTES. DEALER SAYS CANNOT REPLICATE PROBLEM BUT THEY WILL NOT KEEP IT LONG ENOUGH TO REALLY TRY. IF WE WERE TO TOW TO DEALER, CAR WOULD BE STARTING BY THE TIME IT GOT THERE. OCCURS AT RANDOM, ABOUT 1-3 TIMES PER MONTH SINCE NOVEMBER 2003. HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES. FIRST TIME, LOOSE WIRE IN STEERING COLUMN WAS CORRECTED BUT THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR. SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED A PART IN IGNITION SWITCH BUT SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT TO START WITH. STILL HAVING NO-START PROBLEM. RETURNING TO DEALERISHIP TOMORROW.*AK
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2004
UPON PUTTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION IT WOULD NOT FIT AS IF IT WAS THE WRONG KEY. UPON GETTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2004
IN JANUARY 2004 AND AGAIN ON JUNE 8, 2004 MY 2002 FORD FOCUS STOPPED RUNNING WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE FIRST TIME (JANUARY, 2004) WAS ON THE I-355 TOLLWAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE IN THE RIGHT LANE AND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP AT THE ROUTE 64 OFF-RAMP. THE LAST TIME (JUNE 8, 2004) I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. THERE WAS NO WARNING, SPUTTERING OR GRADUAL LOSS OF POWER. THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED AND THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THE JUNE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE CARS FOLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND ME ON A NARROW ROADWAY. I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY COAST ONTO A SIDE STREET AND OUT OF THE MAIN FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE CAR STARTED AFTER A SHORT DELAY AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED. THE CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. AS SUCH, THEY WOOULD NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD, I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD DO NOTHING, SINCE THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND PTENTIALLY COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT OCCURS ON A FREEWAY WITH FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. FORD TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND THAT FURTHER CONVERSATION WOULD BE "JUST GOING IN CIRCLES." I TOLD THEM THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED AND THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS. IF AN ACCIDENT RESULTS FROM THIS I WILL PERSUE THE MATTER. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE ATTORNEYS FOR MATTERS LIKE THIS.;\*AK
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2004
IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. DEALER QUOTED $400 TO REPLACE LOCK CYLINDER. *AK
Electrical system, May 24, 2004
WHEN PUTTING THE KEY IN MY IGNITION, THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. THIS JUST STARTED HAPPENING AND PROGRESSIVELY GETS WORSE. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2004
IGNITION FREEZES AND WON'T TURN. HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TWICE.*AK
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2004, fire
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH SMOKE WAS COMING IN TO VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED, NO INJURIES REPORTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 5, 2004
WENT TO START CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN I TURNED THE RADIO ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON, WHEN I TURNED THE WIPERS ON THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OFF. FORD DEALER TRIED TO SAY THAT THE CAUSE WAS RELATED TO A REMOTE STARTER THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND IT WAS FOUND TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING. ALSO HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE LOCK ON THE TRUNK. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2004
AFTER HAVING MY 2002 FORD FOCUS FOR 4 MONTHS THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL WILE I WAS DRIVING. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE RADIO WOULD CUT OUT, THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN FLICKERING ON AND OFF, AND SOMETIMES THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DROP TO ZERO AND POP BACK UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE PROBLEMS GOT WORSE AFTER AWEEK OR SO. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WOULDN'T DO IT FOR THEM SO THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX IT. IT WOULD STOP DOING IT FOR A MONTH OR SO AND DO IT AGAIN ONCE OR TWICE THEN STOP AGAIN, BUT EVENTUALLY IT GETS PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN THREE TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO ADMIT ANYTHING IS WRONG. I HAVE SPOKEN TO AN ATTORNEY AND AM BEGINING LEMON LAW PROCEEDINGS AGAINST FORD.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2004
HORN FAILURE AFTER DRIVING THROUGH NORMAL RAIN (NO SUBMERSION) ON ROADWAYS. HAS OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND HORN ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *AK HEAT SHIELD ON CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FELL OFF DUE TO CORROSION NEAR MOUNTING BOLT HOLES.
