Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - LINKAGES | ||||||||||||||||
| 02V289000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | from 03/05/1999 to 05/31/2001 | V (Vehicle) | 446569 | 02/10/2003 | MFR | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 11/06/2002 | 11/06/2002 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||||
| 16032 | 07/01/2002 | 636224 | Information on north american built vehicles which were not equipped with a perimeter / active anti-theft alarm system. *tt | 11/06/2002 | |
| 15402 | 07/01/2002 | 636196 | Subject regarding north american focus not equipped with active anti-theft alarm system. *tt | 11/06/2002 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||||
| 14922 | 05/01/2001 | 620224 | On some vehicles the power steering pump pulley may cause vehicles to exhibit a belt squeak or chirp on start-up, usually on cold and / or damp days. *tt | 07/20/2001 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 07/01/2012 | 163000 | 1 | |
| Driving on 4 lane highway, car sputters and stalls as if out of gas. coasted off road, and after a few minutes car started and ran fine. car has been doing this every few weeks. changed coil, plugs, plug wires, oxygen sensor, fuel filter, cat converter and still stalls. this car is dangerous when it stalls in fast traffic. we only drive it now during daylight and short trips because it is not dependable. *tr | |||
| 07/01/2012 | 163000 | ||
| Driving on 4 lane highway, car sputters and stalls as if out of gas. coasted off road, and after a few minutes car started and ran fine. car has been doing this every few weeks. changed coil, plugs, plug wires, oxygen sensor, fuel filter, cat converter and still stalls. this car is dangerous when it stalls in fast traffic. we only drive it now during daylight and short trips because it is not dependable. | |||
| 05/28/2012 | 103000 | ||
| 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 driveable 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. | |||
| 05/02/2012 | 122000 | ||
| My last oil change i was inform the front subframe is badly rusted, to the point the mechanic could push a screw driver through it in spots. he informed me that driving it was a major safety risk, as the frame could fail, causing an accident. he said ford has not issued a recall. they must be waiting for a higher body count when the front end of the car fails while going down the interstate. | |||
| 09/08/2010 | 130000 | ||
| I've had numerous problems with my ford focus and despite regular maintenance i've been stranded on the side of a highway countless times.thus far i've replaced the engine twice. twice i've had to replace the alternator. my throttle does not return to idle and has unexpected moments of acceleration and i've had to replace the engine throttle sensor. both of my front coil springs have broken and were very close to puncturing my tires. after taking my vehicle to numerous mechanics none of them have been able to diagnose why my car shakes so badly. i have very poor visibility at night with the exterior lighting which is significantly less compared to other vehicles. my fan has had to be replaced since it was malfunctioning and my car was having problems overheating as well. during the course of all of these car malfunctions, i've been in dangerous situations on the side of the highway and in risky neighborhoods at night. this car has proven to be very unreliable and unsafe. | |||
| 12/20/2010 | 70000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 03/05/2010 | 120000 | 1 | |
| Having problems when i put my key in the ignition (2001 ford focus). my steering wheel gets locked or something. i would get this problem every so often no i've had it since friday. it is very frustrating!!! *tr | |||
| 12/22/2009 | 99000 | 1 | |
| No events to indicate failure. went to vehicle after working to after dark. put key into ignition and key would not turn. simply would not turn! several attempts were made over a 20 minute period. i, fortunately, was leaving my place of employment. however, it was still cold outside, dark and not a safe environmental situation. i feel fortunate that i was not stranded. *tr | |||
| 07/13/2009 | 1 | ||
| My ford focus ignition just stopped working! no problems before, the key would only go in half way, then i got it to go in with a slight tap of a hammer! then the key would not turn over! this is a major problem!! got it towed to the dealership, they said this problem is very common! a common problem that cost me $426.27! *tr | |||
| 06/23/2009 | 89000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while backing out of the driveway at an unknown speed, the contact turned the steering wheel and heard a noise. the steering wheel became inoperative. the vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic, who stated that the steering shaft failed. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 89,000. | |||
| 09/07/2008 | 118000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, the engine began to idle excessively high. on a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled without warning and lost power steering. the driver experienced extreme difficulty steering the vehicle and had to use excessive force to turn the steering wheel. the vehicle was able to resume normal operation. the failures occurred intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they wanted to charge the contact for a diagnostic; however, the contact refused due to the cost. the technician refused to repair the vehicle unless the aftermarket parts were replaced by the manufacturer. the parts consisted of the pcv valve and fuel filter. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer conducted a campaign (03v-482) to address the stalling in the vehicles. the contact experienced the identical failures mentioned in the campaign, but the vin was excluded. the failure mileage was 118,000 and current mileage was 119,000. | |||
| 04/24/2009 | 113000 | 1 | |
| My daughter was driving 2001 ford focus se wagon approximately 45mph when she described steering locked up in turn then she heard tires squealing and vehicle jerked hard left causing her to go off the road, hit a rock wall and flipped the car end over end. the air bags did not deploy. she landed upside down but was able to exit vehicle through broken window. she received cuts and bruises and was taken to emergency room for x-rays where they said she had no serious injuries and was released. on scene investigation by police and tow truck operated suggested ball joint failure or other steering/suspension failure. car was totaled. *tr | |||
| 09/06/2008 | 68000 | 1 | |
| While in curve driving 50 mph steering locked up, not sure if car cut off but i was unable to straighten out wheel resulting in accident where i hit telephone crushing pelvis, and breaking my left arm.. i spent 37 days in hospital and now have plates and screws in my pelvis and arm. it has been a month since the accident and i am now in a wheel chair for 2 months healing time before i can start therapy to begin walking, and doctors say i will have to have a hip replacement in the next 2 to 5 years. help me please ford is responsible for this i am 24 years old.. *tr | |||
| 10/16/2002 | 130473 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing numerous failures. the main failures were the electrical system, brake system, bent tie rod, shaking and vibrating, rear window mechanisms, and flooding after it rains. the leak occurs on the passenger side and the water rises 2 to 3 inches. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer due to the inspection costs. the failure mileage was 130,473. | |||
| 08/24/2008 | 93000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving approximately 5-10 mph, the steering wheel pulled to the left without warning. as a result, the vehicle sideswiped a parked vehicle. the mirror was damaged. the police was not called to the scene. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been repaired. an independent mechanic stated that the steering control arm disengaged, which caused the failure. the failure and current mileages were 93,000. | |||
| 05/18/2008 | 74778 | 1 | |
| Defective front coil springs fractured, wedged against tire, causing partial loss of steering control. right side fractured july, 2005, left side fractured may, 2008. coil spring & related parts replaced both times. *tr | |||
| 11/09/2006 | 12893 | 3 | |
| I have a 2003 ford focus. now i am having a problem with steering wheel lock-up. my search on the internet has shown that this is apparently a very common problem with the focus. this problem will occur out of the blue and now i am beginning to think that it isn't just my key. there is a problem with this lock design. ford needs to recall this. *nm | |||
| 02/27/2006 | 76000 | 2 | 10/09/2004 |
| We bought our daughter a 2001 ford focus. all the reviews stated that the car was a good, economical, safe car. we purchased the car used in 2004. since the purchase her steering and ignition system has locked up on her twice. after reading many sites it sounds like this is a common problem with ford focus. this is an economical car that many parents are relying on to get their college aged children to and from school. ford needs to recall all ford focuses so they can all have new ignitions installed. the safety of our children is most important here. parents should not have to continually worry that their 22 year old daughter may be stranded somewhere without help due to fords lazy attitude. please recall these cars that so that parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are safe.*nm | |||
| 07/15/2004 | 41000 | 1 | |
| Owner says there is to much play in the steering wheel. driver must turn the wheel several inches before the steering wheel will turn the tires in the direction. provide further details. *nm | |||
| 06/28/2004 | 3 | ||
| Steering wheel locked and key would not turn wheel start vehicle. happened 3 different times car had to be towed into dealership twice and each incident was close to a 300 dollar bill each incident. *jb | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| I purchased a 2001 ford focus se 4-door sedan in november 2002. the car was a manufacturer buy-back from the original owner and had a small warranty left. at the end of november 2002, i brought the car back to the dealership to have the spark plugs, spark plug wires and a faulty belt replaced. at the end of december 2002, the car was making a strange noise and the engine light was on, so i returned the car to the dealership. a day or so before my appointment with the dealership, i received a recall notice from ford regarding the pinch bolt. unfortunately, i received that recall notice too late the faulty pinch bolt had already failed and caused so much damage to the rack and pinion that it had to be replaced. i have since replaced the front brakes. i also experienced a faulty valve in the heating system that was allowing water to flow into the car's cabin and soak the carpeting. getting to the transmission problem, about a week ago, the car refused to accelerate going up a hill and instead the engine revved. no matter what i tried, i could not get the car to accelerate past 30 mph. since the car is now long past its small manufacturers warranty, i had an independent mechanic look at the car. he recommended that i flush the transmission and see if that would help the problem. i spent $100 on a transmission flush. that didn't work and the problem continues. i called ford motor company to complain about the car and to ask for a buyback, but my request was refused. i then took my car to wiscasset ford. they diagnosed the problem(s) with the car (at no charge). i need a new transmission. they gave me two options for payment. 1) pay for the new transmission out-of-pocket, estimated cost at $2500 - $3000; 2) buy an extended warranty on the drive train for $500. i am planning on purchasing the extended drive train warranty which will allow wiscasset ford to replace my transmission and will also give me an extra 15k miles for the drive train. | |||
| 08/15/2002 | 24156 | ||
| Fuel system-stall out at freeway speeds-and at any long right hand turns-contacted dealer/out of warranty,to many miles to consider. brakes-rotors and pads worn out at 24,000miles-dealer stated maintenance issue,normal for the ford focus- they directed me to call ford motor co.to complain... | |||
| 03/15/2003 | 18530 | ||
| In november of 2002, i noticed a squeal under the hood of my 2001 focus. the first time i took it in, they claimed they heard no sound. i then told the mechanic you must actually step out of the car to hear the noise.; he did hear the noise and ford had to replace the belt tensioner and serpentine belt. i began noticing that my windshield wipers would function at will. the left headlamp and turn signal was also malfunctioning. i could not get the wipers to turn off at times. i would turn the headlights off and back on again, and the wipers would turn off. this would also work at times when the wipers would not turn on, but not always. i never noticed an absolute consistency as to what would get the wipers to function properly. they also would not function at the correct speed. they would go fast when i wanted them to go slow and vice-versa. i had taken the car in twice to have this problem fixed. they replaced the multi function switch both times. a week following the second visit, i noticed they would not work again. i scheduled an appointment for the third time. in between the time i scheduled the appointment and the actual day of the appointment, i noticed the gas light had come on when i still had about 36 miles worth of gas left in my car. i noticed the light was on for a bit and then it went off. so, i told them about that problem as well when i took the car in. they replaced the fuel pump and sending unit assembly. also they replaced whatever wires were causing the multi function switch to go out again and again. i left the dealership and made a stop at a convenience store. when i tried to start my car, it would not start. not a sound or anything. the car was totally dead. i called ford to have them tow the car. this time, they claimed they needed to replace the clutch safety start switch, which they did. my breaks also squeak constantly. they adjusted the breaks and clean them up. they claim the squeaking breaks are normal. do not buy a ford. | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 21000 | ||
| I have had several repairs for this car. in regards to steering, wheel, tire as well the suspension. as the car was under 18000 mile i had so much problem with mentioned above problems. i could not control my car when it rained or when ever the road was not in perfect shape. | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| There is just to much paperwork to copy out, but would like to mail copies. i am going to pick up car this afternoon just had second fuel pump fitted and new gas tank. to date no recall info received by post. however i have been drenched with gas on more than one occassion while filling car. i have nearly been killed when car cut out at 55mph on highway narrowly missed by two other motorists. vehicle has 38,000 miles & has had the following repairs. 1/countless engine sensors 2/four new tyres 3/new front brake pads 4/new front brake rotas 5/new front wheel bearings 6/two fuel pumps 7/one fuel tank 8/waiting for third set of a frame plastic covers 9/three stereo players 10/tracklink reset three times 11/still have realy noisy brakes 12/engine sounds like 10 year old car 13/rear passenger window works when feels like it 14/right hand door speaker sounds as if broken 15/new tires fitted showing signs of odd wear 16/tail gate leakes water 17/ thought lincoln/mercury dealer might give better results no just longer wait. | |||
| 01/15/2002 | 500 | ||
| Hydroplaines at certain speeds even with new tires and alignment! (originally submitted december 17, 2002) | |||
| 1 | |||
| Vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall# 02v289000 repairs concerning steering pinch bolts. the remedy for this recall is inadequate because the control arm continues to loosen from the steering knuckle, causing difficulty when steering the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/12/2003 | 1 | 11/12/2000 | |
| Ford focus sped up for no reason and then veered to left crossing left lane and went into ditch which had a culvert and the car then bounced into a cornfield. airbags deployed for both driver and passenger. driver had broken ribs and other bruises. passenger had chest injuries from which he died couple hours later. the inspecting officer said witnesses insisted they did not see brake lights, and if there was anything wrong with the car the driver would have hit the brakes. driver remembered the accident, and was awake and talking to passenger. she was hospitalized and had neurological tests and did not have a stroke. *ak | |||
| 07/22/2003 | 38000 | 1 | |
| Consumer had a front collision and neither of the air bags deployed. dealer notified. *ak vehicle's engine stalled causing steering and brake failure causing a collision into the side of a mountain. air bag equipment failed to deploy on impact. *mr | |||
| 05/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle lost steering while turning right. vehicle was taken to the dealer. please provide details.*ak | |||
| 01/13/2003 | 14012 | 1 | 05/14/2001 |
| The vehicle hit a ditch in the road and front suspension failed completely. *jb.................*ak | |||
| 02/04/2003 | 1 | ||
| The steering wheel wandered to the left and right.*jb | |||
| When attempting to start vehicle consumer statesthat sometimes the engine will not turn over. steering wheel gets stiff and it locks up sometime. took to dealer and they replaced the ignition switch. please provide any further informaiton. ph | |||
| 06/03/2002 | |||
| While placing the key into the ignition switch the vehicle froze up there were no steering. please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem. ts | |||
| 12/02/2002 | 1 | 11/01/2000 | |
| When going around a slight curve steering and brakes failed causing impact with curb and permantly disabling the steering. the car is undrivable and had to be towed. recall was issued 11/06/02 but ford states that i will not be notified until 01/03. i must wait until then or pay to have car looked at to determine if faulty part is contained in the most recent recall. dt | |||
| 08/19/2002 | |||
| While driving at 15mph on flat surface and with no warning steering wheel locked up, resullting in an accident. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 05/20/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2001 | |
| Consumer states that the steering mechanism is getting looser the more consumer drives, the looser steering wheel gets. consumer states there is a lot of play in steering and that makes it very hard to steer the vehicle. *jb the vehicle's mileage is decreasing from 300 miles to 200 miles and then to 180 miles for a full tank of fuel. the vehicle also experiences stalling and changing gears has been difficult. *yh | |||
| While driving steering becomes erratic. also, slides in wet condition. front end feels very loose while driving. please provide any further information, and vehicle identification number.*ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 03/11/2008 | 62975 | 3 | 08/26/2001 |
| The device in the steering wheel housing that cancels the turn signal has failed for the third time since i bought the car. the part is obviously defecting in design. this failure results in my reluctance to use the turn signals since i must turn them off manually after completing the turn. and not using turn signals compromises driving safety. *tr | |||
| 02/18/2008 | 93750 | 2 | 05/16/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. in an attempt to drive the vehicle with the key in the ignition, the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. the failure occurred twice. the dealer stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileages were 93,750. | |||
| 06/04/2005 | 4 | ||
| My steering column locks up and will not allow me to turn the car on. i drove my car to work no problem when i came out i could not get the key to turn in the ignition. the steering wheel is locked and will not move thereby not allowing me to trun the car on | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 20000 | 1000 | 10/01/2001 |
| Common problem with steering column being locked and key will not turn after being inserted. hundreds (perhaps more) of people have been writing about the problem on the net. *nm | |||
| 12/09/2004 | 113000 | 2 | 12/11/2000 |
| I have had more repairs incidences with 2001 ford focus than is normal on any car. if most of the repairs had been in the first 18 months i could have easily declared a lemon. unfortunatley they have been since that time. most recently i have had the rear wheel bearings replaced for the second time on a 3 year old car and am in the process of having the steering column replaced for the second time. i went through over 3 full sets of tire in less than a year and a half. and less than a year ago i got pulled over by the police because i had absolutely no lights in the back of my vehicle. ford dealer charged me to replace the rear light housing and some wire that had shorted out.*ak | |||
| 10/28/2004 | 75000 | 1 | 02/19/2001 |
| I am the owner of a 2001 ford focus and have always had problems with it. on 10/28/2004 i stopped for gas with my two small children. after re-fueling, we all got back into the car to leave and the key wouldn't turn. my whole stering column had locked up-the steering wheel wouldn't budge, the shifter was locked as well as the brake pedel. although many strangers tried to help me start my car, me adn my children were stuck at the gas pump for over an hour. after having my car towed the driver told me that this was his seond focus that day with the same problem and his company tows several a month. | |||
| 08/03/2004 | 50000 | 1 | 03/18/2003 |
| Steering wheel lock problem. i parked my vehicle in a parking space as normal, placing it into park, and turning off all electrical items. i then excited the vehicle. upon return, i slid the key into the ingnition, and then it happened. at happened? absolutely nothing. the wheel was totally stiff, and the key would not move in either direction. i was stuck in this position for at least 3 hours, try after try, still no movement. this has caused a major inconvenience to me, and i now have to bring the car into a dealship to have the problem, whatever that may be repaired. there should be a recall of some sort or reimbursement for this procedure, for i have read many complaints regarding to the same nature. 2001 ford focus se. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| The entire steering column had to be replaced after it broke. *ph (nar) the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of replacing the steering column and enclosed is a copy of the safety recall issued in regards to the steering column. *cb | |||
| 2000 | 4 | ||
| When trying to start the vehicle the key did not turn in the ignition. dealer replaced the steering column four times, but the problem still occurs. *ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 10/10/2006 | 37000 | 1 | 10/12/2001 |
| Key can not turn ignition cylinder. this is the issue every time i try to start the car. *tr | |||
| 06/04/2005 | 40000 | 10 | 10/01/2001 |
| My 2001 ford focus ignition swith has locked up leaving my car completely out of service and me stranded, the sterring wheel as well as everything else locks up. this has happened 10 times three times resulting in towing and complete removal and replacement of the ignition switch. ford has done nothing except replaced the problem part each time resulting in failure again. it is also not covered under my extended warrenty. | |||
| 05/20/2005 | 0 | 7 | 09/17/2001 |
| I don't think that the problem that i am having is life threatening. my problem is as folllows: i purchased a 2001 ford focus zx3 and for some reason this particular car has a problem that the steering wheel locks by its self. about 2 years ago it happend for the first time and i had to have tow truck take it to the service department since it was still under warranty. the problem is back again and i no longer have warranty on my car. i just think that there should be a recall for this particular problem that this car has. after reviewing other people that own a ford fucus and that have the same problem i really believe that a recall is necessary because this is a manufacture defect. anyways, i went to the service department to see if they could fix the problem without charging me since the car had the same problem before when it was under the warranty. but they said that since it happen about 2 years ago they couldn't do it under the warranty. i wanted to know if anyone in your deparment could have any information on warranty. i just think that why should i have to pay for something that is a manufactur defect and that this problem happen before and they should be able to fix it at no charge. | |||
| 03/23/2005 | 2 | ||
| I own a 2001 ford focus. the ignition key tumbler has been replaced twice in the last year.*ak | |||
| 12/03/2004 | 1 | 07/01/2001 | |
| I walked to my car one evening after catching up with some friends. when i went to start the car i could not turn the key to start the ignition. the enitre steering column locked up including the brakes. not only did i had to have my car towed to the nearest ford dealership, but it was not covered under my warranty. the dealership replaced my ignition lock. when i went to pay for the work, the cashier said that they have to replace at least one ignition lock a day at the dealership. now my radio has been shorting out. i called the dealership that worked on my car and they said that there is no correlation between the two problems. *ak | |||
| 11/28/2004 | 3 | 02/02/2004 | |
| Steering wheel locks when key is put in the ignition. the ignition switch and clock spring were replaced twice before. vehicle will be taken to dealer for repairs again.*ak | |||
| 10/05/2004 | 1 | ||
| Key will go in ignition, but will not turn. steering wheel is locked, gear shift is locked. *ak | |||
| 09/28/2004 | 22500 | 6 | 07/04/2004 |
| Ingition switch stuck and will not turn at all to turn on the car. *ak | |||
| 06/18/2004 | 62150 | 2 | 05/05/2003 |
| This morning when we were starting our ford focus it would not allow us to turn the key.the ignition was locked up.you cannot do anything when that happens.we found out that ford is well aware of this inherent defect in the ignition system in the focus but has never recalled them for it. all locksmiths and other mechanics can no longer buy ignition switches from ford to rectify the problem and ford service centers want an arm and a leg to do the work from $169- just unde r$300 if they have to drill it out.this can be dangerous if it fails in a bad spot and you get stuck.it is very unsafe for women who have to drive alone somewhere or say someone with small children who gets stuck on the highway or anywhere on either a hot day or cold day as nothing will work.you need to have the vehicle towed.we were lucky in tha tmy husband kept at it until it did work;but have heard it can happen anytime,anywhere again;and tha tsome people who had theirs fixed had it happen more than once.i have high blood pressure and if it happened to me when alone it would make that skyrocket ,endangering my health.ford is well aware of the defect and they admit it can happen in any focus.they will not recall it unless your dept pushes them to do this. *ak | |||
| 11/17/2003 | 42000 | 1 | 10/30/2001 |
| Ignition key didn't turn on my ford focus 2001 at november 2003. mileage was 42,000 at that date. i've spent half of hour to leave my field work place. because of repair is too expansive, i've bought a new ignition lock cylinder for $84 and drilled oldone by myself.*ak | |||
| 04/04/2003 | 20201 | 2 | 09/03/2001 |
| Focus zx3 has 20,000 miles, steering column locked, entire ignition locked, couldn't turn key, had to be towed and took a day to repair. this is the second time this has happened. *jb | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 09/08/2001 | 10000 | 6 | 05/06/2001 |
| Malfunction of fuel filter. was replaced on two different occassions. malfunction of steering assembly. was replaced twice on two different occassions. malfunction of braking system. was replaced on two different occassions. all within a 16 month period after purchasing the automobile in may of 2001. it is a 2001 ford focus zx3. | |||
| 05/26/2002 | 3 | 06/01/2001 | |
| Vehicle delivered on 6/1/01. soon after i started experiencing problems with the steering gear not being stable. the car and steering wheel would shake once i would begin picking up speed at approximately 60 mph. the vehicle was taken into the dealership for repairs on two occasions for front end repairs on 8/16/01 & 2/14/02. on 5/26/02 i loss control of the vehicle and had an accident on the expressway, hit the median and totaled the vehicle. prior to the accident i noticed a great deal of vibration on the steering wheel/column and the car was shaking. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 02/09/2004 | 3018 | 1 | |
| While driving 40 mph, the consumer lost steering control. this caused a minor crash, and the vehicle went into a ditch. the consumer had the vehicle towed. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve. please provide more information. *ak | |||
| 07/22/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving t at normal speed, vehicle caught on fire, causing brakes and steering to fail, resulting in a front collision. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 06/06/2003 | 26000 | 1 | 06/23/2001 |
| 2001 ford focus suddenly loses power when taking a sweeping right hand turn. power loss makes power steering inopearble and car comes to rest in middle of road or highway ramp.*ak | |||
| 4 | 08/01/2001 | ||
| After the vehicle has been driven for a while and then parked for less than 15 minutes, the vehicle will not restart. sometimes the vehicle will stall out and lose all power steering. the owner has contacted the dealership. *mr *scc | |||
| 11/21/2001 | 1 | 08/06/2001 | |
| While in motion consumer lost power steering. while at the service station, the mechanic explained the power fuel container was dry and that a new pump might be sufficient. the serviceman who wrote up the invoice only reported that the power steering was hard to turn. consumer requests help in this situation. *jg | |||
| 04/01/2001 | |||
| While driving at any speed and vehicle hits a bump steering is difficult to maintain. vehicle wanders unexpectedly from side to side. dealership has examined vehicle several times. shocks and tires were changed twice. please provide any additional information / documentation. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 02/01/2007 | 38000 | 5 | 06/01/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact heard a noise coming from one of the front wheels. when he drives over speed bumps, it sounds as if something is loose under the vehicle. he also stated that when he drives between 50-75 mph, the vehicle vibrates and the steering wheel shakes. he had the tires rotated and balanced and the front end aligned, however, the mechanic stated that those were not the cause of the vibration and noise. the contact found nhtsa recall number 02v289000 (steering: linkages). the contact stated that his vehicle would not start and he had the battery inspected. the mechanic stated that the battery was fine. the vehicle started when the contact looked under the hood and moved the battery cable. upon closer inspection, he realized that the cables looked and smelled burnt. he then discovered nhtsa recall number 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables). he notified ford about the two recalls and was informed that his vin was excluded from both. the contact feels that his vehicle should be included since he is experiencing the same failures. the current mileage was 43,800 and failure mileage was 38,000. | |||
| 10/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| In june 2004, i took my 2001 ford focus into sunset ford in westminster, california complaining about a vibration and rattle in the front end of my car. they charged me $80 and told me there was nothing wrong with my car. again, on august 12, 2004, i took my 2001 ford focus into sunset ford complaining that the vibration and rattle were still there and getting worse. they again charged me $80 for a diagnostic and told me there was nothing wrong with my car. in the early morning on october 2, 2004, i started to slowly accelerate from a complete stop and my car for no reason at all turned sharply and struck a curb. there is now major structural damage to my car that will cost thousands of dollars to repair. the estimate for the repairs point to the same type of parts as another recall made by ford for this same year of the focus. i contend that this major damage was caused by fords negligence in not finding and fixing the original mechanical defect that i reported to them twice. i also contend that the symptoms my car was exhibiting were the same as described in your nhtsa campaign id #02v289000. (please note that i am re-entering this complaint as i incorrectly stated the year of the ford focus as 2000 instead of 2001 in complaint #10093930.)*jb | |||
| 10/23/2004 | 100 | 2 | 08/07/2001 |
| I am exhibiting problems with my 2001 ford focus lx that matches the problems listed with the recalls for the car. i am having powers surges, vibration in the front end, noises in the front end, and loss of power. i have contacted the ford motor company about this and have brought the car in several times about it. they keep saying there are no recalls for my car. i know this to be false because a friend of mine got the same exact car as i did 2 weeks apart from me. he has recieved the recall letters and already had the problems fixed. i need help. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 3 | ||
| Steering wheel produces a whine noise when turning. *mr the whine would be present when the vehicle was turned. this was an intermittent problem. the dealer also noticed the noise and diagnosed the problem as friction in the steering mechanism and lubed the steering. the noise continued intermittently and the dealer had become unable to duplicate the problem. *sc *jb | |||
| 02/01/2003 | 2 | 12/01/2000 | |
| I have a recall on my 2001 ford focus. my husband is in the military and we are currently living in london, england. we have tried numerous times to get the recall taken care of, but no one will help us. we have taken the vehicle to a ford dealer in the uk, and they told us that they will fix the recall, but they cannot order the part because it is an american car. i have contacted ford about 15 times, and each time have been given the run around. i have about 6 different phone numbers that they have given me to try and each time, the person that i talk to says that they cannot help me. the recall is for rear wheel bearings and pinch bolt. i have a 16-month-old son that has to ride in that car, and i have tried to explain to them that i am afraid for his safety, but even that has not helped to get me any satisfaction. i will appreciate any and all help that can be given. thank you, heather hundley. *jb | |||
| 03/25/2003 | 37000 | 1 | |
| When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb | |||
| 03/25/2003 | 37000 | 1 | |
| When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb | |||
| 03/25/2003 | 37000 | 1 | |
| When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb | |||
| 03/25/2003 | 37000 | 1 | |
| When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb | |||
| 03/25/2003 | 37000 | 1 | |
| When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/ replace. *jb | |||
| 03/25/2003 | 37000 | 1 | |
| When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb | |||
| 08/23/2001 | 1 | 01/01/2001 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 07/30/2001 | |||
| Please advise if you have had any other problems or complaints in this area. no safety defect listed. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - DRAG - POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 10/31/2002 | 1 | ||
| While driving 15mph power steering malfunctioned and vehicle lost control. please provide any additional information.*ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM | |||
| 06/24/2004 | 53153 | 1 | |
| While having the brake pads changed service man noticed that the left front steering knuckles wore out, and needed to be replaced. this resulted in loss of steering while driving. also, front end problem. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/07/2002 | 8700 | 1 | 09/01/2001 |
| While driving the tie rod broke causing consumer to lose control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail. *jb | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 10/17/2002 | 08/01/2001 | ||
| Have there been any reported problems with rack/pinion, transmission and alternators on this vehicle since mileage has been so low yet so many problems with the car. dt | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 08/28/2011 | 51500 | ||
| Coil spring on front passenger side broke while driving on the highway. unable to move the vehicle because a metal object from broken spring jammed into the front tire. the car is old, but has been kept inside a garage and has low mileage. | |||