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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,014

Of the 2002 reports, 85 involved a crash and 24 involved a fire. 82 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernElectrical system285 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints1,014Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship8 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system285
  2. Suspension122
  3. Engine and engine cooling108
  4. Air bags78
  5. Tires74
  6. Power train73
  7. Service brakes73
  8. Fuel system68

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

1,014 reports, newest first.

  1. Electrical system, Dec 1, 2008

    FORD FOCUS 2002 - IGNITION FAILURE. HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THE THIRD TIME WAS STRANDED IN THE COLD WEATHER WITH 9 MONTH OLD BABY UNTIL I COULD GET HELP. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AND I DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. IT COST 350 TO GET FIXED. I DON'T FEEL AN IGNITION SHOULD BREAK AND THEN BE REPLACED WITH A POORLY MANUFACTURED IGNITION. I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS. THIS IS A PROBLEM AND FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. *TR

  2. Electrical system, Nov 27, 2008

    THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO A 2002 FORD FOCUS AND THE FAILURE OF THE IGNITION MODULE FROM ALLOWING MY KEY TO TURN. FORTUNATELY ENOUGH WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED I WAS NOT IN A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD OR STUCK OUT ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE DESERT. IT HAS OCCURRED EACH TIME I'VE TRIED TO TURN THE KEY, AND IT'S ONLY AFTER SIGNIFICANT EFFORT AND NEAR INJURY TO MY WRIST AND INDEX FINGER WAS I ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND NOTED MANY DISCUSSION BOARDS STATING THE OTHER CONSUMERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. THERE IS A PETITION CIRCULATING THAT CURRENTLY HAS OVER 2800 ONLINE SIGNATURES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. IT COULD OCCUR IN THE WRONG NEIGHBORHOOD OR IN THE MOST ISOLATED PLACES AND ISN'T SAFE FOR THE CONSUMER WHEN THEY GET STRANDED BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY PART THAT FORD DOES NOT TRY TO FIX WITH PROPER MATERIALS. *TR

  3. Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 24, 2008

    WHEN THE KEY IS INSERTED, THE IGNITION WILL NOT ALLOW IT TO TURN FORWARD TO START THE CAR. ALTHOUGH THIS JUST STARTED WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGN ON MY CAR, I HAVE HEARD OF IT HAPPENING TO MANY OTHER CARS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT COULD RESULT IN MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS BEING STRANDED IN AN UNSAFE AREA. *TR

  4. Electrical system, Nov 18, 2008

    KEY LOCKS UP IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT TURN. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. *TR

  5. Tires, Nov 16, 2008

    LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES (3 OUT OF 4 SO FAR) DUE TO FAULTY VALVE STEMS. *TR

  6. Tires, Nov 10, 2008, crash

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE TIRES. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO A ROLLOVER CRASH. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE ON THE TIRE WAS 700. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 75 MPH, THE DRIVER FELT A SHIFT IN THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING. THE TIRES WERE INSPECTED, BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE SEPARATED IN TWO LOCATIONS. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY ROLLED OVER WHILE MAKING THE LEFT TURN. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURED DATE OF THE TIRE WAS TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE POLICE FILED A REPORT AND VERIFIED THAT THE DRIVER WAS NOT SPEEDING AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN, TIRE SIZE, AND TIRE LINE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 92,000.

  7. Electrical system, Nov 10, 2008

    KEYS WONT RELEASE FROM IGNITION , REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH AND STILL CONTINUES TO NOT RELEASE KEY, ITS EVIDENTLY AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM SINCE WHEN I DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO STEERING COLUMN THE KEYS RELEASE. *TR

  8. Electrical system, Nov 9, 2008

    THE IGNITION KEY CONTINUED TO GET STUCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND REFUSING TO TURN UNTIL I'D CONTINUE TO FIDDLE WITH IT, SOMETIMES FOR OVER 30 MINUTES. VERY FRUSTRATING. THE KEY HAS FINALLY QUIT TURNING AT ALL. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT HOWARD'S TOWING BEING REPAIRED. THE ENTIRE COLUMN IS BEING REPLACED. VERY EXPENSIVE. VERY UNHAPPY. *TR

