2002 Ford Focus

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2013· AIR BAGSCrash

  I WAS DRIVING ON BAKER STREET IN WEST ROXBURY, MA. I HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER IN A 2010 LINCOLN MKX RAN A STOP SIGN AND HIT ME. I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE SPEED AND FORCE OF THE IMPACT TOOK OUT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY CAR. MY VEHICLE WAS DRAGGED OFF BAKER STREET AND INTO THE INTERSECTION OF BAKER AND CAPITAL. THE DRIVER WHO HIT ME WAS DRIVING AT SUCH A SPEED, THAT BEFORE STOPPING, THEY CONTINUED ON, HITTING A STOP SIGN, TAKING IT DOWN AND HITTING ANOTHER CAR, PUSHING IT UP ONTO THE SIDEWALK INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED 3 VEHICLES - AND - MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF! I AM WRITING BECAUSE WEEKS AFTER THE ACCIDENT MY LOWER BACK AND SHOULDERS ARE STILL CAUSING ME A GREAT DEAL OF PAIN. AND I CALLED TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO FORD AFTER READING THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES TO DRIVERS/OWNERS IN 2002 FORD FOCUS'S! FORD TOLD ME THEIR REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER ([XXX]) WOULD BE IN TOUCH IN 1 DAY - AND THEY WOULD WANT TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE . . . [XXX] HAS NOT BEEN IN TOUCH AND I HAVE NOT HEARD A WORD FROM FORD. I APPRECIATE THE PROBLEMS OF AIRBAGS GOING OFF WHEN THE SHOULD NOT, OR GOING OFF UNEXPECTEDLY - BUT IF AIRBAGS DO NOT GO OFF WHEN THERE IS AN IMPACT THERE IS A PROBLEM! IF IT HAPPENS ONCE OR TWICE IT MAY BE A FLUKE - THIS IS NOT THE CASE! AIRBAG FAILURE IN THE 2002 FOR FOCUS IS A REPORTED PROBLEM BY MANY - REPORTED TO YOU OVER AND OVER - LET THERE NOT BE A DEATH BECAUSE YOU AND FORD DID NOT DO THE RIGHT THING - CHECK THESE VEHICLES - ALL OF THEM! ONE LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS NOT TO DO WHAT IS CLEARLY THE RIGHT THING - DO A RECALL! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 12/31/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  VEHICLE RUNS FINE WHEN WE GO INTO SCHOOL/BUSINESS OR WHAT EVER WE PARK AND COME OUT AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT START, AFTER 1/2 HOUR TO AN HOUR THE VEHICLE STARTS AND NO PROBLEMS. IT TURNS OVER BUT DOES NOT FIRE. NEW BATTERY DID NOT CHANGE IT. TUNE UP BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC DID NOT FIX ISSUE, PLUG IT INTO A TEST MACHINE NO CODES GIVEN. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. ISSUE IS THAT A YOUNG LADY DRIVES THE VEHICLE, IF SHE IS STUCK IN THE WRONG PARKING LOT WHO KNOWS WHAT CAN HAPPEN. GOD FORBID. *TR

• 12/31/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I HAD TO HIT THE SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN THEN TRY AND TURN THE KEY AGAIN. THIS NO LONGER WORKS AND I HAVE TO HIT THE KEY IN TO THE IGNITION FURTHER FOR IT TO TURN. I AM GOING TO FORD THIS WEEK TO GET IT FIXED IF IT DOES NOT COST A FORTUNE, BUT HAD TO WAIT TO GET IT FIXED UNTIL MY BREAK FROM SCHOOL. *TR

• 12/30/2019· AIR BAGS

  HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH WITH HIS MOTHER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO ACCIDENT. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OR COVER BROKE WINDSHIELD. HUSBAND HIT BRAKES.

