IllustrationTHE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR DOOR LATCH. IT WILL NOT CLOSE OR LATCH SAFELY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
2001 Ford Focus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Focus years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Ford Focus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 864.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Focus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1350–25K
25825–50K
20050–75K
14775–100K
157100–150K
56150K+
953 reports with mileage · 808 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 496 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 277 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 243 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
172 crash reports47 fire reports110 injury reports
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
66 reportsCOMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. REAR PASSENGER LATCH ON MY WIFE'S CAR BROKE AFTER OPENING THE DOOR, ONLY 15 TIMES. I AM GOOD WITH MY CARS, AND SOME ELBOW GREASE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LATCH BROKE. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE THAT THE SPRING THAT DROPPED THE TUMBLER DOWN ONTO THE LATCH …
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COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. REAR PASSENGER LATCH ON MY WIFE'S CAR BROKE AFTER OPENING THE DOOR, ONLY 15 TIMES. I AM GOOD WITH MY CARS, AND SOME ELBOW GREASE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LATCH BROKE. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE THAT THE SPRING THAT DROPPED THE TUMBLER DOWN ONTO THE LATCH PIN FIXED TO THE CARS BODY DID NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE DOOR WAS SHUT AS IT NORMALLY SHOULD. *AK
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. PROBLEMS STARTED ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. WINDOW WIPER MOTOR BLEW BUT WAS UNDER WARRENTY. THEN AFTER WARRENTY EXPIRED EVERYTHING STARTED TO GO WRONG. TRUNK HOOD WOULD NOT LATCH CLOSED, THEN DOOR LATCHES STARTED TO STICK , THEN HAD TO CLIMB INTO PASSENGER SEAT TO OPEN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BECAUSE IT WO…
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I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. PROBLEMS STARTED ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. WINDOW WIPER MOTOR BLEW BUT WAS UNDER WARRENTY. THEN AFTER WARRENTY EXPIRED EVERYTHING STARTED TO GO WRONG. TRUNK HOOD WOULD NOT LATCH CLOSED, THEN DOOR LATCHES STARTED TO STICK , THEN HAD TO CLIMB INTO PASSENGER SEAT TO OPEN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND DOOR HANDLE PLAYS GAMES AND OPENS DOOR WHEN IT WANTS TO. FUEL PUMP HAD A RECALL, THANK GOD BECAUSE I KEPT STALLING ON HIGHWAY. THEN WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN ON HIGHWAY, ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT. THEN ENGINE BLEW WITH ONLY 123,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ALL OIL CHANGE RECORDS TO PROVE ENGINE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES GIVE OR TAKE 20. ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THAT LEFT ME WITHOUT A CAR FOR A WEEK. PAID $1900 FOR AN ENGINE FROM A TOTALED FOCUS. CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME TO HOLD MY ENGINE RECEIPT SO THAT WHEN AND IF THEY GET ANY COMPLAINTS MAYBE IN 2 YEARS OR SO I'LL GET A REFUND. TOTAL MONEY THAT I HAVE PUT IN CAR IS OVER $4,000.00 AND IT'S STILL NOT PAID OFF YET. NOW I NEED A NEW FRONT AXLE BECAUSE THAT IS GOING BAD. WHY CAN'T FORD HELP ME WHEN I HAVE QUESTIONS AND WHY IS IT WHEN I GO TO A DEALER AND THEY CAN'T HELP AND THEN I CALL COMPANY ITSELF THEY GO AND CALL DEALER I WENT TO AND THEY GO BY WHAT DEALER MECHANIC SAYS AND NOT CUSTOMER. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. AND NOW THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM WENT OF OF BUSINESS.*AK
I BOUGHT MY FOCUS BRAND NEW IN 2001. AFTER ABOUT A YEAR I NOTICED THE TWO BACK DOORS WERE DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THERE WAS MINIMAL USE OF THE BACK DOORS UNTIL ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO. I BEGAN TO USE THEM FREQUENTLY NOTICING THE INTERIOR LIGHT REMAINING ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE DOORS SLIGHTLY OPEN. ON A COUPLE OCCASIONS, A DO…
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I BOUGHT MY FOCUS BRAND NEW IN 2001. AFTER ABOUT A YEAR I NOTICED THE TWO BACK DOORS WERE DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THERE WAS MINIMAL USE OF THE BACK DOORS UNTIL ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO. I BEGAN TO USE THEM FREQUENTLY NOTICING THE INTERIOR LIGHT REMAINING ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE DOORS SLIGHTLY OPEN. ON A COUPLE OCCASIONS, A DOOR WOULD SWING OPEN WHILE DRIVING. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THEM WHEN THEY WERE LOCKED B/C THEY NEVER WERE SHUT COMPLETELY. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THEM AND THEY SAID IF WAS $300 A DOOR TO HAVE THE LATCHES REPLACED. I BUNGEED THE DOORS SHUT AND REFUSE TO FORK OVER THE MONEY TO REPLACE THE LATCHES. I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS CAR SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN UP AND FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS ITEM SO I CAN DRIVE SAFELY IN THEIR FOCUS. *NM
SO MANY PROBLEMS DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START, OK LETS TALK ABOUT THE DOORS. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2001 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STARTED EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES. THE TRUNK WOULDN'T LATCH AND THE DOOR LIGHT WOULD BE ON OR IT WOULD LATCH BUT WOULDN'T COME OPEN WE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER THEY WOULD "ADJUST"IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM…
