2001 Ford Focus Complaint Log

WHEN TRYING TO PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THE IGNITION LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO ENTER OR WHILE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. BUT AFTER A WHILE, TRYING TO MAKE IT WORK THE IGNITION GIVES IN. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS. NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE BECAUSE THE KEY MAY NOT WORK. BOTH KEYS ARE DOING THE SAME THING. *JB

THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW OPERATING CABLE MECHANISM BROKE. THIS WAS SHORTLY FOLLOWED (WITHIN A MONTH OR SO) BY THE FAILURE OF THE SAME MECHANISM IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. BOTH WINDOWS FAIL TO RISE AND ANY ATTEMPTS TO USE THE WINDOW SWITCHES ARE ANSWERED WITH GRINDING CRACKING SOUNDS. THE WINDOWS ARE CURRENTLY HELD UP USING COAT HANGERS. *NM

RADIO/CD/CLOCK UNIT APPEARS TO SHORT OUT AT VARIOUS UNPREDICTABLE TIMES. THE CD OR RADIO WILL ACT AS IF THE UNIT IS TURNED OFF; HOWEVER THE CLOCK DISPLAY ALSO DISAPPEARS FROM THE PANEL. AFTER 10 MINUTES OR LONGER THE CLOCK DISPLAY WILL RETURN TO THE SCREEN - WITH THE CORRECT TIME AND THE RADIO/CD PORTION CAN BE TURNED BACK ON AS IF WAS TURNED OFF. DURING THESE "SHUTDOWNS" I CAN NOT DO ANYTHING TO MAKE THE UNIT WORK. THIS INCLUDES USING THE ON OFF BUTTONS AND ANY AND ALL OF THE OTHER CONTROL OPTION/BUTTONS. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES THAT I AM AWARE OF SINCE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS 01 FOCUS 4 DOOR MODEL. STARTING IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR 2006. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE WAS BLOCKING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V482000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

2001 FOCUS FUEL PUMP FAILED. *TS THE FUEL PUMP FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE DEPT MANAGER SHARED A RECALL WITH THE CONSUMER WHICH WAS GIVEN TO THEM JAN 2004 REGARDING A RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THAT RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THREE OF THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE WILL NOT OPEN AND THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED.

2001 FORD FOCUS - 23,000 MILES. ENGINE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO 4 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT LOCATED. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER DETERMINED THE WIRE JACKETS ON THE WIRE HARNESS AT THE DECK LID, WORE AWAY AND RESULTED IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. IN ADDITION, THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT BRACKET WITHIN THE DECK LID ALSO SHORTED OUT, DUE TO THE WIRES BEING BURNED. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 00V411000 REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/WIRING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

WHEN I TRIED TO START MY FORD FOCUS 2001 ZX3 CAR AFTER LEAVING THE POST OFFICE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I EVENTUALLY FOUND A LOCKSMITH WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK KEY CYLINDER AT A COST TO ME OF $189.00. WHEN I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. THEY HAD NO RECORD OF RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME RESPONSE FROM FORD. I FEEL THAT AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE OPENED INTO THIS WITH ACTION ALONG THE LINES OF CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES TO US. THIS IS AND HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS CARS. EVEN THE LOCKSMITH WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. FORD'S RESPONSE IS NO RESPONSE AND NOT AN ACCEPTABLE ONE. THANK YOU. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S REAR WHEEL, THE WHEEL ALSO STARTED WOBBLING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLS. AFTER ONE HOUR THE VEHICLE RESTARTS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, CAM, OXYGEN SENSOR, FUEL SENSOR, FUEL LINE, COIL TECH, AND VACUUM HOSE; HOWEVER THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.

AT FIRST, KEY WOULD GO INTO IGNITION ALL THE WAY, BUT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. WOULD HAVE TO TAKE KEY OUT, PUT BACK IN, ETC UNTIL FINALLY IT WOULD TURN. TODAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED, EXCEPT THEN IT WOULDN'T GO IN AT ALL. IT TOOK 10 MINUTES OF JIGGLING IT AROUND FOR IT TO GO IN; NOW, TO GET THE KEY IN I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL AND MESS AROUND WITH IT UNTIL IT GOES IN. TALKED TO MECHANIC AND FORD DEALERSHIP - MUST REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER. I LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS AN OVERLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS AND THAT THE PART IS DEFECTIVE. *JB

WE BOUGHT OUR DAUGHTER A 2001 FORD FOCUS. ALL THE REVIEWS STATED THAT THE CAR WAS A GOOD, ECONOMICAL, SAFE CAR. WE PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2004. SINCE THE PURCHASE HER STEERING AND IGNITION SYSTEM HAS LOCKED UP ON HER TWICE. AFTER READING MANY SITES IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS. THIS IS AN ECONOMICAL CAR THAT MANY PARENTS ARE RELYING ON TO GET THEIR COLLEGE AGED CHILDREN TO AND FROM SCHOOL. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL ALL FORD FOCUSES SO THEY CAN ALL HAVE NEW IGNITIONS INSTALLED. THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN IS MOST IMPORTANT HERE. PARENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTINUALLY WORRY THAT THEIR 22 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER MAY BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE WITHOUT HELP DUE TO FORDS LAZY ATTITUDE. PLEASE RECALL THESE CARS THAT SO THAT PARENTS CAN HAVE PEACE OF MIND KNOWING THEIR CHILDREN ARE SAFE.*NM

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR REPLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP THAT WAS ON RECALL PROGRAM NUMBER 03N01 DUE TO HAVING THE VEHICLE STALL ON ME TWICE IN A SINGLE DAY. DEALERSHIP DID REPLACE FUEL PUMP BUT STATED THE STALLING PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE PVC VALVE WAS COLLAPSE AND SHUTTING OFF THE AIR SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE. THAT HAD TO BE REPLACE AT MY EXPENSE AT A COST OF OVER $200. *NM

IGNITION NOT TURNING ON 2001 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE READ A MESSAGE BOARD THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING A LOT WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. ALSO, BRAKES HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD BUYER BUT AM CONSIDERING CHANGING TO A DIFFERENT MAKE. *NM

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN RESPONSE TO HELP ANOTHER PERSON IN ELECTRICAL COMPLAINTS. THE FLICKER YOU HAVE WITH YOUR 2001 FOCUS IS SUPPOSEDLY A GROUND ISSUE TO THE CHASSIS. IT APPEARS TO HAVE FIXED MY PROBLEM WITH THE INSTRUMENTS AND HEADLIGHTS AND ANYTHING ELECTRICAL FLICKERING SPORADICALLY. THE FIX IS PRETTY CHEAP UNDER 20 BUCKS AND YOU COULD DO IT YOURSELF IF YOU ARE SOMEWHAT MECHANICAL. AS FOR MY COMPLAINT. FOR A CAR TO BE IN THE TOP 10 FOR A FEW YEARS AND A GREAT ECONOMY CAR THIS IS NOT THE CAR WITH AN ANSWER. I HAVE SUCH REPLACED 2 ALTERNATORS UNDER WARRANTY, 3 BATTERIES BEFORE I FIXED MY GROUND PROBLEM. REPLACED PVC VALVE 2 TIMES, RADIATOR, TRUNK RELEASE ACTUATOR, NUMEROUS HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS, RADIATOR AND HOSES THAT WERE BUSTED FROM OVERHEATING, COUPLE OF BELTS, DRIVER DOOR LOCK, SOMETHING WITH THE GAS TANK I THINK TO BE A FUEL PUMP. ALL OF THIS WITH 30K ON THE CAR. SINCE THEN I HAVE ONLY REPLACED TIRES AND RIMS ON THE CAR AT 130K I DECIDED TO REPLACE ANY PART AFTER WARRANTY WITH AFTERMARKET GEAR. SO NOW THE CAR HAS A COLD AIR INTAKE, SVT ENGINE, AEM ON BOARD COMPUTER TO ADJUST WITH LAPTOP, NITROUS, AFTERMARKET HELLA LIGHTS, NEW PAINT JOB, NEW DASH INDIGLO LIGHTS, NEW STEREO SPEAKERS, INTERIOR. SO AFTER ALL THIS I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE JUST BOUGHT A LEXUS AND CALLED IT A DAY. THE CAR NOW RUNS GREAT AND HAS NOT HAD A SINGLE PART FAILURE SINCE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THIS OCCURRED A SECOND TIME 30,000 MILES LATER AND THE SAME COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.