• 12/30/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED IT BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE STOPPED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING. THE CONTACT WAS LATER TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

• 12/30/2005· POWER TRAIN

  45,000 MILE CAR HAS LEAKING CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER. CLUTCH PEDAL IS WET AND SLIPPERY WITH BRAKE FLUID. I'VE HAD TO ADD BRAKE DUE TO THE LEAK. I'M AFRAID THAT MY BRAKES WILL GO OUT OR THAT MY FOOT WILL SLIP OFF OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. I STILL HAVN'T HAD IT FIXED YET BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT PART WILL LIKELY FAIL ALSO. IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE DEALER I TOOK IT TO FOR AN ESTIMATE. *NM

• 12/30/2005· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE FUEL PUMP AND IAC VALVE WERE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. *AK

• 12/28/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  I DROVE MY CAR (A 2002 FORD FOCUS) TO A RESTAURANT ON DEC. 28TH, 2009 AT 7:15 PM. WHEN I GOT BACK INTO MY CAR, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I TURNED THE WHEEL TO RELEASE IT FROM THE "LOCKED" WHEEL POSITION, BUT THE KEY STILL WOULD NOT TURN. I WAITED IN MY CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THEN ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE KEY ONCE MORE IN THE IGNITION WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I WAS FORCED TO CALL A FRIEND AND WAIT IN MY CAR WITH NO HEAT. THE TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AS I WAITED FOR NEARLY HALF AN HOUR TO BE PICKED UP, THEN DROPPED OFF AT HOME BY A COWORKER. HE WILL HAVE TO PICK ME UP FOR WORK TOMORROW AS ALL REPAIR FACILITIES ARE CLOSED FOR THE EVENING. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE ONCE I GOT HOME AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORDS AND SPECIFICALLY FORD FOCUS MODELS FROM 2000-2003 YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL POSTED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS TO AN INFERIOR PART THAT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

• 12/28/2007· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  '02 FORD FOCUS ZX5 HAS SHOWN CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION. FIRST, THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 'P'. THEN, THE KEY WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS OCCURRED WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY, AND IT IS NOW STUCK PERMANENTLY. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN IT TO GET FIXED, BUT BASED ON PHONE INQUIRIES TO REPAIR SHOPS IT WILL COST ME ANYWHERE FROM $200-500 TO GET IT FIXED. *TR

• 12/28/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  1. SPINDLE HOLDING BRAKES WAS STRIPPED. 2. REPORTED BY COVINGTON FORD THIRD AUTO THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED 3. NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY SPINDLE FAILED. *JB

• 12/27/2005· SUSPENSION,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRES,WHEELS

  I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD FOCUS IN JANUARY OF 2005. I LOVE MY CAR, HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT OF THINGS THAT COULD GO WRONG LATER. RIGHT NOW I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY FRONT WHEELS. I HAVE PUT SIX USED TIRES ON THE FRONT SINCE I PURCHASED THE FOCUS. IN NOVEMBER I HAD TWO BRAND NEW TIRES PUT ON PLUS IN MAY I HAVE HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE. THE CAR STILL SHAKES VERY BAD. FOUND OUT I NEED MY WHEEL HUB BEARING REPLACE, PLUS I FOUND OUT THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THE REAR BEARING WHICH I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE THINGS TO BE DONE. *JB

• 12/26/2024· SERVICE BRAKES

  Break lights won't work and was almost hit by another car, changed break lights changed light break switch checked fuses and wiring everything is good

• 12/26/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I OWN A 2002 FORD FOCUS LX AND I EXPERIENCED A LOCK UP FAILURE IN THE IGNITION SYSTEM THAT CAUSED ME TO BE UNABLE TO USE MY CAR AT ALL. I HAD TO PAY FOR TOWING, REPLACEMENT OF THE PIECE AND LABOR. I UNDERSTAND FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE MASSIVE FAILURE THAT THIS PIECE IN THEIR CARS HAS EXPERIENCED AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO REPLACE THE PIECE. I HAD MY 4 YEAR OLD WITH FEVER AND NEEDED TO GET HIM TO THE HOSPITAL, THE CAR WAS THE ONLY CAR AVAILABLE FOR MY USE, BUT COULDN'T USE IT AT ALL. I WANT FORD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. THANKS. *NM

• 12/26/2002· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

  WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD, DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. TS SCC

• 12/24/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  IGNITION LOCK DEFECTIVE. *TR

