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.
Tires, Apr 19, 2003
POSSIBLE DEFECT IN CONTINENTAL'S CONTISPORT CONTACT OEM TIRES (SIZE 215/45ZR17) THAT CAME WITH MY NEW FORD FOCUS SVT. I RECENTLY HAD A SEVERE BLOW OUT ON A HIGHWAY I-90. LUCKILY FOR ME, IT DIDN'T RESULT IN ANY DEATH, INJURY OR DESTRUCTION OF THE PROPERTY BUT STILL THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THE ULTRA PERFORMANCE TIRE TO FAIL IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME (UNDER 6000 MILES.) AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I ALSO DISCOVERED THAT ONE MORE TIRE DEVELOPED SIDEWALL CRACK AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 10, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, WHEN A TURN WAS MADE. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Mar 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE, STARTER SHORTED AND DESTROYED FLYWHEEL. LATER IT WAS FOUND THAT WATER HAD GOTTEN INTO TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER WAS TAKEN INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE DOOR SEALS. I WAS NOT STOPPED IN THE PUDDLE, ONLY MOVED THROUGH IT. DUE TO THE WATER INCURSION INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE. THEY FEAR ELECTRICAL DAMAGE COULD RESULT. I AM CONCERNED THAT ANYONE GOING THROUGH STANDING WATER (THIS WAS NOT A HUGE PUDDLE) WOULD FIND THEMSELVES WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY. *JB
Structure, Mar 27, 2003
THE REAR DOOR ON THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB THE REAR HATCH DOOR OPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. SCC
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2003
NAR 03/13/2003 THE CONSUMER HAS REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE GO UNDER EVALUATION BY FORD TO DETECT PROBLEMS ON THE VEHICLE THAT WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AFTER GOING ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, BECAUSE THE CERTIFIED INSPECTOR IDENTIFIED RAW GAS IN THE TAIL PIPE AND THE SMELL WAS BECOMING INTOLERANT. THE CONSUMER WANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATING . *CB *JB
Suspension, Mar 10, 2003
THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR ALSO. *JB
Air bags, Mar 5, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE DIVIDER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Air bags, Feb 28, 2003, crash
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING COLLISION AT 35 MPH. COLLISION RESULTED IN SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND PASSENGER HEAD INJURY, NEITHER PASSENGER NOR DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *JB
Structure, Feb 28, 2003
EVERY TIME IT RAINED THE CAR WOULD LEAK WATER ON PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR FROM BEHIND GLOVE BOX. DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO FIX 5 TIMES. FORD AGREED CAR WAS A LEMON AND BOUGHT IT BACK AFTER 6 MONTHS AND 31 DAYS OF BEING OUT OF SERVICE.*JB
Suspension, Feb 24, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY PULLED TO THE LEFT WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. *JB
Wheels, Feb 21, 2003
THE CAP WHICH JUST PRESSES ON OVER THE LUG NUT ON THE TIRE IS JUST PRESSED ON, AND COMES OFF EASILY, LEAVING JUST THE LUG NUT WHICH THE TIRE WRENCH IS TO LARGE TO REMOVE JUST THE NUT. *TS
Wheels, Feb 20, 2003
THE RIM WAS DEFECTIVE, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO LOSE AIR.*JB
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2003
FORD FOCUS ZX5 2002 - DRAMATICALLY POOR HANDLING ON SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACE. ? FAULTY BRAKING SENSOR / ? POOR SUSPENSION / ?? CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL NUMEROUS TIMES ON FLAT EVEN HIGHWAY SURFACE. ON PATCHES OF ICE - BACK END OF CAR VEERS BADLY TO LEFT (SIDEWAYS NOT FRONT END). IN SNOW COVERED SECTIONS BACK END FISHTAILS EXCESSIVELY EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS (20 MPH). FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE BEHAVIOUR ON DRY CLEAR ROAD SURFACE.
