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.
2001 Focus 112K mi. Bought from local Ford dealer, 1 yr old w, 21K on it. A recent inspection by my own mechanic tells me that the rear sub frame is rotted and it is dangerous to drive it. Especially at highway speeds. The local dealer laughed when I inquired about a nine year old car w/ rusted frame.
I will start with the fact the car is on it's fourth battery. It has had the wiring harness replaced along with every sensor in the car some twice. There was a steering column recall done on it. The two back windows tracks have been broke a total of six times. The door handles brake three so far. The stereo is broke for the second time. I have had to do the brakes twice so far and all this and the car only has 63,498.8 miles.
The contact experienced a noise from the rear end. The noise became louder over the past week. The contact took the vehicle to a Ford dealer, who noted this was an issue with the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings were replaced under a special service campaign in 2003 on a customer satisfaction program. The nets, 01I017. This was not covered because it was not under recall or any type of warranty the second time around. The wheel bearings were cracked and the bearings will not be covered by this again. The contact called the Ford dealer manager, and Ford manufacturer who offered no assistance. The contact planned to have this replaced.
2001 Ford Focus problems problem 1 - in the past, whenever I would transition between freeways, my car would begin to stall. I push the gas pedal, and nothing would happen for at least 10 - 15 seconds. It happened mostly on a circular on ramp. And I think this problem lead to the next issue. Problem 2 - I had to replace the fuel pump (which was expensive). I think this issue happened due to this statement I read "NHTSA investigators said the alleged engine stall problem may be caused by debris accumulating in the gas tank, blocking fuel from being delivered to the engine." Eventually, this "debris" problem causes strain on the fuel pump. And now, my check engine light came on. I checked the issue, and they said it's a gas vapor leak or something to that affect. They told me to keep an eye out for a gas leak. That issue maybe from the mechanic who fixed it, but if Ford would have put a recall for that issue, I wouldn't be having this problem. Problem 3 - I took my Focus into Ford to get a "buzzing" sound checked out. They fixed the bearing problem because my car was under warranty. Now, 2 years later, the sound is back. I read a statement "...a rear-wheel bearing failure that could lead to a wheel falling off..." I am afraid that this noise I hear today is due to that same problem 2 years ago. I called Ford and they told me it was going to cost me close to $400 to repair it. First of all, that's a lot of money to me. Secondly, I'm very afraid for the safety of my wife. I'm afraid something might happen when she drives the car. Third, I don't think it's fair for me to have to repair something that is "faulty" due to the manufacturer.
While driving down road about 60 mph and the back hub began to make a grinding noise without warning. It was a split second from falling off. Also, rear bearings went out. Had to be towed to an independent repair shop, who noted that the both rear bearings went out. Visible to naked eye, could look back at wheel and see that it was about to fall off. Recall for corrosive issued, but this vehicle was not involved in the recall. Vehicle is currently in shop for repairs. Spouse checked wheel to see if it was properly secured, and discovered the hub was totally rusted.
- Daleville, AL, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
My rear wheel bearings failed twice. The first time they failed at 8,000 miles and were repalced by the dealer under a recall prgram. The second time, which is the basis for this complaint, they failed at 43,000 miles (this is only 35,000 miles later). The dealer charged me to have them replaced despite the fact that he conceded that it was premature bearing wear. Both times I heard a loud grinding noise comeing from my rear wheels.
Rear wheel bearings are wearing out on vehicle. The automatic transmission does not shift properly, the consumer discovered the wrong transmission fluid was in the vehicle. The front windshield cracked due to excessive heat. The rear seat latch, the seat fabric and the key ignition failed. The windshield wipers wore out, which were only used about seven times and the rear brakes had to be replaced.
Vehicle vibrates excessively when driving on highway, and rear tires are wearing excessively in a strange pattern. Consumer has replaced all 4 tires but problem is still occurring.
I have had nothing but trouble with this car since I have had it. The rear end makes loud noise, I have brought it back to the dealership numerous times, and they always tell me nothing is wrong. It makes a roaring noise in the rear end, and something is scrapping on the tire on the rear driver side. In July, I was traveling on the highway with my 3 kids, and the tire on the rear driver's side just went to pieces. We were in a terrible accident. We went off the highway into the woods where the trees stopped our acceleration. The airbags did not come out. I was so thankful to be alive, and my kids also. We sustained about 8000 dollars worth of damage. The car was repaired, and now the same tire that blew out, and was replaced by the repairman is worn again. I am afraid everytime I drive. I can't afford another car, and no one wants to take it as a trade-in because of the botched deal upon purchase of this car. This is the car from "heck". now my warranty has expired, and the roaring noise in the rear is getting louder and louder. I have had the most horrible experience in my life with this car. It is a lemon on wheels, and the dealership always says nothing is wrong. I have had a conversation with another Focus owner, and she has described some of the same problems. I have also had conversations with mechanics at the dealership, and they speak of all the Focus' they see as trouble. Please help.
Rear tires bald at 20,000. I have replaced 4 tires and need to replace 2 more. I have 42,000 miles on my car. I have rotated the tires all along, but they always end up wearing quick in the rear. For example one set of tires had great tread when they were rotated to the back with about 15,000, then at 20,000 they were bald!!! (like something in the rear chewed them up) car jumps side to side when hitting minor bumps in road and on highway, it feels like car doesn't have good control because of this. Dealership and Ford rep. Say tires are not covered under warranty of course and claim not to find any other problems. They blame it on the driver style. Funny this has never ever happened to me before, including my first Focus lemon I had for 25,000 miles (they replaced my first Focus for us for fuel problems they couldn't fix) I kick myself for agreeing to exchange for a new Focus. Nevertheless, it really seems like an engineering/design flaw or something else in the rear of the vehicle that is making these tires wear so fast.
Consumer states when driving if vehicle hits a bump the rear end of vehicle goes from side to side like its loosing traction of the road. Cause is unknown. Jbconsumer further states the vehicle used to give them 300 miles when the fuel tank is full to empty. Now the vehicle gives them 180 miles. The vehicle also has trouble changing gears and has been stalling. The dealer says there is nothing wrong.
The Focus has a dangerous and erratic handling characteristic in rainy and snowy weather. The car has a tendancy to make abrupt and sudden sideways sliding motions, which on a couple of occasions have nearly caused accidents.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Milton, MA, USA