• 12/23/2012· POWER TRAIN

  FORD DEALERSHIP IN WOODRUFF, WI REPLACED FRONT RIGHT DRIVE AXLE AND SEAL 4 TIMES BEFORE THEY GOT IT RIGHT AND THE LEAK STOPPED. THIS INITIAL LEAK WAS FOUND BY THE OWNER AFTER THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A FULL CHECK UPON PURCHASING INDICATING THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT INSPECT THE CAR AS THEY STATED AND WERE PAID TO DO. THE SAME DAY AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK FOR THE LAST TIME SHIFTING PROBLEMS BEGAN TO OCCUR AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE OVERDRIVE SOLENOID BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. THIS SOLVED THAT PROBLEM BUT NOW THE CAR SHUDDERS BETWEEN 40-50 MPH AS IF IT IS SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN GEARS. NOTHING SHOWS UP ON A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, MAY BE EXPENSIVE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. A LARGE NUMBER OF POSTS ON THE INERNET SHOW TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND SOLENOIDS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS CARS AND UNFORTUNATELY SOME PEOPLE ARE LED TO BELIEVE THEY NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH THEY HAVE REPLACED PROBABLY DUE TO MISDIAGNOSIS AND AT A HUGE UNNECESSARY EXPENSE. *TR

• 12/22/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  IGNITION SWITCH LOCK-UP. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 55,000 MILES. COST TO REPAIR APPROXIMATELY $300. *NM

• 12/21/2012· STEERING,SUSPENSION

  THIS IS OUR FIRST YEAR DRIVING THIS FOCUS IN THE SNOW, WE BOUGHT IT IN 2011. WE HAD A SNOW FALL ON 11/1/2012 AND WE TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A DRIVE. ANY SPEED ABOVE 35 MPH AND THE REAR OF THE CAR FLOATS (WIGGLES) BACK AND FORTH UP TO A FOOT. IT IS COMPLETELY UNSTABLE ON SNOW OR ICE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, AND FORD APPARENTLY KNOWS THE PROBLEM,: DEFECTIVE REAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS, SINCE THEY DID A SILENT RECALL ON THESE IN 2006. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THIS SINCE THERE ARE MANY MORE FOCUS OUT THERE LIKE OURS, AND FORD SHOULD HAVE TO RECALL AND REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS ON ALL OF THESE UNITS FROM 2000-2004. I HAVE OVER 35 YEARS OF WINTER DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE (EVEN THE OLD REAR WHEEL DRIVE MODELS) BEHAVE SO DANGEROUSLY ON SNOW AND ICE, EVEN WITH ALL SEASON TIRES ON IT. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY HAVE TO DO SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. HERE IS AN ATTACHED ARTICLE I FOUND ON LINE. OCTOBER 03, 2006 FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD DEALERS THAT THEY MAY NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS ON FORD FOCUS MODELS. THE MODELS INCLUDE: 2000 THROUGH 2004 FOCUS SEDAN, WAGON, ZX3 AND ZX5 SERIES. FORD WILL CHECK THE REAR CAMBER AND, IF POSSIBLE, MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT. IF AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE VEHICLE'S REAR CAMBER IS NECESSARY BEYOND THE NEGATIVE END OF SPECIFICATION, THEN THE DEALERSHIP WILL NEED TO SOURCE REPLACEMENT REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM(S)." THIS IS CONSIDERED A "SILENT RECALL" WHERE UPON FORD MAY NOT NOTIFY OWNERS OF THIS CONDITION. . *TR

• 12/21/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY, WITH NO PRIOR WARNING OF IMPENDING PROBLEMS. *TR

• 12/21/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THIS IS A COMPLAINT MADE TO THE FORD COMPANY ON 11-18-2004. DEAR [XXX], [XXX] HAS FORWARDED TO MY HOME BOTH YOUR LETTERS THAT WERE DATED OCTOBER 12, 2004 AND NOVEMBER 3, 2004. YOUR LETTERS WERE WRITTEN IN ADDRESSING MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT (FILE NO.: [XXX], VIN#: [XXXX]) REGARDING THE SAFETY FEATURE OF THE 2002 FORD FOCUS VEHICLE MY DAUGHTER PURCHASED FROM THE JACOB TWIN FORD DEALERSHIP, LOCATED AT 6750 W. GRAND AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL UNITED STATES 60707, PHONE (866) 276-4943. I WOULD LIKE TO CLARIFY THAT I AM NOT ONLY COMPLAINING ABOUT THE ?LEAK? AND RUST? PROBLEM, BUT I ALSO DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE FACT, WHICH I DISCOVERED AFTER I CAME BACK HOME FROM CHICAGO IN SEPTEMBER 2004, THAT THERE IS NO WEATHER STRIP AT ALL UNDER THE HOOD. BECAUSE OF THIS LACKING OF A WEATHER STRIP, THE SALTY VAPORS MAY HAVE BEEN SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DURING THE WINTER SEASONS IN CHICAGO CAUSING RUSTING PROBLEM. I HAVE REQUESTED THAT FORD MUST INVESTIGATE THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD AND MAKE UP RECALLS TO INSTALL A WEATHER STRIP TO FIX THIS "SAFETY"-RELATED PROBLEM.*AK UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/20/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL*- ON DECEMBER 18TH OF 2006 WHILE COMING OUT A DRIVE-THRU, CONTACT STATES THAT THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT WENT ABOVE NORMAL . THE GAUGE TEMPERATURE REACHED THE TOP OF THE REGISTER. THE CONTACT STATED IN ORDER FOR HER ENGINE NOT TO OVER HEAT SHE HAD TO DRIVE AT A SPEED OF 45MPH. THE CONTACT CURRENTLY HAS THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS THAT THE RESISTOR THAT CONTROLS THE COOLING HAD BURNED OUT AND PART OF THE HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE CONTACT STATES THAT SHE HAS BEEN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND THERE ARE 24 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. IF THE INVOICE FOR REPAIR IS NEEDED CONTACT CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE INVOICE.

• 12/20/2005· POWER TRAIN

  THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS AT A PREMATURE MILEAGE. I ONLY NOTICED IT AT AROUND THE 42K MARK BUT IT HAS HAPPENED FOR AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT LONGER. THE LEAK GOES THROUGH THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE DRIVERS SIDE CABIN. IT GETS ALL OVER THE CARPET AND CAN CAUSE FUTURE DAMAGE TO MY CARPET AND POSSIBLY FLOOR. THE FLUID IS VERY CORROSIVE AND SINCE ITS ON THE SAME SYSTEM AS THE BRAKES IT ALSO AFFECTS MY BRAKES. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND I WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO A LOT OF FORD FOCUS OWNERS OUT THERE. *NM

• 12/19/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  IGNITION JAMS, KEY WILL NOT TURN IN LOCK. INTERNET SEARCH TURNS UP HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE. READ HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS.HTML FOR MORE DETAIL. I HAD TO POUND ON THE KEY WITH A FLASHLIGHT TO GET IT TO WORK. PROBLEM GETTING WORSE/OCCURRING MORE OFTEN. I HAD PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT KEY, THINKING THE OLD ONE MIGHT BE WEARING OUT, IT ONLY WORKS IN THE DOORS, IT WILL NOT WORK IN THE IGNITION AT ALL. *NM

• 12/19/2005· POWER TRAIN

  THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE WERE DAILY USE. THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IT IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE FOR IT TO BEGIN LEAKING, DRIPPING ON THE CARPET AND EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE RUBBER PAD ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO FALL OFF. THIS IN ITSELF IS DANGEROUS, BUT THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH UTILIZES THE SAME FLUID RESERVOIR AS THE BRAKE SYSTEM, SO THE BRAKES COULD BE AFFECTED BY A LEAKING CLUTCH. ON MY VEHICLE, I REPLACED THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER MYSELF. WHEN I WAS UNDER THE CAR, I NOTICED A DRIP FROM THE DRAIN HOLE IN THE BELL HOUSING- THE SLAVE CYLINDER IS LEAKING, TOO. THESE ARE NOT "CONSUMABLE" PARTS OF A CAR. THE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH INDICATES THAT EITHER THEY ARE WOEFULLY UNDER-ENGINEERED, OR THE SEALS THEY USED ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH BRAKE FLUID. BECAUSE OF THE CORROSIVE NATURE OF BRAKE FLUID, HAVING IT DRIP INTO THE CARPET AND PADDING OF THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR IS A BIT OF A CONCERN. ALL IN ALL, THIS IS A MAJOR SHORTCOMING THAT COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. *NM

