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
1,014 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, May 6, 2008
I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY OF FORD FOCUS OWNERS OF THEIR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR IGNITION KEY GETTING STUCK OR NOT TURNING. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW, WHERE I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED AT NIGHT OR IN HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS. I BELIEVE THAT SINCE THIS SI NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM WITH A FEW VEHICLES AND ALSO CONSIDERING THE IMPLICATIONS IF VEHICLES NOT STARTING BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO REQUEST TO FORD COMPANY, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DESIGN FLAWS IN THE IGNITION SYSTEM. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2008
MY IGNITION SWITCH ON THE 2003 FOCUS WAGON, LOCKED UP. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER, HIT IT TO RELEASE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, AND THEY SAID IT WOULD BE $338.00. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL FOR YEARS ACCORDING TO WEB BLOGS. I SPOKE TO FORD AND THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME, AND STATED THIS WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE. WE HAVE 4 FOCUS IN THE FAMILY. OUR 2002 HAD THE SAME PROBLEM -BUT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND MUST BE ADDRESSED AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 7, 2008
CONTINUAL OIL LEAKAGE FROM THE LOWER ENGINE BLOCK OF A 2002 FORD FOCUS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK. THIS RESULTS FROM AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM, PER MY FIRESTONE SERVICE PERSON. THE RIGHT SIDE CV AXLE MOUNTING BRACKETT IS ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CRANKCASE, AND THE AXLE TORQUE HAS OVER THE 73,000 MILES WE HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE CRACKED THE LOWER CRANK-CASE. WHEN THERE IS PRESSURE ON THE ENGINE, THE CRACK OPENS AND OIL LEAKS. I HAVE SEEN THE CRACK WITH MY OWN EYES. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIANS, IF THIS IS THE CASE WITH THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE ENGINEERING, THERE ARE PROBABLY OTHER INSTANCES OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2008
1. TWO DAYS BEFORE THE ENGINE DIED I NOTICED IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, LIKE A SPUTTERING. THEN IT WOULD GO AWAY AND THE CAR WOULD DRIVE FINE. THE CAR HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK AND SO I CONTINUED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS AT THE RIGHT LEVELS. 2. THE DAY WHEN THE ENGINE DIED IT HAD BEEN RUNNING NORMALLY. I HAD STOPPED AT THE STORE. WHEN I GOT BACK IN MY CAR AND TURNED IT ON THE ENGINE MADE A POPPING NOISE AND THEN THE ENGINE "TURNED OVER" AND STARTED MAKING A THWAPING NOISE, LIKE CARDBOARD IN CONTACT WITH A FAN BLADE. AFTER TOWING IT TO A MECHANIC (IT WOULDN'T START, IT KEPT MAKING THUD-ISH THWAPING NOISES), WHO HAD WORKED FOR FORD PREVIOUSLY, HE SAID THAT THE 4TH PISTON HAD BROKE AND WAS GRINDING ON THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK (HE HAD TAKEN A LOOK AT THE TIMING BELT - OK- AND WAS TESTING THE GEARS THAT THE TIMING BELT ATTACHED TO. 3 TURNED WITH THE RIGHT TORQUE BUT THE FINAL ONE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE BLOCK DIDN'T TURN UNLESS TORQUE GREATER THAN WHAT WAS NORMALLY NEEDED WAS APPLIED. WHEN IT TURNED THERE WAS A THWAP SOUND INSIDE THE ENGINE). WHAT MADE ME WONDER IS HE SAID THAT THIS ALWAYS HAPPENED WITH THIS MODEL ON THE SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES AT AROUND 90 TO 120 THOUSAND MILES. HE SAID THAT HE REPAIRED NUMEROUS SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THIS TYPE OF ENGINE, EVEN GUARANTEEING THAT OPENING UP THE ENGINE WOULD SHOW THAT THE 4TH PISTON (FARTHEST ON THE RIGHT FACING THE FRONT) BROKE. I HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD GOTTEN ON THE FREEWAY AND THE PISTON HAD BROKE. 3. THE COST TO REPLACE WITH A NEW OEM ENGINE WAS MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR IF I WERE TO PERSONALLY SELL IT (BASED ON KELLY BLUE BOOK) AND SO WAS THE COST FOR A USED ENGINE ($1200 WAS THE LOWEST, COMPARED TO THE DUEL OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES FOR THE FOCUS WHICH I FOUND USED FOR $500. SEEMS THE DEMAND FOR THAT STYLE ENGINE IS HIGH). I HAVE NOT REPAIRED IT. I AM CONSIDERING SELLING IT TO A SCRAP YARD. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2008
KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2008
WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE ABOUT 10PM WHEN I WAS DONE GOT INTO MY CAR AND THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. I SAT THERE TRYING FOR A LONG TIME AND NOTHING. IT WAS OBVIOUS THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED UP. GOT MY CAR TOWED THE NEXT MORNING TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, WHICH DID NOT OPEN UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THEY FINALLY WERE ABLE TO LOOK AT IT AND SAID THE IGNITION TUMBLER HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE COST FOR THAT IS $453.00. I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I AM ALREADY ON A TIGHT BUDGET AND THERE WAS NO EVENT THAT LED UP TO THE IGNITION DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 23, 2008
THE IGNITION IS LOCKED ON MY 2002 FORD FOCUS. NOTHING LED UP TO IT. APPARENTLY THIS HAPPENS TO FOCUSES OFTEN. I NEED TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH REPLACE IT, AT COST TO ME, WHEN FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAS TAKEN TO ACTION TO REMEDY IT. *TR