Equipment, Feb 19, 2003
I OWN A 2002 FORD FOCUS THAT I PURCHASED LAST JUNE. I HAD WENT INTO THE WALMART , AND WHEN I CAME OUT I SAW A CAR WHICH I THOUGHT WAS MINE BUT IT DIDN'T SEEM LIKE I HAD PARKED THAT CLOSE TO THE CAR-I PROCEEDED TO THE CAR UNLOCKED THE TRUNK WITH MY KEY-PUT MY GROCERIES IN THE TRUNK AND OPENED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR-WHICH THEN I NOTICED SHOES IN THE FLOORBOARD ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE AND REALIZED MY KEYS HAD JUST OPENED THE DOOR AND THE TRUNK TO SOMEONE ELSE'S FORD FOCUS-SO I GRABBED A BUGGY REAL QUICK GOT MY STUFF OUT OF THE CAR-LOCKED THE DOORS AND WENT AND FOUND MY CAR. MY HUSBAND CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY JUST LAUGHED AND SAID THAT YOU HAVE A ONE IN A MILLION CHANCE SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULD HAPPEN -THEY COULD CHANGE THE LOCKS BUT DIDIN'T THINK IT WAS NECESSARY-WOULD PROBABLY NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN-I EMAILED THE FORD COMPANY. THEY CALLED MY HUSBAND TALKED TO THEM-THEY SAID THEY WOULD MAKE A REPORT AND TO CALL THE DEALER BACK AND SEE WHAT THEY WANTED TO DO ABOUT IT. AFTER MY HUSBAND TALKED TO BOTH OF THESE PARTY'S IT WAS DECIDED THEY WEREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GET A BURGULAR ALARM-SO I WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SOMEONE GETTING IN MY CAR , STEALING ITEMS IF SHOPPING,ETC,ETC,ETC. MOSTLY WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE AND SEE IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING. YOU PAY A LOT FOR A CAR-FOR EVERYONE WHO OWNS ONE LIKE IT TO BE ABLE TO GET IN YOUR CAR. SCARES ME TOO=THAT CAR THIEVES MAY CATCH ON TO THIS
Air bags, Feb 19, 2003, crash
THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH. SCC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2003
WHILE AT A STOPLIGHT, MY 2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE STALL. THE CHECK ENGINE, CHECK BATTERY AND CHECK OIL LIGHTS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE FORD DEALERSHIP NOTED ON THE INVOICE THAT THEY HAD CHECKED THE BATTERY AND CHARGE, AND ALL WAS "OK." HOWEVER, WHEN I ASKED THEM WHY IT STALLED AS IT DID, I RECEIVED A SHORT ANSWER THAT THEY "COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING" THAT WOULD LEAD TO THAT. THE STALLING WAS NOT NOTED ON THE REPAIR INVOICE. I'M AFRAID OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN, PARTICULARLY WHEN COMMUTING. THE FOCUS HAS 15,000 MILES ON IT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2003
KEY DOES NOT WANT TO COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN COLD. YOU HAVE TO WRIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE KEY. IT HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOTED THE PROBLEM 4 TIMES BUT CAN NOT FIGURE IT OUT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2003
CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION REGARDING THE FORD FOCUS.*DT *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2003
2002 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT RUN IN SUB ZERO WEATHER DUE TO CONDENSATION IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE FIX IS TO DRILL HOLES IN THE EXHAUST AND LET OUT THE WATER. THIS CHANGE IN BACK PRESSURE, SALT IN THE SYSTEM, FUEL EFFICIENCY, AND LEAKAGE OF EXHAUST INTO PASSANGER COMPARTMENT HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THIS MODIFICATION SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED AFTER FACTORY CERTIFICATION.
Seats, Feb 6, 2003, crash
VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP,AND WAS IMPACTED AT 50 MPH BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK TWISTED IN THE DIRECTION OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND SNAPPED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. PH
Seat belts, Feb 6, 2003, crash
VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND WAS IMPACTED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 50 MPH IN THE REAR END. THE SEAT BELT DIDN'T RETRACT. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. PH
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 5, 2003
VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE GAS. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH
Suspension, Feb 3, 2003
I AM NOT SURE FORD HAS COMPLETLY FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. I JUST HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE COMPLETE WHEEL AND HUB ASY JUST ABOUT CAME OFF THE VEHICLE (WHEEL BEARING FAILURE). COULD HAVE CAUSED A ACCIDENT IF THE WHEEL CAME OFF, AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO MY WIFE.
Steering, Jan 30, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING A ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Power train, Jan 24, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS