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. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2004

    AT THIS EARLY MILEAGE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE WERE INFORMED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THE SEE OFTEN BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF BRAKE PADS AND TYPE OF ROTORS. THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT FORD IS HIDING THIS PROBLEM. WE BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR SO WE WOULDN'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

  2. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004

    THE CAR IS A 2002 SVT FOCUS. THE ENGINE HAS A SEVERE MISS/SURGE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE LAST TICKET ON THE VEHICLE STATES THAT THERE IS NO FIX AT THIS TIME. OCTOBER 27, 2003 UPDATE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP ON THIS MATTER. FORD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BACK, REFUNDED ALL OF THE PAYMENTS MADE, AND COMPENSATED ME FOR ANY AFTERMARKET PARTS I HAD THE RECEIPT FOR. FORD WENT OUT OF ITS WAY TO MAKE ME HAPPY. THANK YOU.

  3. Steering, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004

    I HAVE HAD THE CAR. FOR ONLY 4 MONTHS. I HAD PROBLEM WITH IT IN OCTOBER IT WAS THE CAR MOVING WHEN I AM DRIVING IT MOVES LIKE A SWERVING MOTION AND THEN IN DECEMBER 13, 2002. I TOOK IT BACK IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE BACK SWAYS WHEN HITTING BUMPS AND THE TIRE ROD WAS LOOSE. THE REPAIR WAS 1,140 ON A NEW CAR. I HAD WATER COMING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. ON DEC 31, 2002 IT RAINED AND MY WHOLE FLOOR IS WET. I AM VERY DISCUSSED WITH THIS CAR. BECAUSE IT IS A BRAND NEW CAR. AND I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OUT OF IT GOING ON TWO TIMES WITH THE WATER, TWO TIMES WITH THE HITTING OF BUMPS AND THE CAR MOVING SIDE WAYS ALMOST INTO ANOTHER LANE ,AND ONE MORE THING I TOOK THE CAR IN TO FORD ON 12/26/02 TO TALK TO THE SALES PERSON ABOUT MY PROBLEMS I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH AND HOW VERY DISSATISFIED I AM THE CAR HAS BEEN STILL SWAYING WHEN I AM DRIVING AND COMING ACROSS BUMPS RAILROAD TRACKS AND ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PUT MONEY DOWN FOR ANOTHER CAR, WHICH IS SO UNFAIR BECAUSE IT IS A NEW CAR AND THEY SHOULD PUT ME IN ANOTHER CAR IF THEY SEE THE PROBLEMS. I WILL NEVER SEND ANY ONE TO BUT A CAR FROM THEM BECAUSE THEY SHOULD STAND BEHIND THERE PROMISE WHEN THEY EXPRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER SATIATION WHEN THEY SEE THAT THE CAR IS A PROBLEM

  4. Suspension, Air bags, Wheels, Jan 15, 2004, crash

    ON NOVEMBER 23 2002 I WAS IN A ACCIDENT WHERE I BROKE MY NOSE AND HAD NUMEROUS BURISES. THE REASON I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WAS BECAUSE MY WHEEL AND SUSPENSION BROKE & SEEM TO COME APART. I HAD COMPLAINED TO FORD THAT MY WHEEL HAD BEEN SHAKING AND THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAD TAKEN IT BACK 4 TIMES TO GET FIXED BUT EVERYTIME I GOT IT BACK AND IT WOULD SHAKE JUST AS BAD. ALSO WHEN I GOT INTO THE ACCIDENT MY AIRBAGS DIDNT DEPLOY AT ALL I RECEIVED A BROKEN NOSE FROM HITTING MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS SHAKING REALLY BAD AND IT SEEM TO PULL ME OFF THE ROAD THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS LIKE A SNAP AND IT WENT THE OTHER DIRECTION. I FLEW SIDEWAYS UP IN THE AIR AND HIT TWO OAK TREES LUCKLY I DIDN'T DIE FROM THIS ACCIDENT IF YOU WOULD SEE THE PICTURES YOU WOULD THINK HOW DID SHE SURVIVE. IF THE CAR WOULD HAVE HIT THE OAK TREES TWO FEET CLOSER TO MY DOOR I WOULDN'T BE HERE TO TELL YOU THIS. THE CAR SPLIT IN HALF & WAS TOTALED.