• 12/18/2006· VISIBILITY

  THE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS GONE OUT IN TWO DIFFERENT WINDOWS--BOTH BACK WINDOWS WHICH WERE NEVER LOWERED-- IN MY 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS A YEAR AND A HALF AGO WHEN THE BACK LEFT WINDOW JUST FELL AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW ON DEC. 1, 2006. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT SINCE THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ONE REAR WINDOW IN MY DAUGHTER'S 2001 FOCUS, AND I HAVE RECENTLY SEEN TWO DIFFERENT FOCUSES IN MY AREA OF TOWN THAT HAVE THEIR BACK WINDOWS HELD UP BY PACKING TAPE, JUST AS MINE WAS! THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TOLD US IT WOULD COST $500 PLUS TO FIX EACH OF THE TWO WINDOWS, SO WE TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP WHERE WE HAD TO PAY $221 IN 2005 AND WILL PAY APPROXIMATELY THAT AMOUNT AGAIN WHEN WE TAKE THE CAR IN ON DEC. 20. *NM

• 12/18/2002· STEERING

  CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

• 12/17/2003· SUSPENSION

  WHILE DRIVING REAR WHEEL BEARING VIBRATED,MAKING A LOUD NOISE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

• 12/17/2002· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

  WHILE DRIVING THE AT 45MPH THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP FOR FIVE MINUTES. PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TS

• 12/16/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I OWN A 2002 FORD FOCUS. I REPLACED THE IGNITION ON 1/16/07 WHEN I HAD 51,910 MILES. I NOW HAVE $80,000 MILES AND THE IGNITION IS LOCKING UP AGAIN. I WAS STRANDED AT WORK AND MY 18 YEAR OLD SON IS NOW USING THE CAR AND I DON'T WANT HIM GETTING STRANDED IN FLINT MICHIGAN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

• 12/15/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  HATCH SWITCH FAILED .GHOST ELECTRICAL PROBLEM HAVING WIPER COME ON AT TIMES.WIRING HARNESS INSIDE RUBBER BOOT LOCATED WHERE HINGES BETWEEN HATCH AND VEHICLE BODY DEVELOPE BARE AND BROKEN WIRES. FOUND THIS AFTER CHECKING ALL FUSES AND SWITCHES. THIS IS APPARENTLY COMMON AS SEEN ON YOU TUBE AND SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED. PLEASE REPLY AS TO WHY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. SURELY DEALERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS DEFECT. LIKE ONE INDIVIDUAL SAID HIS DOG COULD HAVE FLEW OUT THE REAR GOING 70. NOT TO MENTION FIRE.MINE BLEW NO FUSES. *TR

• 12/15/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START MY CAR THE KEY WILL NOT TURN, WHEN SPEAKING WITH A DEALER ON THE PROBLEM THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM VERY VERY COMMON WITH THE FORD FOCUS AND AGREED THAT THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE NUMBER OF CARS THAT NEED THE KEY CYLINDER REPLACED, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES, DUE TO THIS ISSUE. *TR

• 12/14/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

  VEHICLE TOWED TO FORD DEALER BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. UPON INSPECTION, DEALERSHIP FOUND FRONT SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. SAID IT IS "ONE POTHOLE AWAY FROM THE ENGINE FALLING OUT; TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE." RUSTING ALSO CAUSED CORROSION IN WIRES FROM IGNITION TO STARTER, RESULTING IN CAR NOT STARTING. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW, HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, ONLY DRIVEN 5,000 MILES PER YEAR BY ELDERLY COUPLE. OBVIOUSLY THE METAL USED IN SUB FRAME WAS NOT PROPERLY COATED. WILL COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX, IF IT IS DEEMED WORTH FIXING! SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED IF THIS ENGINE HAD INDEED FALLEN OUT WHILE IN MOTION! *TR

