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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Steering complaints

86 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2005
Steering

I WALKED TO MY CAR ONE EVENING AFTER CATCHING UP WITH SOME FRIENDS. WHEN I WENT TO START THE CAR I COULD NOT TURN THE KEY TO START THE IGNITION. THE ENITRE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP INCLUDING THE BRAKES. NOT ONLY DID I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. THE DEAL…

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I WALKED TO MY CAR ONE EVENING AFTER CATCHING UP WITH SOME FRIENDS. WHEN I WENT TO START THE CAR I COULD NOT TURN THE KEY TO START THE IGNITION. THE ENITRE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP INCLUDING THE BRAKES. NOT ONLY DID I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED MY "IGNITION LOCK". WHEN I WENT TO PAY FOR THE WORK, THE CASHIER SAID THAT THEY HAVE TO REPLACE AT LEAST ONE "IGNITION LOCK" A DAY AT THE DEALERSHIP. NOW MY RADIO HAS BEEN SHORTING OUT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THAT WORKED ON MY CAR AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NO CORRELATION BETWEEN THE TWO PROBLEMS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10105917

113,000 miles · Dec 9, 2004
Exterior LightingSteeringSuspension

I HAVE HAD MORE REPAIRS INCIDENCES WITH 2001 FORD FOCUS THAN IS NORMAL ON ANY CAR. IF MOST OF THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN IN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS I COULD HAVE EASILY DECLARED A LEMON. UNFORTUNATLEY THEY HAVE BEEN SINCE THAT TIME. MOST RECENTLY I HAVE HAD THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR AND AM …

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I HAVE HAD MORE REPAIRS INCIDENCES WITH 2001 FORD FOCUS THAN IS NORMAL ON ANY CAR. IF MOST OF THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN IN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS I COULD HAVE EASILY DECLARED A LEMON. UNFORTUNATLEY THEY HAVE BEEN SINCE THAT TIME. MOST RECENTLY I HAVE HAD THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR AND AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. I WENT THROUGH OVER 3 FULL SETS OF TIRE IN LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF. AND LESS THAN A YEAR AGO I GOT PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE BECAUSE I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO LIGHTS IN THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE. FORD DEALER CHARGED ME TO REPLACE THE REAR LIGHT HOUSING AND SOME WIRE THAT HAD SHORTED OUT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102427

Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2004
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHEN KEY IS PUT IN THE IGNITION. THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CLOCK SPRING WERE REPLACED TWICE BEFORE. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AGAIN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10101722

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2004
SteeringCrash

IN JUNE 2004, I TOOK MY 2001 FORD FOCUS INTO SUNSET FORD IN WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA COMPLAINING ABOUT A VIBRATION AND RATTLE IN THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. THEY CHARGED ME $80 AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. AGAIN, ON AUGUST 12, 2004, I TOOK MY 2001 FORD FOCUS INTO SUNSET FORD COMPLAINING THAT THE VIBRATION AND RAT…

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IN JUNE 2004, I TOOK MY 2001 FORD FOCUS INTO SUNSET FORD IN WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA COMPLAINING ABOUT A VIBRATION AND RATTLE IN THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. THEY CHARGED ME $80 AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. AGAIN, ON AUGUST 12, 2004, I TOOK MY 2001 FORD FOCUS INTO SUNSET FORD COMPLAINING THAT THE VIBRATION AND RATTLE WERE STILL THERE AND GETTING WORSE. THEY AGAIN CHARGED ME $80 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. IN THE EARLY MORNING ON OCTOBER 2, 2004, I STARTED TO SLOWLY ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND MY CAR FOR NO REASON AT ALL TURNED SHARPLY AND STRUCK A CURB. THERE IS NOW MAJOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO MY CAR THAT WILL COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR. THE ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS POINT TO THE SAME TYPE OF PARTS AS ANOTHER RECALL MADE BY FORD FOR THIS SAME YEAR OF THE FOCUS. I CONTEND THAT THIS MAJOR DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY FORDS NEGLIGENCE IN NOT FINDING AND FIXING THE ORIGINAL MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT I REPORTED TO THEM TWICE. I ALSO CONTEND THAT THE SYMPTOMS MY CAR WAS EXHIBITING WERE THE SAME AS DESCRIBED IN YOUR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #02V289000. (PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM RE-ENTERING THIS COMPLAINT AS I INCORRECTLY STATED THE YEAR OF THE FORD FOCUS AS 2000 INSTEAD OF 2001 IN COMPLAINT #10093930.)*JB

