IllustrationDT: THE IGNITION CYLINDER FAILED TWICE. IT FAILED IN 2003 AND IN 2005. FORD TELS ME THERE IS HIGH FAILURE RATE ON THESE CYLINDERS. THE KEY LOCKS UP, AND YOU CAN'T GET THE KEY OUT. AND YOU CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL. *AK
2001 Ford Focus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Focus years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Ford Focus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 864.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Focus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1350–25K
25825–50K
20050–75K
14775–100K
157100–150K
56150K+
953 reports with mileage · 808 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 496 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 277 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 243 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
172 crash reports47 fire reports110 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
496 reports3 TIMES IN 1 WEEK, MY IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK. THE KEY TURNS, THE CAR STARTS, BUT WILL NOT COME OUT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 1 MONTH AND IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 48K MILES ON IT. AFTER EXTENSIVE INTERNET RESEARCH AND SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FOCUS PROBLEM.
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 DEPA…
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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.
ON SATURDAY 5/14/2005 THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY WELL MAINTAINED FORD FOCUS SE, 2001, (EQUIPPED WITH A ZENTEC ENGINE), GOT FIRE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THAT DESCRIBED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS IN THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES: HTTP://WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/ARCHANGEL_JJN/ HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_FIRES.HTML THE…
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ON SATURDAY 5/14/2005 THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY WELL MAINTAINED FORD FOCUS SE, 2001, (EQUIPPED WITH A ZENTEC ENGINE), GOT FIRE IN A FASHION SIMILAR TO THAT DESCRIBED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS IN THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES: HTTP://WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/ARCHANGEL_JJN/ HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS_FIRES.HTML THE DAMAGES OCCURRED TO MY FOCUS ARE CLOSE TO THOSE GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBED IN THE PICTURES OF THE SECOND WEB SITE. THE FACT THAT THIS OCCURRED ON A PARKING LOT A BLOCK AWAY FROM A FIRE STATION PREVENTED FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. BUT HAD THIS OCCURRED ON MY HOUSE'S COVERED GARAGE, THE WHOLE HOUSE HAD BURNED. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR IS SIMILAR TO THE SITUATION DESCRIBED IN THE NHTSA 02V288000 CAMPAIGN. BUT MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON AUGUST 2003, AND THEREFORE DOES NOT QUALIFY TO THE VOLUNTARY FORD RECALL TO DEAL WITH THIS SITUATION. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE REFERRED WEB SITES, THIS IS HE SAME SITUATION REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS CASE TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY, ALLSTATE, CLAIM NUMBER 179019215. THE ADJUSTER IS MR. RUBEN ROMERO @ 800 733-8910 X4385. AS ALLSTATE SUGGESTED, I ALSO CONTACTED FORD. YESTERDAY, I WAS INFORMED BY ALLSTATE THAT MY ACCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOST. ON MONDAY 5/16/2005, I CONTACTED MR. MCCLUSTER, FROM THE TIPTON FORD DEALERSHIP, WHO PHOTOGRAPHED MY PICTURES FROM THE FIRE. HE ASSURED ME THAT HE WAS GOING TO LOG THE INCIDENT INTO THE SYSTEMA AND ASK ME TO CONTACT FORD AT 866 436-7332. WHEN I CALLED THAT NUMBER, THE SAME DAY, I TALKED TO ANDREW, EMPLOYER NUMBER 3176. HE GAVE THE CLAIM NUMBER 0422761365 AND INDICATED THAT FORD WAS GOING TO CONTACT ON TWO DAYS. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE CALL. IN MY OPINION FORD DID NOT FULLY FIXED THE CAUSES OF THE NHTSA 02V288000 CAMPAIGN AND THAT WAS THE REASON FOR MY CAR'S FIRE. THUS, FORD SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN ALL FOCUS VEHICLES SUFFERING FROM THIS PROBLEM AND IT ALSO MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL PROPERTY DAMAGE.
