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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Equipment, Nov 21, 2005
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2002 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKES, THE RADIO, AND WATER LEAKING IN THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE BRAKES SQUEAK EVERYTIME I APPLY THEM. THE RADIO ONLY WORKS FOR ONE MINUTE AND THEN IT FADES OUT, ALL YOU CAN HEAR IS STATIC. THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THESE PROBLEMS IS THE LEAK. IT HAS RAINED REALLY HARD THREE TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH, AND ALL THOSE TIMES I HAVE FOUND THE CARPET IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SOAKING WET. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHICH I BOUGHT IT, BUT THEY SAY THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 90 DAY WARRANTY. I HAVE REASERCHED ON THE WEB AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE. THE FORD COMPANY SHOULD BE MADE RESPONSIBLE SINCE THEY ARE THE MANUFACTURERS OF THE CAR. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 21, 2005
ENGINE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED WHILE SHIFTING FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE (AND VICE VERSA). TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM I MAINTAINED HEAVY PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR. *JB
Tires, Nov 15, 2005
I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS AND THE FACTORY INSTALLED TIRES HAD PROBLEMS STARTING WITH THE 2ND TIRE ROTATION AT 12,000 MILES. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A FIRESTONE DEALER AND THE 18,000 MILE ROTATION THE MANAGER RECOMMENDED THAT THE TIRE WEAR WAS SO BAD THAT ROTATING THE TIRES WOULD CAUSE EXCESSIVE ROAD NOISE AND TO LEAVE THEM WHERE THEY WERE AT. I COMPLAINED TO THE FORD MOTOR DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID NOTHING, EVEN FORD MOTOR'S CUSTOMER CARE TOLL FREE SERVICE SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. THE CAR HAS ONLY 21,000 TODAY AND THE TIRES SOUND LIKE I AM RIDING ON WOODEN TIRES. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 3, 2005
2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS LOCKED IGNITION --TUMBLERS WERE OUT OF SYNCH? FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER WON'T AUTHORIZED TO FIX IT WITHOUT CHARGE. PAID $293 FOR REPAIR. SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM WHICH COULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 23, 2005
OUR 2002 FORD FOCUS STALLS, HESITATES AROUND 1/4 OF A TANK. SYMPTOMS SIMILAR TO FUEL DELIVERY MODULE COMPLAINT OF PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 20, 2005
1. MOST RAIN OR SNOW (WET CONDITION) DRIVING CAUSES PARTIAL OR COMPLETE FAILURES OF HORNS 2. IF CAR IS DRIVE IN WET OR SNOW CONDITIONS, THE HORNS FAIL. THIS IS A PARTIAL FAILURE WHERE HORN ARE BARELY AUDIBLE, OR IN HEAVY WET AND COLD ( FREEZING CONDITIONS) HORNS FAIL COMPLETELY. IN ALL CASES TO DATE, OVER TIME,( USUALLY WEEKS ) HORN RETURNS TO NORMAL FUNCTION DURING DRY/AND WARM UP PERIODS. DO DATE NO CONSEQUENCES. (3) FORD DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED HORNS 2 TIMES (THERE IS A FORD SERVICE BULLETIN) HOWEVER, HAS NOT CHANGED THE CONDITION, IT CONTINUES. OLD PART KEPT BY DEALER. *JB
Power train, Oct 19, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE CONSUMER MANUALLY PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. AFTER 10 TO 20 SECONDS IT WOULD GO BACK INTO DRIVE. AT TIMES WHEN STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD ATTEMPT TO SURGE FORWARD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THIS COULD NOT BE FIXED. *AK (11/23/05) RECALL CAMPAIGN#03V482000. *SC
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2005
