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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V482000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2006, crash
THREE INSTANCES. VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DASH, GAUGES, LAMPS, ETC) SUDDENLY GO DEAD. ENGINE THEN SURGES AND STALLS. POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES FAIL. VEHICLE FAILS TO RESTART. 1ST INSTANCE (12/2004): DEALER HAD FAILED TO PROPERLY RECONNECT ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AFTER RECALL SERVICE. ACCIDENT OCCURRED, MINOR INJURIES. 2ND INSTANCE (1/22/2006): DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM. VEHICLE RESTARTED. 3. 3RD INSTANCE (2/3/2006): DEALER FOUND FAULTY ALTERNATOR/ALTERNATOR WIRING. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2006
IGNITION DOES NOT TURN ON 2002 FORD FOCUS. I CANNOT TURN THE KEY. I HAVE LOOKED AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. I FIXED IT BY TAPPING THE KEY WITH A HAMMER AS I TURNED THE KEY. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED ME TO PAY THEM $400 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, BUT I THOUGHT FORD SHOULD JUST FIX IT BEFORE THEY MAKE THEIR WORTHLESS CARS.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2006
THE IGNITION SOLENOID FAILS ON THIS MODEL. UPON SEARCHING ONLINE AND TALKING TO A FEW LOCKSMITHS IT WOULD SEEM THE IGNITION IS SUBSTANDARD/FAULTY IN MY CAR. HOW EXACTLY DOES A KEYED LOCK FAIL? IS THIS A KNOWN ISSUE? *NM
Steering, Suspension, Jan 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS CAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE PHYSICALLY FELT AS THOUGH THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP PERSONNEL REPLACED THE REAR SPINDLE ASSEMBLY, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, AS WELL AS THE HUB AND DRUM OF THE SUSPENSION. *NM THE CONTACT'S MECHANIC CALLED FORD BEFOREHE DID WORK ON VEHICLE. IT WAS A METAL TO METAL SOUND. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN DEADLY. HOWEVER, CONTACT WAS IN RIGHT SLOW LANE AN DWAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 14, 2006
ENGINE STALLS REPEATEDLY WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. OFTEN THE CAR WILL NOT START AFTER STALL. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AND HAS BEEN SERVICED FOUR TIMES, NONE OF WHICH HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. *NM
Steering, Seats, Jan 13, 2006, crash
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FISH TAILED ACROSS THE ROAD AND STRUCK A MAIL BOX. AT SOME POINT DURING THE SKID OR IMPACT WITH THE MAIL BOX, BOTH REAR WHEELS DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BOLTS HOLDING THE REAR SEAT DISMEMBERED AND THE REAR SEAT WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. ONE OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS DIED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT AND ANOTHER WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 12, 2006
VEHICLE HAS STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING, ONCE WHILE A SEMI WAS FOLLOWING CLOSE BEHIND. AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLS, I HAVE TO WAIT ANYWHERE FROM A FEW MINUTES TO A FEW HOURS FOR IT TO START BACK UP AND NOT STALL. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE 00-01 MODELS ARE COVERED BY RECALL FOR A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP BUT MY 02 MODEL IS NOT COVERED BY IT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE 02 MODEL COULD HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF FUEL PUMPS. THE FUEL PUMP THE CAR HAD INSTALLED DEPENDS ON WHAT DATE IT WAS MANUFACTURED. I UNFORTUNATELY HAVE A VEHICLE WITHIN THE DATE RANGE OF BEING MANUFACTURED WITH THE OLDER AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP AS MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT IN OCTOBER OF 2001. WHY IS MY VEHICLE NOT COVERED IN THIS RECALL WHEN IT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH THE EXACT SAME DEFECTIVE PART THAT THE 00-01 MODELS HAVE? *JB
Steering, Suspension, Jan 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING ON BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS A CLANKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE SWAY BAR LINK WORE OUT, AND THE TIE ROD ENDS CRACKED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SWAY BAR LINK AND FRONT TIE ROD ENDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER. *AK UPDATED 2/7/2006 - *NM
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2006
ON 01/10/06 THE IGNITION OF MY FORD FOCUS ZX3 (2002, 46000 MILES)) LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY AND START THE CAR, BLOCKING THE ENTRANCE TO A PARKING GARAGE. AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO HOT-WIRE THE CAR SO I COULD DRIVE IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD OVER THE PHONE BECAUSE I DID PURCHASE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH THE CAR. FORD DOES NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS INCIDENT AND WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR COST UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND WAS ABLE TO FIND SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF OTHER FORD OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE LOCKING OF THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMS TO HAPPEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN, AS THE LOCKS THAT ARE BEING USED AS A REPLACEMENT ARE OF THE SAME BAD QUALITY AS THE ORIGINALS. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 10, 2006
IGNITION WILL NOT TURN. CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2006
I JUST BOUGHT A 2002 FORD FOCUS. MY KEY WONT TURN AND MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED UP. ON-LINE I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH FOCUSES. I AM GOING TO GET IT FIXED, BUT AM CONCERNED BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE A BIG PROBLEM THAT WILL CONTINUE TO RE-OCCUR. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR SOMETIME, AND WAS STRANDED. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED AT MY APARTMENT AND I DID NOT HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED IMMEDIATELY. *NM
Parking brake, Power train, Jan 2, 2006
MY FOOT PAD ON MY CLUTCH PEDAL BECAME SLIPPERY DUE TO LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID OUT OF MY CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER ON MY 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX3. NOW I HAVE STAINS ALL OVER MY CARPETING AND SHOES. MY CLUTCH BEGAN NOT RELEASING DUE TO THIS AS WELL AND THE PLATE BURNED UP. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Dec 30, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE FUEL PUMP AND IAC VALVE WERE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. *AK
Power train, Dec 30, 2005
45,000 MILE CAR HAS LEAKING CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER. CLUTCH PEDAL IS WET AND SLIPPERY WITH BRAKE FLUID. I'VE HAD TO ADD BRAKE DUE TO THE LEAK. I'M AFRAID THAT MY BRAKES WILL GO OUT OR THAT MY FOOT WILL SLIP OFF OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. I STILL HAVN'T HAD IT FIXED YET BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT PART WILL LIKELY FAIL ALSO. IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE DEALER I TOOK IT TO FOR AN ESTIMATE. *NM
Suspension, Latches/locks/linkages, Tires, Wheels, Dec 27, 2005
I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD FOCUS IN JANUARY OF 2005. I LOVE MY CAR, HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT OF THINGS THAT COULD GO WRONG LATER. RIGHT NOW I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY FRONT WHEELS. I HAVE PUT SIX USED TIRES ON THE FRONT SINCE I PURCHASED THE FOCUS. IN NOVEMBER I HAD TWO BRAND NEW TIRES PUT ON PLUS IN MAY I HAVE HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE. THE CAR STILL SHAKES VERY BAD. FOUND OUT I NEED MY WHEEL HUB BEARING REPLACE, PLUS I FOUND OUT THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THE REAR BEARING WHICH I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE THINGS TO BE DONE. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2005
IGNITION SWITCH LOCK-UP. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 55,000 MILES. COST TO REPAIR APPROXIMATELY $300. *NM
Power train, Dec 20, 2005
THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS AT A PREMATURE MILEAGE. I ONLY NOTICED IT AT AROUND THE 42K MARK BUT IT HAS HAPPENED FOR AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT LONGER. THE LEAK GOES THROUGH THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE DRIVERS SIDE CABIN. IT GETS ALL OVER THE CARPET AND CAN CAUSE FUTURE DAMAGE TO MY CARPET AND POSSIBLY FLOOR. THE FLUID IS VERY CORROSIVE AND SINCE ITS ON THE SAME SYSTEM AS THE BRAKES IT ALSO AFFECTS MY BRAKES. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND I WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO A LOT OF FORD FOCUS OWNERS OUT THERE. *NM
Power train, Dec 19, 2005
THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE WERE DAILY USE. THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IT IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE FOR IT TO BEGIN LEAKING, DRIPPING ON THE CARPET AND EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE RUBBER PAD ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO FALL OFF. THIS IN ITSELF IS DANGEROUS, BUT THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH UTILIZES THE SAME FLUID RESERVOIR AS THE BRAKE SYSTEM, SO THE BRAKES COULD BE AFFECTED BY A LEAKING CLUTCH. ON MY VEHICLE, I REPLACED THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER MYSELF. WHEN I WAS UNDER THE CAR, I NOTICED A DRIP FROM THE DRAIN HOLE IN THE BELL HOUSING- THE SLAVE CYLINDER IS LEAKING, TOO. THESE ARE NOT "CONSUMABLE" PARTS OF A CAR. THE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH INDICATES THAT EITHER THEY ARE WOEFULLY UNDER-ENGINEERED, OR THE SEALS THEY USED ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH BRAKE FLUID. BECAUSE OF THE CORROSIVE NATURE OF BRAKE FLUID, HAVING IT DRIP INTO THE CARPET AND PADDING OF THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR IS A BIT OF A CONCERN. ALL IN ALL, THIS IS A MAJOR SHORTCOMING THAT COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. *NM
Suspension, Dec 2, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A NAIL IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S TIRE. UPON REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRE THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING BROKE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING. *AK
Power train, Dec 1, 2005
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT I WAS SHIFTING THROUGH THE GEARS ON MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND WHEN I WENT TO SHIFT IN TO 2ND GEAR, I MISSED 2ND AND ACCIDENTALLY WENT INTO 4TH BUT REALIZED IT BEFORE LETTING OFF THE CLUTCH, IT THEN GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT MOVE FROM THAT GEAR. I COULD NOT GET ANYWHERE TO GET IT FIXED SO I WAS FORCED TO SIT ON THE SIDE OF A MAJOR ROAD IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER FOR MORE THAN 45 MINUTES. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2005
AT AROUND 35,000 MILES MY FATHER NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE ON THE FRONT OF HIS FOCUS. THINKING THAT IT WAS THE SCREECH OF A WARNING INDICATOR HE PARKED THE VEHICLE UNTIL HE COULD HAVE ME LOOK AT IT. BOTH FRONT ROTORS WERE SEVERELY GROUND DOWN WITH THE LEFT INSIDE PAD BEING TOTALLY DOWN FLUSH WITH THE METAL. THIS SHOULDN'T BE NORMAL WEAR. BACK BRAKES SHOWED SIGNS OF NORMAL IF NOT LESS THAN NORMAL WEAR. THIS SHOULD NOT BE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON A VEHICLE WITH THIS FEW MILES ON IT. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH ROTORS PREMATURELY. WE WILL KEEP THE OLD PARTS FOR THIRTY DAYS IN CASE THEY ARE NEEDED. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 23, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION LOCKED, AND THE KEY/STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY FOUND THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Nov 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE WILL REV WITHOUT WARNING. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS ON MORNING STARTS AND IN COLD TEMPERATURES. HE IMMEDIATELY TURNS OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTS THE VEHICLE. THIS PROCEDURE REMEDIES THE PROBLEM. HE PLANS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE REPLACED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB
Air bags, Nov 21, 2005, crash
DT: CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. IT WAS PUSHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS OR SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALL OF THE OCCUPANTS WHERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK