Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| 18425 | 02/01/2005 | 10012962 | No crank on start charging system warning indicator on driveability concerns and or malfunction indicator lamp on. *eh | 04/05/2005 | |
| 0367 | 03/31/2003 | 10001858 | Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes p1381/p0011 and/or p1383/p0012 stored in memory. *tt *jb | 07/23/2003 | |
| 0361 | 03/31/2003 | 10001855 | Malfunction indicator lamp on with or without rough running, lack of power, surge or poor fuel economy with diagnostic trouble codes p0401, p0402, p1400, p1401. *tt *jb | 07/23/2003 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 16287 | 10/01/2002 | 10013070 | Discoloration of the yellow-colored, extended-life, factory-fill coolant. *tt | 04/07/2005 | |
| 16878 | 06/01/2003 | 10002596 | Coolant leak from a cracked coolant degas bottle. engineering is investigating. *tt | 09/08/2003 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 042410 | 12/13/2004 | 10014082 | Engine vibration at idle. *tt | 04/28/2005 | |
| 17778 | 05/01/2004 | 10008553 | Loss of power, hesitation and/or misfire after cold start. *tt | 08/04/2004 | |
| 16408 | 11/01/2002 | 10008338 | Spi engine - oil leak - contract request. *mj | 07/28/2004 | |
| 17536 | 02/01/2004 | 10008108 | Belt squeal. *mj | 07/22/2004 | |
| 17505 | 01/01/2004 | 10007338 | Runs rough and/or malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on condition with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p402 and/or p0403 (egr flow excessive detected/egr control circuit) in wet weather or in a car wash. *tt | 06/14/2004 | |
| 16746 | 04/01/2003 | 10002649 | Higher than normal idle speed, runs rough at idle and/or diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0171. *tt | 09/09/2003 | |
| 16881 | 06/01/2003 | 10002599 | Check engine light on and diagnostic trouble code p0460 (fuel level sensor circuit malfunction) - service tips. *tt | 09/08/2003 | |
| 0322 | 02/03/2003 | 10002472 | Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401, or runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy, and the above listed dtcs without | 09/03/2003 | |
| 0344 | 03/03/2003 | 10001897 | Rough idle, rolling idle, stall, high idle, or back fire mainly after a cold start. also hesitation or surge at steady cruise, or malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated condition. *tt *jb | 07/24/2003 | |
| 15554 | 01/01/2002 | 630088 | Information regarding no start due to a seized camshaft. *yh | 04/12/2002 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 15874 | 05/01/2002 | 637732 | Dpfe sensor pulsing or ticking noise from engine compartment. *tt | 12/04/2002 | |
| 15766 | 04/01/2002 | 637454 | Some vehicles may exhibit a crank / no start, poor idle, and / or lack of power, with camshafts out of time. *tt | 11/26/2002 | |
| 15639 | 02/01/2002 | 630687 | Some vehicles may exhibit engine vibration at idle in drive, neutral and reverse. *tt | 04/19/2002 | |
| 01246 | 12/10/2001 | 630515 | Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt | 04/18/2002 | |
| 15419 | 11/01/2001 | 630436 | Some vehicles may exhibit an engine vibration at idle, most noticeable when engaged in reverse. *tt | 04/17/2002 | |
| 0214 | 01/21/2002 | 630001 | Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt | 04/11/2002 | |
| 15514 | 01/01/2002 | 630033 | Some vehicles may exhibit an engine vibration at idle, most noticeable when engaged in reverse. *tt | 04/11/2002 | |
| 01205 | 10/15/2001 | 627927 | Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174. *tt | 02/26/2002 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||||
| 19016 | 01/01/2006 | 10019076 | Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip. *tt | 02/10/2006 | |
| 15818 | 04/01/2002 | 637552 | Some vehicles built 09/2001 through 11/2001 and equipped with a 2.0l zetec engine may exhibit a fead belt noise. *tt | 12/02/2002 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||||
| 0627 | 01/01/2006 | 10019375 | Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing. *tt | 03/13/2006 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||||
| 02M01 | 06/01/2004 | 02M01 | 10007207 | Customer satisfaction program 02m01 supplement #4. certain ford 2000 through 2003 vehicles equipped with a tube-mounted egr pressure sensor - additional egr pressure sensor warranty coverage. *tt supplement #3. *mj supplement #6 | 06/03/2004 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||||
| 17436 | 12/01/2003 | 10008297 | Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0133 (02 sensor slow response). *tt | 07/27/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 09/24/2011 | 140200 | ||
| Cylinder head valve seat failure. approx 1/2 of the valve seat fell into combustion chamer (between piston and head).. this caused piston to break and rod to go through cylinder wall but not through block outer wall and causing coolant to get into oil. being a ford tech, i have seen damage caused by valve seats in cylinders 1,2,&4. it's always a intake valve seat. also always and only on sohc motor. have seen this happen and as early as 60k miles. | |||
| 11/25/2011 | 160000 | 1 | |
| While idling, my car is turning off. it also does so when attempting to accelerate after shifting the car from p to d. initially the gas cap light on the dashboard signaled. i replaced the cap, and the check engine light was illuminated afterwards. now, the car is turning off completely while idling and only the check engine light is lit. *tr | |||
| 11/25/2011 | 160000 | ||
| While idling, my car is turning off. it also does so when attempting to accelerate after shifting the car from p to d. initially the gas cap light on the dashboard signaled. i replaced the cap, and the check engine light was illuminated afterwards. now, the car is turning off completely while idling and only the check engine light is lit. | |||
| 11/08/2011 | 130000 | ||
| Without warning the engine blew! i service my auto like i'm suppose to and this happens. by looking online i see i'm not the only one. try finding a engine for this car is so expensive that it's ridiculous! that let me know i'm not alone! i can't believe the going rate for this car's engine is $1700! so now i'm stuck with a piece of junk costing me $3500 to get it fixed only to wait until the next shoe falls!! | |||
| 10/16/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle suddenly lost all power without warning. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a failed timing belt. the contact was awaiting repairs. the dealer advised the contact to notify the manufacturer of the failure. the manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance since there were no recalls for the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 110,000. | |||
| 10/16/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle suddenly lost all power without warning. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a failed timing belt. the contact was awaiting repairs. the dealer advised the contact to notify the manufacturer of the failure. the manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance since there were no recalls for the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 110,000. kmj | |||
| 10/16/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. while attempting to acclerate from a stopped position, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly lose all power without warning. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a failed timing belt and was awaiting repairs. the dealer advised the contact to notifiy the manufacturer. the manufacturer offered no assistance since there was no recalls. the current and failure mileages were 110,000. bw | |||
| 08/03/2011 | |||
| Vehicle failed to start after completing a 30 minute drive and being turned off for about 5 minutes. clicking noises like starter failing to engage or low battery ensued. when hood was lifted and battery cover removed and cables and connections were inspected, it was observed that the positive cable off the back of the positive battery harness was exposed, the insulation being almost completely melted. the exposed wires showed signs of fraying and burning. after attempting to jump start the vehicle about 3 times and waiting about 20 minutes, the vehicle started. the vehicle was driven about 20 miles to a service station and inspected by their mechanics. it was decided for safety reasons(fire hazard) to leave vehicle. in 45 years i have never known a battery cable to melt even though i have had bad connections, corroded terminals and harness to the battery and even bad starters. all of the above reasons were the only solutions offered to me. | |||
| 07/14/2011 | 88000 | ||
| Tl. the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. the contact stated while driving 60 mph the engine dropped on the front drive shaft. the contact pulled over to the side of the road. the contact had the vehicle towed home. the contact called a mechanic and notice the engine mount bolts had rusted and broken causing the engine to drop. the contact called the manufacturer and they stated the vehicle has no recalls and is not under warranty so there is nothing that they can do. the contact stated the vehicle was very unsafe to drive and could cause a major crash. the failure mileage was 88,000. jo | |||
| 11/01/2009 | 83000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the problem. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 83,000 and current mileage was 89,000. the vin was not available. | |||
| 07/28/2010 | 87000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. the contact stated that the valve seat dropped which caused the piston skirt to break along with the connecting rod. this failure also lead to scoring of the cylinder making the engine useless. she realized a problem had occurred when she was unable to start the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the contact was informed of the engine failure. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. the current and failure mileages were approximately 87,000-bk | |||
| 07/22/2010 | 139638 | ||
| The check engine light came on suddenly on my 2002 ford focus. immediately, i took it to the ford dealership. the technician couldnot find a problem , the check engine light wouldn't come on. therefore, nothng could be done. they didn't undestand why. within in week, the engine light came back on. this time there was a miss in the engine and it was running rough. now, the ford dealership mechanic told me my focus se had a dropped valve and in the #4 cylinder. inorder to fix the problem, the head of the engine had to be removed to see if the dropping of the valve had caused serious damage to the engine. because the scheduled required maintenance,i.e oil changes, according to ford instructions for my ford focus, i thought the engine would last. after this event, i became curious about ford focus' engines. was this an isolated mechanical flaw? or was it an engine defect? from my research, this type engine failure appears to be from a defect in the design of the 2.0 liter efi spi type of engines. for years, ithought the ford focus was a great product to have because of its reliability, if you complied with scheduled maintenance of the vehicle. it appears that i was wrong. the cost of repair for a well-maintain focus engine $6000.00. there is a pattern to these engine failures. should the 2002 focus be recalled for engine defects? all i know is that quality well-maintain engines shouldn't have dropped valves for no apparent reason. so, it must be some type of engines design defect. | |||
| 07/28/2010 | 87000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. the contact stated that the valve seat dropped which caused the piston skirt to break along with the connecting rod. this failure also lead to scoring of the cylinder making the engine useless. she realized a problem had occurred when she was unable to start the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the contact was informed of the engine failure. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. the current and failure mileages were approximately 87,000-bk | |||
| 07/22/2010 | 139638 | ||
| The check engine light came on suddenly on my 2002 ford focus. immediately, i took it to the ford dealership. the technician couldnot find a problem , the check engine light wouldn't come on. therefore, nothng could be done. they didn't undestand why. within in week, the engine light came back on. this time there was a miss in the engine and it was running rough. now, the ford dealership mechanic told me my focus se had a dropped valve and in the #4 cylinder. inorder to fix the problem, the head of the engine had to be removed to see if the dropping of the valve had caused serious damage to the engine. because the scheduled required maintenance,i.e oil changes, according to ford instructions for my ford focus, i thought the engine would last. after this event, i became curious about ford focus' engines. was this an isolated mechanical flaw? or was it an engine defect? from my research, this type engine failure appears to be from a defect in the design of the 2.0 liter efi spi type of engines. for years, ithought the ford focus was a great product to have because of its reliability, if you complied with scheduled maintenance of the vehicle. it appears that i was wrong. the cost of repair for a well-maintain focus engine $6000.00. there is a pattern to these engine failures. should the 2002 focus be recalled for engine defects? all i know is that quality well-maintain engines shouldn't have dropped valves for no apparent reason. so, it must be some type of engines design defect. | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 7 | ||
| 2002 ford focus se station wagon. consumer states problem with automatic transmission. engine has strong noise. the consumer stated it took three times to fix the transmission. the window regulators were replaced four times, the thermostat housing failed twice which caused coolant leak. also, there was a problem with the air bag system and the cover on the passenger side. *jb | |||
| 03/12/2009 | 62500 | 1 | |
| On 3/12/09, while driving my 2002 ford focus se wagon on main street (ri-3) in ashaway, rhode island, at about 35 mph, hit a small bump with the right front wheel. a loud scraping noise immediately ensued. was able to stop within a few feet. inspection revealed that both mounting studs on the passenger side engine mount for the transversely mounted engine had broken off allowing the engine to drop down onto the passenger side drive axle. the car was flatbed towed 5 miles to my mechanic. his inspection showed that one of the studs had been broken for some time, while the second showed a fresh break. there was no evidence of corrosion, or that the studs had ever been removed and replaced. i don't know how often this failure occurs, but the tow operator and both mechanics at the shop had never seen this happen before. the consequences are that the car becomes inoperable without causing severe damage. the result at highway speed could have been disastrous. the failure was corrected by replacing the broken studs with new factory parts. i have the two broken studs in my possession. *tr | |||
| 06/06/2008 | 67000 | 1 | |
| I had to replace the motor mounts twice in approximately a 4 month period due to cracking and complete breaking, a partial break in one and general overall weakening. my mechanic only charged me the first time for the mounts and installation (the second time was a free replacement--as the mounts failed, and as it came only a few months after the first replacement). my mechanic said that there is a problem with the ford focus vehicles due to the lack of stability in the motor mount area. basically, he said that there isn't much structural support for the engine and the motor mounts get stressed as a result of the vibrations and constant tension on them. he told me that they would probably need to be replaced again at some point. i was trying to figure out some type of jury rig device to reinforce the stability of the area. do you have any suggestions? *tr | |||
| 08/22/2007 | 6900 | 1 | 08/26/2002 |
| Ford focus 2002, 69,000 miles. on 8/22/07 driving on the freeway my car stall it was towed away. ford called me and told me it could be my engine that's ruined due to the time chain. *tr | |||
| 08/10/2007 | 99000 | 6 | 12/28/2006 |
| 2002 ford focus se 4 cylinder shutting down while driving. dash board goes out and then the engine shuts down. battery was replaced and it is still doing it. sometimes it starts back up if i let it sit for awhile, but sometimes i have to get it jumped. very unsafe and scary when it shuts down while driving on the road. *tr | |||
| 01/09/2007 | 10 | ||
| My ford focus 2002 stalls, sometimes it stops completely. it stalled out on a bridge which interfered with traffic. i took it to tipton ford twice for repairs and the problem still exist. *nm | |||
| 12/18/2006 | 98580 | 1 | 10/19/2001 |
| Tl*- on december 18th of 2006 while coming out a drive-thru, contact states that the engine thermostat went above normal . the gauge temperature reached the top of the register. the contact stated in order for her engine not to over heat she had to drive at a speed of 45mph. the contact currently has the vehicle at the dealership and they stated that the problem with the vehicle is that the resistor that controls the cooling had burned out and part of the harness had melted. the contact states that she has been on the nhtsa website and there are 24 similar complaints. if the invoice for repair is needed contact can provide a copy of the invoice. | |||
