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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE TAPE IN ORDER FOR THE DOOR TO REMAIN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. UPDATED 06/24/11 *BF UPDATED 06/30/11. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 21, 2011
ON MARCH 17, 2011, MY 2002 FORD FOCUS SUDDENLY STALLED OUT AS I WAS ACCELERATING UPHILL, TURNING RIGHT ON A RAMP TO ENTER A BUSY HIGHWAY. FUEL TANK WAS ABOUT . I RESTARTED THE ENGINE A COUPLE TIMES, BUT IT STALLED OUT AGAIN AFTER A FEW SECONDS. IT WAS POTENTIALLY A DANGEROUS SITUATION, BUT LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO ROLL THE CAR BACK DOWNHILL TO A SAFER LOCATION. (LATER I LEARNED THAT AN IDENTICAL SCENARIO IS DESCRIBED IN FORD DEALER LETTER 03N01, IN WHICH FORD AGREES TO REPLACE FUEL DELIVERY MODULES FOR 2000 AND 2001 MODELS, BUT NOT 2002.) I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT IT TILL THE NEXT MORNING, AT WHICH TIME THE CAR STARTED FINE. FORD RAN MANY TESTS, INCLUDING ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL, TOOK IT OUT FOR 3 ' 4 TEST DRIVES AND COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THEY CHARGED $150 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC LABOR. THIS CAR HAS DONE THIS EVERY YEAR NOW FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. SIMILAR, BUT NOT IDENTICAL, STALLS OCCURRED ON MARCH 16, 2009, MARCH 10, 2010 AND MARCH 17, 2010. EACH TIME, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. LOCATIONS WERE DIFFERENT, SO IT WAS ALWAYS A DIFFERENT SHOP. NONE OF THEM WERE ABLE TO LOOK AT IT RIGHT AWAY, AND BY THE TIME THEY LOOKED AT IT THE NEXT DAY, THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, EACH ONE CHARGED ABOUT $150 LABOR. THOSE 3 INCIDENTS ALSO REQUIRED A NEW 15 AMP FUSE FOR THE FUEL PUMP, PERHAPS BECAUSE OF THE REPEATED UNSUCCESSFUL EFFORTS TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER IT STALLED. THIS YEAR, I STOPPED TRYING TO RESTART AFTER 4 UNSUCCESSFUL EFFORTS. THE FUSE DID NOT BLOW THIS YEAR. IN BETWEEN THESE STALLOUTS, USUALLY EXACTLY ONE YEAR APART, THE ENGINE HAS STARTED AND RUN SMOOTHLY, WITH NO INDICATION OF PROBLEMS. EACH TIME A STALL HAS HAPPENED, THE CAR HAS WORKED FINE THE NEXT DAY, WITHOUT ANY ADDITION OF FUEL. THIS INDICATES THAT IT IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THE ONLY EXPLANATION THAT I CAN SEE FOR THESE UNPREDICTABLE FAILURES IS A DEFECT IN THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2011
TWO NIGHTS AGO I DROVE MY 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX3 TO A NEARBY BANK TO USE THE WALK-UP ATM. SINCE IT WAS AFTER BUSINESS HOURS, I PARKED ALONG A CURB, BUT NOT IN A PARKING SPACE. I USED THE ATM AND UPON RETURNING TO THE CAR, MY KEY REFUSED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. IT WAS AS IF ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY KEY WAS THE WRONG KEY FOR THE VEHICLE. SINCE I WAS NOT IN A PARKING SPOT, I PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND RAN A HALF MILE TO MY HOME TO RETREIVE MY SPARE KEY. UPON RETURNING, I FOUND THAT IT DID NOT WORK EITHER. NO MATTER WHAT I TRIED, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. I WANTED TO GET THE CAR TO A PARKING SPACE SO I PUT THE CAR (A MANUAL TRANSMISSION) INTO NEUTRAL AND BEGAN PUSHING IT FORWARD. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED, AND BECAUSE I COULD NOT MOVE THE KEY, I HAD TWO OPTIONS - MOVE THE CAR STRAIGHT FORWARD, OR MOVE THE CAR STRAIGHT BACK. I MOVED THE CAR FORWARD TO A SLIGHTLY BETTER SPOT, BUT COULD NOT MANEUVER IT INTO A TRUE PARKING SPOT. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK SINCE THE CAR WOULD SURELY BE TOWED AT THE START OF BUSINESS HOURS THE NEXT DAY. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR ARRIVED HE TOLD ME HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IN FORDS, AND SAID THAT I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, OTHERWISE HE WOULD LIKELY NOT BE ABLE TO TOW IT (IT WAS A FLATBED TOW TRUCK). I HAD HIM TOW THE CAR TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THAT NIGHT I LOOKED UP INFORMATION ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY FORDS 2000-2003 HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM - SOME PEOPLE EVEN SAID THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE NEXT DAY THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE KEY CYLINDER ISSUE, BUT THAT THEY WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FOR $501.56. I SAW NO ALTERNATIVE AND HAD THEM PUT IN A NEW IGNITION CYLINDER AND ISSUE 2 NEW KEYS. THE DEALER KEPT THE OLD PARTS (OLD IGNITION CYLINDER AND KEYS). THE NEW IGNITION CYLINDER APPEARS TO BE WORKING FINE (BUT KEEP IN MIND THE OLD ONE APPEARED TO BE WORKING FINE AS WELL BEFORE MALFUNCTIONING). *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 10, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IS SEIZED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO OPEN THIS DOOR. THIS RESULTS IN A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IF THE PASSENGER IS NOT ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE THIS HAPPENED AND APPEARS TO BE PERMANENT. THE ACTUATOR MUST BE REMOVED AND REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $400.00. *TR
