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. 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

  2. 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

  3. Wheels, Jan 31, 2004

    IN ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY FROM MY CAR, I FOUND THIS TO BE IMPOSSIBLE-APPARENTLY ,THE CAST WHEEL METAL HAD CORRODED TO THE HUB. THIS MADE AN IMPOSSIBLY DIFFICULT AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM OF A NORMALLY ROUTINE ONE. *JB

  4. Fuel system, Gasoline, Seats, Jan 29, 2004

    BOLT MOUNTING DRIVER SIDE SEAT TRACKS TO FLOOR PAN LOOSENED. CONTINUED SURGING AND INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM WHILE ACCELERATING AND COMING TO A STOP. *AK

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2004

    CONTROL CABLE ON DUAL STAGE INTAKE MANIFOLD FRACTURED FROM HOUSING, RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL TO VARIABLE INTAKE RUNNERS. VEHICLE EXHIBITED INCREASED IDLE AND DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND STALLING.*AK

  8. Steering, Jan 29, 2004

    FAILURE OF HIGH-PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF FLUID CAUSED BEARING IN POWER FLUID PUMP ASSEMBLY TO SEIZE RESULTING IN PULLEY SHEARING OFF AND EXITING VEHICLE FROM UNDER BODY. THE LOSS OF THE PULLEY CAUSED THE ACCESSORY SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT FAILURE, WHICH RESULTED IN ADDITIONAL LOSS OF THE WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, AND A/C COMPRESSOR. FLUID ALSO SOAKED ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES.*AK

  9. Seat belts, Jan 29, 2004

    SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK SEAT HAVE STUCK IN THE RETRACTED POSITION AND COULD NOT BE LOOSENED. *AK

  10. 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

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 27, 2004

    AT 19,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT PADS/ROTORS BECAUSE THE PADS WOE OUT AND HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE ROTORS. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR, IT'S NOT DRIVEN HARD, AND NOW AT 33,000 MILES I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR PADS, HOPEFULLY THAT'S ALL. THIS CAR IS CRAP AND A RIP OFF. *JB

  12. Suspension, Jan 26, 2004, crash

    ONE OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS CAME APART AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. FORD IS SENDING A TECHNICIAN TO ASSESS THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

  13. Steering, Jan 23, 2004, crash

    DURING THE RAIN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN THROUGH A PUDDLE, THE STEERING WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN AND UNMANAGEABLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT THE CURB. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE CAUSED BY THE BRAKES, WHICH WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM REMAINED. *PH *SC *JB

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Jan 22, 2004, crash

    WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE HESITATED AND TOOK A DIP FORWARD AND DOWN TO THE GROUND. THEN, IT ACCELERATED AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING WHILE DRIVING AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH LANDED IN A DITCH. CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. CONSUMER WORE SEAT BELTS. HOWEVER, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2004

    AT ANY SPEED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON , AND THEN, ENGINE RUMBLED AND STALLED.VEHICLE STALLED TEN TIMES. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

  16. Fuel system, Other, Jan 16, 2004

    FUEL DELIVERY MODULE FAILED, BLEW EGR LINE AND LOADED UP REAR EXHAUST BEYOND REPAIR. CAR ONLY HAS 41,000 MILES ON IT. "TOTAL CARE" WARRANTY WON'T COVER ALL OF THIS. *CB

  17. Steering, Suspension, Jan 15, 2004, crash

    THE MILEAGE ON MY FOCUS WAS 47000 KM AND THE COST WAS $5500.00. THE DATE WAS JULY BUT I AM AT WORK AND NOT SURE OF EXACTLY WHAT DAY. MY FOCUS WAS MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND SIMILAR IN NATURE TO TRACTION CONTROL KICKING IN. IT WAS IN TO BE SERVICED ON A FRIDAY AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPEAT THE SOUND. ALSO AT THAT TIME IT WAS HAVING REGULAR MAINTENANCE TIRE ROTATION AND OIL CHANGE. ON THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY DRIVING IN THE TOWN I LIVE IN (LUCKILY THE SPEED LIMIT IS ONLY 30 KM/HR) I EXPERIENCED THE STEERING WHEEL PULL TO THE RIGHT AND I HAD HIT A PARKED CAR. HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY ME AND MY 2 CHILDREN WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATALITY. THE COST QOUTED TO YOU OF 5500.00 IS NOT INCLUDING THE COST TO FIX THE OTHER VEHICLE. AS WELL FORD MOTOR CO. IS TAKING NO RESPONSILBILTY WHATSOEVER AND I NEED PROOF TO GET MY INSURANCE CO TO FIND FAULT TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN MYSELF.

