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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

38 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2006
Unknown Or OtherInjury

FORD OF OCALA SOLD ME A BIO HAZARD CAR THAT HAS RUINED MY LIFE, MY HEALTH, MY FINANCES, AND POSSIBLY MY FUTURE. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING, EVER, KNOWING I WAS BEATEN DOWN, SICK AND FORCED INTO DEBT FROM THE LOSSES THIS CAR CAUSED ME. THEY KNEW I COULD NOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY, SO THEY, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE FLORIDA …

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FORD OF OCALA SOLD ME A BIO HAZARD CAR THAT HAS RUINED MY LIFE, MY HEALTH, MY FINANCES, AND POSSIBLY MY FUTURE. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING, EVER, KNOWING I WAS BEATEN DOWN, SICK AND FORCED INTO DEBT FROM THE LOSSES THIS CAR CAUSED ME. THEY KNEW I COULD NOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY, SO THEY, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE FLORIDA GOVERNOR ALL JUST TREATED MY ISSUE AS UNIMPORTANT... BLEW ME OFF. THIS INCLUDES FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND FORD BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS WELL. WWW.DONOTTRUSTFORD.OCATCH.COM (0 BEFORE CATCH IZ A ZERO) TELLS THE STORY, CLEARLY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10152384

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2005
Unknown Or Other

DT: CONSUMER IN MAY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE LETTER WAS FOR THREE OR FOUR PARTS. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND THEY HAD TO BE ORDERED. THEY WERE NOT YET IN. CONSUMER DID NOT CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE INFORMATION ON THE RECALL, THE PARTS OR NUMBER WERE NOT A…

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DT: CONSUMER IN MAY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE LETTER WAS FOR THREE OR FOUR PARTS. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND THEY HAD TO BE ORDERED. THEY WERE NOT YET IN. CONSUMER DID NOT CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE INFORMATION ON THE RECALL, THE PARTS OR NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10129753

123,000 miles · Jan 28, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkagesUnknown Or Other

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

NHTSA ODI #10108146

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2004
Unknown Or Other

WATER LEAKS FROM SOMEWHERE INSIDE THE CAR ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN 2002. IT WAS "CORRECTED" BY A FORD AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND STILL LEAKS. WHEN EVER IT RAINS THE FLOOR BOARD FILLS WITH WATER AND WHEN THE WATER DRIES IT SMELLS OF MILDEW. LOSS OF HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REMOVE SME…

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WATER LEAKS FROM SOMEWHERE INSIDE THE CAR ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN 2002. IT WAS "CORRECTED" BY A FORD AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND STILL LEAKS. WHEN EVER IT RAINS THE FLOOR BOARD FILLS WITH WATER AND WHEN THE WATER DRIES IT SMELLS OF MILDEW. LOSS OF HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REMOVE SMELL. I'M NOT SURE IF I SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER ABOUT THE LEMON LAW.

NHTSA ODI #10100609

37,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicUnknown Or Other

MY WARRANTY WAS 36,000 WHICH IS UP. FIXING THE BRAKES WAS NO PROBLEM BUT I DONT FEEL MY WHEEL BEARINGS NEED REPLACED THIS QUICKLY WITHOUT HAVING SOME KIND IF DEFAULT IN THEM FROM THE START. MY CAR IS MAKING THIS LOUD, ROARING SOUND, WHICH IS DRIVING ME CRAZY. I'M WRITING TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THE HEADQUARTERS OF FORD CAN…

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MY WARRANTY WAS 36,000 WHICH IS UP. FIXING THE BRAKES WAS NO PROBLEM BUT I DONT FEEL MY WHEEL BEARINGS NEED REPLACED THIS QUICKLY WITHOUT HAVING SOME KIND IF DEFAULT IN THEM FROM THE START. MY CAR IS MAKING THIS LOUD, ROARING SOUND, WHICH IS DRIVING ME CRAZY. I'M WRITING TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THE HEADQUARTERS OF FORD CAN DO. THERE ARE RECALLS ON 2001 FORD FOCUSES BUT JUST SO HAPPEN NOT ON MY CAR AND WHY IS THAT WHEN IM HAVING COMPLICATIONS WITH IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE A TRACTOR AND IVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 16 MONTHS. I WAS A STUDENT IN DALLAS AND THAT WAS THE ONLY TRAVELING I DID. I'M NOT HARD ON VEHICLES AT ALL. THE WHEEL BEARING ARE GONE BAD ON MY CAR AND I HOPE THERE'S SOMETHING SOMEONE CAN DO. ITS THE FRONT ONES. BY THE WAY IT DOESN'T SEEM AS IF MY TRANSMISSION IS CHANGING THE CORRECT # OF GEARS.

