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.
Steering, Oct 31, 2002
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLETING ABOUT A REALLY BAD VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL EVERYTIME HE APPLY'S THE BRAKE PEDAL HE ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS STALL ON DIFFERENT OCCASION WHILE HE WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ROTORS BUT LATER NOTHING WAS FOUND. TS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 29, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY CAN HEAR A LOUD NOISE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS REPAIR VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
Suspension, Oct 28, 2002
THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL WHERE IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT SIDE, ESPECIALLY FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING OVER A ROUGH ROAD OR ON A SMOOTH ROAD UPON DRIVING OVER A SLIGHTLY RECESSED MANHOLE COVER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 2 TIMES FOR 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCE AND REPLACEMENT OF REAR SHOCKS. NO IMPROVEMENTS IN CONDITION AFTER BOTH VISITS. ALIGNMENT DATA SHOWS THE REAR WHEELS ARE AT HIGHER LEVELS OF NEGATIVE CAMBER, WHICH IS NOT ADJUSTABLE, AND TOE. DRIVING VEHICLE IN ICY, RAINY WEATHER IS UNSAFE IF CURRENT HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS ARE NOT, OR CAN NOT BE CORRECTED. DT
Steering, Oct 24, 2002, crash
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP. THE STEERING COLUMN "LOCKED UP" SO NO EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID THE CAR IN FRONT COULD BE TAKEN. (THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS LOST) DT
Steering, Oct 24, 2002
FINGERS BENT AND TWISTED INDEX AND MIDDLE FINGERS ARE BENT AND TWISTED TOWARDS THE BABY FINGERS OF BOTH HANDS. SHOULDER PAIN IS PRESENT AND WRIST AND ELBOW. THUMBS ARE BENT AWAY FROM THE HANDS. INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY MIKE TOMICH ON BEHALF OF MRS. GREEN 989-665-2311. DT
Air bags, Oct 17, 2002
WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, AS A RESULT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO HIS BODY. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *TS *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
Tires, Oct 16, 2002
DAUGHTER DROVE HOME FROM HI SCHOOL. HEARD IT SUDDENLY RELEASE PRESSURE AT LOW SPEED. DROVE HOME ANOTHER HALF MILE. FORD HAD ROAD SERVICE PUT THE DONUT ON. TIRE IS WITH US UNTIL SATURDAY WHEN WE'LL GO GET A NEW ONE. LONG GASH THRU SIDEWALL AS WELL AS DRIVE TREAD. SECOND SMALL CRACK IN SIDEWALL THAT WHY OFF OF MAIN GASH. MR
Air bags, Oct 16, 2002
WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR AIRBAG SYSTEM. WE HAVE HAD COMPONETS REPLACED ON 4 OCCASIONS. AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. THIS PROBLEMS IS CAUSING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO BE NON FUCTIONAL. WE FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE IF A COLLISION OCCURED THEY WOULD NOT WORK. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS LIMITED TO OUR MODEL OF CAR AND ONLY THOSE THAT IS A 4 DOOR AND 5 SPEED. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND CANNOT COME UP WITH A FIX. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN BEFORE A RECALL CAN BE ISSUED SO THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED. MR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2002
PULLEY BOLTS ON WATER PUMP LOOSENED, TWO FELL OUT. BELT PULLEY TWISTED, BELT FRAYED AND WATER PUMP FROZE. DEALER REPLACED WATER PUMP HOUSING, PULLEY, BOLTS, BELT AND ANTI / FZ. MR
Structure, Oct 12, 2002
DASH BOARD STICKS OUT SO FAR THAT I HIT MY LEG ON IT WHEN ENTERING THE CAR. MR
Fuel system, Other, Oct 11, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THERE IS WATER LEAKING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THIS IS CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER'S VIEW. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR
Power train, Oct 9, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE TRANMISSION WILL SHIFT INTERMITTENLEY WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN NEUTRAL. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. MR
Air bags, Oct 8, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CONSUMER SWERVED TO AVOID BEING HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER TRUCK THAT WAS CHANGING LANES. CONSUMER STATES IN THE PROCESS OF AVOIDING TRUCK, CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AND WENT INTO A SPIN AND HIT THE CAR AGAIN. CONSUMER STATES NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER STATES THE FRAME THAT PROTECTS ENGINE WAS BENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2002