  18. Tires, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004

    ALL FOUR STUDS ON THE RIGHT FRONT BROKE OFF AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BRAKES, FRONT BUMPER, ALONG WITH A FEW OTHER THINGS. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS MY FAULT BECAUSE I HAD A MECHANIC BESIDES THEM CHANGE THE BRAKES ON IT. I HAD MY 2 MONTH BABY NIECE IN THE BACK ALONG WITH 3 OTHER PEOPLE. THE OTHER PROBLEM I HAVE IS THE SEAL ON THE WINDSHIELD IS COMING OUT NEAR THE ROOF.

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004

    I BOUGHT THE CAR ON OCT 29, 2002. SINCE DAY ONE THE CAR HAS CONSUMED WAY TOO MUCH GAS. IT IS OUTRAGEOUS! IT HAS BECOME A MORTGAGE PMT! MY CAR PMT IS $344 A MONTH I PAY THE SAME IN GAS A MONTH. I USE TO OWN A 1993 FORD ESCORT,STICK,4 CYC AND NEVER DID I EVER SPEND SO MUCH GAS. I AM 49 YRS OLD, DON?T SPEED, AND KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. I HAVE ALSO OWNED MANY STICK,4 CYL CARS AND NONE HAVE EVER SPEND SO MUCH GAS. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IN THAT RESPECT. SECOND: A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON, EVER SINCE THEN, MY CAR WON'T START IN THE MORNINGS, AND WHEN IT HAS BEEN SITTING FOR A AWHILE. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES ALREADY, THEY HAVE CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES, STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, THIS LAST TIME IN WHICH I PICKED UP THE CAR YESTERDAY, NOV. 11, NOTHING WAS DONE! I ASK QUESTIONS BUT ALL I GET IS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG! BUT SOMETHING IS HAPPENING...NOWADAYS, EVERYTHING IS COMPUTERIZED, ONE THING GOES BAD AND IT AFFECTS THE ENTIRE CAR. SOMETHING IS NOT BEING CHECK, BUT I AM INFORMED, EVERYTHING IS BEING CHECKED! I HAVE HAD IT WITH THE CAR! WITH THE AMOUNT OF GAS THAT IS BEING CONSUMED & THE NOT STARTING JUST DON?T KNOW WHAT TO DO! THERE IS SOMETHING MAJORLY WRONG WITH THIS CAR! I CAN'T STAY THIS WAY, IT IS NOT FAIR, IT?S SO EXPENSIVE TO OWN A CAR NOWADAYS. THE STRESS OF BEING LEFT ANYWHERE, BEING LATE FOR WORK MOST OF THE TIME DUE TO THE CAR NOT STARTING. WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY? I WORK, LIVING PAY CHECK TO PAY CHECK, I AM HAVING WAY TOO MUCH STRESS & NOW I AM @ A POINT WHERE IT HAS EFFECTED MY WORK, POSSIBLY I WILL LOOSE MY JOB.

  20. Suspension, Wheels, Jan 15, 2004

    THE FRONT DRIVER'S WHEEL BEARING AND HUB WENT OUT AT ABOUT 7,000. THE CAR MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE. FORD REPAIRED THIS PROBLEM. CAR HAD TO HAVE BRAKE PADS AT 28,000 MILES. THE WEAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WAS MUCH WORST THAN THE OTHERS. REPAIR PERSON SAID THAT THE CALIPERS WERE DEFECTIVE. COST 100. DOLLARS. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING AND HUB WENT OUT AT 29,000. I PAID FOR REPAIR OF WHEEL $150. I WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS GOING OUT AGAIN. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THIS CAR. I AM NOW FACED WITH REPAIRS OF THE OTHER SIDE FOR A SECOND TIME AND THE CAR IS ONLY 18 MONTHS OLD. I AM WORRIED THAT THE WHEELS WILL COME OFF.