Power train, Mar 17, 2008
CLUTCH LEAKS FLUID. FLUID RUNS DOWN STEM OF CLUTCH PEDAL, LOOSENING THE RUBBER PEDAL PAD, WHICH PROCEEDS TO FALL OFF IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. ALSO CLUTCH FLUID IS SUPPLIED BY BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR!!! THIS LEAK CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE AS FLUID LEAKS OUT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 8, 2008
THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR CRASHES, HOWEVER MY SPEEDOMETER READING STOPS WORKING AND I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST I AM GOING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS MY ODOMETER STOPS WORKING TOO. SINCE THE ODOMETER STOPS WORKING, THIS GIVES A FALSE READING ON HOW FAR I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING. IN OTHER WORDS IF THE ODOMETER STOPS AT 500 MILES AND THEN IT STARTS WORKING TEN MILES LATER, IT PICKS UP AT 500. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE TRUE READING IS ANYMORE. I HAVE HAD SO MANY MALFUNCTIONS THAT I DO NO KNOW THE TRUE READINGS OF MY ODOMETER. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE ROUGHLY. THE CONTACT LOOKED AT THE TRIP ODOMETER AND IT DISPLAYED ALL ZEROS. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE TRIP ODOMETER BUTTON AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE NORMALLY AGAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE DPFE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE DPFE SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR AT THAT TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,773 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,300. UPDATED 4/2/08 *CN UPDATED 04/02/08 *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 5, 2008
APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS AGO, WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE (~65 MILES PER HOUR), A COOLING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON (2002 FORD FOCUS, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, 46,000 MILES), AND INSTANTANEOUSLY, THE CAR STALLED. IT ALMOST THREW ME INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR RECOVERED AND DID NOT DIE, AND I WAS ABLE TO GET TO WHERE I WAS GOING. IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN (~20 MILES PER HOUR). I BROUGHT IT TO PEP BOYS, WHO COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IT STALLED AND DIED TWO BLOCKS AWAY FROM PEP BOYS, SO I BROUGHT IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. I ASKED THEM TO CHECK ON ANY RECALLS BECAUSE I HAVE NOTICED THAT MANY FOCUSES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THEY CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT IT WAS DEFINITELY THE THERMOSTAT , THERMOSTAT HOUSING ASSEMBLY AND O RING, AND I NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE (WHICH WAS DONE AT PEP BOYS ONE WEEK EARLIER). THEY WANTED $1100.00 TO FIX IT, SO I TOOK MY CAR HOME. TODAY, I DROVE IT TO A MECHANIC, AND IT KILLED TWICE, AND STALLED THREE TIMES (DRIVING NO MORE THAN 30 MPH). THE HAZARD LIGHT CAME ON BY ITSELF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE MECHANIC JUST CALLED TO TELL ME THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS BAD, AND THAT IS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE STALLING. IT IS A SHAME THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THIS CAR, AND NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THE 2002 FORD FOCUS FOR FAULTY FUEL PUMPS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2008
ENGINE STALLS THEN TURNS OFF. I GIVE IT GAS AND IT SEEMS TO GET WORSE. IDLES DOWN TO ZERO AND TURNS OFF. I HAVE TO WAIT A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THEN IT WILL RUN. IT USUALLY WILL KEEP HAPPENING EVERY FEW MILES UNTIL I STOP FOR SEVERAL HOURS. I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE/EXPRESSWAY, TOO DANGEROUS WHEN IT STALLS AT 75MPH. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2008
WHEN I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT DOESN'T TURN. I GOT STUCK WHILE SHOPPING AND HAD TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH COME OUT. HE INFORMED ME THAT MY KEY WAS FINE, BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE PROBLEM AND THAT HE HAS RESPONDED TO MANY OF THE SAME CALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE 2002 FORD FOCUS. HE SUGGESTED THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF RESPONSES. SO I CALLED A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY THEN INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD BEEN RECEIVING A LOT OF THE SAME CALLS, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL IN EFFECT. THE MAN I SPOKE TO GAVE ME THE FORD 800 NUMBER TO CALL AND ISSUE A COMPLAINT, WHICH I DID. NOW I HAVE TO UNFORTUNATELY GO SPEND $300 PLUS DOLLARS ON REPAIRING MY IGNITION SWITCH EVEN THOUGH FORD IS AWARE OF THE FAULTY PART. PLEASE RECALL 2002 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCHES! *TR
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2008