Suspension, Mar 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM WAS FRACTURED AND STRIKING AGAINST THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 04/05/11*LJ UPDATED 04/05/11
Suspension, Feb 23, 2011
CORROSION OF THE FRONT COIL SPRING, THE SPRING FAILED AT THE POINT OF THE CORROSION, DAMAGE TO THE FENDER RESULTED. PARTIAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, CRASH AVERTED. *TR
Suspension, Feb 14, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTING THE PROBLEM, HE NOTICED THE LEFT STRUT SPRING COLLAPSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Steering, Feb 10, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE BOLT LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE AIR BAG THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE DISENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST ALL STEERING CAPABILITIES BUT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY, AS A RESULT THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FALL OFF AND THE BOLT TO BE LOOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Electrical system, Feb 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2011
WHILE DRIVING, THE SPARK PLUGS EJECT FROM THE BLOCK. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. THIS PROBLEM HAS APPARENTLY BEEN REPORTED TO FORD, BUT THEY CLAIM NOTHING CAN BE DONE UNTIL THEY RECEIVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES ALONG WITH THE COIL. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND INCONVENIENT AND FORD NEEDS TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE EVERYONE IS HAVING WITH THEIR VEHICLES. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD FOZUS ZX3 WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN THE FALL OF 2010. I FOUND MYSELF HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION KEY NOT TURNING ONCE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THIS OCCURRED QUITE FREQUENTLY (APPROXIMATELY ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS) AND I HAD TO PLAY WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE KEY FOR AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES EVERY TIME. I DID NOT CONSIDER IT TO BE A SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEM UNTIL LAST NIGHT. I WAS AT MY FRIEND'S APARTMENT AND AROUND 1:30 AM I DECIDED TO LEAVE. I GOT IN MY CAR, INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND COULD NOT TURN IT AT ALL AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. I WAS IN MY FRIEND'S DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR, TRYING EVERYTHING I COULD POSSIBLY THINK OF TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK AND THE KEY TO TURN. I ENGAGED THE GEAR RELEASE AND MANUALLY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, I BLEW ON THE IGNITION WITH MY HAND CUPPED OVER IT, AS I THOUGHT THIS ISSUE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER. I LOCKED AND UNLOCKED THE DOORS, BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE BEEN A SAFETY FEATURE. AFTER A HALF HOUR OF EFFORT WITH NO RESULTS I HAD TO CALL MY PARENTS AND ASK THEM TO COME PICK ME UP, BOTH OF THEM HAD TO WORK IN THE MORNING AND MY 62 YEAR OLD FATHER HAD TO GET OUT OF BED, AND COME GET ME AT 2 IN THE MORNING IN THE MIDDLE OF JAN. I WAS TEN MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE, BUT EVERY OTHER TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED I'VE BEEN APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE OR MORE. THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT AND CAUSE FOR CONCERN, ESPECIALLY SINCE MY FAMILY AND I HAVE GROWN TO TRUST AND DEPEND ON FORD VEHICLES. MY OLDEST BROTHER'S FIRST CAR WAS A MUSTANG, MY OTHER BROTHER'S FIRST CAR WAS A THUNDERBIRD AND HE NOW DRIVES AND ESCAPE. MY FATHER CURRENTLY DRIVES A RANGER, MY MOTHER'S LAST VEHICLE WAS A WINDSTAR, AND MY FIRST CAR WAS AN EXPLORER. IT SERVED ME WELL AND WHEN I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY ANOTHER FORD I DIDN'T HAVE TO THINK TWICE, BUT THIS LATEST EXPERIENCE HAS MADE ME SERIOUSLY SECOND GUESS WHAT I HAD THOUGHT TO BE AN AMERICAN NAME I COULD TRUST. *LN
