NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
243 reportsClear category filter93,000 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER A MINUTE IT WOULD NOT START UP. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE HOOD WHICH SOON BECAME A FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER A MINUTE IT WOULD NOT START UP. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE HOOD WHICH SOON BECAME A FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 93,000. UPDATED 6/21/10 *CN UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10327574
110,000 miles · Apr 8, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, OtherLatches/locks/linkages
I HAVE HAD MY FORD FOCUS WAGON FOR THREE YEARS NOW. I HAD TO REPAIR A ALOT OF THINGS ON THIS CAR! TRANNY, ALTERNATOR, FUEL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND THE ONLY DOOR THAT OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE IS THE PASSENGER RIGHT FRONT, WHICH MY KIDS HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH TO GET TO THE BACK BECAUSE BOTH BACK DOORS BROKE NOT EVEN FOUR MONTHS FROM T…
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I HAVE HAD MY FORD FOCUS WAGON FOR THREE YEARS NOW. I HAD TO REPAIR A ALOT OF THINGS ON THIS CAR! TRANNY, ALTERNATOR, FUEL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND THE ONLY DOOR THAT OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE IS THE PASSENGER RIGHT FRONT, WHICH MY KIDS HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH TO GET TO THE BACK BECAUSE BOTH BACK DOORS BROKE NOT EVEN FOUR MONTHS FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. ALSO THE DRIVER DOOR ONLY OPENS FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF THE COMPANIES DEFECTED CAR DOOR HANDLES. MY FRIEND HAS THE SAME CAR, AND ITS THE SAME WAY. NOT MENTIONING HOW EVERYTIME I STOP IT DIES OUT AND I HAVE TO TRY AND KEEP STARTING IT. IT SEEMS THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324583
Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
IGNITION STICKS AND MOVES AROUND, HORN FELL COMPLETELY OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR AND HIT SOMEONE'S CAR, THE FAN BOX AND ALL FELL COMPLETELY OFF AND DOWN, BACKFIRING STALLING RATTLING VIBRATES FRONT RIGHT SIDE AROUND TIRE AREA RATTLES HORRIBLY, CHECK ENG. LIGHT STAYS ON MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR IS BAD TRANSMISSION SENSOR IS BAD LIGHTER …
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IGNITION STICKS AND MOVES AROUND, HORN FELL COMPLETELY OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR AND HIT SOMEONE'S CAR, THE FAN BOX AND ALL FELL COMPLETELY OFF AND DOWN, BACKFIRING STALLING RATTLING VIBRATES FRONT RIGHT SIDE AROUND TIRE AREA RATTLES HORRIBLY, CHECK ENG. LIGHT STAYS ON MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR IS BAD TRANSMISSION SENSOR IS BAD LIGHTER STOPPED WORKING CAR COMPLETELY GOES DEAD SPITS SPUTTERS, MANIFOLD PIPE BROKE SO NOW ITS LOUD. ITS ALL DAY LONG NON STOP PERIOD WE HAVE REPLACE SEVERAL SENSORS AND TUBES AND WIRES FOR IT DOESN'T WORK NOT GETTING THE GAS MILEAGE I SHOULD AND I HAVE HAD IT 11 MONTHS BUT HARDLY DOVE IT 3 TOTAL ALL TOGETHER I CANT AFFORD ANY THING ELSE TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS 3 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT ITS BEEN PURE ?!@#$%. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297006
97,000 miles · Nov 19, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REAR DOOR HANDLES WHICH WERE REPAIRED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 05V030000). THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR CAME OPEN DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER TO TAKE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REAR DOOR HANDLES WHICH WERE REPAIRED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE (SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 05V030000). THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR CAME OPEN DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WOULD FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECT. REPAIRS TO THE PASSENGER DOOR WERE SCHEDULED WITH THE DEALER AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND WAS REPLACED PER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #10292879
130,000 miles · Jul 30, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CONNECTING ROD BROKE IN THE ENGINE. OUR MECHANIC SAID THAT ALMOST ALL 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW I HAVE 130,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT I KEPT UP WITH ALL RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE. JUST LUCKY WE MADE IT HOME SAFE. IF THERE IS SUCH A PROBLEM WITH MOST FOCUS WHY WASN'T IT FIXED BY FORD BEFORE A BREAK DOWN AND LOS…
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THE CONNECTING ROD BROKE IN THE ENGINE. OUR MECHANIC SAID THAT ALMOST ALL 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW I HAVE 130,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT I KEPT UP WITH ALL RECALLS AND MAINTENANCE. JUST LUCKY WE MADE IT HOME SAFE. IF THERE IS SUCH A PROBLEM WITH MOST FOCUS WHY WASN'T IT FIXED BY FORD BEFORE A BREAK DOWN AND LOST OF MY VEHICLE. *TFR
NHTSA ODI #10278799
61,000 miles · Jun 9, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
OUR DAUGHTERS 2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE, BURNED INTO THE CABIN. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A LOT. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT OUR DAUGHTER WAS NOT INJURED, NOR THAT ANYONE …
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OUR DAUGHTERS 2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE, BURNED INTO THE CABIN. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A LOT. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT OUR DAUGHTER WAS NOT INJURED, NOR THAT ANYONE ELSE OR PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED. SHE HAD ONLY BEEN OUT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 4-6 MINUTES BEFORE IT ERUPTED IN FLAMES. PRIOR TO THAT THE CAR APPEARED TO DRIVE FINE. NO SMELLS, NO WARNING LIGHTS. VERY SCARY. I FELT THAT I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE, AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY, APPEARS TO WANT TO JUST SETTLE THE CLAIM, WITH NO INVESTIGATION. HOW ARE WE TO MAKE CARS SAFER, IF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, DON'T NOTIFY ANYONE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10273187
118,000 miles · May 28, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY HIGH. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY HIGH. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REFUSED DUE TO THE COST. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE AFTERMARKET PARTS WERE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE PARTS CONSISTED OF THE PCV VALVE AND FUEL FILTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER CONDUCTED A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS THE STALLING IN THE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES MENTIONED IN THE CAMPAIGN, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
NHTSA ODI #10270240
107,000 miles · Mar 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE ENGINE SNAPED AND NOW THE CAR IS NO LONGER WORKING. HOWEVER PRIOR TO THAT IT WOULD IDLE ACTING AS IF IT WAS STALLING OUT AND MAKING NOISES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10262237
127,923 miles · Nov 25, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS, WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE IN PLACE, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPAIR. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS, WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE IN PLACE, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPAIR. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE TWO DAYS LATER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE PAPERWORK STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ONE WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR, BUT THEY REFUSED TO TAKE HER CALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE NEVER REPLACED AND WOULD COST $3,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,923 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA ODI #10249775
44,959 miles · Oct 9, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING ONTO PAVEMENT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FOR FEAR OF OVERHEATING TOOK IT INTO A PEP BOYS AS WAS CLOSEST REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING (PLASTIC I MIGHT ADD) WAS FAULTY AND WITH PARTS AND LABOR IT CAME TO $455 FOR THE JOB. THE NEAREST FORD DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NEED 2 DAYS TO EVEN LOOK AT TH…
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NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING ONTO PAVEMENT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FOR FEAR OF OVERHEATING TOOK IT INTO A PEP BOYS AS WAS CLOSEST REPAIR FACILITY. THEY FOUND THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING (PLASTIC I MIGHT ADD) WAS FAULTY AND WITH PARTS AND LABOR IT CAME TO $455 FOR THE JOB. THE NEAREST FORD DEALER SAID THEY WOULD NEED 2 DAYS TO EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10244993
Official recalls
7Feb 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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