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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

What owners actually said

1,761 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2005
Equipment

2001 FORD FOCUS WORE THROUGH AN AIR CONDITIONING HOSE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING HOSE WAS DESIGNED POORLY. IT HANGS DOWN BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRES AND IF THE TIRES COME UP AGAINST A CURB, IT SMASHES THE HOSE INTO THE ALTERNATOR PULLEY. NOT ONLY THAT, IF THE HOSE BREAKS, IT LEAKS OI…

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2001 FORD FOCUS WORE THROUGH AN AIR CONDITIONING HOSE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING HOSE WAS DESIGNED POORLY. IT HANGS DOWN BETWEEN THE FRONT TIRES AND IF THE TIRES COME UP AGAINST A CURB, IT SMASHES THE HOSE INTO THE ALTERNATOR PULLEY. NOT ONLY THAT, IF THE HOSE BREAKS, IT LEAKS OIL AND THEN A BELT HAS TO BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10145329

39,700 miles · Nov 18, 2005
Electrical System

KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN IGNITION SWITCH; DEALER HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE THE TUMBLERS WERE WORN OUT; THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YRS OLD AND HAS 39K MILES! DEALER REFUSED TO COVER CHARGES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10143139

100,000 miles · Nov 17, 2005
Electrical System

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION LOCKED UP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10142999

95,000 miles · Nov 15, 2005
Electrical System

THE IGNITION ON MY 2001 FORD FOCUS BROKE. I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO PICK IT UP. UPON RESEARCHING THIS FURTHER, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHAT'S THE DEAL?!? *NM

NHTSA ODI #10142801

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2005
Seats

THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING WRITTEN TO INFORM NHTSA ABOUT A POTENTIAL FAILURE I BELIEVE THAT MY 2001 FORD FOCUS 4 DOOR HAS LINGERING ABOUT IN IT. THE POTENTIAL FAILURE IS THE BACK SEAT BOTTOM (THE PART YOUR REAR END SITS ON) DOES NOT CATCH ON THE THREE LIP EDGES ATTACHED TO THE CAR BODY. THE METAL BASE OF THE BACK SEAT BOTTOM HAS T…

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THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING WRITTEN TO INFORM NHTSA ABOUT A POTENTIAL FAILURE I BELIEVE THAT MY 2001 FORD FOCUS 4 DOOR HAS LINGERING ABOUT IN IT. THE POTENTIAL FAILURE IS THE BACK SEAT BOTTOM (THE PART YOUR REAR END SITS ON) DOES NOT CATCH ON THE THREE LIP EDGES ATTACHED TO THE CAR BODY. THE METAL BASE OF THE BACK SEAT BOTTOM HAS THREE HOLES, ONE ON EACH SIDE AND ONE IN THE MIDDLE. THEY CORRESPOND TO THE LIP EDGES FOR WHICH THEY DO NOT CATCH ON. I SPOKE WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP REGARDING THE ISSUE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET IT FIXED THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BACK SEAT ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED CONTAINING ALL THE CHILD SAFETY FEATURES AVAILABLE. WINDOW LOCKS, DOOR LOCKS, INTERIOR TRUNK RELEASE AND THE SAFETY SEAT LATCH SYSTEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT CATCH ON THE LIP EDGES UNLESS IN AN ACCIDENT, THEN THEY SHOULD SLIDE FORWARD AND CATCH, AND THAT IS ONLY IF SOMEONE IS BUCKLED DOWN TO THE SEAT. WELL, NOW I HAVE AN INFANT DAUGHTER TO TRAVEL AROUND WITH IN MY BACK SEAT. THE GENERAL MANAGER GOT THE SAME ANSWER FROM A FORD CONTACT AS I DID FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. HOWEVER, SHOULD MY CAR BE HIT FROM BEHIND AND THE BACK SEAT IS EMPTY AND THE QUESTION IS DOES IT CATCH ON THE LIP EDGES OR NOT. I FEAR THAT IT WILL FLY FORWARD SLAMMING THE BACK OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND CRUSH OR PUSH ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL OR THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE MAIN CONCERN I HAVE IS FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILD. I BELIEVE THAT THE SEAT SHOULD CATCH ON THE LIP EDGES AT ALL TIMES AND NOT JUST IN AN ACCIDENT. FORD TOLD THE GM THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HAD A REPORT OF IT BEING A PROBLEM NOR DID IT EVER OCCUR IN A CRASH TEST. I TOLD THE GM TO GIVE IT TO ME IN WRITING SHOULD AN ACCIDENT EVER HAPPEN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO FROM THIS POINT. PLEASE ADVISE IF NECESSARY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10142641

80,000 miles · Nov 10, 2005
Electrical System

WE HAVE READ SEVERAL ARTICLES CONCERNING THE FORD FOCUS 2000 AND AN APPARENT DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF DISGRUNTLED FOCUS OWNERS WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE INCONVENIENCE ASSOCIATED WITH IN SOME CASES MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH OFTEN TIMES LEFT THEM STRANDED AND FACING LARGE TOWING …