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2004
HORN FAILURE AFTER DRIVING THROUGH NORMAL RAIN (NO SUBMERSION) ON ROADWAYS. HAS OCCURRED ON MULITPLE OCCASIONS AND HORN ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2004
CONSUMER HAD CONCERNS ABOUT HER VEHICLE. *PH THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A FUEL PUMP RECALL LETTER THAT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN THE PAST.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Structure, Tires, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
THERE IS A LINE THAT WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE ENGINE'S INTAKE THAT HAS BEEN LEAKING FLUID SINCE 2,000 MILES AND WAS INSPECTED BY DELER WHO TOLD TO ME THAT IT WAS NOTHING. BUT THE ENGINE CASE SHOULD NOT HAVE A LARGE LEAK OF FLUID THAT SOON. FINALLY NOW, THEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING ON THIS AND REPLACED THE HOSE, AS IT WAS SEEN ONCE MORE AND KNOWS OF ALL THE TIMES REPORTED. I HOPE THIS IS JUST NOT A EASY FIX OR THIS NOW HASN'T CAUSED ANY DAMANGE TO THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE ITSELF, AS THE ENGINE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR RIDING ROUGH. THEY TOLD ME LAST TIME THAT THE PART OF THE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS FIXED WOULD FIX THIS. I THINK IT IS DUE TO THE OIL LEAK ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE CASE SINCE IT WAS NEW. A NEW CAR SHOULD NEVER HAVE A OIL LEAK ON A ENGINE CASE.
Electrical system, Wheels, Dec 14, 2003
2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5 HATCHBACK MODEL WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM LAFRES FORD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYS ON. VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED AND VARIOUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED (DOCUMENTED ON ALL SERVICE REPORTS) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED OTHER PARTS BURNED AND REPLACED IN THE PAST, IE COOLING FAN HARNESS AND RESISTOR BURNT, BURN SMELL WHEN A/C IS IN USE OR THE HEATOR, REPLACEMENT OF BATTERY. (CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) I CONTINUALLY TAKE THE CAR BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CORRECTED. (NO REIMBURSEMENT OF TOLL/BRIDGES AND DAYS OFF FROM WORK TO HAVE THIS CAR PROPERLY SERVICED, NO REIMBURSEMENT OF RENTAL CARS) WHEN I GET THE CAR BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF AND TWO DAYS LATER IT IS BACK ON AGAIN. I PERIODICALLY CALL MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLING HIM THAT I JUST PICKED UP THE CAR AND WITHIN 24 HOURS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. MY SERVICE ADVISOR TELLS ME THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING AND I COULD DRIVE AROUND WITH THE LIGHT ONINDEFINETLY ALTHOUGHT THE LIGHT IS A NUISANCE. ON 12/11/03 WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS ALREADY ON, THE BATTERY LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND EXPLAINED TO MY SERVICE ADVISOR OF THE PROBLEM, IT WAS LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON, HE STATED THAT WAS NOT A GOOD SIGN AND ADVISED ME TO SEEK SERVICE AT A FORD SERVICE STATION. TOOK CAR TO UNIVERSAL FORD. THE CAR BEGAN TO EMIT A BURNING SMELL I ARRIVED AT THE DEALER SERVICE STATIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT MY ALTERNATOR WAS NO GOOD AND THAT THE HARNESS HAND BURNED AND ALL THE WIRES HAD MELTED. THAT IS TRULY AN UNSAFE CAR, THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CAR CATCH ON FIRE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR BECOME A FATALITY OR OTHERS COULD HAVE GOTTEN HURT. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE UNIVERSAL FORD DEALER SERVICE STATION.*AK
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2003
MY 2002 ZX3 BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER ONLY OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR SIX MONTHS. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM WHICH WOULD MAKE A VERY LOUD BUZZING NOISE WHEN THE DOORS WOULD LOCK. THE SECOND PROBLEM BEGAN LAST WINTER WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER SITTING OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR FOR THIS PROBLEM AND EACH TIME THEY INFORM ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED AND MY VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE UNRELIABLE. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Tires, Equipment, Nov 17, 2003
9 REPAIR ISSUES IN 8,000 MILES. 1. GRINDING BRAKES. 2. SUNROOF FAILED TO CLOSE. 3. ENGINE SENSOR FAILED. 4. TIRE DEVELOPED A BUBBLE. 5. INTAKE RUNNER FAILED. 6. STEREO JAMMED. 7. HORN FAILED. 8. DEFECTIVE CONTROL ASSEMBLY. 9. DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY. *LA
Suspension, Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 13, 2003
WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR. IT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND I COULD NOT START IT. IT HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED TWICE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR WITH MY KIDS IN IT. I DON'T THINK THE PROBLEM IS FIXED AND I'M WAITING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN. NOW I NEED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN BECAUSE THERE IS A BAD VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. I HAD IT THERE PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS ALSO, AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED. EVEN THOUGH IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THEY CHARGED ME $36.00....THE VIBRATION IS WORSE NOW SO OBVIOUSLY THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. OH I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT THE TRUNK WON'T LATCH PROPERLY AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T GO THE WHOLE WAY DOWN WHEN YOU TURN THEM OFF. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP ACTS LIKE THEY HAVEN'T HAD ANY COMPLAINTS WITH THIS CAR! *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 7, 2003
ENGINE STALLED AFTER I HAD DRIVEN TWO MILES WITH NO WARNING. I HAD JUST DOWN-SHIFTED INTO 2ND GEAR AS I WAS SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN AND THE CAR STALLED ACROSS TWO TRAFFIC LANES AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE OIL LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, AND ONE OTHER LIGHT CAME ON (ALTERNATOR I THINK). THE CAR WAS MANUALLY PUSHED OUT OF TRAFFIC LANES IN NEUTRAL GEAR BY TWO MOTORISTS WHO STOPPED TO HELP. THEY WERE ALSO UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES THE ENGINE STARTED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND AFTER 5 DAYS THE DEALERSHIP STILL CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. APPARENTLY THE ONBOARD COMPUTER DID NOT CAPTURE THE PROBLEM. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED BECAUSE THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES AN HOUR. HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE AS SCHEDULED (I WAS RUNNING LATE AND HAD TO DROP MY DAUGHTER OFF BEFORE GOING HOME TO PICK UP MY LAPTOP) I WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I HAD NO TIME TO MANEUVER OUT OF TRAFFIC AFTER THE ENGINE STALLED. IT WAS 75 DEGREE DAY (MONDAY 11/3/03) SO OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. *LA
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 11, 2003
I HAVE A 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5 4 DR HATCHBACK MY PROBLEMS STARTED ON 7/21/03 WHEN MY BRAKES LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER NOW THE RADIO WILL NO LONGER RESPONSE TO ME TURNING THE VOL. UP OR DOWN AS WELL AS I ONLY ONLY SET THE TIME ON MILITARY TIME. NOW ON 9/7 MY BRAKES HAVE STARTED TO GRIND. ON 9/11 MY CAR NOW VIBRATES WHEN I ACCERATE AT 60 MPH +. IN THE PAST WEEK I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT MY CAR WILL ACCELLERATE AND HESITATE WHEN IN MOTION. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS MY GAS MILEAGE HAS SLOWLY DECLINED AS WELL. I AM TAKING IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TONIGHT - BUT THOUGHT I NEED TO REPORT. SEEMS THERE ARE MANY OTHERS LIKE ME.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 14, 2003
ON AUGUST 11, 2003 I TOOK MY CAR INTO KOONS FORD OF ANNAPOLIS, TO HAVE THE HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH TOOK AT, BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I WAS TOLD MY SERVICE MANAGER MIKE SHECKELLS, THE SERVICE ADVISOR PETE, AND FACTORY TECH: 063 - RANDALL BOUNDS, AND A CASHIER THAT THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH MOST OF THE FORD FOCUS, I FEEL THIS I SHOULD BE ON A RECALL NOTICE IF ITS HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUSES. THAT THE CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A MAJOR DEFECT WITH THESE VECHICLE. ALSO, I HAD MY FOCUS IN KOONS FOR OF ANNAPOLIS, ON MAY 10, 2003, TO HAVE NEW BRAKES, OIL CHANGE AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ON THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BECAUSE IT WAS A INTERMITTENT THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY THING.*AK ON JULY 25, 2003, I LEFT MY CAR FOR SERVICE ON THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR COMPLETELY. THEY HAD THE CAR UNTIL AUGUST 7, 2003, WHICH THEY PUT IN A REMFG TRANSMISSION AND C. I LEFT KOONS FOR WITH 1.5 MILES ON THE TRIP METER, I WENT ANOTHER 17.1 MILES WENT THE TRANSMISSIONS SURGED, I E-MAILED MIKE SHECKELL ON AUGUST 8, 2003 WHICH HE DID NOT ANSWER AS OF THIS DAY. I TALKED TO MIKE SHECKELL ON AUGUST 11, ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THE ANSWER I GET IS THEY CAN NOT DO ANY EXCEPT TO LET SOME ONE GO ON AT TEST DIVE WITH ME. THIS IS NOT THE ANSWER BECAUSE IT'S A INTERMITTEN PROBLEM AND SOME ONE WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE IT FOR A FEW DAY BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SURGED AGAING. I HAVE KEPT RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM IS SURGED AT 18.5 MILES, 93 MILES AND AT 250.0 MILES ON THE TRIP METER. I FEEL THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT FIXED AND FIXED RIGHT AND ALSO, FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE BUSINESS WITH KOONS FOR OF ANNPOLIS FOR OVER 20 YEARS. MY DAUGHTER IS SCARED TO RIDE IN THIS CAR NOW, AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR NEITHER. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TYPE OF BAD SERVICE OR INCOMPETENT SERVICE BEFORE, I ALSO FEEL THEY ARE JUST TELLING ME ANYTHING, BECAUSE OF BEING A FEMALE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 19, 2003