• 12/14/2011· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

  THE MOTOR ON THE SUN ROOF WENT OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY I HAD IT FIXED THEN AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IT WENT OUT AGAIN AND I COULDN'T AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED, THE MOTOR FOR THE REAR WINDOWS WENT OUT (BOTH PASSENGER SIDES) THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT LOCK BECAUSE THE MOTOR WENT OUT, AND KNOW THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW IS STARTING TO MAKE A NOISE LIKE IT GOING TO GO OUT ALSO AND THE DOOR LOCK IS MAKING NOISE LIKE ITS GOING TO GO OUT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FIRST OF ALL WHEN CARRYING SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK AND ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE DOORS NOT LOCKING MAKES IT MUCH EASIER FOR SOMEONE TO CAR JACK YOU. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS AND DOORS AND THE MOON ROOF WENT OUT THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO COMPLAIN AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND THEY CAN'T HELP ME UNLESS I PAY. I CAN'T EVEN LOCK THE DOOR USING A KEY BECAUSE IT DOESN'T WORK. *TR

• 12/14/2003· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS

  2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5 HATCHBACK MODEL WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM LAFRES FORD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYS ON. VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED AND VARIOUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED (DOCUMENTED ON ALL SERVICE REPORTS) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED OTHER PARTS BURNED AND REPLACED IN THE PAST, IE COOLING FAN HARNESS AND RESISTOR BURNT, BURN SMELL WHEN A/C IS IN USE OR THE HEATOR, REPLACEMENT OF BATTERY. (CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) I CONTINUALLY TAKE THE CAR BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CORRECTED. (NO REIMBURSEMENT OF TOLL/BRIDGES AND DAYS OFF FROM WORK TO HAVE THIS CAR PROPERLY SERVICED, NO REIMBURSEMENT OF RENTAL CARS) WHEN I GET THE CAR BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF AND TWO DAYS LATER IT IS BACK ON AGAIN. I PERIODICALLY CALL MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLING HIM THAT I JUST PICKED UP THE CAR AND WITHIN 24 HOURS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. MY SERVICE ADVISOR TELLS ME THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING AND I COULD DRIVE AROUND WITH THE LIGHT ONINDEFINETLY ALTHOUGHT THE LIGHT IS A NUISANCE. ON 12/11/03 WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH WAS ALREADY ON, THE BATTERY LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND EXPLAINED TO MY SERVICE ADVISOR OF THE PROBLEM, IT WAS LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON, HE STATED THAT WAS NOT A GOOD SIGN AND ADVISED ME TO SEEK SERVICE AT A FORD SERVICE STATION. TOOK CAR TO UNIVERSAL FORD. THE CAR BEGAN TO EMIT A BURNING SMELL I ARRIVED AT THE DEALER SERVICE STATIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT MY ALTERNATOR WAS NO GOOD AND THAT THE HARNESS HAND BURNED AND ALL THE WIRES HAD MELTED. THAT IS TRULY AN UNSAFE CAR, THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE CAUSED THE CAR CATCH ON FIRE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR BECOME A FATALITY OR OTHERS COULD HAVE GOTTEN HURT. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE UNIVERSAL FORD DEALER SERVICE STATION.*AK

• 12/14/2002· STEERING

  FRONT SUSPINSION BAD

• 12/13/2011· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE MASSIVE FLAMES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED WITHIN THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

• 12/13/2002· SUSPENSION,TIRES

  REAR END FISH TALES AND WANDERS THROUGH TURNS AND ON STRAIGHTS. IS SCALLOPING REAR END TIRES. CAR IS DRIVEN ON ASPHALT ROADS AND HIGHWAYS ONLY. DELONG FORD IN WINNEMUCCA TELLS US NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. PURCHASING DEALER, JONES-WEST TOLD US WE COULD TAKE IT TO ANY FORD DEALER TO BE SERVICED.