FORD FOCUS 2002 ZX5 OVER 65,000 MILES RECENT OFL CHANGE APPROX. 3 WEEKS AGO. ENGINE CUTTING OFF AFTER TURNING OVER WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO DRIVE ALMOST EVERY DAY. ENGINE CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEEDS BUT MOST NOTABLY DURING OR AFTER A TURN - WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING - ABLE TO RESTART IN NEUTRAL WHILE IN MOTION - THIS HAPPENS AN AVERAGE OF EVERY 3-4 DAYS. CONSTANT NOISE FROM THE REAR LEFT TIRE ASSEMBLY. FRONT BRAKES REPLACED ABOUT 1 AND HALF YEARS AGO. RIGHT REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY REPLACED 4 MONTHS AGO ALONG WITH CRACKED THERMAL HOUSING THAT HAD DEVELOPED A LEAK - OVER $900 REPAIR W/LABOR. CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT THAT I AM AWARE OF- OTHER THAN LOSS OF DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WHILE IT WAS PARKED 2 YEARS AGO. OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN W/THE SHIFTING. UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK - W/O USING THE SHIFT RELEASE. REPLACED SHIFTER AND STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT. CAN NOT AFFORD TO TAKE CAR IN AT THIS TIME - WAS TOLD BY SERVICE REP THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC WOULD COST APPROX. $80 ALONE JUST TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. ORIGINAL OWNER. TAKING CAR TO DEALER THIS WEEKEND. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *NM
Suspension, Oct 6, 2005
WE NOTICED A SLIGHT RUBBING WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNING TO RIGHT WHILE ON VACATION. WITHIN 2 DAYS IT BECAME WORSE, THE THUMPING AND RUBBING SOUND WERE VERY LOUD AND FELT IN THE CAR. WE OPTED TO LEAVE THE CAR. LUCKILY WE DID, AS THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED US THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED, AND NOTED THIS IS NOT COMMON. WE WERE TOLD THAT HAD WE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HOME, THE WHEEL WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF ON THE HIGHWAY, AS IT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THIS IN TURN DAMAGED OUR BACK BRAKES, RESULTING IN NEW ROTORS AND PADS, AND THE SHOP WAS UNABLE TO GET THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BACK ON AS THEY WERE RUSTED ON THE CAR. *NM
Air bags, Oct 6, 2005, crash
DT: 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOUND THE THERMAL FUSE IN THE CONTROL MODULE FOR THE AIR BAG BLEW OUT, THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE CONSUMER HITTING A DEER ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2005. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE DEER HIT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THERE WAS A WHITE SMOKE THAT CAME FROM THE DRIVER'S AREA, AROUND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE BODY SHOP, AND THEY FOUND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON ,AND THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS NO ONE INJURED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN OVER THE PHONE WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT TELL THE CONSUMER WHAT THE SMOKE WAS THAT CAME OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT PRIOR TO THIS.*AK
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2005
COULD NOT REMOVE IGNITION KEY NOR START THE VEHICLE. COMPLETE IGNITION KEY FAILURE. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, IT LOCKED AND DID NOT ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DID HAVE THE CYLINDER LOCK REPLACED IN THE IGNITION. THIS DID REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS SPECIFIC PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONSUMER DID HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 22, 2005
CAR IS STALLING AND DYING WHEN STOPPED. WILL NOT IDLE PROPERLY. HAVE REPLACE BOTH SPARK PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES EVEN THOUGH ONLY HAVE 36K MILES ON THE CAR. ONLY THING DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOW IS THE FUEL IS TOO LEAN. I AM ASSUMING THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER SINCE FORD WILL NOT INCLUDE THE 2002 MODELS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS EARLIER MODELS. *JB
Power train, Sep 21, 2005
2002 EXPLORER REAR AXLE MAKES HOWLING\NOISES WHEN ACCELERATING. FORD WILL NOT REPAIR REAR AXLE. REAR AXLE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED BY INDEPENDENT SHOP.
