NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
243 reportsClear category filter64,871 miles · Jan 29, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
2001 FORD FOCUS Z3 COOLING LOW SPEED FAN SYSTEM RESISTOR FAILURE, HOT LEAD WIRE IN PLASTIC SHIELDING MELTED , INSULATION MELTED FROM SOCKET TO SOURCE SOCKET. CONTACTS OVERHEATED/MELTED, CIRCUIT'S FUSE DID NOT BLOW. HIGH SPEED FAN CONTINUES TO OPERATE WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON. CAR OVERHEATS IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE LOW FAN…
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2001 FORD FOCUS Z3 COOLING LOW SPEED FAN SYSTEM RESISTOR FAILURE, HOT LEAD WIRE IN PLASTIC SHIELDING MELTED , INSULATION MELTED FROM SOCKET TO SOURCE SOCKET. CONTACTS OVERHEATED/MELTED, CIRCUIT'S FUSE DID NOT BLOW. HIGH SPEED FAN CONTINUES TO OPERATE WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON. CAR OVERHEATS IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE LOW FAN MOTORS DO NOT COME ON, NEVER NOTICED PROBLEM AS AIR CONDITIONER USUALLY ON ALL THE TIME. HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR PAST 6 MONTHS. JUST NOW CHECKED RESISTOR AND FOUND BURNED WIRING. NO FIRE, NO INJURIES BUT GIVEN DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES COULD BE A FIRE PROBLEM. THE FUSE SHOULD HAVE PROTECTED THE CIRCUIT BUT HASN'T. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10148923
41,000 miles · Jan 27, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
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 NO…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10148857
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
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
NHTSA ODI #10146682
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON HAS NEVER GONE OFF SINCE, HIGHLY INCREASED RUNNING NOISE, ENGINE HESITATION THAT AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT CAUSES THE WHOLE CAR TO JERK FAILURE: I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW HEAD THAT FORD HAD REDESIGNED A NEW ONE AND IT WOULD COST $1000. THE ONE I CURR…
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EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON HAS NEVER GONE OFF SINCE, HIGHLY INCREASED RUNNING NOISE, ENGINE HESITATION THAT AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT CAUSES THE WHOLE CAR TO JERK FAILURE: I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW HEAD THAT FORD HAD REDESIGNED A NEW ONE AND IT WOULD COST $1000. THE ONE I CURRENTLY HAVE DEPOSITS CARBON AND WILL KEEP DOING SO UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY GIVES OUT. THE THING THAT IRKS ME IS FORD OBVIOUSLY KNEW THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW IF THEY DESIGNED A NEW ONE, THEREFORE I FEEL THEY SHOULD BE COVERING THIS. CORRECTIONS: NONE, CANNOT AFFORD. WILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THE CAR GIVES OUT.
NHTSA ODI #10139751
60,000 miles · Sep 22, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND THERE IS AN EXHAUST TUBE THAT RUNS OFF THE RIGHT SIDE (LOOKING FROM THE FRONT) OF THE MANIFOLD WHICH BROKE FROM RUSTING. I SEARCHED SOME FORUMS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60000 MILES ON IT SO I DON'T BELIEVE IT SHOULD OF RUSTED AND CRACKED LIK…
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I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND THERE IS AN EXHAUST TUBE THAT RUNS OFF THE RIGHT SIDE (LOOKING FROM THE FRONT) OF THE MANIFOLD WHICH BROKE FROM RUSTING. I SEARCHED SOME FORUMS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60000 MILES ON IT SO I DON'T BELIEVE IT SHOULD OF RUSTED AND CRACKED LIKE IT DID. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10137349
64,000 miles · Sep 22, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. WENT BACK AND FORTH EVENTUALLY ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO DIE. THIS HAPPENED AT ALL SPEEDS. THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT RESTART EASILY. IT MAY TAKE 20-30 MINUTES TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER. NO REPAIRS WERE…
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DT: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. WENT BACK AND FORTH EVENTUALLY ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO DIE. THIS HAPPENED AT ALL SPEEDS. THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT RESTART EASILY. IT MAY TAKE 20-30 MINUTES TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CONSUMER HAS NO IDEA WHY THIS HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL, NHTSA 03V482000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, AND FORD STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10137275
28,444 miles · Aug 15, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSuspension
MY CAR HAS 29,500 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT USED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO. FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: 1 - CAR STUMBLES/HESITATES/LOSES POWER AT AROUND 2-3K RPM...REGARDLESS OF SPEED...BUT STUMBLING/HESITATION IS BEST FELT ON THE FREEWAY. 2 - CAR HAS HAD SOME TYPE OF RECALL WORK AND DPFE SENSOR REPLACED AT: 17500 MILES. NOT SURE IF FUEL PUM…
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MY CAR HAS 29,500 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT USED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO. FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: 1 - CAR STUMBLES/HESITATES/LOSES POWER AT AROUND 2-3K RPM...REGARDLESS OF SPEED...BUT STUMBLING/HESITATION IS BEST FELT ON THE FREEWAY. 2 - CAR HAS HAD SOME TYPE OF RECALL WORK AND DPFE SENSOR REPLACED AT: 17500 MILES. NOT SURE IF FUEL PUMP RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED...FORD DEALERS HAVE BEEN VERY RELUCTANT TO TELL ME WITHOUT MAKING ME SPEND $150+ ON A STUPID DIAGNOSIS...THAT'S CALLED GOOD BUSINESS. 3 - DPFE SENSOR REPLACED PRIOR TO ME PICKING UP THE CAR AT: 28440 MILES. 4 - 1000 MILES LATER...I HAVE THE STUMBLING. 5 - THINGS I'VE DONE TO THE CAR: A - REPLACED AIR FILTER B - REPLACED FUEL FILTER C - REPLACED PCV VALVE D - REPLACED PLUGS (USING BOSCH PLATINUM 2) SO FAR I'VE DONE ALL CHANGES MYSELF BECAUSE NO FORD DEALERSHIP SEEMS TO CARE TO OFFER ADVICE OR A HELPING HAND. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT I'VE ALMOST BEEN HIT FROM THE REAR DUE TO STUMBLING/HESITATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10132811