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

    THIS PROBLEM JUST HAPPENED YESTERDAY. MY DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A TURN, AND THE CVC JOINT COMPLETELY FELL APART. SHE LOST ALL STEERING CAUSING HER TO HIT A CURB. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT ONLY A MONTH AGO. THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX THE CAR SAYING THAT SHE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING THE JOINT TO FALL APART. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, AND NEED HELP. THIS IS A TERRIBLE DEFECT, AND IF SHE HADN'T HAVE BEEN GOING SLOW, SHE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN HELP US, AS WERE NOT SURE WHAT STEPS TO TAKE TO GET THE PUBLIC ATTENTION ABOUT A POSSIBLE KILLER.

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004, fire

    ON NOVEMBER 9, 2002 WHILE DOING ERRANDS I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA OF 2002 FORD FOCUS (5 MONTHS OLD). IT WAS A WET AND RAINY DAY AND THE WINDOWS WERE FOGGING-UP. I HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN TO DEFROST THE LIGHT MIST ON THE WINDOWS, AS THE DEFROST BUTTON WOULD NOT WORK. THE SMOKE BECAME SO THICK I DECIDED TO PULLED OVER AND CALL FOR FORD ROAD SERVICE. BY THE TIME I WAS GIVING THE REP. MY LOCATION PEOPLE WERE RUNNING FROM THIER HOMES TO MOVE THIER CARS. I TOLD THE REP. THE CAR IS ON FIRE. I HUNG-UP AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I RAN BACK TO MY NEW CAR AND WATCHED AS IT BURNED. THE FIRE DEPARTEMENT SAID THE ENGINE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I PULLED OVER JUST IN TIME. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL. FORD ASSURED ME THAT THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING. I AM WAITING FOR FORD MOTOR TO TAKE CAR OF EVERYTHING. I TOLD THEM IN A FAX I SENT LAST WEEK THAT I WANT THAT "BLUE OVAL" SERVICE THEY CONSTANTLY TALK ABOUT - MAYBE SOMEDAY. THANKS, DENISE KEYES

  7. Structure, Tires, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004

    I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN SEPTEMBER. THE FIRST PROBLEM THE CAR HAD WAS THAT THE POLLEN FILTER BECAME BLOCKED AND IT HAD BEEN RAINING OUT SO ALL THE WATER FROM OUTSIDE CAME RIGHT INTO MY CAR AND I GOT ABOUT AN INCH OF WATER IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR ALL OVER THE FLOOR. THE ENXT THING THAT HAPPENED WAS MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING DOWN A ROAD, THERE WERE NO POTHOLES AND NO CURBS THAT I COULD HAVE HIT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THIS I NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC HAD STARTED BUBBLING UP AND PEELING ON THE LOWER B PILLAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR, ALSO THE CARPET HAD COME UNGLUED (FROM WHEN MY CAR FLOODED) AND HAD NOW PULLED AWAY FROM THE SILL. ALSO, THE WETHERSTRIPPING HAD COME UNGLUED FROM THE WINDSHIEL AND YOU CAN NOW SEE THE SHARP EDGE OF THE WINDSHEILD. MY CAR IS IN SERVICE TODAY GETTING THAT FIXED. THERE IS ALSO, STILL A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER IS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND HAS NOT STOPPED. HOWEVER, EVERY TIME I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, IT DOES NOT MAKE THIS NOISE, SO THEY CANNOT FIX IT.

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004

    HEATING/VENT PRODUCES A DISGUSTING SMELL. REPAIRS INDICATED OIL LEAK NEAR HEATER - UNKNOWN ORIGIN. SMELL ABATED BUT STILL IT PRODUCES ANNOYING SMELLS THAT REQUIRES WINDOWS TO BE KEPT OPEN. WILL HAVE TO GO BACK TO SELLING DEALERSHIP 4TH TIME FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. IS THERE A BETTER WAY AND ANOTHER SHOP IN CLEVELAND, OH THAT CAN MAKE AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM? THANKS.

  9. Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004

    1)EARLIER THIS YEAR WE TOOK OUR FOCUS IN TO THE DEALER TO CHECK THE POWER STEERING. THEY SAID IT JUST NEEDED POWER STEERING FLUID. I HAVE BEEN PUTTING PS FLUID IN EVERY TWO TO THREE WEEKS. 2)WE HAVE HAD DIFFICULTIES WITH OUR BRAKES, THE LIGHTS STAYING ON AND THEN THE FUSES BURNING OUT. 3)THEN TODAY(8-5-03) THE GEAR SHIFT INTERLOCK GOT STUCK AND IT ONLY WORKS IF IT IS PUSHED IN TO RELEASE.

  10. Steering, Jan 15, 2004, crash

    INVOLVED IN A CRASH FRIDAY WHERE CAR SEEM TO DIVE TO THE RIGHT AND IN TO A PARKED CAR. DRIVER HAS A GOOD DRIVING RECORD AND WAS NOT DISTRACTED WHILE DRIVING.

  11. Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 15, 2004

    FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE FROM JANUARY TO JUNE STERRING WHEEL AND CAR SHAKE WHILE STOPPING AND DRIVING AT 50 MPH OR ABOVE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED 3 TIMES FINALLY HAD REPLACED AND ROTORS, NO CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE

  12. Tires, Jan 15, 2004

    THE TREAD ON THE TIRES HAS ALREADY WORN DOWN AND THE METAL IS VISIABLE ON BOTH REAR TIRES. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND RETURNED HOME TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS JUST THE TIRES, THERE IS NO KNOWN CAUSE TO CAUSE WEAR.

  13. Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 15, 2004

    THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE AT 55 MPH WITH NO WARNING SIGN. IT HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. SUNROOF WAS STUCK IN OPEN POSITION AND WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY UNLESS MANIPULATED BY HAND. DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

  14. Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004

    OTHER - LOSE FENDER WHEELSHIELD/TOLD PART ON RECALL AS DEFECTIVE BODY - DINGS IN FENDER PANEL/TOLD PART DEFECTIVE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY

  15. Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004

    KEY DOES NOT WANT TO COME OUT OF STEERING COLUMN. YOU HAVE TO WRIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE KEY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT HAS HAPPENED FROM DAY 1. IT HAS BEEN INTO PARR FORD IN BREMERTON WASHINGTON 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM, THEY CAN NOT FIND IT. THEY HAVE VERIFIED THAT IT STICKS.

  16. Steering, Suspension, Jan 15, 2004

    MY 2002 FORD FOCUS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER 5000 MILES. IT STARTED WITH A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL AREA. FROM THERE THE STEERING SEEMED SHAKEY AT TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ONCE, THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT SUDDENLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION, FRONT BEARING, AND KNUCKLE, ON THE CAR IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. THE CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED. THE MOST NOTICEABLE PROBLEM IS THE HOWLING GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL. IT CAN BE HEARD MOSTLY AROUND 50 TO 60 MPH. IT IS STILL UNKNOWN WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR.

