“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 FORD focus. The contact stated that there was a malfunction with the battery, causing the vehicle to stall intermittently. The contact also stated that the battery cables were hot and he was unable to touch them. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had not been included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables).”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 8, 2011 at 130,000 miles
“I have had numerous stalling condition while driving that have been frightening. Several fuel modules have been replaced as well as harness repairs. The dealer has finally replaced the harness going to the fuel pump stating it had been rubbing against the body and grounding out. I am not sure this will fix the problem since it is intermittent.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 3, 2010
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2001 Focus peaked in 2002, with 330 filed that year. Owners had filed 17 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 02V288000 in November 2002; 408 more have come in since. In 2021 owners filed 3 so far.
Filed Feb 24, 201210,006 vehiclesRide Control, LLC
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Defect. 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.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Defect. 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.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation
Defect. 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."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Feb 1, 2005589,932 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Nov 19, 2003671,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Filed Nov 6, 2002446,569 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
Risk. LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables02V288000
Filed Nov 6, 2002291,854 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
Risk. THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Filed Nov 29, 2001238,653 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.
Risk. THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Filed Aug 8, 20011,083,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Risk. LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Filed Mar 28, 20018,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. PM CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING AN IN-PROCESS TEST AND THE OCCUPANT MAY NOTICE A CHUCKING, OR PERCEIVED LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK, OR THE SEAT BACK COULD UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE.
Risk. IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Filed Dec 14, 200095,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.
Risk. IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
All 14 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 9 name the 2001 Focus.
Opened Nov 18, 2010Closed Dec 28, 2015unknown or other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of …
ENGINE STALLINGEngineering analysis EA02022Closed
Opened Sep 9, 2002Closed Jan 16, 2004Led to recall 03V482000fuel system
Clogging of the fuel delivery module (fdm) filters in the subject vehicles can lead to stalling and other related symptoms.these symptoms become increasingly obvious to the driver as the clogging gradually increases over extended periods of driving.stalling in these vehicles is most likely to occur when accelerating through a right hand turn such as merging into freeway traffic when the fuel level in the fuel tank is less than 1/4 full.more than 90% of the stalling complaints pertain to the original design fdm installed in my 2000 and 2001 (partial year) focus vehicles. Ford has decided to …
FRONT SUSP COLLAPSE/WHEEL SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA02023Closed
Opened Sep 9, 2002Closed Feb 19, 2003suspension
See attached report.
BURN INJURIES DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTEngineering analysis EA02017Closed
Opened Aug 16, 2002Closed Aug 15, 2003airbags
All of the consumer complaints allege an incident in which deployment of the driver frontal air bag caused some type of burn injury.most of these injuries are due to contact and/or abrasion with the air bag and are of relatively minor to moderate severity.it is possible that some drivers may have sustained burn injuries to the skin as a result of hot gases exhausting from the vents of the air bags in the subject vehicles, but the number of such incidents appears to be low.further details of the investigation are contained in subsequent pages of this report.based on the above, further …
The primary concern of this pe is loss of engine power.stalling may occur at low speed or high speed.at the time of occurrence the average vehicle mileage is 30,000 miles.because these vehicles stall and/or hesitate unpredictably, an increased risk is inherent to these vehicles.if a driver expecting this vehicle to perform as designed, is trying to cross an intersection or merge into traffic when the vehicle stalls it places all motorists within the area at risk.a disabled vehicle is vulnerable to collisions not only within the roadway, but also along side the road as it waits for assistance.
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTPreliminary evaluation PE02026Closed
Opened Feb 28, 2002Closed Sep 18, 2002airbags
There is no summary currently available
AIR BAG BURN INJURIES/VEHICLE FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE02020Closed
Opened Feb 11, 2002Closed Aug 16, 2002airbags
Information disclosed during this pe shows allegations of burn injuries resulting from abrasion and/or termal causes.allegations of chemical burns also exist.several incidents allege vehicles fires resulting from deployment of the air bags.this pe has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea) to facilitate a thorough review of the complex issues in this matter.