IT ALL STARTED ON CHRISTMAS DAY OF 2002. MY CAR WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD AND THE STARTER WENT OUT. ABOUT FOUR MONTHS LATER I BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS. SOMETIMES THE DOORS WOULD LOCK ALL BY THEMSELVES AND AT OTHER TIMES THEY WOULD NOT LOCK AT ALL. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS IT WAS ACTING UP AT THE TIME I BROUGHT IT IN. WELL, BY THE TIME I WOULD GET TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERYTHING WAS OK AGAIN. ON THE 7TH OF JULY I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED. WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP ALL THE GAUGES ON MY DASH WERE FLIPPING ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT AND COMING BACK AGAIN. AND MY BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON. I WENT RIGHT BACK TO SERVICE DEPT. THEY DROVE THE CAR AND (SURPRISE!) IT WOULD NOT DO IT AGAIN. THEY SAID THEY MAY HAVE SPILLED SOME COOLANT ON THE BELT AND IT WAS JUST LOSING VOLTAGE. AS SOON AS THE COOLANT WORE OFF IT SHOULD NOT DO IT AGAIN. ON JULY17 I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND I LOOKED AT MY GAGES AND NONE OF THEM WERE WORKING. IT WAS JUST LIKE THE CAR WAS NOT EVEN STARTED. I MADE A U-TURN AND WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPT. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IN THE NEXT DAY AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEY COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. THE SAME AFTERNOON THEY CALL ME AND TELL MY CAR IS READY. I ASK IF THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM AND THE REP INFORMS ME THAT THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR (AFTER ONLY ONE DAY WITH IT!). WELL THEY MUST THINK I'M SOME KIND OF HYPOCHONDRIAC FOR MY CAR! I TOLD HER THAT I WAS NOT COMING TO GET THAT CAR UNTIL THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM AND FIXED IT. I CAN NOT TELL HOW FAST I AM GOING AND I'M SURE THEY WOULDN'T LIKE TO PAY FOR ANY SPEEDING TICKETS.*AK
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2003
PURCHASED 2002 FORD FOCUS 4 DR SEDAN, TOOK DELIVERY 9/28/02. ABOUT 1-2 WKS LATER, TRIED TO START CAR, IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER. CALLED FORD ASSISTANCE TOLL-FREE #, THEY ADVISED WIGGLING THE WHEEL WHILE TURNING THE KEY. THEY SAY IGNITION KEY SOMETIMES WILL NOT TURN WHEN WHEELS ARE TURNED OR PARKED UP NEXT TO A CURB. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SINCE, NOT ALL UNDER THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES. TODAY, 7/16/03, WITH JUST OVER 19,000 MILES ON IT, I BROUGHT IT INTO DON HIND'S FORD DEALERSHIP IN FISHERS, IN, WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. THEY HAVE PUT A NEW CYLINDER LOCK IN THERE, PER KIP JACOBS OF DON HINDS FORD. MR. JACOBS DID TRY TO GET ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG ALL CARS. I INFORMED HIM I'VE BEEN DRIVING 33 YEARS, AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR DO THIS. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. I RARELY LOAN MY CAR, NOR IS IT DRIVEN BY ANYONE ELSE. NEVERTHELESS, SHOULD I DO SO, AND FORGET TO WARN THEM OF THIS PECULIARITY IN ADVANCE, THEY MAY HAVE AN URGENT NEED TO START THE CAR, AND BE UNABLE TO DO SO. (LIKE, "MY BABY CAN'T BREATH! LET'S GET HER TO THE HOSPITAL FAST!") OR IF I SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE, IF THEY AREN'T AWARE OF THIS IDIOSYNCRASY, AND DON'T KNOW THE FORD TOLL-FREE ASSISTANCE #, THEY MAY BE STRANDED UNTIL THEY CAN FIND A WAY TO GET HELP. I WANTED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES AND FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION PURPOSES.*AK
Electrical system, Jul 15, 2003, fire
MY 2002 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE LATE ONE NIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. A ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE BATTERY IS WHERE IT STARTED. THE DEALER REFUSES TO COVER THE LOSS. THE DATE OF THE INCIDENT LISTED BELOW MAY BE INCORRECT I CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE CORRECT DATE SOON.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2003
VEHICLE WON'T START. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Mar 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE, STARTER SHORTED AND DESTROYED FLYWHEEL. LATER IT WAS FOUND THAT WATER HAD GOTTEN INTO TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER WAS TAKEN INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE DOOR SEALS. I WAS NOT STOPPED IN THE PUDDLE, ONLY MOVED THROUGH IT. DUE TO THE WATER INCURSION INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE. THEY FEAR ELECTRICAL DAMAGE COULD RESULT. I AM CONCERNED THAT ANYONE GOING THROUGH STANDING WATER (THIS WAS NOT A HUGE PUDDLE) WOULD FIND THEMSELVES WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY. *JB