56,000 miles · Jul 28, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT: CONTACT STATED CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 60 MPH. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALER, AND THEY TOLD HER THE EGR VALVE WAS BAD. SHE HAD NOT HAD THE VALVE REPLACED YET. SHE NOTICED THE PROBLEM ON 7-23-05. SHE HAS BEEN ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND LOTS OF FUEL RELATED PROBLEMS; BUT NOTHING SPECIFIC TO THE EGR VALVE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10130415
26,000 miles · Jul 15, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
DT: THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER DROVE TO AUSTIN TEXAS, WHEN SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S HOUSE DUE TO THE DEALER BEING CLOSED. THE CONSUMER HEARD OF A RECALL ON FORD FOCUS ZX3, WHICH WAS HAVING WHAT CONSUMER BELIEVED TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER…
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DT: THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER DROVE TO AUSTIN TEXAS, WHEN SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S HOUSE DUE TO THE DEALER BEING CLOSED. THE CONSUMER HEARD OF A RECALL ON FORD FOCUS ZX3, WHICH WAS HAVING WHAT CONSUMER BELIEVED TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD WHO SAID THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ONE WEEK AFTER HE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER HAD THE ERG VALVE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THIS MAY HAVE BEEN A FALSE READING. THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V288000 WAS DIRECTED TOWARDS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; BATTERY/CABLES. *AK *SC
NHTSA ODI #10125945
14 miles · Jun 13, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
DT: BRAKES FAILED TWICE SINCE 2001. BRAKES WERE REPLACED IN 2001 AND 2002. KEPT REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE WATER PUMP/BATTERY, AND TIRES MALFUNCTIONED. ON JUNE 11 2005 WHILE DRIVING THE CAR STOPPED. THE CAR MADE A POPPING SOUND AND STARTED SMOKING. THERE WAS A WARNING, THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON. THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON RIGHT B…
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DT: BRAKES FAILED TWICE SINCE 2001. BRAKES WERE REPLACED IN 2001 AND 2002. KEPT REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE WATER PUMP/BATTERY, AND TIRES MALFUNCTIONED. ON JUNE 11 2005 WHILE DRIVING THE CAR STOPPED. THE CAR MADE A POPPING SOUND AND STARTED SMOKING. THERE WAS A WARNING, THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON. THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON RIGHT BEFORE. CAR DIDNT START BACK UP AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. CAR WAS TOWED TO HOME. DEALER REPORTED NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS REGULARLY SERVICED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10125065
Official recalls
7Feb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 19, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Aug 8, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Mar 28, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Dec 14, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
9AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown 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 this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
EA02022 · Engine Stalling
Opened Sep 9, 2002 · Closed Jan 16, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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 CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
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 CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump
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 CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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 CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
EA02023 · Front Susp Collapse/wheel Separation
Opened Sep 9, 2002 · Closed Feb 19, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Suspension:front:control Arm
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA02017 · Burn Injuries Due To Air Bag Deployment
Opened Aug 16, 2002 · Closed Aug 15, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
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 EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA02014 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jul 31, 2002 · Closed Nov 13, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE02044 · Front Suspension Lower Control Arm
Opened May 1, 2002 · Closed Sep 9, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE02040 · Engine Stalling
Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Sep 9, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
PE02026 · Inappropriate Air Bag Deployment
Opened Feb 28, 2002 · Closed Sep 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
PE02020 · Air Bag Burn Injuries/vehicle Fires
Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 16, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
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.
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