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 12, 2011
(2002 FORD FOCUS SE) HAS AUTO LOCKING DOORS NOW THESE DOORS SOMETIMES STAY LOCK PRESS ALL BUTTONS AND NOT A THING HAPPENS.NOW SOMETIMES I CAN BE INSIDE THE CAR 5-7 MINUTES PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTONS BUT THE DOORS WONT OPEN. ONE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS TYPE OF DOORS IS ALL POWER OPERATED AND THEY DON'T HAVE MANUAL RELEASE LATCH. PLEASE NOTE IN A EMERGENCY IF THIS HAPPENS NO ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR WITHOUT HAVING SOMETHING TO BREAK THE GLASS. THESE DOOR SHOULD HAVE A MANUAL RELEASE LATCH WHEN THE POWER FAILS. THIS KEEPS ON HAPPENING VERY OFTEN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED IT BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE STOPPED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING. THE CONTACT WAS LATER TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 5, 2010
COMPLETE IGNITION LOCK FAILURE. CAN NOT TURN KEY IN IGNITION TO START THE CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2010
ON NOV 12, 2010 MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED ON NOV 13,2010. PER THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER THE REASON WHY MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WAS BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE IGNITION PART. LATER THAT NIGHT ON NOV 13, 2010 MY VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN BEGAN TO WORK. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO INQUIRE IF THE WAS ANY RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS PART. THEY TOLD ME NO. AGAIN ON NOV 17, 2010 THE PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN. I DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL NOV 20, 2010. TODAY DEC 1, 2010 I WAS LEFT STRANDED DUE TO MY CAR NOT STARTING AGAIN. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS AS WELL AS TOW TRUCK DRIVERS WHO ALL HAVE INFORMED ME THAT RECENTLY MANY FORD FOCUS VEHICLES THEY HAVE EITHER WORKED ON OR TOWED HAVE ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE. AS OF NOW I WILL HAVE TO PAY ALL COSTS OUT OF POCKET FOR THESE REPAIRS FOR A WELL KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART THAT THE FORD COMPANY REFUSES TO PUT A RECALL ON THE VEHICLES THAT ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM THAT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN!!! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION, IT WOULD NOT TURN THE ENGINE ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CYLINDER AND THE KEY SWITCH AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 1/21/11 *CN THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER UPDATED 04/18/11
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2010
ENGINE STALLS WHEN STARTING THE CAR COLD AND WHEN STOPPED AT A LONG LIGHT. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEMS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR LAST 6 YEARS AND IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. HAVE CHANGED BATTERY AND FUEL FILTER BUT PROBLEM REMAINS. *TR
Air bags, Nov 13, 2010, crash
TWO CARS COLLIDED. ONE WAS HEADING EAST THE OTHER HEADING NORTH. THE CAR HEADING NORTH'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS NOT HIT HEAD ON, HOWEVER, THE FRONT DOES HAVE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED UNNECESSARY INTERNAL DAMAGES AND INJURIES. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2010
I OWN A 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5 WAGON, THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON CONSTANTLY WHILE I'M DRIVING, REGARDLESS IF I'M PRESSING ON THE BRAKE OR NOT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL IF THEY ARE CONSTANTLY ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECALL ON THE 2000 FORD FOCUS ON A DECKLID WIRE HARNESS, HOWEVER THIS SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER ALL THE FORD FOCUS HATCHBACKS/WAGONS AS THE PROBLEMS ARE STILL EVIDENT BEYOND THE 2000 YEAR. I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE AUGUST 2010 AND NOW SEPTEMBER 2010 I'VE FINALLY FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE THE EXACT PROBLEM AS THE RECALL IN THE YEAR 2000 MODELS. THERE SHOULD BE AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS ISSUE, IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON AT ALL TIMES. THIS DEFECT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2010