Technical service bulletins
180 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Focus. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
electrical system 29engine 27transmission 24suspension 16brakes 14body and frame 13visibility 7equipment 6
02M01Service campaignJun 1, 2004engine
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02M01 SUPPLEMENT #4. CERTAIN FORD 2000 THROUGH 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE-MOUNTED EGR PRESSURE SENSOR - ADDITIONAL EGR PRESSURE SENSOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *MJ SUPPLEMENT #6. *TT
01B85Service campaignDec 1, 2001suspension
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 01B85 REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. *TT
01B85Service campaignNov 1, 2001suspension
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF CORRODED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
04147Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2005electrical system
SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
18581Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2005electrical system
18411Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2005electrical system
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0133, P1131 OR P2195. *TT
18413Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2005electrical system
UNABLE TO REMOVE IGNITION KEY - SERVICE TIP. *TT
18379Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2005electrical system
BRAKE AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS ON AFTER HEC (HYBRID ELECTRONIC CLUSTER) REPLACEMENT. *TT
04174Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2004electrical system
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 29 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
SuspensionCrash
Filed Dec 21, 2021190,000 milesAL
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving her vehicle at approximately 35 MPH, the ball joint snapped on the vehicle's passengers side. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated nor any indication of a failure prior to the ball joint snapping. The contact stated that when the failure happened to her vehicle it caused her to crash into a ditch. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained and the vehicle was towed to the residence where it remains currently. The contact stated that she did contact the dealer as well as the manufacturer who advised her to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 15, 2021PA
The front dashboard and steering wheel airbags went off. if I was moving this could’ve ended even worse but luckily I was stopped. My hearing was affected. I was parked at a red light and my airbags went off. I did not hit anything nor was my car moving. Witnesses at a restaurant and auto repair shop say the same. My car had passed that years inspection and there was no signs of this happening. No lights, sounds, anything. It was very sudden.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 12, 2021TN
KEEPS SHUT OFF N OVER HEATING
Structure › BodyFire
Filed Sep 17, 2020108,000 milesMI
ON 9/2/2020 AROUND 10 PM IN MICHIGAN I WAS MAKING A PIZZA DELIVERY, I PULLED INTO THE SUBDIVISION WHERE I HAD TO MAKE THE DELIVERY, ALL THE SUDDEN MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE OR BRAKE. I GOT MY CAR FO SAFTEY AWAY FROM THE HOUSES BECAUSE MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS SAFETY. I GRAB MY PHONE TO CALL MY BOSS, I THOUGHT MY CAR JUAT BROKE DOWN. THEN I SAW SMOKE AND SPARKS. I CALLED THE EMERGENCY SERVICES AND THE CARS SMOKE GOT DARKER AND THE FLAMES GOT BIGGER. I WAS VERY SCARED. ALL MY WINDOWS EXPLODED AND THE CAR MELTED TO GROUND. BY THE LOOKS OF MY PHOTO THE FIRE STARTED NEAR THE BATTERY AND CABLES. EVER SINCE THAT NIGHT, I'VE BEEN SCARED OF FIRES, HOT SURFACES, AND WEARY AROUND CARS. I'M LUCKY TO BE ALIVE BUT IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS THE FLAMES REACHED ABOUT 10 FEET HIGH. LUCKILY IT DID NOT CATCH ANYTHING NEAR BY ON FIRE.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 6, 202068,000 milesIN
THERE ARE NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY REAR LIGHTS. MY LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK AT ANYTIME AND SOMETIMES NONE OF THE REAR LIGHTS WORK AT ALL.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 18, 2020137,000 milesIN
SEE COMPLAINT 11338120 I WANTED TO ADD PICTURES
Suspension
Filed Jul 8, 2020158,000 milesIN
WHILE I FIND RUST RECALLS FOR 2001 FOCUS FUSIONS AND WINDSTARS FORD CLAIMS THERE IS NO RECALL FOR FRAME COLLAPS FROM EXCESSIVE RUST PROBLEMS. WE PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVE HEADED UP A BLIND HILL AND THE FRONT END TOTALLY COLLAPSED LEAVING US AS AN EASY TARGET. SEVERAL GOOD FOLKS JUMPED INTO ACTION TO HELP US GET THE MESS SAFELY OFF OF THE STATE HIGHWAY BY BLOCKING TRAFFIC AND HELPING US DRAG IT BACK INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. WE ARE IN OUR 70'S AND ONLY DRIVE THE CAR 7-8 THOUSAND MILES A YEAR. IT HAS BEEN BABIED AND MAINTAINED BY THE BOOK IT ENTIRE LIFETIME . CONVERSATIONS WITH FORD HAVE GOTTEN US NO WHERE! WHERE DO WE TURN ?
