NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
150 reportsClear category filter122,000 miles · Nov 14, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5MPH THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5MPH THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
NHTSA ODI #10484616
122,000 miles · May 10, 2012
EngineSteeringStructure
MY LAST OIL CHANGE I WAS INFORM THE FRONT SUBFRAME IS BADLY RUSTED, TO THE POINT THE MECHANIC COULD PUSH A SCREW DRIVER THROUGH IT IN SPOTS. HE INFORMED ME THAT DRIVING IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY RISK, AS THE FRAME COULD FAIL, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. HE SAID FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THEY MUST BE WAITING FOR A HIGHER BODY COUNT WHEN…
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MY LAST OIL CHANGE I WAS INFORM THE FRONT SUBFRAME IS BADLY RUSTED, TO THE POINT THE MECHANIC COULD PUSH A SCREW DRIVER THROUGH IT IN SPOTS. HE INFORMED ME THAT DRIVING IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY RISK, AS THE FRAME COULD FAIL, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. HE SAID FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THEY MUST BE WAITING FOR A HIGHER BODY COUNT WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE CAR FAILS WHILE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10458073
Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND A CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING ALSO FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STEER TO THE LEFT ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE PRIVATE MECHANIC CONFIR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND A CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING ALSO FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STEER TO THE LEFT ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE PRIVATE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT SPRING FROM THE STRUTS HAD DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,099.
NHTSA ODI #10447108
133,477 miles · Nov 25, 2011
StructureSuspensionCrash
ON MAY 9, 2011 MY CAR WENT FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO BILL WILCOX'S CHARLON FORD AGENCY OF RIDGECREST, CA. AFTER $1725 REPAIRS, I EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN MILEAGE, DROPPING FROM 30-31MPG TO 25-26 MPG, A 17 TO 18 % DROP. THAT BEGAN IMMEDIATELY, WITH THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF GAS - IN VISALIA; AND, IT WAS LATER CONFIRMED WAS CAUSED …
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ON MAY 9, 2011 MY CAR WENT FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO BILL WILCOX'S CHARLON FORD AGENCY OF RIDGECREST, CA. AFTER $1725 REPAIRS, I EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN MILEAGE, DROPPING FROM 30-31MPG TO 25-26 MPG, A 17 TO 18 % DROP. THAT BEGAN IMMEDIATELY, WITH THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF GAS - IN VISALIA; AND, IT WAS LATER CONFIRMED WAS CAUSED BY THE IMPROPER USE OF A TORCH ON A SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO ROB HOLBROOK'S AUTO CREW IN CLEARFIELD, UTAH, CHECKED FOR UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE AND EVIDENCE THAT CHARLON FORD'S REPAIRS CAUSED THE PROBLEMS. HE IS A LICENSED SAFETY INSPECTOR FOR THE STATE OF UTAH. WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO THAT MAIN CROSS MEMBER, WHERE THE ATTACHMENT FOR THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT IS AFFIXED TO THAT PORTION OF THE SUB FRAME, WAS CONFIRMED. THE SUB FRAME WAS QUITE DISTORTED, BOWED IN AND OUT, AND EXHIBITED EVIDENCE THAT THE MOUNT HAD BEEN REMOVED BY USE OF A TORCH SO THE REAR DOG BONE MOTOR MOUNT COULD BE REPLACED. DEFORMATION OF THAT CROSS MEMBER AND RESULTANT CHANGES TO THE SUSPENSION WERE THE REASONS FOR LOW MPG AND TIRE WEAR BECAUSE OF IMPROPER CAMBER. BILL WILCOX, STATED TO CALIFORNIA BAR THAT TOE-IN WAS ONLY ADJUSTED WHILE THE CAMBER WAS OVERLOOKED OR COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. BUT, THE USE OF A TORCH TO THIS UNIT IS NOT CALLED FOR - UNLESS IT IS TO REPLACE THAT UNIT. LEAVING THE SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IN THAT CONDITION, LEADS TO A STRESS POINT THAT COULD LEAD TO CRACKING AND TEARING, AND COULD PREMATURELY CAUSE RUSTING WHICH WEAKEN THOSE ATTACHMENTS TO THE SUSPENSION. IF REPAIRS ARE MADE IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT IT AND SURROUNDING STRUCTURES BE RETURNED TO PROPER DIMENSIONS. BUT PROBLEMS ARISE WHEN IMPROPER HEAT AFFECTS STRENGTH AND CREATES PERMANENT SOFTNESS AND INCREASING BRITTLENESS. THE CROSS MEMBER HAD TO BE REPLACED AND A NEW ALIGNMENT PERFORMED - AT A COST OF $851.74. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10437286
130,000 miles · Oct 29, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension
I'VE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD FOCUS AND DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE I'VE BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY COUNTLESS TIMES.THUS FAR I'VE REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE. TWICE I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. MY THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE AND HAS UNEXPECTED MOMENTS OF ACCELERATION AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE EN…
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I'VE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD FOCUS AND DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE I'VE BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY COUNTLESS TIMES.THUS FAR I'VE REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE. TWICE I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. MY THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE AND HAS UNEXPECTED MOMENTS OF ACCELERATION AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE THROTTLE SENSOR. BOTH OF MY FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN AND WERE VERY CLOSE TO PUNCTURING MY TIRES. AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE TO NUMEROUS MECHANICS NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHY MY CAR SHAKES SO BADLY. I HAVE VERY POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WHICH IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES. MY FAN HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND MY CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS OVERHEATING AS WELL. DURING THE COURSE OF ALL OF THESE CAR MALFUNCTIONS, I'VE BEEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND IN RISKY NEIGHBORHOODS AT NIGHT. THIS CAR HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10433536
51,500 miles · Aug 29, 2011
Suspension
COIL SPRING ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE A METAL OBJECT FROM BROKEN SPRING JAMMED INTO THE FRONT TIRE. THE CAR IS OLD, BUT HAS BEEN KEPT INSIDE A GARAGE AND HAS LOW MILEAGE.
NHTSA ODI #10423393
62,000 miles · Dec 30, 2010
Suspension
2001 FORD FOCUS SE, VIN [XXX], 62000 MI. - BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD ONLY ISSUED EXTENDED WARRANTY NUMBER 03M02 FOR 1999/2003 MODEL YEARS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFO FROM FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM. SPRING BREAKS AND RUBS AGAINST TIRE AN…
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2001 FORD FOCUS SE, VIN [XXX], 62000 MI. - BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD ONLY ISSUED EXTENDED WARRANTY NUMBER 03M02 FOR 1999/2003 MODEL YEARS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFO FROM FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM. SPRING BREAKS AND RUBS AGAINST TIRE AND CAUSES BLOW OUT. FAULTY SPRINGS. FORD ADMITS DEFECT BUT SAID I WAS PAST WARRANTY DATE AS OF 09/26/2010 THEY WOULD NO LONGER COVER THE PROBLEM - DISGRACEFUL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10373502
81,800 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Exterior LightingSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, HE HEARD NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, HE HEARD NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT LENSES WHICH BECAME FOGGY OVER TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD CHANGED HEADLIGHT MANUFACTURERS BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,800. UPDATED 1/19/2010 *CN UPDATED 03/25/11*JB
NHTSA ODI #10368361
107,000 miles · Sep 30, 2010
Exterior LightingSeat BeltsSeats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WHICH INCLUDED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUTS WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SIT SIDEWAYS WHEN PARKED. THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE, SO IT SLID FORWARD WHILE THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WHICH INCLUDED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUTS WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SIT SIDEWAYS WHEN PARKED. THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK INTO PLACE, SO IT SLID FORWARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TOO DIM AND DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING ON THE ROAD. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT ALARM WOULD RING ALTHOUGH THE SEAT BELT WAS ENGAGED AND THE LATCH WOULD ALSO POP OPEN SUDDENLY AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND WOULD ACCELERATE SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD HAVE TO BE PERFORMED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 107,000.
NHTSA ODI #10358453
112,000 miles · May 15, 2010
StructureSuspension
2001 FOCUS 112K MI. BOUGHT FROM LOCAL FORD DEALER, 1 YR OLD W, 21K ON IT. A RECENT INSPECTION BY MY OWN MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME IS ROTTED AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IT. ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE LOCAL DEALER LAUGHED WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT A NINE YEAR OLD CAR W/ RUSTED FRAME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330577
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.
Illustration