I NEVER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH MY IGNITION CYLINDER, NO SEMI LOCKING, NO GLITCHES NOTHING, THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN I GO TO START MY CAR TO LEAVE THE GROCERY STORE AND THE KEY WON'T TURN. SO I HAD TO WAIT 3 HOURS WITH MY 87 YEAR OLD GRANDFATHER IN A FREEZING CAR WITH NO HEATER (CAUSE THE KEY WONT BUDGE) OF A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT FOR A LOCKSMITH TO COME AND FIX AND THEN TO PAY HIM $400. MY COMPLAINT IS NOT THE WAIT, BUT THAT THIS FROM WHAT I READ IS A PROBLEM OCCURRING IN THESE FORD FOCUS FAULTY IGNITION. IF THIS WHERE SOMETHING THAT ONLY HAPPENED TO ME, THEN THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN MY PROBLEM, BUT ITS NOT. SO NOW WE ARE OUT $400 BECAUSE OF CHEAP MERCHANDISE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED FOR FREE BECAUSE TOO MANY PEOPLE BEFORE ME HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM FURTHER AND LET GET A RECALL GOING SO NO ONE ELSE HAS TO BEAR THIS BURDEN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN OF THIS MATTER. SINCERELY MADELEINE MELLOTT *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE IN THREE WEEKS. HE ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO RUN FOR OVER AN HOUR; HOWEVER, THE GEAR WOULD STILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE DRIVEN IF AN EMERGENCY BUTTON IS ENGAGED, WHICH ALSO DOES NOT ALLOW THE GEAR TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL AND A WIRE THAT CONNECTS TO THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2007 WITH A 1,000 MILE OR 30 DAY WARRANTY. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS UNKNOWN AND THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,332 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,302.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 14, 2008, crash
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, MONDAY FEB 11TH AT 7:15 AM. MY SEATBELT WAS BROKEN DURING THE IMPACT AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR IS CONSIDERED A "TOTAL LOSS", THEREFORE I CAN NOT FIX THE DAMAGES TO IT. IF MY SEATBELT BROKE DUE TO THE IMPACT, THEN WHY DIDN'T MY AIR BAGS DEPLOY? *TR
Visibility, Feb 12, 2008
IN 2006, I HAD PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD FOCUS SE. A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER MY PURCHASE, MY RIGHT REAR POWER WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP USING THE POWER BUTTON. ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER, THE LEFT REAR POWER WINDOW ALSO STOPPED WORKING AND STAYED DOWN. THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE PROPPED UP WITH TAPE AND DOOR STOPPER WEDGED IN ORDER FOR THE WINDOWS TO STAY UP. WHEN FINALLY TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC SAID BOTH POWER WINDOW MOTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $400 EACH. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2008
1) I NOTICED THAT MY RPMS WERE NOT RETURNING TO NORMAL AND MY VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP COMPLETELY. 2) I OWN A 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLS 4X4 WITH THE SOHC 4.0 LITER ENGINE. THE THROTTLE CABLE STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SURGE UNCONTROLLABLY AT APPROXIMATELY 5000 RPMS. I HAD TO TURN OFF MY IGNITION TO AVOID CRASHING THE VEHICLE INTO NEARBY TRAFFIC. OTA HAS RECEIVED REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05037, BUT CLOSED THE CASE ON NOVEMBER 2, 2005. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS CRASH. I BELIEVE THAT OTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AS IT DID FOR CAMPAIGN #03V280000. 3) I WILL BE CONTACTING FORD TOMORROW TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO PUT THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR INTO THE PARK POSITION TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 103,800 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,900. UPDATED 02-14-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED TO A FORD DEALER THE PREVIOUS OWNER INSTALLED DECORATIVE OVERLAYS TO GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS. UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
Steering, Jan 4, 2008
I COULD NOT BUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED UP. IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS STUCK IN THE START POSITION. SO NOW I HAVE TO GET THE CAR TOWED. *CN
Steering, Jan 2, 2008
I PUT MY KEY IN, TURNED IT ON AND WENT TO SHIFT IN TO DRIVE AND THE SHIFTER CAME RIGHT OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN BETWEEN GEARS.*CN
Suspension, Jan 1, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS I EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WHICH CUT OPEN LIKE A CAN OPENER ONE FRONT TIRES AND DAMAGED THE OTHER. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH TIRES AND SPRINGS REPLACED. IF I WAS TRAVELING MORE THAN 15 MPH I FEAR I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY.*CN
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 28, 2007
'02 FORD FOCUS ZX5 HAS SHOWN CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION. FIRST, THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 'P'. THEN, THE KEY WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS OCCURRED WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY, AND IT IS NOW STUCK PERMANENTLY. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN IT TO GET FIXED, BUT BASED ON PHONE INQUIRIES TO REPAIR SHOPS IT WILL COST ME ANYWHERE FROM $200-500 TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 24, 2007
IGNITION LOCK DEFECTIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2007
WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START MY CAR THE KEY WILL NOT TURN, WHEN SPEAKING WITH A DEALER ON THE PROBLEM THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM VERY VERY COMMON WITH THE FORD FOCUS AND AGREED THAT THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE NUMBER OF CARS THAT NEED THE KEY CYLINDER REPLACED, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES, DUE TO THIS ISSUE. *TR