  9. Electrical system, Nov 3, 2008

    I DROVE MY CAR TO DOWNTOWN AS I NORMALLY DO EXCEPT THIS TIME I HAS THE COMPANY OF MY 3 SONS. IT WAS 4 AM IN THE MORNING. I PARKED THE CAR TAKING THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND EXITED. AT ABOUT 5:15 I TRIED TO START THE CAR BY PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TRYING TO TURN IT. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I TRIED AGAIN BUT AGAIN THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I CALLED AAA AND THE REP ASKED ME TO TRY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A LITTLE AND THEN THE KEY, THIS STILL DID NOT WORK. HE CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO COME OUT TO HELP. MEANWHILE MY CHILDREN AND I WERE LEFT TO SIT IN THE COLD AND WAIT FOR THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. WHILE WAITING I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE REALLY HARD AND PULLED ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRIED THE KEY AGAIN, LUCKILY IT WORKED. SPOKE TO THE AAA REP AGAIN AND CANCELLED THE TOW. I WOKE UP THIS MORNING TO TRY THE IGNITION AGAIN AND IT STUCK AGAIN SO I DID THE SAME THING THAT SEEMED TO WORK YESTERDAY, BUT IT DID NOT. FORTUNATELY I WAS AT HOME THIS TIME AND NOT ON A MOUNTAIN SOMEWHERE WITH MY CHILDREN. THIS IS A SCARY THING TO HAPPEN ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE WITH YOUR CHILDREN IN A STRANGE PLACE. WHAT IF I WERE SOMEWHERE WITHOUT A CELL PHONE SIGNAL? WOULD WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE HAPPENS BY OR WALK IN THE COLD TO GET A SIGNAL. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE. *TR

  10. Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 31, 2008

    THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR POWER LOCK FAILED DUE TO A PROBLEM INSIDE THE LOCK ITSELF. WHEN THE LOCK FAILED YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR BY THE POWER SWITCH OR MANUALLY. OUR 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAD TO CRAWL OUT OF HER CAR SEAT AND EXIT THE STREET SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR UNTIL YOU GET THE LOCK FIXED. THIS CREATED AN UNSAFE CONDITION FOR PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FIRES WHICH MAKES THE SITUATION MORE DANGEROUS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THE LOCK MODULE WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF AROUND $400.00. 10/19/2008, THE FRONT PASSENGER POWER LOCK MODULE HAS FAILED MAKING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNUSABLE. IT IS BEING REPAIRED TODAY AND I WILL SAVE THE OLD PART. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN ONE SMALL ACCIDENT(LESS THAN $500) DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER. NO DOOR DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED TO CAUSE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. DUE TO THE COST FACTOR OF THE REPAIRS, NOT ALL PEOPLE CAN HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED, MAKING THIS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR PASSENGERS TO ESCAPE IN AN EMERGENCY. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 37,000 MILE ON IT. THE DOORS SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO UNLOCK AND OPEN MANUALLY IF THE POWER LOCK FAILS . *TR

  11. Electrical system, Oct 26, 2008

    IGNITION KEY LOCK. THE STEERING WHEEL OF THE CAR LOCKS UP AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN THE CAR ON. JIGGLING THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN AND TURNING THE KEY AT THE SAME TIME DOES NOT WORK. THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. *TR

  12. Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2008

    I HAVE A 2002 FORD FOCUS AND MY IGNITION WON'T TURN. IT JUST FROZE. IT WAS OK. ALL OF A SUDDEN, I HAD AN INTERVIEW TO GET TO AND GOT IN MY CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. THE KEY JUST WOULDN'T TURN. I AM VERY GRATEFUL THAT I WAS AT HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED. I THINK IT IS A DISGRACE THAT FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND WON'T DO A RECALL. A RECALL SHOULD NOT BE COMPLETELY ABOUT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT ABOUT PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH QUALITY IN THE CARS. OBVIOUSLY, THE CONSUMER IS OF NO IMPORTANCE TO FORD. I THINK THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE HAS MADE ME DECIDE TO NEVER TRUST A FORD AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO TWO MECHANICS WHICH TOLD ME IT WOULD BE A FEW DAYS TO GET THE DEALER PARTS AND THE REPAIR WILL COST OVER $400.00. IT IS A DISGRACE THAT FORD KNOWS THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX IT. *TR

  13. Electrical system, Oct 24, 2008

    I WAS STRANDED WHEN MY KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. THIS WAS A SERIOUS INCIDENT BECAUSE I NEEDED TO BE HOME TO GET MY 6 YEAR OLD OFF THE BUS AND LET HIM IN THE HOUSE. I WAS UNABLE TO DO SO AND MY SON WAS EXTREMELY DISTRAUGHT. AND THEN I FIND OUT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT BUT THIS VEHICLE HAS A HISTORY OF THIS. VERY DISAPPOINTING. *TR

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2008

    A SCREW WAS DISLODGED FROM THE ENGINE, RICOCHETING THROUGH OUT THE ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE BEYOND REPAIR. THE ENGINE CEASED WORKING WITHOUT ANY PREPARATION. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETELY. *TR

  15. Electrical system, Oct 15, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN INSIDE THE IGNITION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