2001 FORD FOCUS. KEY HAS BEEN HARD TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SINCE I BOUGHT IT. NOW I CAN'T TURN IT AND THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE WRECKER DRIVER AND THE SERVICE PERSON AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE WRECKER DRIVER TOLD ME THAT THEY TOW IN APPROX. 10 FOCUS' A WEEK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM

MY MOTHERS 2001 FORD FOCUS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH IT LOCKING UP. AFTER CHECKING THE WEB I FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD FOCUS BUT FORD DOESN'T SEEM TO THINK SO. I NOW HAD TO BUY THE PART AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO INSTALL BECAUSE IT WOULD BE 3 WEEKS BEFORE THEY COULD FIT ME IN AT A PRICE TAG I WAS TOLD OF $550.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED WHICH IS A RIP OFF ESPECIALLY IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO A NUMBER OF OTHER OWNERS OF FORD FOCUS'. IT SEEMS TO ME FORD DOESN'T WANT TO OWN UP TO THE DEFECT SINCE IT'S NOT A SAFETY CONCERN TO THEM. *JB

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH. BROUGHT TO GARAGE AND HAD TO GET IT REPLACED... AT A COST OF OVER $190.00. NOW, ONLY ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER AND MIDDLE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT LATCHING AT ALL. MY CHILDREN USE THESE BELTS FOR THEIR BOOSTER SEATS. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD. I AM NOT WANTING TO HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER $400 OR SO TO GET THESE FIXED AS WELL. *JB

IGNITION CYLINDER ISSUE. 2ND OCCURRENCE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND WHEEL IS LOCKED. WIDESPREAD PROBLEM ON YEAR 2000 AND UP FORD FOCUS. NOT COVER BY THE B.S. EXTENDED WARRANTY. STILL NO RECALL. *JB

WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 FORD FOCUS THE BATTERY CAUGHT ON FIRE. LUCKILY, HE PULLED OVER AND SOMEONE STOPPED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR FAULTY BATTERY CABLES. THESE WERE ALREADY REPLACED BY BELL FORD IN PHOENIX. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED AND IS STILL WAITING REPAIRS. *JB

2001 FORD FOCUS. INSERT KEY BUT IGNITION WILL NOT TURN. APPARENTLY A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND FORD NEEDS TO DO A RECALL!*JB

2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED ALTHOUGH SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER IS PETITIONING THAT ALL VEHICLES SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH AN ON-OFF SWITCH TO DEACTIVATE THE AIRBAGS FROM DEPLOYING IF THE SEAT IS UNOCCUPIED. UPDATED 07/20/11

BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT LESS THAN 24,000 MILES; CONTINUES GRINDING AND SQUEAKING CONTINUE EVEN FOLLOWING BRAKE REPLACEMENT AND TURNING OF ROTORS; AT HAVE REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES TWO TIMES, WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON EACH SET OF TIRES; IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED - I COULD GET THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT IT WOULD NOT ROTATE; NOW AT ONLY 41,000 MILES, THE ENGINE ATTEMPTS TO STALL IN IDLE - THE WHOLE CAR SHUDDERS - AND HAS STALLED TWICE WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THIS PRESENTS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF, BUT FOR MY TWO CHILDREN AND OTHERS ON THE ROADWAY. IN REVIEWING THIS SITE, I AM OBVIOUSLY NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THESE SAME PROBLEMS. WHY DOESN'T THE NHTSA ISSUE RECALLS ON FORD FOCUS FOR THESE AND OTHER PROBLEMS? FORD SHOULD RECALL THE WHOLE LINE AND ISSUE REFUNDS TO CUSTOMERS OR CANCEL THEIR REMAINING LOAN PAYMENTS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH TWO CHILDREN, WHO CANNOT AFFORD COSTLY REPAIRS. THE ATTITUDE OF THE SERVICE PERSONNEL AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IS AWFUL, AND THEY HAVE TREATED ME BADLY EVERY TIME I HAVE GONE IN THERE, SO THAT I DON'T EVEN WANT TO TAKE THE CAR IN WITH THIS LATEST PROBLEM.*AK

BRAKE LINE FAILURE, BRACKET FELL OFF AND WORE BRAKE LINE IN TWO NO WARNING. BRAKES FAILED ON FREEWAY AT 70 MPH. NO PREVIOUS INDICATION OF PROBLEM, TOTAL BRAKE LOSS. 2001 FORD FOCUS 120000 MILES. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR KILLED SOMEONE ELSE DUE TO THIS FAILURE.*AK

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS AND THIS OCCURS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER, #03V482000, FOR THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE. THE RECALL WORK HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED, BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THIS VEHICLE IS NOT HAVING THE PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. *NM