I HAVE 2002 FORD FOCUS THE IGNITION OR STARTER IS GIVING ME PROBLEM THE CAR WANT START AT TIMES I GET STRANDED SOMETIMES IT TAKES OVER FIVE MINUTES TO GET STARTED. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 28, 2010
KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2002 FORD FOCUS -- IT'S LOCKED. *TR
Suspension, Aug 27, 2010, crash
MY FORD FOCUS LEFT TIRE FELL OFF BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL BEARING BREAKING. WITH NO WARNING OR NOISE MY TIRE DETACHED DURING DRIVING. MY TIRE WAS FOUND 40 YARDS AWAY WITH THE LUGS NUTS STILL ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE DRUM BRAKE. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE VALVE SEAT HAD FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE PISTON SKIRT TO FRACTURE ALONG WITH THE CONNECTING ROD. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE CAUSED CYLINDER SCORING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 87,000. UPDATED 11/23/10*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2010
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SUDDENLY ON MY 2002 FORD FOCUS. IMMEDIATELY, I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THE TECHNICIAN COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM , THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULDN'T COME ON. THEREFORE, NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THEY DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY. WITHIN IN WEEK, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THIS TIME THERE WAS A MISS IN THE ENGINE AND IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH. NOW, THE FORD DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TOLD ME MY FOCUS SE HAD A DROPPED VALVE AND IN THE #4 CYLINDER. INORDER TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REMOVED TO SEE IF THE DROPPING OF THE VALVE HAD CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. BECAUSE THE SCHEDULED REQUIRED MAINTENANCE,I.E OIL CHANGES, ACCORDING TO FORD INSTRUCTIONS FOR MY FORD FOCUS, I THOUGHT THE ENGINE WOULD LAST. AFTER THIS EVENT, I BECAME CURIOUS ABOUT FORD FOCUS' ENGINES. WAS THIS AN ISOLATED MECHANICAL FLAW? OR WAS IT AN ENGINE DEFECT? FROM MY RESEARCH, THIS TYPE ENGINE FAILURE APPEARS TO BE FROM A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE 2.0 LITER EFI SPI TYPE OF ENGINES. FOR YEARS, I THOUGHT THE FORD FOCUS WAS A GREAT PRODUCT TO HAVE BECAUSE OF ITS RELIABILITY, IF YOU COMPLIED WITH SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT I WAS WRONG. THE COST OF REPAIR FOR A WELL-MAINTAIN FOCUS ENGINE $6000.00. THERE IS A PATTERN TO THESE ENGINE FAILURES. SHOULD THE 2002 FOCUS BE RECALLED FOR ENGINE DEFECTS? ALL I KNOW IS THAT QUALITY WELL-MAINTAIN ENGINES SHOULDN'T HAVE DROPPED VALVES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. SO, IT MUST BE SOME TYPE OF ENGINES DESIGN DEFECT. *TR
Suspension, Aug 3, 2010
2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING ON 78E AND WERE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE ALLENTOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A CRACK, SMELLED SMOKE, AND HEARD METAL SCRAPING. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND MY HUSBAND VIRTUALLY HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THE WINDSTAR REPEATEDLY CROSSED 2 LANES AND ALMOST HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER AND THEN FISHTAILED TOWARD THE OTHER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OR IN BACK OF US AND WE WERE AT A SLIGHT UPHILL. FINALLY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND PULL OVER TO THE SMALL SHOULDER WHICH WAS BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO FIT THE VAN. WE CALLED 911 AND AAA. WHILE WE WAITED ON THE SIDE, WE FEARED THAT WE COULD GET HIT IN THE EVENT THAT A TRUCK OR CAR SWERVED TO THE SIDE. WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THE REAR TIRES WERE CAVED IN. MY AUTO DEALER GILBOY IN WHITEHALL OFFERED TO TOW AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY AT MY EXPENSE. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH GILBOY AND FORD TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. I HAD 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR, 2 OF WHICH WERE MY OWN. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE AS I FEARED WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAPPEN. LUCKILY, SOMEONE FROM ABOVE WAS LOOKING AFTER US BUT I FEAR THE NEXT FORD WINDSTAR OWNER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ALERT ALL FORD WINDSTAR OWNER OF THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK. *TR