NHTSA ODI #10070103

18,530 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

IN NOVEMBER OF 2002, I NOTICED A SQUEAL UNDER THE HOOD OF MY 2001 FOCUS. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN, THEY CLAIMED THEY HEARD NO SOUND. I THEN TOLD THE MECHANIC YOU MUST ACTUALLY STEP OUT OF THE CAR TO HEAR THE NOISE.; HE DID HEAR THE NOISE AND FORD HAD TO REPLACE THE BELT TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT. I BEGAN NOTICING THAT MY …

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IN NOVEMBER OF 2002, I NOTICED A SQUEAL UNDER THE HOOD OF MY 2001 FOCUS. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN, THEY CLAIMED THEY HEARD NO SOUND. I THEN TOLD THE MECHANIC YOU MUST ACTUALLY STEP OUT OF THE CAR TO HEAR THE NOISE.; HE DID HEAR THE NOISE AND FORD HAD TO REPLACE THE BELT TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT. I BEGAN NOTICING THAT MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD FUNCTION AT WILL. THE LEFT HEADLAMP AND TURN SIGNAL WAS ALSO MALFUNCTIONING. I COULD NOT GET THE WIPERS TO TURN OFF AT TIMES. I WOULD TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, AND THE WIPERS WOULD TURN OFF. THIS WOULD ALSO WORK AT TIMES WHEN THE WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN ON, BUT NOT ALWAYS. I NEVER NOTICED AN ABSOLUTE CONSISTENCY AS TO WHAT WOULD GET THE WIPERS TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THEY ALSO WOULD NOT FUNCTION AT THE CORRECT SPEED. THEY WOULD GO FAST WHEN I WANTED THEM TO GO SLOW AND VICE-VERSA. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN TWICE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED. THEY REPLACED THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH BOTH TIMES. A WEEK FOLLOWING THE SECOND VISIT, I NOTICED THEY WOULD NOT WORK AGAIN. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE THIRD TIME. IN BETWEEN THE TIME I SCHEDULED THE APPOINTMENT AND THE ACTUAL DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT, I NOTICED THE GAS LIGHT HAD COME ON WHEN I STILL HAD ABOUT 36 MILES WORTH OF GAS LEFT IN MY CAR. I NOTICED THE LIGHT WAS ON FOR A BIT AND THEN IT WENT OFF. SO, I TOLD THEM ABOUT THAT PROBLEM AS WELL WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT ASSEMBLY. ALSO THEY REPLACED WHATEVER WIRES WERE CAUSING THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH TO GO OUT AGAIN AND AGAIN. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND MADE A STOP AT A CONVENIENCE STORE. WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR, IT WOULD NOT START. NOT A SOUND OR ANYTHING. THE CAR WAS TOTALLY DEAD. I CALLED FORD TO HAVE THEM TOW THE CAR. THIS TIME, THEY CLAIMED THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH SAFETY START SWITCH, WHICH THEY DID. MY BREAKS ALSO SQUEAK CONSTANTLY. THEY ADJUSTED THE BREAKS AND CLEAN THEM UP. THEY CLAIM THE SQUEAKING BREAKS ARE NORMAL. DO NOT BUY A FORD.

NHTSA ODI #10070095

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Unknown Or Other

HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE PLACED INTO THE IGNITION FULLY, NOTHING MOVED, NOTHING WORKED. UPON REPEATED ATTEMPTS THE CAR WAS FINALLY TOWED AND NOTHING HAS COME OUT OF IT. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER 2001 FOCUS', BUT STILL I HEAR NOTHING OF THIS FROM FORD DEALERSH…

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HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE PLACED INTO THE IGNITION FULLY, NOTHING MOVED, NOTHING WORKED. UPON REPEATED ATTEMPTS THE CAR WAS FINALLY TOWED AND NOTHING HAS COME OUT OF IT. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER 2001 FOCUS', BUT STILL I HEAR NOTHING OF THIS FROM FORD DEALERSHIPS. I ALSO HAVE HEARD RUMORS OF NUMEROUS RECALLS FOR THE 2001 FOCUS', BUT STILL I ONLY FIND 2 RELEASED. I'M JUST FEELING LIKE A USED CONSUMER THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.