IGNITION CYLINDER LOCK UP- I DO NOT KNOW WHAT LED TO THE LOCK UP. A FEW DAYS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED MY EMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN WENT OUT A FEW DAYS LATER. I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER LOCK UP... PLEASE RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *JB

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR OF THE CONSUMER 2001 FOCUS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. *TS THIS IS THE THIRD DOOR THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH. THE FIRST DOOR WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL. THE SECOND DOOR (DRIVER'S DOOR) HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE LATCH AND HANDLE. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THAT REPAIR. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO REQUEST THAT THEY PAY FOR A NEW LATCH FOR THE REAR DOOR BUT THE REFUSED. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING ON BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS T A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE PIVOT JOINT HAD WORN OUT PREMATURELY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STABILIZER BAR. *AK UPDATED 2/7/2006 - *NM

2001 FORD FOCUS ENGINE STALLING. *JB

WENT SO SEARS AUTO CENTER AT 9570 SOUTH WEST FREEWAY HOUSTON TEXAS 77074. FOR A TIRE CHANGE THEY CHARGE 156.00 AND ALSO TOLD ME THAT MY CAR ROTORS WERE BROKEN AND NEED SHOE/PAD TO BE REPLACED. AND CAR NOT TO BE DRIVEN. TOTAL AMOUNT 571.00. CALLED NEXT MORNING TO CANCEL WORK BECAUSE I DECIDED TO TAKE TO DEALER FORD. BUT THAT TIME CAR WASN'T FIXED YET CAUSE THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FIRST BUT I DIDN'T HAVE A CREDIT CARD WITH ME THAT NIGHT SO I LEFT IT THERE AND TOOK BUS. THEY CHARGE 271. NEXT MORNING FOR SOME SHOE/PAD WHICH I TOOK MY CAR THE THE REGULAR MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SEARS DID NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ON MY CAR. SO I PAY THAT MANY MY CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED. I HAVE TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER WAY TO MOVE. SO PLEASE HELP ME TO TO GET MY MONEY BACK OR TO GET MY CAR FIXED. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE REAR WINDOWS COLLAPSED IN THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PLASTIC HOLDER FAILED AND CAUSED THE CABLES TO INTERTWINE, WHICH THEN CAUSED THE WINDOW MOTOR TO MALFUNCTION. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $300. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, BUT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO ASSIST. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW AND ONLY HAVE ABOUT 20,000 MILES ON IT (I LIVE IN THE CITY AND I DON'T DRIVE THAT MUCH). OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS, THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2001 FOCUS IS STARTING TO FAIL. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND AFTER READING ALL THE PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET AM WONDERING WHY NO ONE HAS FILED A LAWSUIT OR WHY FORD ISN'T ISSUING A RECALL. I'M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO SHELLING OUT $300+ TO FIX THEIR PROBLEM. I GOT THE SPARE KEY IN THE IGNITION, SO I JUST LEAVE IT IN ALL THE TIME AND LOCK THE DOORS, AND I TRY TO DRIVE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. I GUESS I'LL BE USING MY TAX RETURN TO FIX FORD'S PROBLEM IT'S TOO BAD, MY FAMILY & I HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL FORD CUSTOMERS FOR SEVERAL GENERATIONS, BUT I'LL PROBABLY BUY HONDA NEXT TIME OUT. *JB

I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 FORD FOCUS I JUST BOUGHT FROM AN INDEPENDENT DEALER AND 3 OR 4 DAYS LATER THE ENGINE STARTED STALLING OUT OF THE BLUE. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. I GOT IT TESTED AND IT SAID CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE. I GOT THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES CHANGED AND IT DIDN'T DO IT ANYMORE. THEN A WEEK LATER IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. THIS TIME WITH MY WIFE DRIVING THE KIDS TO A DOCTOR APPT. EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE OK WITH THE CAR EXCEPT THE STALLING. WHEN I TURN THE AC ON THE STALLING SEEMS WORSE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS AND HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING I CAN TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. BUT, NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIGURE IT OUT. THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF CLOSE CALLS WITH ACCIDENTS. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH BUMPERS CRACKED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT NO OTHER MECHANIC LOOK AT THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY DETERMINE WHAT OCCURRED. *AK