  16. Suspension, Oct 13, 2008

    FORD FOCUS 2002 ZX3 HAD TO HAVE THE COIL/SPRING ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO THE SPRING RESTING ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. FROM ALL THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE ON THE WEB, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE NHTSA. I FOUND THE INFORMATION FOR THE 2000 FORD FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE JUST TO REFERENCE HOW MANY PROBLEMS THERE ARE WITH THESE COIL/SPRING ASSEMBLIES. BEFORE FORD HAS ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH DEATHS OCCURRING WITH FAULTY PROBLEMS, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT INVESTIGATED. AND TO MY DISSATISFACTION FORD DID NOT SEND ANY WARNING OUT NOR CONTACT ME VIA THEIR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM THAT WAS OFFERED TO THE DEALERSHIPS. FURTHERMORE, I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP. *TR

  17. Electrical system, Oct 7, 2008

    THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER TO START THE CAR. *TR

  18. Tires, Oct 6, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED AIR COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, WHICH SHE HAD BEEN AWARE OF SINCE FIRST PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN SIX TIMES, REGARDLESS IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OR IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER HAVE TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER OR SERVICE PERSONNEL WOULD COME TO HER AND REPLACE THE TIRE WITH A SPARE. THE DEALER WAS NEVER ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED ONCE IN JANUARY OF 2008, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT SENT LETTERS AND EMAILS TO THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,686 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,815.

  19. Electrical system, Sep 26, 2008

    I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS. FIRST THE OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED AFTER TWO DAYS. THEN A MONTH LATER I BEGAN HAVING DIFFERENT LIGHTS COME OFF AND ON WITH LOSS OF POWER. I TOOK IT IN TO DEALERSHIP AND TO FORD WHO COULD NEVER REPEAT THE CODES. I REPLACE THE BATTERY AND THIS STOPPED FOR A MONTH. IT IS NOW DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. STALLING OR ACTING AS IF IT WILL. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART IT SEVERAL TIMES TO RESET THE COMPUTER TO GET IT TO DRIVE CORRECTLY. I AM FRUSTRATED BECAUSE NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY BUT WHEN IT DOES IT CAN BE OVER 10 TIMES A DAY. *TR

  20. Electrical system, Sep 16, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION APPEARED TO BE LOCKED, BUT THERE WAS POWER. HE ATTEMPTED APPROXIMATELY 25 MORE TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE AND ALSO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE STEERING, TRANSMISSION, AND IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

  21. Electrical system, Sep 16, 2008

    I HAVE A 2002 FORD FOCUS AND THE KEYS SOMETIMES GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND OR THE KEYS ARE NOT ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION. I FEEL THAT THIS IS UNSAFE. *TR

  22. Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2008

    ON MY 2002 FORD FOCUS, THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BEGAN LEAKING COOLANT WHEN THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING GASKET AGAINST THE ENGINE BLOCK FAILED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON VARIOUS YEARS OF THE FOCUS AS VERIFIED BY THE COMMENTS OF THE FORD MOTOR CO. PARTS SALES PEOPLE IN SAYING THAT THEY SELL MANY OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSINGS, AND ALSO BY BLOGS ON INTERNET CHAT LINES. THE RUBBER GASKET SWELLS WHEN IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH OIL AND BREAKS OFF THE INNER GASKET-SUPPORT RING, ALLOWING THE LEAK TO HAPPEN. IT IS A POOR DESIGN THAT CAN LEAD TO MAJOR PROBLEMS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND ENGINE FAILURE. I WOULD BE GLAD TO MAIL THE AFFECTED PART TO YOU FOR YOUR EXAMINATION. IT IS AMAZING HOW COMPLETELY THE SUPPORT RING FAILED, AND THE CONDITION OF THE GASKET THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH OIL WHICH LEAKS FROM THE VALVE COVER ABOVE. THE PART COULD EASILY BE REDESIGNED TO USE A STANDARD O-RING FOR THE SEAL, WHICH IS RESISTANT TO OIL, AND SEALS BETTER. THE CURRENT GASKET IS MORE LIKE A RUBBER BAND THAT IS HELD IN PLACE BY THE INSIDE RIM WHICH BREAKS OFF. *TR