Electrical System
Filed Jun 15, 202091 milesNJ
KEEPS OVER HEATING. *TR
Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2019136,000 milesVA
2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 STALLS WHEN DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED SOMEONE TO REAR END MY CAR. NOW WONT STAY RUNNING WHEN IDLING. CAR CUTS OFF AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS OR WHEN BREAKING OR ENGAGING CLUTCH.
Service Brakes1 injured
Filed Mar 14, 2019123,961 milesWA
AFTER DRIVING FROM WORK TO HOME, ABOUT 4.6 MILES, I TURNED RIGHT INTO MY PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF MY HOME WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE THE CAR ACCELERATED DIRECTLY INTO THE ROCK WALL THAT SERVES AS A BARRIER BETWEEN THE PARKING, WALKWAY AND BUILDING; I IMMEDIATELY PULLED UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, PUT IT INTO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I HAD IT TOWED INTO MY MECHANIC AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THEY FOUND "THROTTLE CABLE WAS BOUND UP" AND THEY "RE-ROUTED CABLE PROPERLY." I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS EVER HAD THIS EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR VEHICLE ACCELERATING WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON THIS MODEL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW THE CABLES CAN BECOME BOUND UP. THIS WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS AUTOMOBILE AND HAVE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER SUGGESTIONS IN THEIR GUIDE BOOK.
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 7, 2018137,000 milesPA
MY DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR HAS BEEN ACTING UP FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. NOW MY DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE. MANY OF THE 2001 FORD FOCUS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE AND THEY SAY MY VIN NO. IS NOT ONE OF THEM. PLEASE HELP ME GET MY DOOR FIXED. WHEN I WENT TO GET IT INSPECTED ON 11.2.18 THEY OPENED MY DOOR AND NOW IT WILL NOT CLOSE AND AGAIN THEY SAY THAT I HAVE TO FIX IT. AS MENTIONED, THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR YEARS AND I AM STILL DEALING WITH IT. MY CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND DO NOT WANT TO GET RID OF IT. I BELIEVE THAT FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE LATCH. MY CAR HAS HAD A FEW RECALLS THAT WERE FIXED, ONE OF WHICH WAS A FEW YEARS AGO THAT THEY HONORED. I HOPE TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED QUICKLY AND THEY WILL NOT PASS MY CAR FOR INSPECTION AND I NEED MY VEHICLE. THANK YOU.
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2018153,500 milesFL
CAR WAS DRIVING FINE RUNNING A FEW ERRANDS. STOPPED AT A STORE FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES , WHEN I GOT BACK IN AND STARTED THE ENGINE ALL I HEARD WAS A LOUD CLANKING NOISE AND THE IDLE WAS ROUGH. DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ABOUT THE CAR AND DISCOVERED ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT ENGINE FAILURE . SO THATS WHAT HAPPENED TO MINE . DROPPED VALVE SEAT.
Electrical System
Filed May 30, 2018GA
WAS ON MY WAY TO THE VA HOSPITAL 04/04/2018 STARTED CAR, IT WOULD SHAKE VIGOROUSLY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL FUEL LIGHT KEEP COMING ON AND OFF. HAD A COMPLETE TUNE UP. GOING TO THE VA HOSPITAL ON 4/16/2018 START CAR, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. HAD INNER TIRE RODS REPLACED. GOING TO A VA APPT, ON 05/10/2018 START CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAM ON, CV VALVES REPLACED. 5/30/2018 ON MY WAY AGAIN TO THE VA HOSPITAL, START CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. PLEASE ADVISE, SINCE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO MISS AND RESCHEDULE APPTS AT THE VA HOSPITAL. THANK YOU.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 15, 201882,638 milesOH
MY MECHANIC IDENTIFIED EXCESSIVE DANGERS CORROSION OF THE ENGINE CRADLE AND ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE COULD FALL OUT WHILE DRIVING. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER WHO SENT ME TO FORD. THE TOOK MY INFORMATION, FORD REF. RFF14807554. THEY WOULD NOT COMMIT TO EXAMINING THE CAR. I AM AFRAID THIS PROBLEM COULD BE WIDESPREAD AND DANGEROUS TO OTHERS. THIS DETERIORATION OF THE STEEL IS NOT NORMAL. I HAVE A BACKGROUND IN WORKING IN METALS FOR 30 YEARS. I OFFERED TO DONATE MY CAR FOR REVIEW AND FORD WAS NOT INTERESTED. MANY OLD FOCUS ARE ON THE ROAD. MY CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED AND HAS ONLY 82,640 MILES. I DO NOT WANT ANYONE HURT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM FORD HAS HAD RECALLS IN THE PAST FOR ESCAPES & WINDSTARES FOR SUBFRAME CORROSION ON THE ENGINE CRADLE.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 7, 2018130,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE BRIGHTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO METRO FORD OF MADISON (5422 WAYNE TERRACE, MADISON, WI 53718, (608) 246-3600), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 22, 2018147,725 milesFL
THIS CAR HAS ELECTRICAL ISSUES,THE DASH AND TAG LIGHTS FLICKER,THE CAR HAS BEEN TURNING OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING WITH MY SON IN THE CAR OVER 3 TIMES NOW,ON THE HIGHWAY AND ON MAIN STREET,ITS SO SCARY I'VE HAD PANIC ATTACKS AND GOT A STRESS RASH ON MY FACE. IM SO SCARED THAT I CAN'T DRIVE IT,I'VE HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED,SPARK PLUGS,MOTOR FILTER.I JUST TRY TO KEEP GETTING IT REPAIRED COSTING ME MY BILLS MONEY BEING A SINGLE PARENT. I'M OVERWHELMED AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 9, 201792,000 milesCA
KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION SO CAR CAN'T MOVE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND PARKED ON THE STREET
Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2017139,000 milesCA
MY CAR IS 2001. I STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN TURNING ON. I THIUGHT IT WAS STARTER. BUT MINES THATS STILL GOOD. I THOUGHT ALTERNATOR OR BTTERY BUT THEY ARE NEW. SO THEY CHECKED WITH CAMERA AND VALVE PISTNS NOT WORKING. I LOOKED UP REVIEWS ABOUT CAR MAKE AND YEAR. MANY COMMENTS READ VALVE BENT. PISTONS GONE BAD. NOW IM ANOTHER OWNER WITH SAME PROBLEM. THIS CAR IN REVIEWS IS CONSIDERED A LEMON. GOOD THING IT DIDNT WANT TO TURN ON WHEN IT WAS PARKED ALREADY AT HOME. I READ OTHERS OCCURRED IN MOTION.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Aug 31, 2017199,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH CEASED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. KUNES FORD WAS CONTACTED (1234 E GENEVA ST, DELAVAN, WI) AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 199,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 2, 2017114,000 milesTX
THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES TO 2000-3000 RPM BY ITSELF. SOMETIMES WHILE AT IDLE AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED IN TOWN OR THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AND HAVE SPENT MONEY ON TPS, THROTTLE BODY, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, COIL PACK, FUEL PUMP AND FILTER AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THAT ISSUE WITH OLDER FORD FOCUSES. IS THERE A FIX TO THIS ISSUE AVAILABLE? MAYBE A RECALL? I HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO HITTING A MOVING VEHICLE, AFTER EXITING IH 35 AND COMING UNTO A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON THE ACCESS ROAD. I ALMOST REAR ENDED SEVERAL VEHICLES STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. UPON EXITING THE INTERSTATE I WAS APPROACHING THE INTERSECTION, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO ABOUT 3500 RPM AND I COULD NOT STOP IT USING THE BRAKES EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRACTICALLY STANDING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE GEAR IN NEURAL AND THUS DID NOT HIT THE VEHICLES AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY IDLED DOWN BUT IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND AN EXTREMELY SCARRY SITUATION. I HAVE NOT USED THE VEHICLE SINCE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON REPAIRS. I WOULD PROBABLY NOT BUY A FORD AGAIN. I AM GOING TO SELL THE CAR BUT WILL TELL THE BUYER THAT THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THANKS FOR ANY HELP AVAILABLE
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 29, 2017173,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BATTERY AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED BY A BYSTANDER TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED A UNKNOWN LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
Structure › Body
Filed May 4, 2017115,909 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. UPON DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED. AFTER REACHING HER DESTINATION, THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTOR WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,909.
Engine
Filed Mar 29, 2017107,333 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED NORMALLY AFTER SOME TIME. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,333.
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 20, 2017WI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE CROSSMEMBER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT, WHO WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 16, 201725 milesWA
NO DASH LIGHT TAIL LIGHTS OR MARKRR LIGHTS
Power Train
Filed Dec 13, 2016OH
THE CAR JERKS WHEN I PUT IT INTO REVERSE. THE CARS STALLS WHEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE. I HAVE TO TAKE OFF IN 2ND GEAR. THEN I CAN PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND IT TAKES OFF JUST FINE.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 1, 2016150,000 milesNY
CAR WILL NOT IDLE WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT IN THE CITY, WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE FROM PARK, RUNS ROUGH AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND GOING THOUGH PARKING LOTS. STARTED ONE MORNING, RAN HORRIBLY, STALLED AND HASN'T STARTED SINCE. THE BACK DOOR DOESN'T STAY LATCHED WHEN SHUT.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 10, 201694,500 milesIN
IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK AND WILL NOT TURN. FORD HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AND REIMBURSEMENT.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 12, 2016160,000 milesTN
I BOUGHT THE CAR DROVE IT OFF THE LOT ABOUT 3 HOURS I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THE DEALER GOT IT BACK FOR 6 MONTHS AN FINALLY I GOT IT BACK. NOW IT IS DOING THE SAME THING. BATTERY CABLES HAVE DAMAGE. CRANKS BUT WON'T START.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 17, 2016156,300 milesCA
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED IN THAT IT DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON. I WAS DRIVING (IN MOTION) STRAIGHT DOWN A CITY ROAD. IT MADE AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE THAT AFFECTED MY HEARING, EXPELLED A LOT OF WHITE POWDER THAT SMELLED BAD, AND TORE UP THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON.
Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2016105,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 8, 2016155,000 milesMI
HAD GOOD TUNE UP,CAR WAS DOING GOOD AND NOW JUST AS I HAVE READ PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM,IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE STARTS GIVING ME ISSUES STARTING AND STAYING RUNNING.AFTER TESTING I HAVE 90%OF FUEL PRESSURE WHICH SHOULD ONLY BE 40-45 MAX????WAS CHECKED IN SHOP OVER A WEEK AND LOOKING THROUGH RECALLS I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECT IN THE FUEL SYSTEM THE FUEL IS GOING SOMEWHERE BUT NOT ALLOWING CAR TO RUN.TO TAKE OFF THERE IS NO TAKING OFF ,LIKE THE OEDAL DOES NOTHING JUST FOR LOOKS.WOULD LIKE TO HEAR BACK.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 25, 2016114,032 milesME
AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA02022, CAR STALLS AT BELOW 1/4 TANK, PARTICULARLY ON RIGHT HAND TURNS.
Suspension
Filed Feb 4, 2016IL
2001 FORD FOCUS WITH 146K MILES. ADULT DRIVEN ONE OWNER AND WELL CARED SINCE NEW. NOTICED CLUNKING SOUND SO TOOK IT IN FOR BRAKES TO THE FORD DEALER. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THEY CAN'T FIX AS ENTIRE SUBFRAME IS ROTTED AND "I WAS ONE POTHOLE FROM THE ENGINE FALLING OUT". IT APPEARS THAT DEALERS USE THIS LINE AS I FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THE EXACT SAME WORDING. HOW CAN YOU RECALL THE ESCAPE AND WINDSTAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOT THE FOCUS? BECAUSE FOCUS OWNERS DON'T HAVE THE SAME MONEY THAT THOSE OTHER HIGHER END CARS HAVE? I WAS DRIVING MY NEW BABY AROUND IN THIS CAR AND THANK GOD I DIDN'T HIT THAT ONE MORE POTHOLE OR BOTH OUR LIVES COULD HAVE BEEN ENDED! ALL IT TAKES IS AN INTERNET SEARCH TO REALIZE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE SUBFRAME IS A VERY IMPORTANT COMPONENT TO A CAR THAT SHOULD NOT JUST RUST AWAY IN 14 YEARS! CLEARLY THE DESIGN OR MATERIALS USED WERE AT FAULT FOR THIS. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE CARS BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED OR INJURED!
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 27, 201668,607 milesAZ
TAKATA AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER THE CAR HAD COME TO A STOP. ALI STOPPED TO AVOID HITTING A CAR THAT HAD SUDDENLY BRAKED IN FRONT OF HER. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR IN FRONT HER AS ALI WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME, BUT THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE TO HER CAR. WHEN THE TAKATA AIRBAG DEPLOYED IT BURNT HER LEFT FOREARM/HAND AND INCURRED $107.00 IN MEDICAL EXPENSES. CALIBER COLLISION SAYS THAT TO REPAIR THE CAR IT WOULD COST ALI $7,639.37.
Steering
Filed Dec 15, 2015165,611 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY, AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V289000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,611.
Air BagsCrash4 injured
Filed Sep 30, 201520,000 milesWV
DRIVING FORD FOCUS SLOWLY IN SNOW,A JEEP SPUN OUT OF CONTROL HIT THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT OF CAR SPUN AROUND AND HIT US AGAIN FROM THE REAR.AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND IT MY PASSENGER FULL IN FACE. DAMAGED HER FACE WITH CHEMICAL BURNS AND CREATED A COROIDITAL TEAR IN HER EYE THAT IS PERMANENT AND PERMANENT VISION LOSS IN ONE EYE. THE IMPACT OF THE AIRBAG JARRED HER BRAIN AND SHE NOW HAS A BRAIN INJURY CALLED CHIARI MALFORMATION,
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 21, 2015155,146 milesWA
ON 5/2/15 DURING A COLLISION WHERE MY CLIENT STUCK ANOTHER DRIVER THAT FAILED TO YIELD AND RAN A STOP SIGN, THE AIRBAG INSIDE MY CLIENT'S 2001 FORD FOCUS DEPLOYED. DURING ITS DEPLOYMENT IT BURNED THE RIGHT VOLAR (INSIDE) FOREARM OF MY CLIENT, CAUSING A FULL THICKNESS BURN. SHE HAD TO UNDERGO SURGICAL TANGENTIAL EXCISION OF THE BURN AND SKIN GRAFTING, WHERE THEY HARVESTED THE SKIN FROM HER RIGHT THIGH TO HER RIGHT VOLAR FOREARM. THE AIRBAG IS DANGEROUS AS IT CAUSED FULL THICKNESS BURN TO HER SKIN, FOR WHICH SHE IS STILL RECOVERING.
Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2015206,000 milesOR
AFTER A 2~ HOUR DRIVE, ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED 5MIN LATER. AN INTAKE VALVE SEAT DROPPED AND IT INSTANTLY SMACKED THE PISTON ON THE FIRST TURN OF THE ENGINE, IT HIT HARD ENUF TO BLOW THE PISTON APART AND THE CONNECTING ROD PUT A HOLE THRU THE PISTON LINER. PUTTING COOLANT IN TO THE CRANK CASE, AS IT WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE PISTON ANY MORE. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE. I REPAIRED THE AUTO WITH A AFTERMARKET HEAD FROM HTTP://CIFICINC.NET/ AND A SHORT BLOCK OUT OF A PARTS CAR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE THIS FAILURE, THERE ARE FOCUS ALL OVER THE NET THAT HAVE HAD THIS FAILURE. I SEEM TO BE LUCKY AS ITS MUCH MORE COMMON FOR IT TO HAPPEN AROUND 110/140K THEN 206K THE ESCORT ALSO HAS THE SAME ENGINE OR ONE OF THE SAME SPI SOHC 1.9/2.0 ENGINE FAMILY AND CAN ALSO HAVE THIS FAILURE. . . I REPAIRED THE AUTO ONLY BECAUSE OF ITS ABOVE AVERAGE MPG, HAD IT NOT GOTTEN HIGH 30S OR BETTER, I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN RID OF IT. AS THE VALUE OF THE AUTO IS AROUND 1,400~ AND THE REPAIR WAS ABOUT HALF THAT, DOING ALL THE WORK MY SELF...TAKING IT TO A SHOP WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION AS THE COST TO REPAIR WOULD HAVE BEEN 2X THE VALUE OF THE AUTO OR WORSE....
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 5, 2015126,000 milesAL
MY CAR WILL LOSE SPEED GOING UP HILLS AND START TO ACT LIKE IT'S RUNNING OUT OF GAS. I HAVE HAD IT GO DEAD WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE STEERING BECOME HARD TO MOVE. IT SURGES GOING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS OF ABOUT 10-15 MPH AND JERKS. SOMETIMES THE EVEN GOING ON STRAIGHT ROADS WHERE THERE ARE NO HILLS THE CAR STARTS TO ACT LIKE IT'S RUNNING OUT OF GAS AND DIE. THE ONLY THING THAT SHOWED WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED WAS THE THROTTLE BODY POSITION SENSOR WHICH I REPLACED AND NOW SAYS OUT OF RANGE AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 12, 201511,600 milesMD
WHEN VEHICLE HAS IDELED OR TRAVELED AT SLOW SPEEDS FOR A LONG PERIOD, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. IT WILL ALSO STALL HAS LOST FUEL EFFICIENCY AND DRIVER CAN SMELL FUEL. MECHANIC STATES THE FUEL RAIL PRESSOR SENSOR IS LEAKING. MECHANIC STATES PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. ONE CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT BACK ORDER IS CAUSED BY SAME OR SIMILLAR MALFUNCTION.
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2015200,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STOP ACCELERATING AND RESPONDING WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASE PAST 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 20, 2015135,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SPORADICALLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN OR WHEN LOW ON FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
EngineFire
Filed May 29, 2015111,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE SALVAGE YARD. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
EngineFire
Filed May 14, 2015130,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE. THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION AS THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED AND STARTED ROLLING FORWARD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 25, 2015204,500 milesTN
AS I WAS COMING FROM DR'S APPT. WITH DAUGHTER AND MOM A ROARING SOUND STARTED IN THE REAR. IT KEPT GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER, CAR'S REAR WOULD SWAY TO THE RIGHT SIDE A LITTLE. BUT AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET TRYING TO AT LEAST GET US ALL HOME SAFE. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL CAME OFF AND JUST ROLLED DOWN THE STREET ABOUT A HALF-A-BLOCK. A MAN CAME OUT NOTICING THE TIRE ROLL PASS HIM, HELPED ME RETRIEVE IT AND GET IT BACK TO MY CAR. LOOKED AT THE WHEEL AND CAR AXLE I GUESS THAT'S WHAT YOU CALL IT, AND TOLD ME MY WHEEL BEARINGS WERE GONE. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 10, 2015202,000 milesNJ
WHILE DRIVING A 2001 FORD FOCUS SE AND NAVIGATING A CURVE, THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FAILED TO REMAIN SECURE AND SUDDENLY OPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. UPON ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE DOOR, IT APPEARS THE DOOR LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE DOOR CANNOT BE CLOSED SECURE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THERE IS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION AROUND THE LATCH MECHANISM. THE DOOR MUST BE MANUALLY RESTRAINED WITH ROPES TO REMAIN CLOSED. *TR
Engine
Filed Apr 3, 201550,000 milesSD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Suspension
Filed Feb 6, 2015118,951 milesNY
RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE A BALL JOINT ON MY LEFT FRONT TIRE REPLACED. HEARD A CLANGING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE BAD BALL JOINT, WHEN MECHANIC CHECKED HE SAID THE COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED. CALLED FORD ABOUT SAFETY RECALL WHICH CAME UP WHEN I PUT MY VIN NUMBER INTO THEIR WEBSITE. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD WAS OVER AND MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED. IT COST ME 600.00 TO HAVE BOTH REPAIRS DONE BY A MECHANIC. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH THEM AND THEIR ADVICE WAS TO SAVE MY RECEIPT AND IF A RECALL GOES INTO EFFECT FOR THIS PROBLEM, I WILL GET REIMBURSED. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, YET FORD JUST IGNORES THE ISSUE AS IT IS STILL HAPPENING. NOW TODAY MY BACK WINDOW MADE A NOISE AND THE WINDOW FELL DOWN AND WON'T GO BACK UP. I'VE ALREADY HAD A NEW BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, PLUGS AND COIL PACK REPLACED BECAUSE OF SURGING AND STALLING. I AM ALSO GETTING POOR GAS MILEAGE. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY CAR YET I HAVE AND AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT MANY OF THE RECALLS IN EFFECT ARE LISTING. VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE BY FORD. *JS
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 9, 201573,000 milesWA
BRAKES REPLACED AT 48,763 MILES WE ARE NOW AT 77,000. FOR THE LAST 2-3,000 MILES IF FEELS LIKE AIR IN THE LINE WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE IT DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY ENGAGE, THERE IS A GAP BEFORE THE BRAKES ENGAGE & THE GAP IS GROWING A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. THERE IS NO NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE ACTIONS. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 1,761, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Focus years to avoid. Owners filed 1,761 complaints, against about 900 for a typical Focus year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (24%).
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Focus?
The electrical system: 425 of the 1,761 complaints (24%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (5%), will not start (5%) and loses steering assist or the wheel locks (5%). The typical report comes at 61,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Focus have?
14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 24, 2012. The largest, 01V258000, covered 1,083,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Focus problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 58,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 61,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Ford Focus?
Yes, 9 times. The latest, AQ10001 ("Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit"), was opened Nov 18, 2010 and closed Dec 28, 2015.
Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Ford Focus?
The manufacturer filed 180 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (29), the engine (27) and the transmission (24). They include a service campaign, 02M01, filed Jun 1, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
8 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Feb 24, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.