This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Consumer called complaining about having problems with the ignition on the vehicle. Also stated that has contacted the dealer and the manufacture and the have stated that there is no problem with the vehicle. Consumer also stated that this has had the vehicle towed five times into the shop because the vehicle will not turn on which causes the owner to have the vehicle towed.
While driving my car would stall out causing the steering wheel to lock. I initiated the lemon law, but was offered a 2002, same model, to avoid my proceeding to arbitration hearing. Wrong move on my part. I traded in the 2001 for a 2002 and have the same iginition problems... stalls out/steering wheel locks while driving! I do not recommend buying a Ford Focus. This car is a horror and extremely dangerous!
While driving at night unable to see as a result of headlights not being bright enough, the consumer was told that the head light on this model vehicle cannot be adjusted, also the key cannot be removed from the ignition every time the vehicle is stopped, at times the vehicle has to be restarted before the key can be removed, intermittently the trunk will not open on the first attempt.
- Salem Springs, AK, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
At no particular speed, vehicle jerks hard and stalls. Consumer had vehicle checked and repaired by dealer with no resolution.*akthe dealer is having consumer to monitor the vehicle when it starts failing, by pushing a button. This is supposed to pinpoint where the problem is occuring. The vehicle was downshifting while in motion, the sending unit was replaced. Also the jerking and stalling were caused by an erratic fuel pump driver module. This module has also been replaced. The ignition lock was replaced, there was a clunking noise present in the door assembly which was repaired, the wheel was out of alignment so dealer adjusted the upper ball joint, and the sun visor was broken which was also replaced.
A/C tends to have smoke and very bad smell coming from vents, brakes constantly squeal and grind, vehicle doesn't always want to start, no pickup or stalling when stopped at lights, etc. Engine makes loud grinding noices, engine also makes loud reving noises like it can't get into gear. Front passanger seatbelt tightens and locks for no reason. Ford manufactor notified via certified letter twice, no contact to date. Waldorf Ford refuses to fix saying, "if we can't find the problem, we can't fix it." Both refuse to fix anymore. In last year in shop 10 times, for over 45 days, and no resolution.
A/C tends to have smoke and very bad smell coming from vents, brakes constantly squeal and grind, vehicle doesn't always want to start, no pickup or stalling when stopped at lights, etc. Engine makes loud grinding noices, engine also makes loud reving noises like it can't get into gear. Front passanger seatbelt tightens and locks for no reason. Ford manufactor notified via certified letter twice, no contact to date. Waldorf Ford refuses to fix saying, "if we can't find the problem, we can't fix it." Both refuse to fix anymore. In last year in shop 10 times, for over 45 days, and no resolution.
Car would repeatedly chug and all guages would drop to 0, radio/cd would turn off. Finally, car stalled while driving. Luckily car behind us was able to swerve and go around.
Car shuts down completely, no warning. The first time it happened, the car took a while to restart, radio wouldnT come back on. Dealership replaced radio. After numerous times in the dealership, service manager of the dealership, as requested by Ford Motor Co, ask specific questions as to help isolate why it was happening. I was asked if I notice the lights dim prior to car shutting down. I replied, I donT recall if the lights dimmed because I was more thinking about it is dark, I have a black car, no lights, no power & a semi coming up behind me, on I40. My thoughts were of not getting killed at that moment. The car started back up, however the radio again didnT come on including the clock. The last time it was brought in after it shut down, I brought it into the dealership with the radio and clock not working. It was kept for one week and I was advised the radio works, it merely has a loose face plateon the radio & you have to keep" hitting the control to get it on. I know first hand the radio shutting down is a resulting of complete power lose (including the clock). I donT think a lose face plate on the radio will cause the car to shut down. This has been going on for over a year now. From what the dealership says, after consulting Ford, they have replaced anything the can be replaced. I have brought this car many times. The dealer has less repair invoices because they have combined multiple reports into one. If you count the dealership records of how many times, it is alarming. I purchased what I thought was a safe car. 99%of my driving in on the interstate. I fear driving this car and donT want to prove it is unsafe by my death. Other problems w/car: Traction control fuel gauge. Engine surges at idle key sometimes will not go in and turn, sometimes the key will be stuck and you have to keep trying it to get it out. Car locks itself after you exit.
Purchased car in December 2000 within days brakes squealing and grinding..called dealer said to let wear in..problem persisted..engine light came on..took car to nearest D dealership..in January 2001..brakes shoes back and pads on front replaced. Oxygen sensor, and parking brake replaced..brakes still had problem engine light still on..took to dealership where purchased..kept 12 days..brakes adjusted and computor and ignition were replaced..light off..brakes still trouble..took back numerous times..for check-ups..at 16,000 told brakes need to be replaced in front and tires where all worn away on inside of tire..bald!!..manufactor and dealer would not pay for..replaced all four tires, alignment, and new brakes put on front brakes..car still not right with brakes..shaking violently of car while braking at any speed. Or going downhill.took back to dealership rotors were no good as well as front brakes. They replaced..inner tires already wearing out...brakes still giving noise and grinding..took back within month..they said fine..took back again when oil changed..brakes where said to be fine..brakes noisy and grinding as usual..3 weeks later brakes failed..had car towed to dealership....they state needs new brakes on front and backshoes cracked and need new rotors...they keep saying its the way we drive car...no way..never had this much problem with any brakes in any car we have owned...car is very unsafe and made with inferior products.. (tiresize: 15)
Avance trac control doesn't engage and/or mulfunctions-disabling it total. Many elect problems. Twice it has shut down on interstate I40 at rate of speed of 50 and 60 and once at maybe 5 mph in the driveway. When it shuts down there is no warning. Other problems w/this car have been radio had to be replaced, fuel pump module, key gets stuck and key willn't turn.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Prescott, WI, USA