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE 2002 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. CONSUMER CANNOT GET THE CAR TO TURN ON. THE SWITCH WILL NOT TURN. THE CAR HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR TWO MONTHS. THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CALLED. *AK
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2005
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR THAT WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION IN OUR 2002 FOCUS SEDAN. THE KEY WILL NOT EVEN TURN IN THE IGNITION. WE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR TOWING AND THE RENTAL OF ANOTHER VEHICLE DURING THE TIME OF REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL! *NM
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2005
BATTERY CABLE FAILURE IDENTICAL TO THOSE RECALLED IN 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS (02V288000) IN A VEHICLE MANUFACTURED VERY EARLY IN 2002 MODEL YEAR. FAILURE INITIALLY CAUSED ENGINE TO MISS WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING IT TO LURCH SEVERELY WITH A LOUD 'BANG'. DEALER (BERGE FORD, MESA, AZ, 8/05/2005) HAD VEHICLE 3 DAYS, FOUND NO PROBLEM. VEHICLE BECAME INCAPACITATED 8/24/2005, CABLE WAS REPLACED AT DEALER (HOLMES-TUTTLE FORD, TUCSON, AZ, $500 BATTERY CABLE!), BUT NOT RETURNED TO US. *JB
Suspension, Tires, Aug 31, 2005
I PURCHASED NEW AN 2002 FORD FOCUS WITH A SERIOUS SUSPENSION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS WORN THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES UNEVENLY ON THE INSIDE OF THE TREAD. ONE SET HAD ACTUALLY WORN DOWN TO THE STEEL BELT BEYOND THE RUBBER CAUSING ITS FAILURE AT 18,000 MILES. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WHEEL, WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL AUTOMOTIVE ALIGNMENT SHOP, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS WELL WITHIN FORDS SPECIFICATIONS. AFTER CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEIR SPECIAL VEHICLE TEAM THEY BOTH SAID THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. I AM LUCKY THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITHIN THE LAST 30,000 MILES AND TWO SETS OF TIRES. I FEEL THIS SAFETY OVERSIGHT IS DUE TO FORD AND ITS FAILURE TO PROPERLY ADJUST THEIR SUSPENSION PARAMETERS TO WORK PROPERLY ON OUR 2002 FORD FOCUS. REPLACED ONE FACTORY WHEEL, INSTALLED SUSPENSION CAMBER ADJUSTMENT PARTS, FOUR NEW TIRES AND HAD VEHICLE RE ALIGNED OUT OF FORDS FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 30, 2005
R.E. FORD FOCUS 2002 FUEL PUMP FAILURE [XXX] I WAS SITTING IN THE CAR WITH THE ENGINE IDLING WAITING TO PICK MY WIFE UP FROM WORK AT AROUND 5PM CST. AS SHE APPROACHED I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE SO SHE COULD DRIVE. UP TO THIS POINT WE HAVE LOVED OUR FOCUS BECAUSE IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN RELIABLE. WHEN SHE STARTED UP THE ENGINE, IT STARTED TO SHAKE. THE SHAKING BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND THEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER. SHE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED A MINUTE AND THEN RESTARTED. THE SHAKING CONTINUED AT A LESSER INTENSITY SO SHE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. ABOUT 25 FEET LATER, IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY OFFICE BUILDING ACCESS ROAD, THE ENGINE STALLED. SHE TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE TO NO AVAIL. IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING ANY FUEL. WE HAD A 1/4 OF A TANK. WE CHECK THE FUEL PUMP FUSE AND TRIED THE FUEL PUMP RESET SWITCH. THINKING THAT THE FUEL TANK INDICATOR MIGHT BE DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE CAR MIGHT BE OUT OF FUEL, MY WIFE HAD A CO-WORKER DRIVER HER TO A LOCAL GAS STATION TO GET GAS. ADDING GAS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND THE FUEL TANK INDICATOR SHOWED THE ADDED FUEL. WHEN NONE OF THE QUICK FIXES WORKED, WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO APPLE VALLEY FORD IN APPLE VALLEY MINNESOTA FOR SERVICING. THEY IDENTIFIED THE FUEL PUMP AS THE CAUSE AND BECAUSE IT IS NOT COVERED BY THE 2000/2001 FOCUS "EXTENDED WARRANTY" FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, WE WILL HAVE TO PAY AROUND $600 TO REPAIR THE CAR. I AM FURIOUS ABOUT THE COST BUT MORE SO ABOUT THE DANGEROUS AND UNTENABLE SITUATION THIS DEFECT PUTS MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF MY LOVED ONES. HOW COULD THE 2002 NOT BE INCLUDED? AFTER RESEARCH INTO THIS ISSUE, I AM ANGRY THAT OUR LIVES ARE NOT CONSIDER IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO FORD OR TO THE NHTSA. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE ENGINE HAD STALLED ON THE FREEWAY. THERE ARE PLENTY OF RECENT COMPLAINTS ONLINE BY OTHER 2002 FOCUS CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEIR FUEL PUMPS MULTIPLE TIMES. *NM UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2005
