Page 6 of 36 · complaints 251–300 of 1,761

2001 Ford Focus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2001 record →

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jun 9, 200961,000 milesWI

OUR DAUGHTERS 2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE, BURNED INTO THE CABIN. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A LOT. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT OUR DAUGHTER WAS NOT INJURED, NOR THAT ANYONE ELSE OR PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED. SHE HAD ONLY BEEN OUT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 4-6 MINUTES BEFORE IT ERUPTED IN FLAMES. PRIOR TO THAT THE CAR APPEARED TO DRIVE FINE. NO SMELLS, NO WARNING LIGHTS. VERY SCARY. I FELT THAT I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE, AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY, APPEARS TO WANT TO JUST SETTLE THE CLAIM, WITH NO INVESTIGATION. HOW ARE WE TO MAKE CARS SAFER, IF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, DON'T NOTIFY ANYONE? *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jun 8, 200983,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DROVE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS EVENTUALLY DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jun 3, 200959,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. ON MAY 25, 2008, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE MECHANIC FURTHER STATED THAT THE PART COULD NOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER TOOL TO REMOVE THE FUEL PUMP. ONLY THE FORD DEALER WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE TOOL. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WOULD BE $1,000. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 59,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 28, 2009118,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY HIGH. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REFUSED DUE TO THE COST. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE AFTERMARKET PARTS WERE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE PARTS CONSISTED OF THE PCV VALVE AND FUEL FILTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER CONDUCTED A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS THE STALLING IN THE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES MENTIONED IN THE CAMPAIGN, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 24, 2009FL

2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCK UP. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 10, 2009SC

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ON 2001 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK WILL NOT UNLOCK AND OPEN. STAYS IN LOCKED POSITION AND DRIVER HAS TO EXIT THROUGH PASSENGER'S SIDE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 30, 2009139,000 milesMI

1. I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. 2. THE IGNITION LOCKED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS GOING WRONG. AS A RESULT, I COULD NOT GO TO WORK, AS I WORK AN HOUR AWAY. 3. FORD IS NOT WILLING TO EXTEND A "GOODWILL REPAIR OR WARRANTY" ON MY BEHALF, AND SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION. RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THAT IN SOME CASES, THE REPLACEMENT WILL RESULT IN THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM IN FORD FOCUS MODELS FROM 2000-2003 AND YET FORD HAS NOT TAKEN OWNERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM. I WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED AT MY OWN EXPENSE AND THE IGNITION REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE, FOR A MANUFACTURED PROBLEM. THE TOTAL OF BOTH WILL LIKELY BE MORE THAN HALF OF THE CURRENT BLUE-BOOK VALUE OF MY CAR. *TR

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 29, 2009113,000 milesNY

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 2001 FORD FOCUS SE WAGON APPROXIMATELY 45MPH WHEN SHE DESCRIBED STEERING LOCKED UP IN TURN THEN SHE HEARD TIRES SQUEALING AND VEHICLE JERKED HARD LEFT CAUSING HER TO GO OFF THE ROAD, HIT A ROCK WALL AND FLIPPED THE CAR END OVER END. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE LANDED UPSIDE DOWN BUT WAS ABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE THROUGH BROKEN WINDOW. SHE RECEIVED CUTS AND BRUISES AND WAS TAKEN TO EMERGENCY ROOM FOR X-RAYS WHERE THEY SAID SHE HAD NO SERIOUS INJURIES AND WAS RELEASED. ON SCENE INVESTIGATION BY POLICE AND TOW TRUCK OPERATED SUGGESTED BALL JOINT FAILURE OR OTHER STEERING/SUSPENSION FAILURE. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 26, 2009IL

THE FORD FOCUS 2001 KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION, I HAVE SPENT MANY HOURS, AND A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE GOTTEN STRANDED AT NIGHT ALONE, MANY HOURS FROM HOME ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. IT IS FRIGHTENING TO DRIVE MY CAR ANY LONG DISTANCE FOR FEAR OF BEING STRANDED. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 8, 200930,000 milesDE

KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO HERTRICH IN MILFORD DE AND IGNITION REPLACED AND KEY PROGRAMMED TO NEW IGNITION. THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED AT APPROX 30,000 MILES AND THE SECOND TIME AT 87,000 MILES. SERVICE TECH SAID CYLINDERS WERE JAMMED AND IT TOOK BEATING IT WITH A HAMMER TO RELEASE THEM TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. MY DAUGHTER HAD DRIVEN TO WALMART TO HAVE HER OIL CHANGED. THEY CALLED HER BACK TO TELL HER THEY COULD NOT START HER CAR TO DRIVE IT INTO THE SERVICE BAY. CALLED FORD TO REPORT THEIR PROBLEM AS MY DAUGHTERS FRIEND ALSO HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER FORD FOCUS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 18, 2009107,000 milesPA

THE ENGINE SNAPED AND NOW THE CAR IS NO LONGER WORKING. HOWEVER PRIOR TO THAT IT WOULD IDLE ACTING AS IF IT WAS STALLING OUT AND MAKING NOISES. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Mar 16, 200984,885 milesKY

I OWN A FORD FOCUS AND THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN ON. IT JUST LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON. HAD TO HAVE IGNITION REPLACED AT 85,000. MILES. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Mar 11, 2009102,200 milesIL

2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH NOT TURNING WHEN TRYING TO START VEHICLE. MY STARTED EARLY MORNING AFTER WORK -20 OUTSIDE. LUCKY I WAS HOME. GOOGLED AND SOMEBODY SAID HIT IT WITH HAMMER AND IT WILL TURN OR REPLACE NEW IGNITION SWITCH. HIT IT MANY TIMES AND NOW IT GOT WORSE. FIX IS NOT CHEAP AND IT IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINTS FROM MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITION OR SAFETY EVACUATION THAT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF YOU CAN'T START YOUR VEHICLE. CAN SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE FORD IS GETTING AWAY WITH NEGLIGENCE OR I SUPPOSE WILL JUST BAIL THEM OUT SO THEY CAN KEEP RIPPING PEOPLE OFF WITH EXPENSIVE VEHICLES AND FAULTY EQUIPMENTS. IS THAT HOW THIS WORKS. SCREW THE TAX PAYERS AND CONSUMERS WHO KEEP THIS COUNTRY PRODUCTIVE. FORD NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCTS AND THEIR COMMITMENTS TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. PLEASE RECALL THIS DEFECT. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 28, 200972,000 milesWI

THE IGNITION SWITCH SO CALLED 'SAFETY' LOCK ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON REFUSED TO RELEASE, AFTER REPEATED TRIES, SO I COULDN'T START MY CAR, THE WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN, AND I WAS LEFT STRANDED AWAY FROM HOME. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FORD MADE TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE THAT THEY PUMPED OUT INTO THE MARKET. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND APPARENTLY A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH FOCUS OWNERS. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 20, 200957,000 milesFL

JUST PAID 401.00 AT THE DEALERSHIP TO CREATE A NEW TUMBER ON A KEY IGNITION. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 19, 2009WA

KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN IGNITION, HAVING TO LEAVE KEY IN CAR. HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING THE DAY AND DURING THE WEEK. WILL HAVE THE IGNITION REPLACED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 17, 2009963,000 milesFL

BATTERY POSITIVE TERMINAL CORROSION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAVE REPLACED BATTERY TWICE AND ALTERNATOR ONCE BECAUSE OF NO START, DEAD BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. BATTERY CABLE SHOWS BATTERY CORROSION. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Feb 17, 2009MS

WINDOWS FELL DOWN WHILE DRIVING DRIVER WINDOW AND BOTH BACK WINDOWS. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 7, 200946,000 milesIL

OUT OF NOWHERE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN MY IGNITION. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 3 YEARS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, I STOPPED TO BUY XMAS GIFTS AT THE MALL, AND WHEN I RETURNED, I COULD NOT TURN THE KEY IN MY IGNITION. AND NOW EVERY DAY I SPEND 20 MINUTES OR MORE JUST TRYING TO START MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE THIS HAPPENED. AND THE WORST THING IS NEVER KNOWING WHEN IT WILL BE REALLY BAD, OR IF I WILL END UP STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! BEING THAT THIS COULD END UP IN BEING STRANDED, I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON THE 2001 FORD FOCUS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 2, 200960,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 FORD FOCUS BACK IN NOVEMBER OF 2008', I EXPERIENCED THE ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER ALONG WITH THE DASHLIGHTS GOING HAYWIRE. I THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY AUTO REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND COULD NOT DO WHAT I DESCRIBED TO THEM. APPROX. 1 WEEK LATER IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN, THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE SOME DIAGNOSTIC CODES. THEY CLEANED SOME GROUND WIRES BUT STATED THAT WAS ALL THEY COULD FIND, THE SAME THING HAPPENED A FEW DAYS LATER, I CALLED MY MECHANIC, AND WE BOTH AGREED THAT I SHOULD SEND IT TO THE FORD DEALER. I HAD IT TOWED AGAIN, THIS TIME TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I STATED THAT THE PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS WHILE IT IS BEING DRIVEN. AFTER APPROX. 1 WEEK, THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE ALTERNATOR DROPPED TO 11.5 VOLTS. I ADVISED THEM TO REPLACE WITH A NEW ALTERNATOR. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THEY WERE SURE THAT IS WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ON OR ABOUT 1/2/09, I EXPERIENCED THEY SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS. I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY AND ADVISE THEM I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS NOT THE $ 550.00 ALTERNATOR THAT I PAID FOR. I AGAIN REITERATED TO THEM THAT IT HAS TO BE DRIVEN, TO HAVE THE SYMPTOMS OCCUR. SINCE I HAD THE NEW ALTERNATOR INSTALLED I ONLY PUT ON 325 MILES. MY SERVICE MANAGER KORY F

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 12, 2009NC

2001 FORD FOCUS RECALL FOR FAULTY FUEL PUMP. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL, BUT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE 95.00 JUST TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE TEST WOULD ONLY DETECT A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WHEN IT WAS IN FAILURE MODE. THE TEST WOULD NOT REVEAL A PROBLEM SINCE THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ON THE ROAD AND ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. *JB UPDATED 04/20/10 THE CONSUMER STATED FOR YEARS HIS DAUGHTER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING. UPDATED 05/07/10.*JB

Equipment
Filed Jan 9, 2009168,300 milesLA

THIS CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. ONE DAY THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER. IT WAS AS IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOCKED. WE GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT IT IS VERY COMMON IN FORD FOCUS'S BUILT BETWEEN 2000-2003. THE QUICK FIX WAS TO CARRY A HAMMER AROUND AND GIVE IT A HIT WHEN THE KEY GETS STUCK. THIS HAS WORKED PRETTY WELL UNTIL THIS MORNING. IT TOOK ME 15 MINUTES TO START THE CAR. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 31, 200865,000 milesOR

MY SECOND 2001 FORD FOCUS STATION WAGON(# ) HAS JUST STARTED TO LOSE FUEL PRESSURE SPORADICALLY WHEN DRIVING. SEVERAL TIMES IT HAS CAUSED A LOSS IN BREAK-ABILITY, SINCE THE ENGINE ISN'T RUNNING SMOOTHLY WHEN THE PRESSURE DROPS. IT DEFINATELY CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AS WELL, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A WRECK. MY FIRST 2001 FORD FOCUS WAGON (#) HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND IT WAS REPAIRED BY FORD UNDER THE NHTSA 03V482000 RECALL, YET FORD IS DENYING THE SECOND WAGON FOR A RECALL REPAIR. I HOPE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE QUICKLY, AS IT MAY CAUSE HARM TO SOMEONE IF I LEAVE THIS INTERMITTENTLY-BAD PUMP IN THE CAR. THIS FUEL PUMP PRESSURE FAILURE OCCURS ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY NOW, WHICH MAKES THE CAR UNRELIABLE TO DRIVE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO CONSIDER THIS CAR AS THEY DO MY OTHER CAR, AND FIX THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM THAT IS DEFINATELY A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES ON IT. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM ALREADY. I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO TO FIX IT; AND I WILL KEEP THE OLD PART FOR REFERENCE AND POSSIBLY REFUND IF YOU ARE ABLE TO RESEARCH THIS AND HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR FUEL PUMPS THAT DON'T PRODUCE ADEQUATE FUEL PRESSURE CONSISTENTLY. *TR

Wheels
Filed Dec 29, 2008100,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE MERGING OFF THE HIGHWAY AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE ROLLING BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY. SHE RECOVERED THE TIRE AND NOTICED THAT THE BOLTS, LUGS, NUTS, AND WHEEL BEARING WERE STILL ATTACHED TO THE TIRE. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I017000 (WHEELS LUGS, NUTS, BOLTS); HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD PROVIDE A WARRANTY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 22, 200855,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIR. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT INFORM HIM OF THE RECALL. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Dec 20, 2008101,225 milesOH

I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND AS I WAS LEAVING WORK ONE DAY, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE KEY WOULDN'T FIT IN THE IGNITION. AFTER I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PUT MY KEY IN IT WOULD NOT TURN. I HAD TO CALL FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH FORD FOCUS' AND TOLD ME TO HAMMER IN MY KEY BECAUSE A BARREL WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE IGNITION. I HAMMERED IN MY KEY AND WAS ABLE TO START MY CAR; HOWEVER, THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Dec 19, 2008156,000 milesMI

2001 FORD FOCUS IGINITION KEY DOES NOT TURN TO START VEHICLE. *TR

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 1, 2008104,000 milesCA

DURING A RECENT AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT SECURE THE DRIVER. THE DRIVE SUFFERED FACIAL INJURY WHEN CONTACT WAS MADE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. I WILL CONTACT THE FORD DEALERSHIP THIS WEEK. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 25, 2008127,923 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS, WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE IN PLACE, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPAIR. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE TWO DAYS LATER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE PAPERWORK STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ONE WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR, BUT THEY REFUSED TO TAKE HER CALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE NEVER REPLACED AND WOULD COST $3,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,923 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Nov 13, 200895,000 milesIL

THE PROBLEM I'M HAVE WITH MY 2001 IS MY KEY WILL NOT TURNING MY IGNITION. AFTER REVIEW THE COMPLAINTS I SEE SEVERAL PEOPLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. CAN YOU REVIEW THE COMPLAINTS WITH THE IGNITIONS. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Nov 12, 200865,000 milesID

THIS IS THE 2ND TIME MY IGNITION IN MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUSES. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH OUT RESOURCES AND THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM WITH NO WARNING. THE COST OF TOWING, PARTS, AND LABOR COST AROUND 500.00. I FIND THIS VERY FRUSTRATING THAT FORD WILL NOT RECALL THE IGNITION SWITCH, FULL WELL KNOWING THIS IS A PROBLEM. I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT KNOWING IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE. IT IS A FINANCIAL BURDEN AS WELL AS AN INCONVENIENCE, THAT AFTER BEING FIXED ONCE SHOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN WITH IN 2 YEARS, MY CAR ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Fuel System, Other
Filed Nov 4, 2008116,200 milesCA

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN HER CAR JUST DIED, WHILE DRIVING. IT STARTED UP AGAIN IMMEDIATELY, BUT IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. I WENT ONLINE TO VIEW RECALLS, AND IT STATED THAT 2001 FORD FOCUS HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND 2 OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO THIS VEHICLE THAT WERE ALSO RECALLS. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO HAVE THESE RECALLS FIXED, BUT WHEN THEY PULLED UP THE VIN NUMBER, THEY SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR. THE OTHER RECALL I FOUND WAS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND BATTERY FAILURE. I HAVE ALREADY BURNED UP ONE BATTERY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THE RECALL STATES THAT THE CABES OVERHEAT AND MAY MELT. THIS VEHICLE DID THIS AS WELL. THE OTHER RECALL IS WHERE THE LATCH ON THE BACK DOOR BEGINS TO NOT LATCH PROPERLY, CAUSING THE DOOR TO COME OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE BACK DOOR WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY ON THIS VEHICLE EITHER AND AT TIMES WE HAVE TO OPEN AND CLOSE IT SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET IT TO LATCH. THESE 3 RECALLS ARE ALL THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED ON 2001 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES, WHICH OUR VEHICLE IS, BUT BECAUSE OUR VIN # DOESN'T MATCH THE RECALLS, THEY REFUSE TO FIX THEM. THESE ARE TRUE SAFETY ISSUES. MY DAUGHTER COULD BE KILLED BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES. HOW CAN I HAVE MY VEHICLE ADDED TO THESE RECALLS? I AM EXTREMELY UPSET AND CONCERNED THAT THESE ITEMS WILL NOT BE ADDRESSES WHEN FORD KNOWS THAT THEY ARE A PROBLEM ON OTHER 2001 FOCUS VEHICLES. I WILL SUE SHOULD SOMETHING HAPPEN TO MY

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables
Filed Oct 28, 200895,000 milesCO

TO BEST DESCRIBE WHAT IS HAPPENING YOUR WEBSITE HAS A CAMPAIGN FOR MY COMPLAINT HERE: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/CARS/PROBLEMS/DEFECT/RESULTS.CFM?ACTION_NUMBER=EA02014&SEARCHTYPE=QUICKSEARCH&SUMMARY=TRUE THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER IS 02V288000. MY WIFE DRIVES A 2001 FORD FOCUS SE. THE BATTERY CABLES AND BATTERY ARE GOING THROUGH EXTREME CORROSION THAT REQUIRES ME TO CLEAN THE CONNECTIONS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 2 WEEKS. THE CORROSION IS ALSO CAUSING HEAT THAT IS MELTING THE CABLES INSULATION. WHEN THE CORROSION GOES UNTREATED, WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO BAD CONNECTION. THE PROBLEM RIGHT NOW IS THAT THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS IN 2002 AND FORD IS NOT RECOGNIZING THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER ME TELLING THEM ABOUT THE RECALL INFORMATION I LINKED ABOVE. I HAVE CALLED IN A COMPLAINT ALREADY TO THE NHTSA BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. ANY HELP IN DEALING WITH THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Oct 28, 2008108,596 milesNV

MY VEHICLE, 2001 FORD FOCUS, DISPLAYS ALL THE SYMPTOMS REGARDING A FAULTY FUEL PUMP FUEL DELIVERY MODULE. AT ONE-QUARTER TANK, THE ENGINE WILL STALL ON RIGHT TURNS. DURING EXTENDED DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE AND STUTTER EVENTUALLY STALLING, AND DURING IDLING, THE VEHICLE WILL DROP POWER REQUIRING CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON FEB 7, 2007 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE THREE MONTHS TOO LATE TO HAVE FALLEN UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I AM FURIOUS THAT FORD WOULD PROVIDE A 10YR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT'S VEHICLES - REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, BUT WOULD EXCLUDE MODELS THAT HAVE VIN NUMBERS JUST OUTSIDE THE WINDOW OF "KNOWN OCCURRENCE OF PROBLEM". THE VEHICLE HAD STALLED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY (US95 IN LAS VEGAS CLARK COUNTY), AND FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE VEHICLE HAD OVER $1300 OF SERVICE COMPLETED DURING THIS INCIDENT, BUT THE ISSUE HAS NOW RE-OCCURRED. SYMPTOMS BEGAN IN LATE SEPTEMBER, AND HAVE GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING LONG DISTANCES, AS THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN STALLING AROUND CORNERS AND DURING IDLING. I CURRENTLY CAN NOT AFFORD PAYMENTS ON A NEW VEHICLE, AND WANT FORD TO HONOR ITS PLEDGE FOR SAFETY BY ADMITTING MORE VEHICLES UNDER ITS EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY. FORD'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS DEFECT IS 03N01 AND FORD CLAIMS THAT OVER 671, 000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED. I SUSPECT VERY FEW 2001 FOCUSES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD, AND FEWER EVER RECEIVED NOTICE REGARDING

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 14, 200868,000 milesVA

WHILE IN CURVE DRIVING 50 MPH STEERING LOCKED UP, NOT SURE IF CAR CUT OFF BUT I WAS UNABLE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT WHEEL RESULTING IN ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT TELEPHONE CRUSHING PELVIS, AND BREAKING MY LEFT ARM.. I SPENT 37 DAYS IN HOSPITAL AND NOW HAVE PLATES AND SCREWS IN MY PELVIS AND ARM. IT HAS BEEN A MONTH SINCE THE ACCIDENT AND I AM NOW IN A WHEEL CHAIR FOR 2 MONTHS HEALING TIME BEFORE I CAN START THERAPY TO BEGIN WALKING, AND DOCTORS SAY I WILL HAVE TO HAVE A HIP REPLACEMENT IN THE NEXT 2 TO 5 YEARS. HELP ME PLEASE FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS I AM 24 YEARS OLD.. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 10, 2008MD

I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE WORK TO GO HOME. I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION, A COST OF $500. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Oct 9, 200844,959 milesCA

NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING ONTO PAVEMENT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FOR FEAR OF OVERHEATING TOOK IT INTO A PEP BOYS AS WAS CLOSEST REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING (PLASTIC I MIGHT ADD) WAS FAULTY AND WITH PARTS AND LABOR IT CAME TO $455 FOR THE JOB. THE NEAREST FORD DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NEED 2 DAYS TO EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 8, 200860,160 milesOH

ON 10/3/08 I WAS CHANGING OIL ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS WITH 60000 MILES AND NOTICED RUST HOLES THROUGH THE FRONT SUBFRAME, WHICH HOLDS THE MOTOR, LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARMS TO THE CAR BODY. IT IS A VERY CRUCIAL PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE FRAME WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IF I HIT A LARGE BUMP THAT THE FRAME MAY BREAK IN HALF AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. THIS REPAIR WAS ESTIMATED BY THE DEALER TO BE AROUND $900.00. THE CAR IS BEING REPAIRED AS I WRITE THIS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART FORD HAS USED AND THEY SHOULD INSPECT AND REPLACE THE PART ON THIS MODEL BEFORE ONE DOES BREAK AND SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 6, 2008113,500 milesFL

IGNITION SWITCH WONT TURNED ON. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 27, 2008108,000 milesMA

2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, IT STARTED NEAR BATTERY, CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 26, 200830,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-80 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK MOMENTARILY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS BEING REDESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR THIS FAILURE, AND WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2008. THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND AWAITING THE REPLACEMENT PART IN ORDER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 30,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Sep 25, 2008120,000 milesWI

MY SON & I GOT DONE EATING I LEFT THE RESTAURANT PARKING LOT & THOUGHT I WOULD STOP BY THE NEXT PLACE WHEN MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OPENED UP OUT INTO TRAFFIC. LUCKY NO ONE WAS RIDING IN THE BACK. AND NO ACCIDENT HAPPEN. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF PLAYING WITH THE LOCK I GOT IT TO CLOSE & HAVEN'T USED THAT DOOR SINCE. I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IN CONTACTING FORD DIRECTLY AND ALL I GOT WAS A SURVEY FORM WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MY PROBLEM. BACK IN 2005 WHEN THEY RECALLED MY CAR FOR FAILURE ON DOOR LOCKS I HAD TAKEN IT TO VALLEY VIEW FORD AND HAD IT SERVICED. NOW THREE YEARS LATER THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND NOBODY WANTS TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MAYBE IT TAKES SOMEONE TO DIE AND SUE THEM. VERY UNHAPPY WITH FORD, I NOW WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 12, 2008130,473 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING NUMEROUS FAILURES. THE MAIN FAILURES WERE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BRAKE SYSTEM, BENT TIE ROD, SHAKING AND VIBRATING, REAR WINDOW MECHANISMS, AND FLOODING AFTER IT RAINS. THE LEAK OCCURS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE WATER RISES 2 TO 3 INCHES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER DUE TO THE INSPECTION COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,473.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 9, 2008105,000 milesFL

MY IGNITION LOCKED UP. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET TO FIND REPAIR METHODS AND FOUND TONS OF COMPLAINTS FROM FELLOW FOCUS OWNERS. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY COMMON AND CANNOT BE FIXED, IT HAS TO BE REPLACED ADDING UP TO A TOTAL OF $500.00. MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I HAVE FOUND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. MY WIFE ALSO OWNS A FOCUS AND I'M JUST WAITING FOR THAT PHONE CALL. HOPEFULLY SHE'S NOT STRANDED IN A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. SEARCH FOCALJET.COM AND FOCUSFANATICS.COM FOR COMPLAINTS. THERES ALSO AN ONLINE PETITION FOR FORD THAT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY OVER 2,000 FOCUS OWNERS TO DATE. THANK YOU. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 9, 200875,000 milesMO

MY DAUGHTER TRIED TO START THE CAR TO GO TO SCHOOL AND COULDN'T GET THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS AT HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED, UNLIKE THE MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AT A REPAIR COST OF OVER $300, AND THE NUMBER OF BAD IGNITIONS THAT ARE IN THE FORD FOCUS CARS, IT SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE IGNITIONS. WE HAVE HAD MANY CARS THAT WERE OLDER THAN OUR FOCUS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 9, 2008IN

MY HEADLIGHT FELL OUT OF THE HOUSING AND MELTED THE HOUSING AROUND IT. IT NO LONGER WORKS AS A RESULT OF THIS.... THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE OF THIS PART. I WOULD NOT KNOW WHY THE LAMP IT'S SELF WOULD JUST FALL OUT OF THE HOUSING. I HAVE ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT WAS TOLD NO BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP BUT YOU CAN'T TRUST WHAT THEY SAY BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME YEARS AGO THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY FUEL PUMP AND THERE WAS, THEY ARE JUST RUDE THERE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 8, 2008NJ

ON HOT DAYS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND IS RESTARTED IT GOES INTO A MODE WHERE IT CONSISTENTLY STALLS AT IDLE AND LOW RPM. IT HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND ONLY OCCURS SOME OF THE TIME. NETHER FORD OR INDEPENDENT MECHANICS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED STALLING IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 8, 2008WI

THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS ZX3 LOCKED UP, LEFT ME STRANDED. UNABLE TO START THE CAR. IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED TO ME THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS 2000 -2003 MODELS. FORD REFUSES TO ADMIT TO A PROBLEM. I HAVE THE OLD PART IF NEEDED. REPAIR COST $333. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 6, 2008120,000 milesAZ

I OWN 2 SEPARATE FORD FOCUSES - BOTH 2001 MODELS. ONE IS A ZTS AND THE OTHER AN SX. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE SX IGNITION LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WE HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED. NOW, BARELY A YEAR LATER, THE ZTS MODEL IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. SEARCHING ONLINE FOR A CHEAPER SOLUTION (THE DEALER CHARGES UPWARDS OF $300 TO FIX THE ISSUE), I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND WIDELY KNOWN BUT NOT ACKNOWLEDGED. I'VE BEEN STRANDED TWICE ALONE WITH THIS CAR AND NOW THE IGNITION WON'T TURN AT ALL NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRY TO JIGGLE THE KEY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND COULD LEAD TO VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY FORD AND REPAIRED. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 28, 200893,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SIDESWIPED A PARKED VEHICLE. THE MIRROR WAS DAMAGED. THE POLICE WAS NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL ARM DISENGAGED, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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