2001 FORD FOCUS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT BRAKES, FUEL PUMP, BATTERY, SWAY BARS AND TIRES. *MR THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES FIVE TIMES, THE RADIATOR WENT OUT, THE THERMOSTAT AND SENSORS PERTAINING TO THE ENGINE LIGHT AD GONE OUT, THE FUEL PUMP AND THE BATTERY WENT OUT AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE PR…
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2001 FORD FOCUS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT BRAKES, FUEL PUMP, BATTERY, SWAY BARS AND TIRES. *MR THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES FIVE TIMES, THE RADIATOR WENT OUT, THE THERMOSTAT AND SENSORS PERTAINING TO THE ENGINE LIGHT AD GONE OUT, THE FUEL PUMP AND THE BATTERY WENT OUT AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. CURRENTLY THE STARTER SHOWED SIGNS OF GOING OUT AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED SWAY BARS AND 4 TIRES. *SC
2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION CYLINDER BROKE, PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE EQUIPMENT, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SWAY BAR BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.*MR THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE STEEL BELTS WERE SHOWING THROUGH THE FRONT TIRES AT 54000 MILES. THE SENSOR WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATED…
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2001 FORD FOCUS IGNITION CYLINDER BROKE, PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE EQUIPMENT, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SWAY BAR BUSHING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.*MR THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE STEEL BELTS WERE SHOWING THROUGH THE FRONT TIRES AT 54000 MILES. THE SENSOR WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATED WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE BATTERY, RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT AND FUEL PUMP ALSO FAILED. *NM
CONTACT STATED: WHEN THE KEY WAS PUT IN THE IGNITION THE KEY BECAME STUCK. THE CAR WAS AT THE FORD DEALER. AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. FORD TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, FORD WAS REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND SEAT BELT.*AK
IGNITION CYLINDER ON 2001 FORD FOCUS LOCKED AND UNABLE TO TURN KEY. *AK
ON 2 SEPARATE OCCATIONS WITHIN 1 YEAR THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. LOCKED UP. FORD REPLACED BOTH TIMES. *AK
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY RECALLS CAN A CAR HAVE BEFORE IT IS A LEMON! MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS HAD EVERY PROBLEM OUT THERE AND MORE THAN HALF OF THEM, I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR. IN THE 4 YEARS I?VE OWNED THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AT MY COST DUE TO STALLING, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP?S FAULT, SO…
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I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY RECALLS CAN A CAR HAVE BEFORE IT IS A LEMON! MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS HAD EVERY PROBLEM OUT THERE AND MORE THAN HALF OF THEM, I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR. IN THE 4 YEARS I?VE OWNED THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AT MY COST DUE TO STALLING, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP?S FAULT, SO THAT WAS REPLACED; THE STRUTS REPLACED AT MY COST AFTER THEY CAUSED MY FRONT TIRE TO EXPLODE ON THE FREEWAY; THE BUSHINGS WORKED ON 3 TIMES YET THE SUSPENSION STILL MAKES A VERY FRIGHTENING NOISE EVERY TIME I DRIVE. IMAGINE MY SURPRISE (OR SHOULD I TRUTHFULLY SAY, LACK OF?) WHEN I RECEIVED YET ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. *AK
Official recalls
705V030000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Feb 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
03V482000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
Nov 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
02V288000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
Nov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. 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.
02V289000 · Steering:linkages
Nov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
01V258000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
Aug 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
01V108000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Mar 28, 2001
PM CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING AN IN-PROCESS TEST AND THE OCCUPANT MAY NOTICE A CHUCKING, OR PERCEIVED LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK, OR THE SEAT BACK COULD UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
00V418000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Dec 14, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
9AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
EA02022 · Engine Stalling
Opened Sep 9, 2002 · Closed Jan 16, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
EA02023 · Front Susp Collapse/wheel Separation
Opened Sep 9, 2002 · Closed Feb 19, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Suspension:front:control Arm
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA02017 · Burn Injuries Due To Air Bag Deployment
Opened Aug 16, 2002 · Closed Aug 15, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
ALL OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGE AN INCIDENT IN WHICH DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG CAUSED SOME TYPE OF BURN INJURY.MOST OF THESE INJURIES ARE DUE TO CONTACT AND/OR ABRASION WITH THE AIR BAG AND ARE OF RELATIVELY MINOR TO MODERATE SEVERITY.IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME DRIVERS MAY HAVE SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO THE SKIN AS A RESULT OF HOT GASES EXHAUSTING FROM THE VENTS OF THE AIR BAGS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, BUT THE NUMBER OF SUCH INCIDENTS APPEARS TO BE LOW.FURTHER DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION ARE CONTAINED IN SUBSEQUENT PAGES OF THIS REPORT.BASED ON THE ABOVE, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA02014 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jul 31, 2002 · Closed Nov 13, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE02044 · Front Suspension Lower Control Arm
Opened May 1, 2002 · Closed Sep 9, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE02040 · Engine Stalling
Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Sep 9, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF THIS PE IS LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.STALLING MAY OCCUR AT LOW SPEED OR HIGH SPEED.AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE THE AVERAGE VEHICLE MILEAGE IS 30,000 MILES.BECAUSE THESE VEHICLES STALL AND/OR HESITATE UNPREDICTABLY, AN INCREASED RISK IS INHERENT TO THESE VEHICLES.IF A DRIVER EXPECTING THIS VEHICLE TO PERFORM AS DESIGNED, IS TRYING TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION OR MERGE INTO TRAFFIC WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLS IT PLACES ALL MOTORISTS WITHIN THE AREA AT RISK.A DISABLED VEHICLE IS VULNERABLE TO COLLISIONS NOT ONLY WITHIN THE ROADWAY, BUT ALSO ALONG SIDE THE ROAD AS IT WAITS FOR ASSISTANCE.
PE02026 · Inappropriate Air Bag Deployment
Opened Feb 28, 2002 · Closed Sep 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
PE02020 · Air Bag Burn Injuries/vehicle Fires
Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 16, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
INFORMATION DISCLOSED DURING THIS PE SHOWS ALLEGATIONS OF BURN INJURIES RESULTING FROM ABRASION AND/OR TERMAL CAUSES.ALLEGATIONS OF CHEMICAL BURNS ALSO EXIST.SEVERAL INCIDENTS ALLEGE VEHICLES FIRES RESULTING FROM DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE COMPLEX ISSUES IN THIS MATTER.