  23. Tires, Wheels, Sep 7, 2008

    1. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS TIRE HOLDING AIR. IT HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS EVER SINCE I PURCHASED IT. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ALL THROUGH WARRANTY. I'VE BEEN PUTTING AIR IN IT WHICH HAS COST ME A SURMOUNTABLE AMT OF MONEY RANGING FROM 25 CENTS TO WHATEVER THE MARKET CHARGED COST OF PUTTING AIR IN IT TO THE CURRENT DATE. IT RUINED A GOOD TIRE AFTER 12,000 MILES OF USE; IT WAS ROTATED ALL THE NECESSARY TIMES; ONLY THE RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT SIDE TIRE NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES IT WAS ROTATED; THE SAME SIDE IS FAULTY; AUGUST 2008, A SERVICE CENTER DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM TO EXAMINE THAT PARTICULAR WHEEL AND SEE IF THEY COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT PROBLEM EXISTS. THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL IS BENT IN 4 DIFFERENT PLACES. I'VE HAD TO BE TOWED FROM MY WORKPLACE; MY AUTO CLUB HAS HAD TO SEND A SERVICE SHOPOUT TO CHANGE THE TIRE OR PUMP IT UP. SOMETIMES THIS WOULD HAPPEN IN MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER WARRANTY IT BECOMES THE OWNER'S PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE MFR AND DEALER WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. AN OWNER OF A 2004, NEW AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, ALSO HAS A CRACKED WHEEL. UNLESS THIS PROBLEM IS CORRECTED, IT WILL CONTINUE TO COST PURCHASERS MORE MONIES AND ACCIDENTS IF DRIVEN OVER 30-40 MILES PER HR. THIS IS A MFR'S DEFECT. A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN ON LONG TRIPS AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, SUCH AS ON THE EXPRESSWAYS AND INTERSTATES. IT IS DANGEROUS REGARDLESS OF SPEED. ONCE AIR IS PUT BACK INTO THE TIRE, WITHIN A DAY'S TIME, DRIVEN OR NOT DRIVEN, IT STARTS GOING DOWN. BASICALLY, JUST BEING PARKED, IT WILL GO DOWN ANYWAY. WITH THE ETHICS OF THE DEALERSHIP IN THIS AREA, THEY PROBABLY DID THE SAME THING AS I'VE BEEN DOING., ADDING AIR TO THE TIRE AND RETURNING IT BACK TO ME. THANK YOU. *TR

  24. Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2008

    WE BOUGHT THIS TWO YRS AGO FROM FORD DEALERSHIP AND UP TO THE DATE IT BROKE DOWN NOT ONE PROBLEM . WE DO ALL THE MAINTENANCE PLUS SOME ALL BUY CERTIFIED MECHANICS . THIS WAS OUR ONLY CAR . THE ENGINE BLEW AT UNDER 200XXXKM . THESE ARE ALL HIGHWAY KM AS WE ARE COMMUTERS . THERE IS NO WAY THIS ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BLOWN AT THAT MANY KM WITHOUT SOME KIND OF WARNING SIGN . BEFORE THE DAY IT BLEW THERE WERE NO KNOCKS NOTHING RAN LIKE A TOP . WE HAVE NEVER TAKEN THIS CAR OVER 100KM ON THE HIGHWAY AS ITS OUR ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION . WE STILL OWE 140000 ON THIS HUNK OF CRAP . IM JUST WONDERING IF THIS IS THE NORM FOR THE FOCUS ENGINES . IM JUST BAFFLED BECAUSE LIKE I SAID THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING SIGNS UP TILL THE MORNING IT HAPPENED IT STARTED TO SPUTTER AND LOSE POWER . THE MISSES DROPPED ME OFF AT WORK MADE IT TO THE SHOP BARELY AND ITS NEVER STARTED SINCE . THE MECHANIC SAYS THERE IS NO COMPRESSION IN NUMBER 4 CYLINDER AND IT WAS JUST IN THE SHOP FOR A TUNE UP MAYBE A MONTH TOPS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED . ANY HELP OR INFO WOULD HELP . THERE AREN'T THAT MANY OUT THERE THAT CARE ABOUT THE LITTLE MAN SO I'LL TAKE ANY HELP OR ADVISE I CAN GET . THX TANIA AND DERREK EBERLIE *TR

  25. Electrical system, Aug 20, 2008

    WITH NO PRIOR WARNING SIGNS, KEY WILL NOT TURN IGNITION. I WAS UNABLE TO GET TO WORK AND SUBSEQUENTLY LOST $96 IN WAGES, MINUS TAXES. I CANNOT AFFORD $200-$500 TO FIX SOMETHING THAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE SAME FAULTY PART, THUS HAVING TO FIX IT AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF REFERENCES TO THIS PROBLEM, WHICH MAKES ME WONDER WHY THERE IS NO RECALL. IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, WOULDN'T THAT INDICATE A FAULTY PART, INSTALLED BY FORD ITSELF. SOME PEOPLE REPORT HAVING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION NUMEROUS TIMES, AND THAT FORD HAS NOT REDESIGNED THIS PART, NOR HAVE THEY ADMITTED IT IS FAULTY OR OFFERED A RECALL. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT TO THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS, WHICH SURELY WILL AFFECT FUTURE FORD SALES. WHEN WILL FORD OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM???*TR