NHTSA ODI #10098661

75,000 miles · Oct 29, 2004
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSteering

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT. ON 10/28/2004 I STOPPED FOR GAS WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN. AFTER RE-FUELING, WE ALL GOT BACK INTO THE CAR TO LEAVE AND THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN. MY WHOLE STERING COLUMN HAD LOCKED UP-THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE, THE SHIFTER WAS LOCKED AS WELL AS THE…

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I AM THE OWNER OF A 2001 FORD FOCUS AND HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT. ON 10/28/2004 I STOPPED FOR GAS WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN. AFTER RE-FUELING, WE ALL GOT BACK INTO THE CAR TO LEAVE AND THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN. MY WHOLE STERING COLUMN HAD LOCKED UP-THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE, THE SHIFTER WAS LOCKED AS WELL AS THE BRAKE PEDEL. ALTHOUGH MANY STRANGERS TRIED TO HELP ME START MY CAR, ME ADN MY CHILDREN WERE STUCK AT THE GAS PUMP FOR OVER AN HOUR. AFTER HAVING MY CAR TOWED THE DRIVER TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS HIS SEOND FOCUS THAT DAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HIS COMPANY TOWS SEVERAL A MONTH.

NHTSA ODI #10097996

100 miles · Oct 23, 2004
Fuel System, GasolineSteeringWheels

I AM EXHIBITING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 FORD FOCUS LX THAT MATCHES THE PROBLEMS LISTED WITH THE RECALLS FOR THE CAR. I AM HAVING POWERS SURGES, VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, NOISES IN THE FRONT END, AND LOSS OF POWER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THIS AND HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT IT. THEY KEEP SAY…

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I AM EXHIBITING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 FORD FOCUS LX THAT MATCHES THE PROBLEMS LISTED WITH THE RECALLS FOR THE CAR. I AM HAVING POWERS SURGES, VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, NOISES IN THE FRONT END, AND LOSS OF POWER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THIS AND HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT IT. THEY KEEP SAYING THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY CAR. I KNOW THIS TO BE FALSE BECAUSE A FRIEND OF MINE GOT THE SAME EXACT CAR AS I DID 2 WEEKS APART FROM ME. HE HAS RECIEVED THE RECALL LETTERS AND ALREADY HAD THE PROBLEMS FIXED. I NEED HELP. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10096288

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2004
Steering

KEY WILL GO IN IGNITION, BUT WILL NOT TURN. STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, GEAR SHIFT IS LOCKED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10093660

22,500 miles · Sep 28, 2004
Steering

INGITION SWITCH STUCK AND WILL NOT TURN AT ALL TO TURN ON THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10093271

50,000 miles · Aug 4, 2004
Steering

STEERING WHEEL LOCK PROBLEM. I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPACE AS NORMAL, PLACING IT INTO PARK, AND TURNING OFF ALL ELECTRICAL ITEMS. I THEN EXCITED THE VEHICLE. UPON RETURN, I SLID THE KEY INTO THE INGNITION, AND THEN IT HAPPENED. AT HAPPENED? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THE WHEEL WAS TOTALLY STIFF, AND THE KEY WOULD NOT MOVE …

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STEERING WHEEL LOCK PROBLEM. I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPACE AS NORMAL, PLACING IT INTO PARK, AND TURNING OFF ALL ELECTRICAL ITEMS. I THEN EXCITED THE VEHICLE. UPON RETURN, I SLID THE KEY INTO THE INGNITION, AND THEN IT HAPPENED. AT HAPPENED? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THE WHEEL WAS TOTALLY STIFF, AND THE KEY WOULD NOT MOVE IN EITHER DIRECTION. I WAS STUCK IN THIS POSITION FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS, TRY AFTER TRY, STILL NO MOVEMENT. THIS HAS CAUSED A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE TO ME, AND I NOW HAVE TO BRING THE CAR INTO A DEALSHIP TO HAVE THE PROBLEM, WHATEVER THAT MAY BE REPAIRED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF SOME SORT OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS PROCEDURE, FOR I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING TO THE SAME NATURE. 2001 FORD FOCUS SE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10086177

53,153 miles · Jul 16, 2004
SteeringSuspension

WHILE HAVING THE BRAKE PADS CHANGED SERVICE MAN NOTICED THAT THE LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLES WORE OUT, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, FRONT END PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10082139

Official recalls

7

05V030000 · 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

9

AQ10001 · 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.