  21. 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.

  22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Visibility, Wheels, Jan 15, 2004

    I HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASING MY 2002 SVT FOCUS. RANDOM STALLS, LEAKS, AND NOISES. SHIFT LINKAGE FAILURE, WHEEL BEARING FAILURE, POWER WINDOW PROBLEMS. INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE, WRONG IDLE SPEED, LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. 35 DAYS IN THE SHOP SO FAR AND COUNTING, ALL WITHIN 11MO OF PURCHASE. DON'T BUY A FORD CAR, YOU'LL REGRET IT.

  23. Tires, Wheels, Jan 15, 2004

    FORD FOCUS 2002 ZX5 WITH 16" ALLOY WHEELS AND FIRESTONE TIRES SEEMS TO BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE MORE THAN OTHER CARS I HAVE HAD. ONE BUBBLED TIRE, AND ANOTHER PUNCTURED TIRE WITHIN WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. THE FOCUS ALLOY WHEELS ARE THE WORSE PROBLEMS. AT LEAST TWO HAVE BEEN BENT TO THE POINT OF CAUSING STEERING AND VIBRATION PROBLEMS ON CAR. ONE WHEEL HAS TWO VISIBLE BUMPS, AND ONE WHEEL HAS A MASSIVE BUMP FROM SOME SURPRISE ROAD HOLES. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT HAD SUCH WEAK RIMS. I AM NOT REPLACING THE WHEELS UNTIL I TALK TO EITHER FORD OR A LAWYER.

  24. Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Wheels, Jan 15, 2004

    PROBLEM I'M STILL HAVING AND WAS REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP IS CAR PULLS TO LEFT, ( NOT CORRECTED) BACK END OF CAR OR TIRES BOUNCE ON ROAD AND ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP, CANNOT STAY ON ROAD IN SLUSH OR SNOW, BACK END IS ALL OVER ROAD, ( NOTHING DONE) TIRES ARE COMPLETELY GROVED IN MANY SPOTS ON THE TIRES, CAUSED BY REAR END BOUNCING ON ROAD, FIRESTONE WON'T REPLACE THEY SAY IT IS FOCAS'S REAR END AND IT WEARS OUT THE TIRES, DEALER OR FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT REAR END OR TIRES, CAR VIBRATES BADLY, REAR DOORS BARLEY OPEN ARE SO STIFF, LOOKS LIKE DOOR LOCKS ARE COROADED NOTHING WAS DONE BY DEALERSHIP EVEN THOUGH THEY SAID THEY LUBRICATED, NOTHING IS ON THE LOCKS TO SHOW LUBRICATION OF LOCKS.

  25. Power train, Jan 15, 2004

    EXCESSIVE GEAR CHATTERING HAS NECESSITATED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FINAL DRIVE GEAR. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT FINAL DRIVE GEAR WAS DEFECTIVE AND A REDESIGN WAS PLACED IN VEHICLE. BECAUSE OF REDESIGN I NEEDED NEW DRIVE AXLES. TORQUE CONVERTER WAS ALSO SHOT AND A NEW DIFFERENTIAL WAS PUT INTO VEHICLE. NEW BEARINGS HAD TO BE ORDERED BUT WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THEY ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER UNTILL DECEMBER OF 2004. YES IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT, 20 MONTHS FROM NOW. DEALERSHIP IS ORDERING BEARINGS THAT ARE CLOSE TO THE BACKORDERED PARTS, AND MEASURING FOR FIT. TOTAL TIME IN SHOP: 32 DAYS AND COUNTING. COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CAR BEING ON LIFT FOR 21 DAYS IS $13,860 EXCLUDING PARTS AND LABOR OF THE MASTER MECHANIC.