• 12/12/2003· TIRES,WHEELS

  16 INCH DIAMETER FRONT ALLOY WHEEL WITH 205-50/R16 TIRE ON 2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS WAS DAMAGED AND CAUSED RAPID TIRE DEFLATION DUE TO LOW SPEED , 35 MPH, IMPACT WITH POTHOLE. 50 SERIES TIRE IS TOO THIN FOR STREET USE ON THE FORD FOCUS!*AK

• 12/12/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

  THIS FIRST INCIDENT WAS RATHER BENIGN. I NOTICED MY 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT, AT 2400 MILES, WOULD NOT PRODUCE SUSTAINED HEAT. AFTER REPAIR, ON 12-8-02, THE VEHICLE, WITH 2800 MILES, WOULD NOT START. IT LEFT ME STRANDED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. I AM TOLD THE VEHICLE REQUIRES A NEW "INTAKE" FOR REPAIR AND WAS "PROBABLY" THE CAUSE OF THE INITIAL PROBLEM. THOUGH THE INCIDENTS ARE RATHER SIMPLE, I FIND IT REDICULOUS FOR A VEHICLE WHICH WAS MADE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO.

• 12/11/2008· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY FAILED AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SENDER AND FUEL PUMP FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $540. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO CURRENT RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP; THEREFORE, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE MADE. UPDATED 01-26-09 *BFTHE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,600 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,700. UPDATED 01/26/09. *JB

• 12/11/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION AT ALL. A LOCKSMITH WAS CALLED OUT TO SEE IF HE COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. HE TOLD ME THAT THIS HAPPENS VERY FREQUENTLY FORD FOCUSES. *TR

• 12/11/2007· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR, AND HAD JUST TURNED FROM THE PARKING LOT TO THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. FORD HAS TOLD US THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

• 12/11/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  2002 FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKING UP. IT JUST COST ME $285.00 TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH COME TO MY HOUSE WHERE MY TOTALLY DISABLED FORD FOCUS SAT. THE LOCKSMITH COMPLETELY REPLACED MY IGNITION AND SHOWED ME THE DIFFERENCE AND THE PROBLEM WITH THE FORD OEM IGNITION. THE LOCKSMITH TOLD ME THAT HE HAS BECOME AN EXPERT IN FORD FOCUS' IGNITIONS DUE TO THIS FAULTY PART. THERE IS NO WAY IN THE WORLD THAT THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY TO SO MANY PEOPLE SHOULD JUST GO AWAY. FORD NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE IT RIGHT FOR THE AMERICAN FORD CAR BUYING PUBLIC OR WE SHOULD STOP BUYING FORD'S! *NM

• 12/11/2002· TIRES

  VEHICLE'S LEFT REAR TIRE IS WEARING EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIX PROBLEM, CAUSE THE CAMBER CANNOT BE SET PER DEALERSHIP. MR

• 12/11/2002· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  WHILE DRIVING, WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION DECREASES. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. MR

• 12/11/2002· WHEELS

  WHILE GETTING A FRONT TIRE REPLACE, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FRONT RIMS WERE BENDING. CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR HIT ANY THING HARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE RIMS TO BEND. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

• 12/10/2012· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE AND OFFERED NOT ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AS APPROXIMATELY 74,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,988.

• 12/10/2004· AIR BAGSCrash

  A DEER WAS STRUCK WITH RELATIVELY MINOR DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND GRILL. GUN POWDER SMELLED IN VEHICLE AFTER COLLISION. SUSPECT IT WAS AIRBAG PROPELLANT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

• 12/09/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I HAVE BEEN HAVING REOCCURING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION IN MY VEHICLE. I VISITED THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEBSITE AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN FOCUS'. I HAVE BEEN CHARGED OVER $300 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RECTIFIED. ONE MAN SAID HE HAD TO HAVE HIS IGNITION REPLACED 3-4 TIMES. DAILY, IT TAKES ME UP TO 30 MINUTES TO START MY CAR DUE TO IGNITION MALFUNCTIONS. I DON'T FEEL THAT WE, FOCUS OWNERS, SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. *AK

• 12/09/2004· PARKING BRAKE

  SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE. THE FORWARD DRIVER SIDE STEEL BRAKE LINEL WAS WORN THROUGH BY THE PLASTIC INNER FENDER WELL CAUSING ALL BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT. REPLACED BRAKE LINE.*AK