| 07/31/2006 | 10 | ||
| The first week of me purchasing my car at garnet ford in chaddsford, pa, i noticed i was having problems with my car not starting. this has only continued to happen more. also, my car seems to want to stall at times upon slowing down or when i'm stopped. the car will start riding rough and shaking indicating the car is going to stall. i brought this to the dealers attention on many occasions and they told me that because the problem was intermittent and they could not re-create the problem there was nothing they could do to correct it. these are problems that started during the first week of me owning the car. the car was given to me this way and garnet ford is saying the problem is with my iac and throttle body sticking but those two things are age related problems and i advised them that this problem has been happening since day one. they have refused to look into this problem further and they are not taking responsibility for what is happening to my car. i'm very upset with garnet ford for giving me a car with these problems and i expect them to look into what is causing the problem and fix it on their dime not mine. if this does not happen, i will seek other ways at getting their attention. *jb | |||
| 07/31/2006 | 1 | ||
| I am having problems with my car not starting on occasion. also, the car seems to want to stall at times upon slowing down or when i'm stopped. *jb | |||
| 04/18/2005 | 41000 | 5 | |
| While driving at 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. the battery cable melted and the alternator was bad and needed replacement. a week prior, the check engine light came on and smoke had come from the engine compartment. the fourth gear went out because it's wire connection melted. the consumer felt the failures were due to the engine misplaced cable problem as stated in recall 02v288000. *ak *sc *jb | |||
| 03/15/2002 | 15 | 3 | 02/25/2002 |
| Vehicle stalled at various speeds. vehicle was taken to the dealer on several separate occasions. dealer replaced the air intake valve twice, but problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 08/11/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. however, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 06/20/2004 | 1 | 09/19/2002 | |
| I was driving on the on-ramp of the pa turnpike when scalding water from up under the dash poured out onto my right foot. i was barely able to drive the car to a safe stop. i sustained second and third degree burns to my right foot. the wrecker took the car to a ford dealer in emmaus, pa for repairs. the service department originally told me that the evaporator line was plugged, but when i picked up my car, the narrative on the service form said that the line was not plugged. they replaced the evaporator which i understand entailed removing the entire dash. i do not know if the old part is available.*ak | |||
| 11/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| I bought the car on oct 29, 2002. since day one the car has consumed way too much gas. it is outrageous! it has become a mortgage pmt! my car pmt is $344 a month i pay the same in gas a month. i use to own a 1993 ford escort,stick,4 cyc and never did i ever spend so much gas. i am 49 yrs old, don?t speed, and know the difference. i have also owned many stick,4 cyl cars and none have ever spend so much gas. there has got to be a problem with the car in that respect. second: a couple of months ago the "check engine" light came on, ever since then, my car won't start in the mornings, and when it has been sitting for a awhile. i have brought my car to the dealer 4 times already, they have changed the fuel pump 3 times, still having the same problem, this last time in which i picked up the car yesterday, nov. 11, nothing was done! i ask questions but all i get is there is nothing wrong! but something is happening...nowadays, everything is computerized, one thing goes bad and it affects the entire car. something is not being check, but i am informed, everything is being checked! i have had it with the car! with the amount of gas that is being consumed & the not starting just don?t know what to do! there is something majorly wrong with this car! i can't stay this way, it is not fair, it?s so expensive to own a car nowadays. the stress of being left anywhere, being late for work most of the time due to the car not starting. why should i pay for something that is not working properly? i work, living pay check to pay check, i am having way too much stress & now i am @ a point where it has effected my work, possibly i will loose my job. | |||
| 10/15/2003 | 2000 | ||
| There is a line that went straight into the engine's intake that has been leaking fluid since 2,000 miles and was inspected by deler who told to me that it was nothing. but the engine case should not have a large leak of fluid that soon. finally now, they have done something on this and replaced the hose, as it was seen once more and knows of all the times reported. i hope this is just not a easy fix or this now hasn't caused any damange to the inside of the engine itself, as the engine has been in the shop for riding rough. they told me last time that the part of the transmission that was fixed would fix this. i think it is due to the oil leak on the top of the engine case since it was new. a new car should never have a oil leak on a engine case. | |||
| 10/15/2002 | 15002 | ||
| Problem i'm still having and was reported to dealership is car pulls to left, ( not corrected) back end of car or tires bounce on road and especially when hitting a bump, cannot stay on road in slush or snow, back end is all over road, ( nothing done) tires are completely groved in many spots on the tires, caused by rear end bouncing on road, firestone won't replace they say it is focas's rear end and it wears out the tires, dealer or ford won't do anything about rear end or tires, car vibrates badly, rear doors barley open are so stiff, looks like door locks are coroaded nothing was done by dealership even though they said they lubricated, nothing is on the locks to show lubrication of locks. | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 2630 | ||
| The car is a 2002 svt focus. the engine has a severe miss/surge under normal driving conditions. the last ticket on the vehicle states that there is no fix at this time. october 27, 2003 update: thank you for your help on this matter. ford purchased the vehicle back, refunded all of the payments made, and compensated me for any aftermarket parts i had the receipt for. ford went out of its way to make me happy. thank you. | |||
| 11/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| On november 9, 2002 while doing errands i noticed smoke coming from the engine area of 2002 ford focus (5 months old). it was a wet and rainy day and the windows were fogging-up. i had to roll the windows down to defrost the light mist on the windows, as the defrost button would not work. the smoke became so thick i decided to pulled over and call for ford road service. by the time i was giving the rep. my location people were running from thier homes to move thier cars. i told the rep. the car is on fire. i hung-up and called the fire department. the fire department responded in less than a minute. i ran back to my new car and watched as it burned. the fire departement said the engine fire was caused by an electrical short. i was also told that i pulled over just in time. my insurance company has not been helpful. ford assured me that they would take care of everything. i am waiting for ford motor to take car of everything. i told them in a fax i sent last week that i want that "blue oval" service they constantly talk about - maybe someday. thanks, denise keyes | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 15600 | ||
| Heating/vent produces a disgusting smell. repairs indicated oil leak near heater - unknown origin. smell abated but still it produces annoying smells that requires windows to be kept open. will have to go back to selling dealership 4th time for further investigation. is there a better way and another shop in cleveland, oh that can make an independent assessment of the problem? thanks. | |||
| 11/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| The engine experienced complete failure at 55 mph with no warning sign. it has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. sunroof was stuck in open position and would not close properly unless manipulated by hand. dealer fixed the problem the following day. | |||
| 02/25/2004 | 26000 | 1 | |
| While driving 35 mph vehicle stalled. consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. dealership was notified, but it did not resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| 6004 | 25 | 02/12/2002 | |
| While driving at highway speeds engine lost power, nearly resulting in a rear end collision. dealer was not able to duplicate the problem. *ak the tachometer would suddenly race up to 7000 and the wheels lost power. the vehicle felt as if it were in neutral, after 15-30 seconds or downshifted to 2nd gear, the vehicle re-engages and the wheel power was restored. this was an intermittent problem. ford was unable to diagnose the problem. a flight recorder was installed twice. the engineers revealed that the problem could have been related to the speed sensors and input shaft sensors. the consumer's husband experienced a complete loss of power. the vehicle was unable to be moved because there was no power steering. the loss lasted 10 seconds, the gear was placed into 2nd gear, then back to drive and the power steering was back active. this problem returned two more times. on one of the incidences, the tachometer had gone over 7 then dropped. the transmission slipped intermittently. *sc | |||
| 11/18/2003 | 33000 | 7 | |
| Intermittently at any speed, the vehicle will shift out of drive and into neutral then back into drive. the vehicle has been to the dealer seven times for this problem. the dealer will not do anything because they can not duplicate the problem. the manufacturer is aware of the problem. | |||
| 10/21/2003 | 20000 | 3 | |
| While driving at any speed vehicle hesitated and took a dip forward and down to the ground. then, it accelerated as if nothing happened. consumer's daughter experienced the same thing while driving and lost control of the vehicle which landed in a ditch. consumer's daughter sustained back injuries. consumer wore seat belts. however, air bags failed to deploy. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 09/05/2008 | 96340 | 1 | |
| On my 2002 ford focus, the thermostat housing began leaking coolant when the thermostat housing gasket against the engine block failed. this is a common problem on various years of the focus as verified by the comments of the ford motor co. parts sales people in saying that they sell many of the thermostat housings, and also by blogs on internet chat lines. the rubber gasket swells when it comes in contact with oil and breaks off the inner gasket-support ring, allowing the leak to happen. it is a poor design that can lead to major problems such as environmental pollution and engine failure. i would be glad to mail the affected part to you for your examination. it is amazing how completely the support ring failed, and the condition of the gasket that is not compatible with oil which leaks from the valve cover above. the part could easily be redesigned to use a standard o-ring for the seal, which is resistant to oil, and seals better. the current gasket is more like a rubber band that is held in place by the inside rim which breaks off. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2008 | 40000 | 1 | |
| In the last 5 years i have replaced a air conditioning hose 3 times ! my mechanic claims it to be a bad design and he sees it often with this model and year ford focus 2002. *tr | |||
| 06/20/2004 | 1 | 09/19/2002 | |
| I was driving on the on-ramp of the pa turnpike when scalding water from up under the dash poured out onto my right foot. i was barely able to drive the car to a safe stop. i sustained second and third degree burns to my right foot. the wrecker took the car to a ford dealer in emmaus, pa for repairs. the service department originally told me that the evaporator line was plugged, but when i picked up my car, the narrative on the service form said that the line was not plugged. they replaced the evaporator which i understand entailed removing the entire dash. i do not know if the old part is available.*ak | |||
| 10/10/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2002 | |
| Pulley bolts on water pump loosened, two fell out. belt pulley twisted, belt frayed and water pump froze. dealer replaced water pump housing, pulley, bolts, belt and anti / fz. mr | |||
| 04/25/2002 | 3 | 01/01/2001 | |
| Water pump went out and loosened which caused fan to hit it continuously. noise in brake pedal, reported 3 times, dealer has no idea what it is. it has gotten louder. they hear it but don't know what it is | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||
| 08/15/2007 | 37000 | 3 | 04/19/2002 |
| The car was running hot had to use a/c to keep the fans to cool car i took car to my mechanic and he found that the switches for the fans and the rest of the car was burned out and would have cause a fire if i had not brought the car for a checkup it would have caught on fire and i am 3 months pregnant. 2002 ford focus .the mechanic had to replace the switch and the whole wire system it cost me $225.00 i am scared if i did not take the car for a checkup to see why the fans were not working i don't want to know what would have happened. *tr | |||
| Consumer called complaining about the radiator fun. also stated that this happend while he was driving the vehicle the fun on the radiator fell off and cause damage on the bottom of the vehcle. dealer was contacted and stated to the consumer to contact there insurance to find out if it was consumer s fall or the manufactures diffect. ts | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 07/19/2011 | 113000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. the contact stated whenever she was slowing down or coming to a stop sign the vehicle stalls. no warning light illuminated before the stall. the fuel filter, the engine coil pack and spark plugs was replaced but the vehicle continued to stalls when slowing down. this has happen at least three times. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted who stated there was no recall and to take the vehicle to a dealer to get a diagnostic test done. this will cost $90. there was no other assistance offered. the failure mileage was 113,000....mw | |||
| 01/23/2011 | 89000 | ||
| While driving, the spark plugs eject from the block. this is dangerous and can cause an engine fire. this problem has apparently been reported to ford, but they claim nothing can be done until they receive a certain amount of complaints. this is not normal wear and tear. the spark plugs have been replaced four times along with the coil. this is unacceptable and inconvenient and ford needs to remedy this issue everyone is having with their vehicles. | |||
| 11/14/2010 | |||
| Engine stalls when starting the car cold and when stopped at a long light. have taken it to the dealer several times and was told that they cannot identify any problems. problem has been present for last 6 years and is getting progressively worse. have changed battery and fuel filter but problem remains. | |||
| 01/30/2009 | 1 | ||
| Ford focus 2002 would not start the ignition. *tr | |||
| 06/12/2008 | 60996 | 1 | |
| A screw was dislodged from the engine, ricocheting through out the engine causing damage beyond repair. the engine ceased working without any preparation. the engine needed to be replaced completely. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2008 | 105000 | 1 | |
| The car's check engine light came on and started stalling, had it checked and was told that the car was only running on 3 cylinders and was recommended to put an additive in the engine to try to loosen up stuck valves...a week after that the car, we were driving the car, parked it for about an hour and it wouldn't start. we finally got it started after a few minutes and it sounded like there were rocks in the engine. had it towed and have not done anything with it because we cannot afford to spend $3000 to repair it and we still owe $5000 on it. we bought it used 3 1/2 years ago. we have found that ford replaced the cylinder heads on these cars because of the problem but no recall was issued by ford to prevent further engine damage. we understand that at this point the whole engine would need to be replaced because of damage to the pistons. the person who checked our car said that he had taken the cylinder head cover off and found a broken spark plug which suggests extensive engine damage. *tr | |||
| 06/11/2008 | 85282 | 1 | |
| I was driving to work. i live 7 miles from work. at a stop light my car started shaking very bad and the engine shut down. it would not start again.. i had it towed to my brothers house and started researching the symptoms... everything i could find leads to engine failure, caused by a thrown rod or broken piston. after checking the compression in the cylinders # 1-3 no problems about 75 psi and #4 was 0. i believe that the #4 piston or rod is broken or otherwise rendered useless causing the complete engine failure. the vehicle has 85500 miles and has been maintained per the owners manual. *tr | |||
| 04/07/2008 | 73000 | 1 | 07/25/2005 |
| Continual oil leakage from the lower engine block of a 2002 ford focus 5 door hatchback. this results from an engineering problem, per my firestone service person. the right side cv axle mounting brackett is attached to the lower crankcase, and the axle torque has over the 73,000 miles we have driven the vehicle cracked the lower crank-case. when there is pressure on the engine, the crack opens and oil leaks. i have seen the crack with my own eyes. according to the technicians, if this is the case with this vehicle because of the engineering, there are probably other instances of the same thing happening. *tr | |||
| 02/20/2008 | 117000 | 1 | 09/16/2003 |
| 1. two days before the engine died i noticed it was having problems starting first thing in the morning, like a sputtering. then it would go away and the car would drive fine. the car had a transmission fluid leak and so i continued to make sure it was at the right levels. 2. the day when the engine died it had been running normally. i had stopped at the store. when i got back in my car and turned it on the engine made a popping noise and then the engine turned over and started making a thwaping noise, like cardboard in contact with a fan blade. after towing it to a mechanic (it wouldn't start, it kept making thud-ish thwaping noises), who had worked for ford previously, he said that the 4th piston had broke and was grinding on the side of the engine block (he had taken a look at the timing belt - ok- and was testing the gears that the timing belt attached to. 3 turned with the right torque but the final one at the bottom of the engine block didn't turn unless torque greater than what was normally needed was applied. when it turned there was a thwap sound inside the engine). what made me wonder is he said that this always happened with this model on the single overhead cam engines at around 90 to 120 thousand miles. he said that he repaired numerous similar incidents with this type of engine, even guaranteeing that opening up the engine would show that the 4th piston (farthest on the right facing the front) broke. i hate to think what would have happened if i had gotten on the freeway and the piston had broke. 3. the cost to replace with a new oem engine was more than the value of the car if i were to personally sell it (based on kelly blue book) and so was the cost for a used engine ($1200 was the lowest, compared to the duel overhead cam engines for the focus which i found used for $500. seems the demand for that style engine is high). i have not repaired it. i am considering selling it to a scrap yard. *tr | |||
| 07/12/2006 | 1 | ||
| 2002 ford focus sedan manual transmission with 80,000 miles. with no warning the engine acts as if it is going to stall, vehicle hesitates, jerks and sputters. this literally causes the vehicle to jolt forwards and backwards and shakes the passengers inside the vehicle. this is a very scary event, especially at 70+ mph speed or when in traffic. highly concerned that the vehicle is going to simple shut off while on interstate 95 which could be deadly. the ford dealer where the vehicle was purchased and maintained has run a diagnostic test that showed no abnormalities. the following week the key would not turn and the vehicle had to be towed with ignition/steering repairs. the vehicle was re-examined while again in the shop and driven again by the service team and they were unable to provide a useful diagnosis of the engine hesitation problems. we need a resolution to this problem and it appears that no one can appropriately diagnose the problem. *jb | |||
| 06/25/2006 | 47000 | 1 | 08/08/2002 |
| When turning on my 2002 ford focus zx3, it tends to have a very rough idle, sputtering and stalling. i have replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, spark cables, pcv valve and my ignition coil. but even after all of that my car still sputters, stalls and has a rough idle....i don't know what to do, being a college student out of my home state of michigan. i have taken it to auto zone and had it hooked up to the code reader and the attendant said everything was fine... this is my last straw.. *jb | |||
| 04/02/2006 | 35000 | 5 | 09/20/2002 |
| At vehicle start up, my wife heard a loud pop, followed by engine sputtering, and smell of gas fumes. my wife took the kids out of the car and ran away for fear of fire. the following day, we had it towed to the dealership. the dealership told me a spark plug blew out of the engine and striped the engine block. i called ford motor corp. they said they could not help me with the repairs, since my vehicles warranty just exspired. the car only has 35,000 mile on it, and has had other major electrical problems at 25,000 miles. now i am paying for a car that doesn't even run, i guess i should have known better than to buy a ford. ford has lost a customer forever. *nm | |||
| 12/24/2005 | 60000 | 12 | 09/10/2003 |
| Engine stalls repeatedly while driving at all speeds. often the car will not start after stall. vehicle is still under extended warranty and has been serviced four times, none of which have fixed the problem. *nm | |||
| 11/20/2005 | 20385 | 2 | 09/23/2002 |
| Engine accelerated at a high speed while shifting from forward to reverse (and vice versa). to overcome the problem i maintained heavy pressure on the brake and tapped the accelerator. *jb | |||
| 06/23/2005 | 89000 | 2 | 12/29/2001 |
| The day was very hot, 90+ degrees. i had the air conditioning on while driving and had to take my husband to a dentist appointment. i left the car running with the air conditioning on for about 10 minutes, then shut the car off. after another 5 minutes, i restarted the car, with air conditoning on and waited for my husband to return. the car was running for a total of about 25 mintues while parked. my husband returned and we proceded to go over to the other side of town to get some dinner. it was 4:30 pm at this time. on our way, the car started to 'jerk' forward and backward and i had no acceleration at all. i stepped on the gas and absolutely nothing happened. i managed to get over to the side of the road when the engine just died. i tried to start it several times to no avail. we waited several minutes and i was able to restart the car. we drove on, with the air conditioner on for about 6 more miles when the same thing happened. i managed to get off the road, but not before the engine died. my husband called a local ford dealership and told them what had happened and we were told it sounded like the fuel pump might need replacing. we had the car towed to a local ford dealership, not the one we had called, and were told they would get to it that night yet. they called us at 8:30 pm and had not gotten around to doing the diagnostics as yet. they called back within 30 minutes and told us that the fuel pump will probably need replacing, but they will call us as soon as they knew for sure. at 11:30 pm, they called to say that the diagnostics had shown nothing and they could not replicate the problem. they had no idea what the cause may have been and were shocked that such a thing could even happen to such a new car. there was nothing they could do. we picked the car up this morning and are praying to god that we can get home this evening without the problem happening again. | |||
| 05/27/2005 | 76640 | 20 | 06/15/2003 |
| Focus 2002 started to run rough around 40,000 miles. had a major tune up 2 x's in 6 months. changed all the plugs, wires, oil & fluids, still handled rough like it needed to be timed. focus's have no timing belt. i took it in & was told the plug wire ran over the block was the causing the rough idl, due to the cable melting on the block. i replaced the cable & again the idle was still rough, but now started to surge & miss also. driving @ various speeds, conditions & roads & still it would surge & miss fire & then drive on. took it in & told with no light showing & unless it could repeat the surge/miss nothing it could be done. less than a month later the batter died on a trip out of town. checked the battery & full of corriosion. bought a new battery & checked the electrical system told nothing wrong again. after a year of surging/missing (at least 1 a week) the car died again & we thought it was the battery. the battery tested & was told it is the alterator, bought a new one. we then did an oil change. we took it in & ask them agian about the surging & miss & asked if it could be checked when they did the oil. was advised that it could be the fuel injectors but with out the check engine or oil light on that there was no way to know for sure. two days later was driving on the freeway & all the lights on the dash light up, felt like there was no power when the gas pedal was pressed, at that point exited the freeway, almost got to the exit & the whole car stalled out, walk home about 4-5 miles. back over to jumped it, it started up with a new clackety clack in the motor, did not drive at all, i towed it back to the mechanics who did the oil & tested it. i was told on friday 5/27 that they think it might be a vualve or a engine tap. please help | |||
| 03/20/2005 | 53000 | 1 | |
| While driving 65 mph vehicle stalled. a recall was issued, however this vehicle's year was not included. *ak | |||
| 01/18/2005 | 55800 | 1 | 05/30/2003 |
| I drive a 2002 ford focus lx. i has appoximatley 56,000 miles. i had brought my car to the dealership to have body work done on the fender. i was told the the repairs were complete, and i left with my car. i was driving down the highway, going fifty five mph, when the engine light came on and the engine just stoped. after we coasted to the shoulder, we push-stared the car and drove directly back to the dealership, who told me that the catalytic converter, and fuel injector lines were broken. this occurs immediatley after i had body work done at the dealership. in fact, it was the same hour of the same day i left !! *ak | |||
| 04/05/2004 | 15400 | 3 | |
| Engine just dies with no warning while on the highway,after engine dies i lose power steering, and wheel will not turn. i am able to restart the car while still in motion. this is the third time this has happened.*ak | |||
| 03/01/2004 | 60000 | 01/15/2002 | |
| While driving on thruway engine quit, and car was on fire. courtesy ford checked car and found piston went through block causing oil to catch fire under car and melting fuel lines. vehicle has 60k and has been serviced regularly. quoted over $6000.00 and was told warranty ended at 36k. this incident could have been very serious. *nm | |||
| 11/18/2003 | 30000 | 10 | |
| At any speed engine check light came on , and then, engine rumbled and stalled.vehicle stalled ten times. a recall was issued, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak | |||
| 07/21/2003 | 8000 | 5 | 10/05/2002 |
| I bought my ford focus zx5 on october of 2002. a month after i had it i took it through the car wash and it stalled. ever since then i had have problems starting it. i brought it in and was told that there was nothing wrong with the car. on july 21, 2003 car stalled going through an intersection with on-coming traffic, i got the car to start and i brought it in to the dealership and again they can't find anything wrong with the car. they referred me to the dispute settlement board. i filled out all the information and submitted it. on september 11, 2003 the board decided that they did not find a problem so i had a ford engineer come out. he finally came out in october and said there was nothing wrong with the car. i do not feel safe in this vehicle. i tried to get rid of this vehicle but i owe $10,000.00 more than it is worth. please help. i don't know what else to do.*ak | |||
| 11/03/2003 | 21470 | 1 | 08/22/2002 |
| Engine stalled after i had driven two miles with no warning. i had just down-shifted into 2nd gear as i was slowing to make a turn and the car stalled across two traffic lanes and would not restart. the oil light, battery light, and one other light came on (alternator i think). the car was manually pushed out of traffic lanes in neutral gear by two motorists who stopped to help. they were also unable to restart the vehicle. after approximately 10 minutes the engine started. i had the car towed and after 5 days the dealership still cannot find anything wrong. apparently the onboard computer did not capture the problem. i am extremely concerned because the car stalled without warning at approximately 25 miles an hour. had i been on the interstate as scheduled (i was running late and had to drop my daughter off before going home to pick up my laptop) i would almost certainly have been involved in an accident because i had no time to maneuver out of traffic after the engine stalled. it was 75 degree day (monday 11/3/03) so outside temperature could not have been a factor. *la | |||
| 10/11/2003 | 7 | 03/30/2002 | |
| My car just dies when i am driving. the lights in my dash all light up, my power steering goes out, and my car just turns off while i am driving. this has happened at least 7 times. i have already taken it in 4 times to get it fixed. *la | |||
| 07/07/2003 | 8935 | 15 | 04/27/2002 |
| Since 7/7/03 my 2002 zx5 ford focus has stalled and not restarted right away at least 15 times. i've had it towed to the dealership 5 times. they have had it there for 50 days since 7/7/03. each time except this last one they claim they find what is wrong with it on the computer and do the repair. it has all been under warranty. i work at night, i've stalled in front of on coming traffic, i have stalled going 35 miles an hour, i have stalled on a blind corner. i've had to walk home many of these times at 3 or 4 in the morning and leave the car in an unsafe position. *jb | |||
| 07/28/2003 | 8600 | 3 | 03/16/2003 |
| 2002 ford focus se engine stalled.*mr consumer had the fuel pump replaced expecting to remedy the problem. once the consumer arrived at the gas station and began to fill the gas tank there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle, it was then determined the dealer installed the gas tank incorrectly which caused the leak. *ts. on the third occasion, while driving, the engine stalled and restarted and the automatic transaxle/cooling system light illuminated on the dashboard and then went off. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer noticed while accelerating the engine died. dealer was contacted. please provide further information. *ph | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 18300 | 1 | 06/30/2002 |
| While driving, the engine failed. the dealer was notified. *ak *scc *jb | |||
| 05/28/2003 | 9800 | 1 | 05/17/2002 |
| The vehicle stalled while driving, which forced the consumer to pull over. *tt *scc *jb | |||
| 02/17/2003 | 15100 | 1 | 08/05/2002 |
| While at a stoplight, my 2002 ford focus zts suddenly experienced an engine stall. the check engine, check battery and check oil lights came on simultaneously. the ford dealership noted on the invoice that they had checked the battery and charge, and all was ok. however, when i asked them why it stalled as it did, i received a short answer that they couldn't find anything that would lead to that. the stalling was not noted on the repair invoice. i'm afraid of this happening again, particularly when commuting. the focus has 15,000 miles on it. | |||
| 10/18/2002 | |||
| While traveling on the highway without prior warning. the vehicle will stall and will not restart. please provide additional information. dealer is aware of the problem ts | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 02/28/2008 | 75000 | 47 | 11/01/2007 |
| Engine stalls then turns off. i give it gas and it seems to get worse. idles down to zero and turns off. i have to wait a couple of minutes, then it will run. it usually will keep happening every few miles until i stop for several hours. i can no longer drive on the interstate/expressway, too dangerous when it stalls at 75mph. *tr | |||
| 06/03/2003 | 32000 | 05/15/2002 | |
| I was driving down the pa turnpike going 60 mph in my 2002 ford focus. i had just passed a cop and have witnesses that i was not speeding or driving erratically. it was 8:30 in the morning and my car suddenly lost all power. my rpm's dropped and i was loosing my speed. (this happened one month prior and i took it to ford. they replaced the fuel pump and two other parts on warranty) i had to get to the right shoulder, which had a wall right after it, because i was in the left lane where there was a wall directly to my left. in trying to cross the car lost traction on the road and shot me head first into the wall. head first at 55 mph and my airbags did not deploy. the car has been deemed a total loss and for the past ten days i have been in unbelievable pain, to the er 3 times. now i have physical therapy for about a month before hopefully everything is better. i am a 19 year old female and i don't want to see anybody else hurt in this sort of accident. i have an attorney and i suggest anyone with a focus have one on hand. i want everyone to read this before they buy one! my next step is to contact magazines and television shows. i had a guardian angel with me, someone may not be so lucky! *nlm | |||
| 05/27/2003 | 50 | 12/26/2001 | |
| At least twice a week my car takes 2-5 tries to start. after it starts, it runs very rough and feels like it's going to stall...sometimes it does if i'm at a light. i have a stick shift and there's no indication on the idle that it's running low. my car has been in the shop more than i've had it for the last six months. ford tells me they haven't received any complaints like this and the dealership has told ford they can't replicate the problem...even though they've told me on a couple of occasions that they have. usually they don't replace anything but so far they've replaced my egr valve, fuel pump, and gas tank. the dealership has been inconsistent on how they document the time my car's been in the shop and with a one year old and a four year old...i can no longer take time to go to the shop...not to mention lossed time at work. i actually like my car but i need it to start and they obviously can't fix it. this has been a frustrating experience and we will no longer purchase ford vehicles because of the lack of cooperation from both the dealership and ford. we've bought an f-150, explorer, and the focus from the same dealership...i guess our money was just a drop in the bucket for them and in the long run customer don't really matter. i don't know what to do about the car except to try for the lemon law...but since the dealership has chosen to lie and say they can't replicate the problem, who knows how that will turn out. | |||
| 06/01/2002 | |||
| I'm continually experiencing a burning smell (as if something is getting very hot) coming from within the vehicle's engine compartment. this has been an ongoing problem since i purchased the vehicle 'new' approximately six months ago. i've notified the ford dealership (seller) and return the vehicle back to them regarding this problem. however, they claim that they can't find anything to be concerned about. i advised them about news reports which indicated that others with similar circumstances eventually experienced a vehicle fire in the engine compartment. the dealer then claims that nothing can be done until ford motor company decides to initiate a recall notice. dt | |||
| 09/02/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2002 | |
| Just completed 3 hour trip in heavy rain. had driven through area of road with several inches of water. while vehicle approached from opposite direction the resulting splash caused the engine to fail. towed car to a local ford dealer and they said the cause of the engine failure was due to too much water in the engine. we also found out that the air intake valve is located near the bottom of the front bumper. this has caused us to need a new engine on a car that we haven't even had for three months. ford refuses to pay for a new engine and insists it isn't a design flaw. the insurance adjuster stated that it is odd that the engine would fail due to water intake.*ak | |||
| 08/19/2002 | 1 | 08/01/2002 | |
| Sessler does not seem to care i am not satisfied with their decision to replace the engine. my faith is shaken in the focus completely.*ak | |||
| 07/12/2002 | 02/01/2002 | ||
| This is the third occasion that this particular problem has happened. neither the ford motor company or my ford dealer are able to explain or offer any rectification of this particulary dangerous problem.no safety defect listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/02/2002 | 4 | 02/01/2002 | |
| Within the first month of ownership while driving vehicle shudders and went into a stall. i though i did something wrong and didn't report it. at 1800 miles i drove home from work made a brief stop and when i tried to restart my car nothing worked. the dashboard when blank. veh had to be towed & was kept for 5 days a fuel pump was put in. at 2874 miles a month later i stopped for gas and vehicle again wouldn't start dash board went blank. veh taken back to dealership & kept 3 days. a new starter was put in. july 15 engine light & gas light wouldn't go off (was told nothing to worry about keep on dirivng) took veh for repair light went off. 8/2/02 while driving home from work, rush hour on interstate 295 at 60 mph. dash board went dead engine light came on & veh lost all power. i was able to get to the side of the road and wait and few minutes. had no cell phone & was in a dangerous on ramp i was able to get the veh moving. again after a short distance everything when dead. i waited and again attempted to make it home. i was able to get home and call dealership. i attemped to get veh to dealership, but vehicle again died in the road. all lights came on the veh would start. after waiting i was evenutally able to get car to dealers. i am afraid to drive this car. i feel i am putting my life and others at risk with this car on the road. i am handycapped and purchased this vehicle for safety reasons. it has been a nightmare. how can i get rid of this vehicle and get it replaced? i am truely concerned for my life in the car. the vehicle has been repaired, but i feel they just fix things but don't actually know what is wrong. where do i go for help?*ak | |||
| 05/07/2002 | 1 | 03/14/2002 | |
| Consumer states while driving from 35 or more mph the vehicle would intermittently cut off without warning, the vehicle has been to the dealer on three occasions and they were unable to duplicate the problem, the consumer feels excessive heat on his feet while driving, the dealer indicated that all shields are in place, sunroof button is ionperative. *nlm | |||
| 03/01/2002 | 6 | 10/12/2001 | |
| Consumer states while driving vehicle will just stall without any warning, will start back up after sitting for about half an hour. contacted dealer. cannot fix problem.*jb consumer stated that all electrical parts fail to operate when the vehicle stall. the dealer replaced many parts but the problem was not solved. *yh | |||
| 07/05/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2002 | |
| At approx three hours after purchasing our new focus, we where driving on the freeway. the vehicle began to jerk, and the speedometer went from 60 to 140, and returned to zero. the vehicle then came to a stall. we then noticed that the check engine light came on, the fuel cap, and the engine services soon. we were able to restart the vehicle, but approx 5 minutes later, the engine shut off. we then return the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. the services department stated that the causes was a loose grounds, and incomplete cir. the services department corrections were diag. led to loose ground connections near battery. a few days later the vehicle did not want to start, and it took 2 attempt's to start the vehicle.*ak | |||
| 02/21/2002 | 2 | 02/01/2002 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2002 | |||
| Vehicle would stall while making turns. dealer was notified, and vehicle was returned back to dealer. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 06/06/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2002 | |
| Driving down freeway at 70, engine cut out completely. was able to restart briefly, but engine died after idling for 20 seconds. all other electrical systems work. engine turns over, but will not fire. not a problem with fuel cap, no fuel or fuel shutoff valve.*ak | |||
| While driving at a low speed vehicle will stall without warning. dealer has been notified. mechanic has serviced vehicle several times; however, cannot seem to find or correct the problem.*ak | |||
| 05/14/2002 | |||
| Vehicle will vibrate, and stall while driving. dealer contacted, cannot fix problem.*ak | |||
| 05/05/2002 | 2 | 10/01/2001 | |
| 2002 ford focus completely shutdown while driving 40 mph and did not start up. towed to albion ford for repairs. albion ford repaired it. (two weeks at the dealer). picked up car on friday (5/2/02) and shutdown again on sunday (5/5/02). towed to jackson ford. currently at jackson ford for same problem.*ak | |||
| 03/04/2002 | 1 | 03/12/2000 | |
| While driving 45mph, in the snow vehcle suddenly lost all power, including electrical. vehicle was able to be restarted. took to dealer, and vehicle was placed on both the diagnostic and data recorder machine, nothing was found to cause power lost after one week.*ak | |||
| 12/12/2001 | 2 | 11/01/2001 | |
| While driving, it becomes very unstable when moving over bumpy roads, manholes. it also becomes very erratic when roads are wet. took to dealer several times. the problem has not been resolved. nlm vehicle starts and then stalls in am. dealer could not duplicate customer concern. *tt | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 12/25/2002 | 16000 | 4 | 06/15/2002 |
| It all started on christmas day of 2002. my car was only 6 months old and the starter went out. about four months later i began to have problems with the automatic locks. sometimes the doors would lock all by themselves and at other times they would not lock at all. i reported this problem to the dealership and the service rep informed me that they could do nothing about it unless it was acting up at the time i brought it in. well, by the time i would get to the dealership everything was ok again. on the 7th of july i took my car to have the oil changed. when i left the dealership all the gauges on my dash were flipping all the way to the right and coming back again. and my battery light was on. i went right back to service dept. they drove the car and (surprise!) it would not do it again. they said they may have spilled some coolant on the belt and it was just losing voltage. as soon as the coolant wore off it should not do it again. on july17 i was driving my car and i looked at my gages and none of them were working. it was just like the car was not even started. i made a u-turn and went to the service dept. they told me to bring in the next day and they would give me a rental car until they could find the problem. the same afternoon they call me and tell my car is ready. i ask if they have fixed the problem and the rep informs me that they could find nothing wrong with the car (after only one day with it!). well they must think i'm some kind of hypochondriac for my car! i told her that i was not coming to get that car until they found the problem and fixed it. i can not tell how fast i am going and i'm sure they wouldn't like to pay for any speeding tickets.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 03/04/2009 | 640000 | 1 | |
| Details: the car's check engine light came on and started stalling, had it checked and was told it needed a timing belt and tune up. after $1400 later and still the same problem that the car was only running on 3 cylinders and was recommended to put an additive in the engine to try to loosen up stuck valves... still same problem . then tearing the engine apart found damage done to # 4 cylinder . *tr | |||
| 08/21/2008 | 190000 | 1 | |
| We bought this two yrs ago from ford dealership and up to the date it broke down not one problem . we do all the maintenance plus some all buy certified mechanics . this was our only car . the engine blew at under 200xxxkm . these are all highway km as we are commuters . there is no way this engine should have blown at that many km without some kind of warning sign . before the day it blew there were no knocks nothing ran like a top . we have never taken this car over 100km on the highway as its our only mode of transportation . we still owe 140000 on this hunk of crap . im just wondering if this is the norm for the focus engines . im just baffled because like i said there was absolutely no warning signs up till the morning it happened it started to sputter and lose power . the misses dropped me off at work made it to the shop barely and its never started since . the mechanic says there is no compression in number 4 cylinder and it was just in the shop for a tune up maybe a month tops before this happened . any help or info would help . there aren't that many out there that care about the little man so i'll take any help or advise i can get . thx tania and derrek eberlie *tr | |||
| 10/15/2002 | 15002 | ||
| Problem i'm still having and was reported to dealership is car pulls to left, ( not corrected) back end of car or tires bounce on road and especially when hitting a bump, cannot stay on road in slush or snow, back end is all over road, ( nothing done) tires are completely groved in many spots on the tires, caused by rear end bouncing on road, firestone won't replace they say it is focas's rear end and it wears out the tires, dealer or ford won't do anything about rear end or tires, car vibrates badly, rear doors barley open are so stiff, looks like door locks are coroaded nothing was done by dealership even though they said they lubricated, nothing is on the locks to show lubrication of locks. | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| While traveling on the highway and without prior warning there was an odor coming from inside of the vent area. *ak | |||
| 11/23/2003 | |||
| There was a bad odor in the vehicle that made the occupants sick. the smell existed even when the air vents were closed but worsened when they were open. the dealership could not locate the of the odor. *nlm | |||
| 02/11/2003 | 8500 | 10 | 10/15/2002 |
| 2002 ford focus will not run in sub zero weather due to condensation in the exhaust system. the fix is to drill holes in the exhaust and let out the water. this change in back pressure, salt in the system, fuel efficiency, and leakage of exhaust into passanger compartment had not been determined. this modification should only be performed after factory certification. | |||
| 09/02/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2002 | |
| Just completed 3 hour trip in heavy rain. had driven through area of road with several inches of water. while vehicle approached from opposite direction the resulting splash caused the engine to fail. towed car to a local ford dealer and they said the cause of the engine failure was due to too much water in the engine. we also found out that the air intake valve is located near the bottom of the front bumper. this has caused us to need a new engine on a car that we haven't even had for three months. ford refuses to pay for a new engine and insists it isn't a design flaw. the insurance adjuster stated that it is odd that the engine would fail due to water intake.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 03/01/2005 | 1 | 04/25/2002 | |
| I own a 2002 ford focus with approximately 44,000 miles. i recently had to replace the evaporator core which cost me $900.00, i was quoted a price of $1,100.00 through the ford dealer. i would expect that a major part like this would have a longer life than this. the ford dealer refused to sell the part to an outside source and stated they were saving the 11 they had on hand for their own customers, as this part has been a problem in the focuses. we had to pay an additional $50.00 to special order. if this is the case than why hasn't there been a recall on this part. i feel i should not be replacing major parts on a vehicle with only 44,000 miles on and another 3 years of payments.*jb | |||
| 06/10/2004 | 5 | 09/03/2002 | |
| Check engine light comong on, had it in shop 5 to 7 times and they say it is the evap system, shut off the light and send me out the door!! what is up with that? *ak | |||
| 10/01/2002 | 1 | 09/01/2002 | |
| Nar 03/13/2003 the consumer has requested that the vehicle go under evaluation by ford to detect problems on the vehicle that was not identified after going on the diagnostic machine, because the certified inspector identified raw gas in the tail pipe and the smell was becoming intolerant. the consumer wants further investigating . *cb *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||
| 06/10/2006 | 1 | 02/26/2002 | |
| Exhaust gas return (egr) line failed at exhaust manifold mounting flang . this failure allows carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to seep into the passenger compartment of the focus. co poising can cause: 1)death a) the driver of the ford focus passes out and dies in a crash b) the driver of the ford focus dies from co poising 2)organ failure it is interesting to note that you can't attach a photomicrograph's to this complaint form? *jb | |||
| 05/17/2004 | 17000 | 1 | |
| Heat shield dropped while driving on west ridge road causing sparks. it ruptured the fuel line which caused the fuel to spew all over the road. 911 contacted, road closed and taco bell where the vehicle was moved, was evacuated due to the massive fuel leak and fumes. dealership contacted, tow truck picked up vehicle.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 08/09/2004 | 13000 | 1 | 03/20/2002 |
| This is a complaint made to the ford company on 11-18-2004. dear ms. andrea hollis, mr. constance stevens has forwarded to my home both your letters that were dated october 12, 2004 and november 3, 2004. your letters were written in addressing my original complaint (file no.: 1670904, vin#: 3fafp3131332r167333) regarding the safety feature of the 2002 ford focus vehicle my daughter purchased from the jacob twin ford dealership, located at 6750 w. grand avenue, chicago, il united states 60707, phone (866) 276-4943. i would like to clarify that i am not only complaining about the ?leak? and ?rust? problem, but i also deeply concerned about the fact, which i discovered after i came back home from chicago in september 2004, that there is no weather strip at all under the hood. because of this lacking of a weather strip, the salty vapors may have been sucked into the engine compartment during the winter seasons in chicago causing rusting problem. i have requested that ford must investigate this potential safety hazard and make up recalls to install a weather strip to fix this safety-related problem.*ak | |||