CONSUMER STATE AFTER PARKING VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER SERVICE VEHICLE AND NOTICE WIRE HARNESS NEED TO BE REPLACE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 24, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS HAVE GONE OUT AT 8,000 MILES, IN MAY THE CONSUMER HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED THEN IN JULY THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURED AND FINALLY ON THE 21-SEP-2002 THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN AGAIN TO HAVE THE ROTORS REPLACED. THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *NLM
Seats, Sep 23, 2002
LUMBAR CABLE/PARTS BREAK WHEN YOU ADJUST SEAT BACK. NLM
Suspension, Sep 23, 2002
THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SEVERE WHEEL/TIRE THUMP, WHICH CAUSES A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND A LOUD AUDIBLE NOISE IN THE CABIN, THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OG THE PROBLE BUT A SOLUTION WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SOME MONTHS, THE FACT THAT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE HAD HIGH MILEAGE THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 12 WEEKS OLD. *SCC
Tires, Sep 19, 2002
PREMATURE TREAD SEPARATION AFTER ONLY 11,700 MILES.*AK
Structure, Sep 18, 2002
THE REMOTELY CONTROLLED DOOR LOCKS SPONTANEOUSLY LOCK WHILE THE DRIVER IS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THERE WERE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR, OR AN ELDERLY DISABLED PERSON, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO GET BACK IN. IF THE CAR LOCKED ITSELF WHILE A LONE DRIVER WAS IN A DANGEROUS DESOLATE AREA, THIS TOO WOULD BE A HAZARD. I KNOW OF ANOTHER WOMAN WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER FORD. HER DEALER SAID THAT SINCE HER CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, IT COULD BE FIXED FOR $75.00. MY DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, AND CANNOT BE FIXED. MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
Visibility, Sep 18, 2002
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID DISAPPEARS WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR. I PUT IN OVER 3 GALLONS, EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT USE THE WASHER. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE HOW MUCH FLUID IS IN THE CONTAINER AS IT IS HIDDEN IN THE WHEEL WELL. WE VISITED THE DEALER 4 TIMES. ALTHOUGH HE SAYS HE REPLACED THE SYSTEM, THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED. IN THE NORTHEAST, WE HAVE SEVERE SNOW AND ICE STORMS. FAILURE OF THE WASHER SYSTEM DURING AN ICE STORM WOULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD. IT WOULD REQUIRE STOPPING THE CAR AT FREQUENT INTERVALS ON A DANGEROUS INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TO CLEAD THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALERS SOLUTION: "CARRY A GALLON OF WIPER FLUID IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES." HE CAN'T FIX IT. SAYS IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT. CAN YOU FORCE FORD TO MAKE GOOD ON THIS? NOTE: THIS FORM SAYS THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. IT WAS NOT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2002
WATER PUMP WENT OUT AND LOOSENED WHICH CAUSED FAN TO HIT IT CONTINUOUSLY. NOISE IN BRAKE PEDAL, REPORTED 3 TIMES, DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHAT IT IS. IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. THEY HEAR IT BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 9, 2002
JUST COMPLETED 3 HOUR TRIP IN HEAVY RAIN. HAD DRIVEN THROUGH AREA OF ROAD WITH SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER. WHILE VEHICLE APPROACHED FROM OPPOSITE DIRECTION THE RESULTING SPLASH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. TOWED CAR TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS DUE TO TOO MUCH WATER IN THE ENGINE. WE ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE AIR INTAKE VALVE IS LOCATED NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT BUMPER. THIS HAS CAUSED US TO NEED A NEW ENGINE ON A CAR THAT WE HAVEN'T EVEN HAD FOR THREE MONTHS. FORD REFUSES TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE AND INSISTS IT ISN'T A DESIGN FLAW. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED THAT IT IS ODD THAT THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL DUE TO WATER INTAKE.*AK
Suspension, Sep 6, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING 35MPH TIRE SEPARATED FROM AXLE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES. *AK
Suspension, Tires, Sep 3, 2002
INSIDE CORNER OF REAR TIRE, APPROXIMATELY THREE INCH STRIP ON EACH TIRE, WEARS EXCESSIVELY. TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT 9,000, AND AT 20,000. STILL BELT TREAD IS SHOWING. CONSUMER MAINTAINS PROBLEM IS VEHICLE AND NOT TIRE. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND DEALER. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED.*AK *SLC