MY 2001 FORD FOCUS IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKING UP. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, HOWEVER, IT IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH A LITTLE COAXING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I TOOK THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $300 AND THAT HE HAS AT LEAST 2 OF THE SAME CAR COME IN A WEEK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOLD HIM THANK YOU AND WENT HOME AND CALLED FORD, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT I WOULD NEED TO GET IT CORRECTED ON MY OWN. I AM NOT SURE OF THE FIRST INCIDENT DATE. *JB

I HAVE OWNED A 2001 FORD FOCUS FOR THE PAST 4 PLUS YEARS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND TODAY THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY BROKE. I LOOKED THIS UP ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. FOR A FACT THE PARTS PERSON AT BAYTOWN FORD EVEN STATED THAT THIS HAPPENS A LOT ON THE FOCUS AND THAT THE NEW PARTS HAVE BEEN FIXED. IT WILL COST BETWEEN 300 AND 600 DOLLARS TO GET THIS FIXED. I BROUGHT THIS CAR FOR THE SECURITY AND SAFETY IT OFFERED NOW BECAUSE FORD USED BAD PARTS I AM HAVING TO SUFFER. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOCKED INTO POSITION WHILE SECURING A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN SHE TRIED TO UNLOCK IT. THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT TO GET THE CHILD OUT OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE CHILD SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT KEPT GETTING TIGHTER. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS THAT I PURCHASED IN NOV. OF 2001. I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR STARTING ABOUT 2 YRS AGO. I HAVE REPLACED FUEL FILTER, SPARK PLUGS ETC ASSUMING THESE WERE THE CAUSES OF THE PROBLEM. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, I WAS DRIVING ON I-90 IN NEW YORK STATE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH. I WAS FORCED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD FROM THE PASSING LANE WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND ME. FORTUNATELY, THAT DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID ME. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP OFF THE ROAD AT AN EXIT ABOUT 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD. I FILLED THE CAR WITH GAS AND THE SYMPTOMS WENT AWAY. THE CAR WAS BELOW 1/4 TANK OF GAS AT THE TIME. I HAVE HAD ONE MORE EPISODE OF THIS PROBLEM A FEW MONTHS AGO ON ANOTHER TRIP (ALSO BELOW 1/4 TANK OF GAS). I FILLED THE CAR WITH GAS AND CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, THAT SITUATION DID NOT INVOLVE A NEAR MISS OF AN ACCIDENT. IN MY RESEARCH OF THE PROBLEM, I DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. MY CAR WAS MADE IN THE "INTERIM PERIOD" MENTIONED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. I CONTACTED FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE, BUT WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN ALTHOUGH MY SYMPTOMS SEEM TO BE IDENTICAL. I TYPICALLY KEEP MY TANK FILLED EXCEPT ON LONGER TRIPS WHICH PROBABLY HID THE SYMPTOMS UP TO THIS TIME. AT THIS POINT, IT APPEARS THAT THE FUEL PUMP WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

FORD FOCUS IGNITION WON'T TURN. *NM

IGNITION KEY HAS BEEN LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AND WOULD NOT TURN TO UNLOCK THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION LOCKED UP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. *AK

KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN IGNITION SWITCH; DEALER HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE THE TUMBLERS WERE WORN OUT; THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YRS OLD AND HAS 39K MILES! DEALER REFUSED TO COVER CHARGES. *JB

THE IGNITION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS BROKE. I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO PICK IT UP. UPON RESEARCHING THIS FURTHER, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHAT'S THE DEAL?!? *NM

THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING WRITTEN TO INFORM NHTSA ABOUT A POTENTIAL FAILURE I BELIEVE THAT MY 2001 FORD FOCUS 4 DOOR HAS LINGERING ABOUT IN IT. THE POTENTIAL FAILURE IS THE BACK SEAT BOTTOM (THE PART YOUR REAR END SITS ON) DOES NOT CATCH ON THE THREE LIP EDGES ATTACHED TO THE CAR BODY. THE METAL BASE OF THE BACK SEAT BOTTOM HAS THREE HOLES, ONE ON EACH SIDE AND ONE IN THE MIDDLE. THEY CORRESPOND TO THE LIP EDGES FOR WHICH THEY DO NOT CATCH ON. I SPOKE WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP REGARDING THE ISSUE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET IT FIXED THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BACK SEAT ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED CONTAINING ALL THE CHILD SAFETY FEATURES AVAILABLE. WINDOW LOCKS, DOOR LOCKS, INTERIOR TRUNK RELEASE AND THE SAFETY SEAT LATCH SYSTEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT CATCH ON THE LIP EDGES UNLESS IN AN ACCIDENT, THEN THEY SHOULD SLIDE FORWARD AND CATCH, AND THAT IS ONLY IF SOMEONE IS BUCKLED DOWN TO THE SEAT. WELL, NOW I HAVE AN INFANT DAUGHTER TO TRAVEL AROUND WITH IN MY BACK SEAT. THE GENERAL MANAGER GOT THE SAME ANSWER FROM A FORD CONTACT AS I DID FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. HOWEVER, SHOULD MY CAR BE HIT FROM BEHIND AND THE BACK SEAT IS EMPTY AND THE QUESTION IS DOES IT CATCH ON THE LIP EDGES OR NOT. I FEAR THAT IT WILL FLY FORWARD SLAMMING THE BACK OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND CRUSH OR PUSH ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL OR THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE MAIN CONCERN I HAVE IS FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILD. I BELIEVE THAT THE SEAT SHOULD CATCH ON THE LIP EDGES AT ALL TIMES AND NOT JUST IN AN ACCIDENT. FORD TOLD THE GM THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HAD A REPORT OF IT BEING A PROBLEM NOR DID IT EVER OCCUR IN A CRASH TEST. I TOLD THE GM TO GIVE IT TO ME IN WRITING SHOULD AN ACCIDENT EVER HAPPEN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO FROM THIS POINT. PLEASE ADVISE IF NECESSARY. *NM

WE HAVE READ SEVERAL ARTICLES CONCERNING THE FORD FOCUS 2000 AND AN APPARENT DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF DISGRUNTLED FOCUS OWNERS WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE INCONVENIENCE ASSOCIATED WITH IN SOME CASES MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH OFTEN TIMES LEFT THEM STRANDED AND FACING LARGE TOWING AND REPAIR CHARGES. SINCE A FAMILY MEMBER HAD RECENTLY EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET, SPOKE WITH SEVERAL DEALERS AND LOCKSMITHS WHICH LED ME TO CONCLUDE THAT THE FAILED CYLINDERS RESULTED FROM A SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURED CYLINDER WHICH RAPIDLY DETERIORATES WITH USE AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURES AND JAMS. FORD IS WELL AWARE THAT THESE FRAGILE CYLINDERS ARE MADE OF SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS AND ARE BREAKING AND JAMMING AT AN ALARMING RATE. *JB

BOTH REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS SYSTEMS HAVE FAILED, WITH NO WARNING, WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THE WINDOW WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE, AND UNLESS IT IS SECURED IN THE FRAME, IT WILL SLIDE DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND STAY THERE. THE WINDOW REGULATOR THAT FAILS IS A FORD (PLASTIC) PART, THAT COSTS OVER $130 AND NEEDS A SPECIAL TOOL TO REPLACE. EVERY PLACE IN TOWN THAT I CALLED ABOUT THIS SAYS THEY REPAIR MORE FORD FOCUSES THAN ANY OTHER CAR, AS THIS PART IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. I SEE MANY FOCUSES WITH WINDOWS TAPED UP, ETC. I'M CONSIDERING JUST GLUING THE SECOND WINDOW INTO PLACE IN THE FRAME, AS OVER $200 (PARTS AND LABOR) TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE PART IS MONEY I DO NOT HAVE. *JB

THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED WHICH CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO ABANDON HER CAR IN AN UNAUTHORIZED PARKING LOT AT HER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS FOR WHICH SHE WAS TICKETED. WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR, A 2001 FORD FOCUS, TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INVESTIGATION, WHICH WAS CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER, THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT WITH THIS CAR. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND THEREFORE THE CAR IS STUCK IN PARK AND INOPERABLE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY MAY BE ISSUING A RECALL AND THAT WE SHOULD KEEP OUR ORIGINAL RECEIPT. THIS ALONE TELLS ME THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FAILURE IN ENGINEERING DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING. *JB

JUST DRIVING TO THE BANK AND THE CAR STARTED TO SPUTTER AS IF IT WAS LOSING POWER WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT. I HAVE REPLACED THE AIR FILTER AND THE FUEL FILTER. I CHECKED ALL FUSES. WHEN BRAKING I HAVE TO HAVE ONE FOOT ON BRAKE AND OTHER ON GAS TO GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS SO IT DOESNT STALL. *NM