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WE HAVE READ SEVERAL ARTICLES CONCERNING THE FORD FOCUS 2000 AND AN APPARENT DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF DISGRUNTLED FOCUS OWNERS WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE INCONVENIENCE ASSOCIATED WITH IN SOME CASES MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH OFTEN TIMES LEFT THEM STRANDED AND FACING LARGE TOWING AND REPAIR CHARGES. SINCE A FAMILY MEMBER HAD RECENTLY EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET, SPOKE WITH SEVERAL DEALERS AND LOCKSMITHS WHICH LED ME TO CONCLUDE THAT THE FAILED CYLINDERS RESULTED FROM A SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURED CYLINDER WHICH RAPIDLY DETERIORATES WITH USE AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURES AND JAMS. FORD IS WELL AWARE THAT THESE FRAGILE CYLINDERS ARE MADE OF SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS AND ARE BREAKING AND JAMMING AT AN ALARMING RATE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10142441

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2005
Electrical System

THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED WHICH CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO ABANDON HER CAR IN AN UNAUTHORIZED PARKING LOT AT HER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS FOR WHICH SHE WAS TICKETED. WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR, A 2001 FORD FOCUS, TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INVESTIGATION, WHICH WAS CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER, THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT WITH THIS CAR. THE KEY WILL NO…

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THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED WHICH CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO ABANDON HER CAR IN AN UNAUTHORIZED PARKING LOT AT HER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS FOR WHICH SHE WAS TICKETED. WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR, A 2001 FORD FOCUS, TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INVESTIGATION, WHICH WAS CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER, THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT WITH THIS CAR. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND THEREFORE THE CAR IS STUCK IN PARK AND INOPERABLE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY MAY BE ISSUING A RECALL AND THAT WE SHOULD KEEP OUR ORIGINAL RECEIPT. THIS ALONE TELLS ME THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FAILURE IN ENGINEERING DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10142431

76,000 miles · Nov 8, 2005
Electrical System

THE IGNITION ON THE FORD FOCUS 2001 LX KEEPS "STICKING". THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. THE IGNITION WILL NOT MOVE GIVING THE APPEARANCE OF THE STEERING WHEEL BEING LOCKED BUT THE STEERING WHEEL STILL MOVES, ITS THE IGNITION THAT WON'T ELIMINATE IT BEING LOCKING PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION …

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THE IGNITION ON THE FORD FOCUS 2001 LX KEEPS "STICKING". THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. THE IGNITION WILL NOT MOVE GIVING THE APPEARANCE OF THE STEERING WHEEL BEING LOCKED BUT THE STEERING WHEEL STILL MOVES, ITS THE IGNITION THAT WON'T ELIMINATE IT BEING LOCKING PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION REPLACED TWICE IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10142199

59,000 miles · Nov 2, 2005
Electrical System

I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. ON OCTOBER 31, 2005, I NOTICED THAT MY CAR KEY WOULD NOT FIT INTO MY IGNITION ALL THE WAY AND MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN. MY STEERING WHEEL IS ALSO LOCKED IN PLACE. THERE WERE NO PRECEDING SYMPTOMS TO WARN ME OF THIS FAILURE. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD COMPANY, WHICH EXPECTS ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR A…

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I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. ON OCTOBER 31, 2005, I NOTICED THAT MY CAR KEY WOULD NOT FIT INTO MY IGNITION ALL THE WAY AND MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN. MY STEERING WHEEL IS ALSO LOCKED IN PLACE. THERE WERE NO PRECEDING SYMPTOMS TO WARN ME OF THIS FAILURE. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL FORD COMPANY, WHICH EXPECTS ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND TOWING. HOWEVER, IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH FOCUS OWNERS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE, ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS, IF YOU CAN. IT IS A SERIOUS INCONVENIENCE, TIME WISE AND FINANCIALLY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10141561

35,000 miles · Oct 31, 2005
Electrical SystemEquipment

POORLY DESIGNED IGNITION CYLINDERS. THIS CAUSES THE TUMBLERS TO FAIL RESULTING IN A LOCK-UP OF THE IGNITION. THE OWNER CANNOT TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR AND AS A RESULT, HAS TO BE TOWED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDERS IN THE 2000 AND 2001 FOCUS WERE THE EUROPEAN DESIGN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY CYLINDER TWICE.…

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POORLY DESIGNED IGNITION CYLINDERS. THIS CAUSES THE TUMBLERS TO FAIL RESULTING IN A LOCK-UP OF THE IGNITION. THE OWNER CANNOT TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR AND AS A RESULT, HAS TO BE TOWED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDERS IN THE 2000 AND 2001 FOCUS WERE THE EUROPEAN DESIGN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY CYLINDER TWICE. ONCE IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THE SECOND TIME IT WAS NOT AND I HAD TO PAY $200. THERE ARE OTHER FOCUS OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. SEE THE WEBSITES BELOW. HTTP://WWW.AUTOWHIZ.COM/MESSAGEBOARDS/MESSAGE.PHP?ID=1784 HTTP://CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_IGNITION.HTML HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EEA6DD2/286 AMONG MANY OTHERS I WAS TOLD THAT THEY PUT AN ENGINEER IN THE POSITION TO SPECIFICALLY RE-DESIGN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. SO WHILE FORD CONTINUALLY CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM, IT IS APPARENT THAT THEY DID. WHILE THERE WERE NO DEATHS NOR INJURIES, IT IS NOT UP TO THE PEOPLE TO PAY FOR FORD'S POOR QUALITY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10141340

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.