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.
Headlight failure. With engine running, when the headlight switch is turned on, the headlights (both) do not always go on. Also, after being on for a while (often within 10 minutes, almost always within 20 minutes), both headlights will suddenly turn off on their own. When headlights go off, dashboard lights, and other outside lights, remain on. When the switch is on, but headlights have gone off, if the high beams are toggled on and then off, the headlights will go on (for a while). This sequence occurs repeatedly. Unless it is dark (e.g. if in twilight or in daytime rain), or unless I can see the headlight reflections, I have no way of knowing the status of my headlights. Dealership initially replaced a relay, without solving problem. Dealership then replaced the "multi-function switch" controlling turn signals and high beams, with seeming success. I am in possession of the failed original-equipment "multi-function switch". dealership was understanding and helpful, but would not treat this intermittent, sudden, repeated headlight failure as a critical safety issue under warranty. This vehicle has been subject to gas pump failure, and to front suspension spring breakage, which were covered under warranty. [note also that car design does not allow headlights to turn on or stay on when engine is off - this may save accidental battery drain, but deprives operator of illumination or signaling ability that may be needed in emergency situations.]
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph and smelled a burning odor just as all of the instrument panel gauges reduced to zero abnormally. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 02V288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) but was advised by the manufacturer that the recall was expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the ignition cylinder would not release the key. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic to have the ignition cylinder repaired. The contact stated the ignition cylinder had no problems after the repair. The failure mileage was 148,000.
The key for my Ford Focus will go into the ignition but not turn. I have tried to turn the steering wheel but it still won't get the key to turn in the ignition. After doing some research, I am finding that this is a major and very common complaint with Ford Focus owners and Ford will not issue a recall. The car is not drivable and in order to get it to a repair shop we will have to tow it which will be another expense. If Ford is aware of this problem and will not do anything to recall it, something needs to be done.
Went to start my car this morning and the key would not turn in the ignition. After doing some google research, found that this is a very common issue with the Focus, and has to do with parts in the ignition switch becoming stuck. I was able to get the key to turn eventually by banging on it, and have now left the key in the ignition to avoid the problem occurring again.
- Columbus, OH, USA
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The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 70 mph, the contact noticed the entire instrument panel and other gauges failed to function properly. The speedometer and fuel gauge also would not display an accurate reading. Immediately the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. Upon restarting the vehicle it began to function for a brief period and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the instrument panel cluster was replaced. The similar failure recurred six months after the repair was performed. The contact stated the instrument panel cluster would need to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. Updated 03/14/12 updated 03/19/12
This vehicle has suddenly died dozens of times since April of 2011. It dies when applying the brakes on the interstate, it dies when braking in a parking area. There is no specific speed when this occurs. The vehicle starts back up after two or three times while giving it gas. It happens when the gas tank is full or low and our very reputable mechanic can find no cause. This is extremely dangerous, especially in high traffic areas and I have seen where numerous complaints have been filed online and I hope reporting this will show a pattern with these vehicles.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that there was a malfunction with the battery, causing the vehicle to stall intermittently. The contact also stated that the battery cables were hot and he was unable to touch them. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had not been included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 02V288000 (electrical system:battery:cables). The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.
There were no warning signs. On May 09, 2011, the key became stuck in the ignition and would not come out. Did some research online to find out this is a common problem with no recall.
The events leading up were intermittently spaced this has been happening since I purchased the vehicle from a private owner in 2004. When I would put the key in the ignition the wheel would not turn and feel locked I would sit for 10-20 minutes and work on it by pushing the key in hard and turning the wheel as hard it would come loose and the ignition would turn. This impacted my life as a nuisance. Recently in Dec of 2010 the occurrences became more frequent two to four times a week constantly being stranded until I could get the ignition and wheel to turn. Happening frequently while at the store, work or somewhere away from home and again causing a great nuisance and frustration as it has made me late for work several times, allowed me to be vulnerable in situations that could have been avoided with proper recall. Then around Dec 20th 2010 the ignition stopped working. I was at work leaving for the day and I sat there for over an hour, not knowing any of this was a normal recurrence with other Ford Focus owners. After working on this myself I had to contact my spouse to come and try and he was unsuccessful as well. I have kept up the maintenance on my Focus and it is in very good condition for the year. Currently it has not been fixed only towed to my home residence. The cost is so high for the ignition replaced I have been given estimates of $500 plus extra for towing. This cost comes after months previous I had replaced the radiator tank at a $400 cost. This car seems to have some of the highest amount of recalls and service bulletins and I do not understand how the main power to the car, the ignition, is not seen as a hazard to the public who purchased these vehicles.
The ignition on this car has been replaced already by the first owner. Well, the key cannot not be removed from the ignition. Now the key has broken off in the ignition. The key stub can be removed and the engine will still run. This morning I moved the 01 Focus and I shut off the car and took the key out but the shifter was still in drive. I locked the door, walked behind the car and it rolled backwards into me. Lucky my neighbor was there to help me stop the car. There are many complaints from other Focus owners regarding the failure of the ignition switches and Ford will not recall the car and fix this dangerous problem. Thanks for any help in this matter.
Interior dashboard lights went out, also noticed extrior rear lights went out. Replaced fuses, blew new fuses immediately so some sort of short in the electrics. Wiring on hatch lid appears to be frayed. We have found a recall for this for the 2000 version of this car but not the 2001.
Ford Focus 2001. Ignition locks up requiring new tumbler. Key won't turn in the ignition. The car won't start nor can you get it in neutral to push it off the road. It is a known defect but not remedied by Ford.
My 17 year old daughters' 2001 Ford Focus had her stranded after work August 13 when she put her key in the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. We called aaa, and they couldn't 'fix' it, so we had it towed to the nearest Ford dealer only to be told the repair will cost between $450 and 1000.00!!! I'm a single mom and my daughters' still in high school for gosh sake. I thought this vehicle would be a safe and dependable one. I spent a lot of my savings on this car and insurance for her. I don't know what to do now, I've got a vehicle we can't start.
My cars battery was not working, as told by a triple a mechanic. I took my car to the repair shop to get it replaced and they said that the battery was working fine, the alternator was bad. They said the car wouldn't go out of the shop if it wasn't fixed. So I paid them $416 to get the alternator fixed. After I got the car back within a day, it stopped working again. The same problem and the car would not start, while I was driving home they messed up my meters, the lights wouldn't turn on and the car wouldn't start, not only did they charge me wrongfully there was no alternator problem, the battery was bad. I called them and they wouldn't answer me properly, they said that it wasn't their fault and I should replace the battery myself. They hung up the phone. This company is a fraud, they lie and wont answer my calls. My car is messed up, they changed all the wires the lights wont work, the gauges don't work. I called the sheriff and they said I should take them to court, they also replaced my tired and they used different tires. Im extremely mad and I need help.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the key would not turn when she tried to turn on the ignition. The contact called roadside assistance who 'slammed' the key into the ignition to start the vehicle; the key had to be 'slammed' everytime to start the vehicle. The vehicle had not been taken to an authorized dealership at the time of the complaint. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileages were approximately 82,000.
MY2001 Ford Focus ZX3( manual transmission )with over 105,000 miles on it has had a electronic throttle problem since it had 30,000 miles on it. Intermittently the engine speed would not decrease when your foot is taken off the accelerator pedal. The car would act like the cruise control was engaged. The car could be controlled by heavy braking or depressing the clutch. It was taken into three different Ford dealer at least seven different times only once did they claim to see the problem. That time the mechanic show me disconnecting a electrical plug under the hood caused the throttle controls to go to a fail safe mode making the problem disappear for period of time(days).I was told to bring it back in when it happened again. I did that, mechanic was know longer with the dealership. Several parts were changed several different times but did nothing to correct the problem. When the problem is present the engine speed will decrease to a fast idle once the car comes to a complete stop. The problem will go away sometimes after shutting off the engine and restarting but not always.
Key will not come out of ignition of my 2001 Ford Focus. The key will turn the car on, but will not come back out of the ignition. I fear that at some point the key will not turn the engine over, leaving me stranded during winter weather. At this point I cannot get it fixed due to the high cost of having it replaced. I have found numerous complaints about this same problem, which tells me Ford has a faulty mechanism. Why hasn't a recall been made?
I own a 2001 Ford Focus. Up until now, I have had no issues with my vehicle. I currently woke up today 1-15-10 and was unable to turn my key in my car. My car was in park and I had tried moving the steering wheel while turning key but still did not turn. I later searched on the internet and found results instantly on the Ford Focus defect for 2000-2003 models about the key being unable to turn. My car currently only has 90,000 miles on it and I am in the middle of my second of five internships for physical therapy. This is a huge problem. This defect should be highly considered for recall! this is a huge issue for many drivers. Please help us out. Thanks for your time. Dustin R. brown Iowa
Ignition sticks and moves around, horn fell completely out from under the car and hit someone's car, the fan box and all fell completely off and down, backfiring stalling rattling vibrates front right side around tire area rattles horribly, check eng. Light stays on mass air flow sensor is bad transmission sensor is bad lighter stopped working car completely goes dead spits sputters, manifold pipe broke so now its loud. Its all day long non stop period we have replace several sensors and tubes and wires for it doesn't work not getting the gas mileage I should and I have had it 11 months but hardly dove it 3 total all together I cant afford any thing else to fix these problems 3 days after I bought it its been pure ?!@#$%.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Collegeville, PA, USA