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SO MANY PROBLEMS DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START, OK LETS TALK ABOUT THE DOORS. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2001 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STARTED EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES. THE TRUNK WOULDN'T LATCH AND THE DOOR LIGHT WOULD BE ON OR IT WOULD LATCH BUT WOULDN'T COME OPEN WE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER THEY WOULD "ADJUST"IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WOULD BE BACK IN A DAY OR TWO, AND IT WAS GETTING WORSE. THE DOORS STARTED TO JAM,AND FLY OPEN WHILE MOVING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US TO CALL FORD COMPANY COMPLAINT LINE AND THEY SAID IT WAS A MILEAGE PROBLEM,AND THEY EXPLICITLY SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP. WE HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE FORD MOTOR CO. MANY TIMES AND THEY ARE NO LONGER HELPING,EVEN THOUGH THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER SAID THE DOORS HAD INTERNAL DAMAGE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM AND THE LAST TIME OUR 9 YR.OLD WOULD HAVE FALLEN OUT OF THE CAR HAD HE NOT BEEN WEARING HIS SEATBELT. OH,YES THEN THERE IS THE SEATBELTS,BRAKE LINES, DOOR KNOBS,BRAKE ROTORS,FUEL PUMP,WHEEL BEARINGS THE LIST GOES ON WE HAVE A LEMON PLEASE CONTACT US TO HELP. *JB
REAR DOORS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET TO STAY CLOSED. WHEN SLAMMED,THEY DO NOT LATCH SHUT. ON ONE OCCASION, IT TOOK OVER 30 MINUTES SLAMMING THE DOORS BEFORE THEY FINALLY STAYED SHUT. *AK
THE REAR DRIVERSIDE DOOR OF MY 2001 FORD FOCUS SE BEGAN TO NOT WORK. I NOTICED THE DOOR WAS AJAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I PULLED OVER TO CLOSE IT AND IT WOUDL NOT CLOSE. IT CONTINUED TO BOUNCE OPEN.*AK I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE LATCH WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $204.00…
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THE REAR DRIVERSIDE DOOR OF MY 2001 FORD FOCUS SE BEGAN TO NOT WORK. I NOTICED THE DOOR WAS AJAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I PULLED OVER TO CLOSE IT AND IT WOUDL NOT CLOSE. IT CONTINUED TO BOUNCE OPEN.*AK I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE LATCH WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $204.00. I USED THE DOOR MAYBE TWO TIMES A WEEK. THE MECHANIC THEN PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT THE LATCHES ON THE FOCUS ARE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. HE SAID THEY RUST OUT TO THE POINT OF NOT WORKING. OF COURSE I'M A LITTLE PEEVED. I BOUGHT MY FIRST BRAND NEW CAR AND THE DOOR LOCK RUSTS OUT AFTER THREE YEARS! I'VE OWNED 10 YEAR-OLD CARS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. I THINK IT'S A DEFECT OF FORD AND THEY SHOULD COVER THE COST. I'M JUST THANKFUL, NO ONE HAD TO RIDE IN MY BACK SEAT AND HAVE THE LOCK FAIL.
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO OPEN BOTH REAR DOORS, AND THE FRONTAL DRIVER'S DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. TO UNLOCK THE DOORS CONSUMER HAD TO GO THROUGH THE PASSENGER'S FRONT DOOR AND UNLOCK IT FROM THE INSIDE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
AFTER COMPLETING MY SHOPPING, I RETURNED TO MY CAR. OPENED MY REAR LEFT DOOR TO PUT DOWN MY BAGS. COME TO CLOSE THE DOOR, BUT IT WOULD NOT SHUT AND AFTER TRYING FOR 40 MINUTES, THE DOOR FINALLY LATCHED SHUT. TRIED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT HOME...BUT WAS FACED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, THIS TIME IT TOOK EVEN LONGER TO SHUT. SINC…
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AFTER COMPLETING MY SHOPPING, I RETURNED TO MY CAR. OPENED MY REAR LEFT DOOR TO PUT DOWN MY BAGS. COME TO CLOSE THE DOOR, BUT IT WOULD NOT SHUT AND AFTER TRYING FOR 40 MINUTES, THE DOOR FINALLY LATCHED SHUT. TRIED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT HOME...BUT WAS FACED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, THIS TIME IT TOOK EVEN LONGER TO SHUT. SINCE THE SUMMER, I HAVE NOT OPENED THE DOOR. CAME ONLINE TO CHECK FOR A RECALL/DEFECT.*AK
THE IGNITION CYLINDER ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP LAST NIGHT AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO START THE CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I NEED TO REPLACE THE LOCK CYLINDER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I CAN SEE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM HAPPENING TO MANY PE…
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THE IGNITION CYLINDER ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP LAST NIGHT AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO START THE CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I NEED TO REPLACE THE LOCK CYLINDER. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I CAN SEE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE, AND SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS MORE THAN ONCE. IF THIS IS THE CASE, FORD NEEDS TO OFFER A RECALL. PAYING $300+, PLUS TOWING IS NOT SOMETHING I WAS PLANNING ON PAYING. *AK
Official recalls
705V030000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Feb 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.
03V482000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
02V288000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
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.
02V289000 · Steering:linkages
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.
01V258000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
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.
01V108000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
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.
00V418000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
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.