THE SPEEDOMETER CONSISTENTLY WILL DROP TO ZERO WHILE DRIVING IN ALL TYPES OF CONDITIONS (HIGH SPEED TO LOW SPEED). THE ODOMETER WILL NOT MOVE WHILE THE SPEEDOMETER IS AT ZERO AND OFTEN WILL BLANK OUT. AN OBVIOUS SOUND DIFFERENCE IN THE RADIO IS ALSO NOTED WHEN THIS ALL OCCURS. BROUGHT IT INTO TEAM FORD TWO TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND ALL THEY DID WAS REPLACE THE SPEED SENSOR WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WAS TOLD THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS AND I WOULD BASICALLY HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES AT ANY TIME THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN IN HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE. IF THE KEY WILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE CONTACT STATES HE HAS HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE SERVICE DEALER EXTRACTED AND REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE FORD FOCUS AND IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAPPENED ALL THE TIME. THE CONSUMER ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL, AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID NO, BUT HE SHOULD CALL NHTSA AND FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT. THE CONSUMER FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY.*AK
Structure, Aug 24, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT WISHED TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT REGARDING THE REAR DOOR LATCH THAT HAD AN ACTIVE RECALL. BUT THE CONTACT WAS GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED ON AUGUST, FRIDAY 26, 2005. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD PROBLEMS WITH REAR DOORS SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WARNED MANUFACTURER IF RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE SHE WILL SUE FORD AND NHTSA. *AK
Suspension, Aug 19, 2005
COMPLAINT REGARDING 2002 FORD FOCUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.*MR THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER BUT HASN'T RECEIVED A REPLY YET. *NM
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2005
MAYBE ONE YEAR OR SO AFTER I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW 2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS THERE WAS A REALLY BAD STORM ONE NIGHT AND THE NEXT DAY MY FLOOR BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS SOAKED IN WATER ALMOST LIKE A PUDDLE. THEN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS IT'S HAPPENED AGAIN AT LEAST FIVE MORE TIMES. AFTER TAKING OUT THE FLOOR MAT AN ACTUAL PUDDLE OF WATER GATHERS ON MY FLOOR BOARD WHEN IT STORMS. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN EVERY SINGLE TIME IT STORMS BUT IT'S HAPPENED QUITE A FEW TIMES ALREADY. MY CAR IS ONLY GOING ON FOUR YEARS OLD (AND I KEEP IT CLEAN ALL THE TIME AS I'M THE ONLY ONE IN MY CAR, I DON'T HAVE ANY CHILDREN NOR AM I MARRIED AND THEREFORE I AM THE ONLY ONE IN MY CAR AND TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF IT) BUT IT SMELLS LIKE IT'S REALLY OLD WITH A STRONG MILDEW ODOR. THIS IS VERY UPSETING, I'VE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS FORD INCLUDING AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ISSUE WHICH I'VE ALREADY MADE A COMPLAINT ABOUT. I CALLED A FORD DEALERSHIP TO TELL THEM ABOUT MY FLOOR BOARD ISSUE AND THEY SAID THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE FORD FOCUS 2001 BUT NOT A 2002 FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM APPARENTLY WAS NOT FIXED ON THE 2002'S BECAUSE MINE IS STILL LEAKING.
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS AND SHE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM . HORN FAILED THREE TIMES IN ONE YEAR, BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM WAS THAT ON 8-18-05, WHEN SHE STARTED THE CAR, IT WAS SLOW TO START THEN IT JUST WOULD NOT START AT ALL. SHE THOUGHT THE BATTERY WAS BAD, BUT IT WAS GOOD AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS GOOD. SHE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD HER THE WIRE THAT CONNECTED THE BATTERY ON THE LEFT SIDE WAS BURNED OUT. THEY WOULD NOT LET HER DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THEY SAID THE CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE. SHE HAD IT TOWED TO FORD. WHO TOLD HER THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT CITED RECALL 02V288000; REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/ BATTERY CABLES. *AK