NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,761 reports111,343 miles · Jul 8, 2013
Engine
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION FILLING UP THE CAR WHEN I WAS FINISHED I WENT TO START THE CAR ONLY TO HEAR A SOUND THAT REMINDED ME OF RUNNING OVER COINS WITH A VACUUM AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND MY FATHER-IN-LAW LATER ON HAD IT TOWED TO A MECH…
Read full complaint
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION FILLING UP THE CAR WHEN I WAS FINISHED I WENT TO START THE CAR ONLY TO HEAR A SOUND THAT REMINDED ME OF RUNNING OVER COINS WITH A VACUUM AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND MY FATHER-IN-LAW LATER ON HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP. THE MECHANIC THERE SAID THAT THE VALVE SEAT BROKE OFF AND MESSED UP THE HEAD AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE SINCE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE. I ALSO HAVE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OTHERS AND THEIR FORD FOCUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10523709
130,000 miles · Jun 28, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY OVER A SPAN OF FOUR YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER,…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY OVER A SPAN OF FOUR YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL DELIVERY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V482000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), WHICH THE VIN WAS INCLUDED, HOWEVER THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT HE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL IN A REASONABLE TIME FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10522201
186,000 miles · Jun 27, 2013
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10522045
197,000 miles · Jun 19, 2013
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EXPLODED WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A TRAFFIC STOP. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 197,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520669
122,125 miles · Jun 18, 2013
Engine
FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNEW AND HAS KNOW FOR YEARS ABOUT BAD VALVE SEATS IN THEIR 2000-2004 FOCUS'S WITH 2.0L SPLIT PORT INJECTION ENGINE. WHERE EVER THESE HEADS WERE MADE , THE QUALITY CONTROL FOR THIS PART WAS NOT EVALUATED PROPERLY. THE ENGINE DROPS A 'PRESSED IN' STEEL VALVE SEAT THAT FALLS INTO THE CYLINDER AND PUTS TOO MUCH ST…
Read full complaint
FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNEW AND HAS KNOW FOR YEARS ABOUT BAD VALVE SEATS IN THEIR 2000-2004 FOCUS'S WITH 2.0L SPLIT PORT INJECTION ENGINE. WHERE EVER THESE HEADS WERE MADE , THE QUALITY CONTROL FOR THIS PART WAS NOT EVALUATED PROPERLY. THE ENGINE DROPS A 'PRESSED IN' STEEL VALVE SEAT THAT FALLS INTO THE CYLINDER AND PUTS TOO MUCH STRESS ON THE PISTON, BORE, AND CONNECTING RODS OF THE ENGINE. UNDER THIS STRESS IT GENERALLY WILL CAUSE RODS TO BREAK, WARP OR COME THROUGH THE BLOCK WALL. (WHICH IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY ENGINE). IT MAY BE A COOLING PROBLEM, IT MAY BE FAULTY DESIGN OR POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. REGARDLESS, IF THIS CAR WON SO MANY AWARDS OVER IT'S LIFETIME FROM MOTOR TREND OR OTHER INSTITUTIONS....THEN THEY SHOULD BE BACKING THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD TO FORK OUT THOUSANDS IN ENGINE REPAIRS AND PARTS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO SHOW UP AT VARIABLE MILEAGE...WHICH I'M SURE IS DUE TO EACH INDIVIDUALS DRIVING HABITS. AND IT'S OBVIOUS IT'S A DEFECT --DUE TO THE SIMILARITY EACH PERSON HAS EXPERIENCED. IT ALMOST ALWAYS HAPPENS TO THE SAME CYLINDER (NUMBER 4) AND IT'S ALWAYS JUST THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE...THIS IS NOT COINCIDENCE...THIS IS POOR QUALITY CONTROL...AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS SUCH. I BELIEVE A RECALL BY FORD IS IN ORDER....WITHOUT QUESTION BY FORD MOTOR....THEY'RE CEO MAKES MILLIONS...HOW ABOUT FIXING THESE CARS....IT MIGHT EXPLAIN WHY SO MANY PEOPLE STOP BUYING FORDS AND GO FOREIGN....AND I CAN HARDLY BLAME THEM WHEN THEY DO! YOU NEED TO COME HALF WAY WITH THE PEOPLE ON THIS MATTER FORD MOTOR---IT'S HURTING YOUR RELIABILITY AND DEPENDABILITY ISSUES. I REPLACED THE ENGINE FOR A WHOPPING $2896.00 AND WILL NEVER BUY A FORD ANYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520557
199,806 miles · Jun 11, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion System
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS LX WITH 199,871 MILES ON IT AND ITS MY FIRST FORD CAR. I HAVE OWNED MANY OF FORD TRUCKS IN MY LIFE AND ALWAYS FIXED PROBLEMS WITH THEM MYSELF. BUT WITH MY FOCUS, EVERY TIME IN THE PAST 4 YEARS WHEN I TURN A CORNER ROUGHLY AROUND 15 MPH OR OVER, IT CUTS OUT AND THE CAR BOGS OUT AND JUMPS LIKE THE ENGINE I…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2001 FORD FOCUS LX WITH 199,871 MILES ON IT AND ITS MY FIRST FORD CAR. I HAVE OWNED MANY OF FORD TRUCKS IN MY LIFE AND ALWAYS FIXED PROBLEMS WITH THEM MYSELF. BUT WITH MY FOCUS, EVERY TIME IN THE PAST 4 YEARS WHEN I TURN A CORNER ROUGHLY AROUND 15 MPH OR OVER, IT CUTS OUT AND THE CAR BOGS OUT AND JUMPS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO JUMP OUT THEN I GET A BAD SMELL ALMOST LIKE SULFUR COMING FROM THE CAR. ALL FLUID LEVELS ARE GOOD WITH A FULL GAS TANK. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS HOT OR COLD. USUALLY I CAN JUST PUNCH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND IT WILL EVENTUALLY GAIN RPM'S AGAIN AND GO WITH NO PROBLEMS UNTIL I TURN SHARP AGAIN. I HAVE RECENTLY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND CABLES, ALTERNATOR, TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH PLATE, FUEL PUMP AND VARIOUS PCV VALVES AND HOSES. HAD THE FUEL PRESSURE TESTED AND IT WAS FINE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONSISTENT LIKE THIS FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FORD GURU BUT THIS CAR IS MAKING ME THINK TWICE. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN THAT GO WITH ME ALMOST EVERYWHERE WITH ME AND JUST TODAY AS I TURNED A CORNER GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY RAMP, IT BOGGED OUT WORSE THEN EVER WITH MANY ANGRY DRIVERS ON MY TAIL. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRASH THE CAR INTO THE GUARD RAIL. I HIT THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR LIKE I USUALLY DO AND IT STARTED GOING AGAIN, BUT IN FIFTH GEAR IT KEPT JUMPING AND CUTTING OUT. I TURNED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT RAN FINE ALL THE WAY HOME. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON MY MAKE AND MODEL AND TRIED MANY SOLUTIONS WITH NO LUCK. WITH YOUR EXPERTISE, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I SEE THIS PROBLEM ALLOT WITH FOCUS BUT NEVER ANY WORKING SOLUTIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10516174
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONDENSER BOX TO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONDENSER BOX TO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512897
28,500 miles · May 15, 2013
Service BrakesCrash
BEFORE I FINALIZED THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, IT WAS EXAMINED THOROUGHLY BY A MECHANIC. THE 2001 FORD FOCUS' TITLE WAS TRANSFERRED TO ME A WEEK AND A HALF PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. ON THE DAY OF THE CRASH, IT WAS A MISTY DAY AND THERE WAS A FAIR AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC. I SLOWED DOWN WHEN I SAW AN ACCIDENT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHILE IN…
Read full complaint
BEFORE I FINALIZED THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, IT WAS EXAMINED THOROUGHLY BY A MECHANIC. THE 2001 FORD FOCUS' TITLE WAS TRANSFERRED TO ME A WEEK AND A HALF PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. ON THE DAY OF THE CRASH, IT WAS A MISTY DAY AND THERE WAS A FAIR AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC. I SLOWED DOWN WHEN I SAW AN ACCIDENT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKES FAILED AND I CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT HAD COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH SPACE FOR ME TO STOP SAFELY, BUT I SLID. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED, WHICH SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE PERSON FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HAD MENTIONED SHE HADN'T LIKED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BRAKES, EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512206
80,000 miles · May 8, 2013
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED AND HE WOULD OFTEN JUMP START THE VEHICLE, WHICH WOULD …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED AND HE WOULD OFTEN JUMP START THE VEHICLE, WHICH WOULD TEMPORARILY RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT WERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10511152
70,000 miles · May 7, 2013
EnginePower Train
SATURDAY MAY 04/2013 MY CAR KILLED OVER 30 TIMES DRIVING ABOUT 5 MILES. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR DOING 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO RESTART A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AT THIS SPEED. IN THIS CASE, I DROVE INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF FORD OF BELLEVUE AND IT CONTINUED TO KILL WHILE THERE TRYING TO MOVE IT. THE SERVICE P…
Read full complaint
SATURDAY MAY 04/2013 MY CAR KILLED OVER 30 TIMES DRIVING ABOUT 5 MILES. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR DOING 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO RESTART A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AT THIS SPEED. IN THIS CASE, I DROVE INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF FORD OF BELLEVUE AND IT CONTINUED TO KILL WHILE THERE TRYING TO MOVE IT. THE SERVICE PERSON BLEW ME OFF WOULDN'T EVEN TAKE THE TIME CHECK IT OUT OR EVEN LISTEN. AS I WAS DRIVING OUT IT KILLED TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. THE SALES MANAGER SAID TO BRING IT IN MONDAY. SUNDAY IT STOPPED KILLING. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN MONDAY, I ASKED FOR THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE SERVICE EMPLOYEE WENT TO FIND HIM & IT TOOK ABOUT 10 MINUTES, THAT WAS CURIOS AS THE PLACE WAS DESERTED. WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED, HE REFUSED TO DISCUSS THE MATTER ONLY SAYING WE WERE BUSY. I HAD CONTACTED FORD AS WELL AS THE FRANCHISE HOLDER AUTO NATIONS PREVIOUSLY BUT NOTHING WAS DONE. LAST WEEK I SENT A LETTER TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER AT FORD BUT I SUSPECT NOTHING WILL BE DONE AT THAT LEVEL AGAIN. IN MY RESEARCH I FOUND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TODAY THAT WAS POSTED BY ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL " THE VEHICLE IS STALLING AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES DUE TO FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM/FUEL PUMP. I AM A ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. I TALKED TO FORD, THEN I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER. THEY TOLD ME, AS THEY HAVE IN THE PAST IT'S A FUEL PUMP ISSUE..." THERE IS MORE TO THIS POSTING BUT THE BOTTOM LINE FORD KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM ALL ALONG AND CHOSE TO IGNORE IT. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN & IT COULD BE A KILLER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510960
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