NHTSA ODI #10069954

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

THERE IS JUST TO MUCH PAPERWORK TO COPY OUT, BUT WOULD LIKE TO MAIL COPIES. I AM GOING TO PICK UP CAR THIS AFTERNOON JUST HAD SECOND FUEL PUMP FITTED AND NEW GAS TANK. TO DATE NO RECALL INFO RECEIVED BY POST. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN DRENCHED WITH GAS ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASSION WHILE FILLING CAR. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN KILLED WHEN CAR CU…

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THERE IS JUST TO MUCH PAPERWORK TO COPY OUT, BUT WOULD LIKE TO MAIL COPIES. I AM GOING TO PICK UP CAR THIS AFTERNOON JUST HAD SECOND FUEL PUMP FITTED AND NEW GAS TANK. TO DATE NO RECALL INFO RECEIVED BY POST. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN DRENCHED WITH GAS ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASSION WHILE FILLING CAR. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN KILLED WHEN CAR CUT OUT AT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY NARROWLY MISSED BY TWO OTHER MOTORISTS. VEHICLE HAS 38,000 MILES & HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS. 1/COUNTLESS ENGINE SENSORS 2/FOUR NEW TYRES 3/NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS 4/NEW FRONT BRAKE ROTAS 5/NEW FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS 6/TWO FUEL PUMPS 7/ONE FUEL TANK 8/WAITING FOR THIRD SET OF A FRAME PLASTIC COVERS 9/THREE STEREO PLAYERS 10/TRACKLINK RESET THREE TIMES 11/STILL HAVE REALY NOISY BRAKES 12/ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE 10 YEAR OLD CAR 13/REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WORKS WHEN FEELS LIKE IT 14/RIGHT HAND DOOR SPEAKER SOUNDS AS IF BROKEN 15/NEW TIRES FITTED SHOWING SIGNS OF ODD WEAR 16/TAIL GATE LEAKES WATER 17/ THOUGHT LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER MIGHT GIVE BETTER RESULTS NO JUST LONGER WAIT.

NHTSA ODI #10069809

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspensionUnknown Or OtherCrash

MY DAUGHTER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AT 40MPH AND THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL JERKED TO THE RIGHT AND SHE FELT A DROP IN THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR, THE CAR STARTED SLIDING AND HIT A CURB. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WAS BROKE OFF. A TOW TRUCK TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A CONTROL …

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MY DAUGHTER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AT 40MPH AND THE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL JERKED TO THE RIGHT AND SHE FELT A DROP IN THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR, THE CAR STARTED SLIDING AND HIT A CURB. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WAS BROKE OFF. A TOW TRUCK TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A CONTROL ARM; HUB ASSEMBLY; TIE ROD END; TIRE & WHEEL; AXLE; BRAKE LINE; BRAKE PADS & ROTOR; TRANS PAN AND INNER TIE ROD. THEY CONCLUDED IT WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND IT WAS HER FAULT AND THE COST WOULD BE $2,387.77 JUST FOR THE MECHANICAL ONLY. SHE PURCHASED THE CAR SEPTEMBER OF 2002, PUTTING OVER $8,000.00 DOWN ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE WITH A REMAINING BALANCE OF $6,000.00. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT SHE HAD NO INSURANCE. I BELEIVE THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH CAR TO CAUSE IT TO GO OUT OF CONTROL, AND FEEL FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT.

NHTSA ODI #10069792

46,500 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

MY 2001 FOCUS ZX3 WILL SPUTTER, LOSE POWER, AND THREATEN TO STALL. THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED. IT HAS STALLED AND LEFT ME STRANDED ONCE. WHEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, NOTHING COULD BE FOUND WRONG WITH IT AND SO I WAS CHARGED NOTHING. IT STARTED UP AGAIN JUST FINE, BUT PERIODICALLY THREATENS TO STALL AGAIN. ALSO, THE PAINT OVER THE…

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MY 2001 FOCUS ZX3 WILL SPUTTER, LOSE POWER, AND THREATEN TO STALL. THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED. IT HAS STALLED AND LEFT ME STRANDED ONCE. WHEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, NOTHING COULD BE FOUND WRONG WITH IT AND SO I WAS CHARGED NOTHING. IT STARTED UP AGAIN JUST FINE, BUT PERIODICALLY THREATENS TO STALL AGAIN. ALSO, THE PAINT OVER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL IS BUBBLING UP AND COMING OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10069568

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.