  17. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 12, 2004

    FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 20,000 MILES OF DRIVING. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL THE FOCUS'S HE HAS SEEN. *LA

  18. Power train, Jan 11, 2004

    CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS CLUTCH 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.*AK

  19. Suspension, Tires, Jan 4, 2004

    FROM A CONSUMER PROTECTION SECTION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND ROUNDING CURVES. DEALER FOUND NOTHING. TOOK TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AND FOUND TIRES WERE WORN AND LOOSE REAR SWAY BAR. *LA ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED AND ALIGNED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR COST OF TIRES AND THE ALIGNMENT. IN ADDITION, CONSUMER THINKS FORD SHOULD CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DEFECT AND CORRECT IT. *PH

  20. Suspension, Dec 17, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING REAR WHEEL BEARING VIBRATED,MAKING A LOUD NOISE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

  21. Electrical system, Wheels, Dec 14, 2003

    2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5 HATCHBACK MODEL WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM LAFRES FORD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYS ON. VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED AND VARIOUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED (DOCUMENTED ON ALL SERVICE REPORTS) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED OTHER PARTS BURNED AND REPLACED IN THE PAST, IE COOLING FAN HARNESS AND RESISTOR BURNT, BURN SMELL WHEN A/C IS IN USE OR THE HEATOR, REPLACEMENT OF BATTERY. (CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) I CONTINUALLY TAKE THE CAR BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CORRECTED. (NO REIMBURSEMENT OF TOLL/BRIDGES AND DAYS OFF FROM WORK TO HAVE THIS CAR PROPERLY SERVICED, NO REIMBURSEMENT OF RENTAL CARS) WHEN I GET THE CAR BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF AND TWO DAYS LATER IT IS BACK ON AGAIN. I PERIODICALLY CALL MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLING HIM THAT I JUST PICKED UP THE CAR AND WITHIN 24 HOURS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. MY SERVICE ADVISOR TELLS ME THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING AND I COULD DRIVE AROUND WITH THE LIGHT ONINDEFINETLY ALTHOUGHT THE LIGHT IS A NUISANCE. ON 12/11/03 WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS ALREADY ON, THE BATTERY LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND EXPLAINED TO MY SERVICE ADVISOR OF THE PROBLEM, IT WAS LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON, HE STATED THAT WAS NOT A GOOD SIGN AND ADVISED ME TO SEEK SERVICE AT A FORD SERVICE STATION. TOOK CAR TO UNIVERSAL FORD. THE CAR BEGAN TO EMIT A BURNING SMELL I ARRIVED AT THE DEALER SERVICE STATIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT MY ALTERNATOR WAS NO GOOD AND THAT THE HARNESS HAND BURNED AND ALL THE WIRES HAD MELTED. THAT IS TRULY AN UNSAFE CAR, THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CAR CATCH ON FIRE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR BECOME A FATALITY OR OTHERS COULD HAVE GOTTEN HURT. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE UNIVERSAL FORD DEALER SERVICE STATION.*AK

  22. Tires, Wheels, Dec 12, 2003

    16 INCH DIAMETER FRONT ALLOY WHEEL WITH 205-50/R16 TIRE ON 2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS WAS DAMAGED AND CAUSED RAPID TIRE DEFLATION DUE TO LOW SPEED , 35 MPH, IMPACT WITH POTHOLE. 50 SERIES TIRE IS TOO THIN FOR STREET USE ON THE FORD FOCUS!*AK

  23. Electrical system, Dec 3, 2003

    MY 2002 ZX3 BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER ONLY OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR SIX MONTHS. THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM WHICH WOULD MAKE A VERY LOUD BUZZING NOISE WHEN THE DOORS WOULD LOCK. THE SECOND PROBLEM BEGAN LAST WINTER WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER SITTING OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR FOR THIS PROBLEM AND EACH TIME THEY INFORM ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED AND MY VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE UNRELIABLE. *NLM

  24. Vehicle speed control, Tires, Nov 30, 2003

    OUR 2002 FORD FOCUS SE, HAS HAD A SURGING PROBLEM SINCE THE DAY WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 04/15/02, THE ENGINE SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL OUT.LSO WE HAVE A WATER LEAK UNDER THE DASHBOARD, AND WE NEED NEW TIRES. *AK AFTER ONLY 20000 MILES ON THEM.

  25. Tires, Nov 22, 2003

    REAR END SHAKE TRACED TO BELT SEPARATION OF FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA02 TIRES FITTED TO 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX3 FROM NEW. *LA