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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

277 reports
Clear category filter
36,000 miles · Mar 30, 2005
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

THE FUEL FILTER GETS CLOGGED WHICH BLOCKS THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE, CAUSING STALLING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE FUEL FILTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN # 03V482000. THERE WAS BRAKE PULSATION, THE FRONT END CREAKS REALLY BAD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE NO PO…

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THE FUEL FILTER GETS CLOGGED WHICH BLOCKS THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE, CAUSING STALLING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE FUEL FILTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN # 03V482000. THERE WAS BRAKE PULSATION, THE FRONT END CREAKS REALLY BAD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE NO POWER AND OR STALL WHILE GOING 40-45 MPH. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113623

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

IGNITION FAILED ON MY 01 FORD FOCUS. KEY WOULDN'T TURN. STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. JUST OWNED THIS VEHICLE 2 WEEKS. A FEW DAYS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT I WAS BROKE DOWN DUE TO A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10114288

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE 2001 FORD FOCUS HAD FIVE RECALL NOTICES. *BF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED A STRONG FUEL SMELL. THE FUEL CAP LIGHT HAD COME ON. THE REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE. REFER TO RECALL CAMPAIGN# 03V482000. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113598

120,000 miles · Feb 3, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SMELL OF GAS INSIDE WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE DIES WHILE IDLE, SPUTTERING UPON STARTUP, ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE CAR WAS SERVICED ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND GETTING WORSE. FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED. FUEL INJECTOR CHECKED, WIRES CHECKED AND BATTERY CHECKED. FORD DEALERSHIP NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE. AS …

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ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SMELL OF GAS INSIDE WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE DIES WHILE IDLE, SPUTTERING UPON STARTUP, ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE CAR WAS SERVICED ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND GETTING WORSE. FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED. FUEL INJECTOR CHECKED, WIRES CHECKED AND BATTERY CHECKED. FORD DEALERSHIP NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE. AS OF TODAY THE CAR WILL NOT START. FORD SERVICE ADVISOR RECOMMEND THE CAR BE TOWED TO THEIR DEALERSHIP.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10108495

120,000 miles · Jan 23, 2005
Fuel System, GasolineLatches/locks/linkagesSeat Belts

SO MANY PROBLEMS DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START, OK LETS TALK ABOUT THE DOORS. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2001 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STARTED EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES. THE TRUNK WOULDN'T LATCH AND THE DOOR LIGHT WOULD BE ON OR IT WOULD LATCH BUT WOULDN'T COME OPEN WE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER THEY WOULD "ADJUST"IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM…

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SO MANY PROBLEMS DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START, OK LETS TALK ABOUT THE DOORS. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2001 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STARTED EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES. THE TRUNK WOULDN'T LATCH AND THE DOOR LIGHT WOULD BE ON OR IT WOULD LATCH BUT WOULDN'T COME OPEN WE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER THEY WOULD "ADJUST"IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WOULD BE BACK IN A DAY OR TWO, AND IT WAS GETTING WORSE. THE DOORS STARTED TO JAM,AND FLY OPEN WHILE MOVING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD US TO CALL FORD COMPANY COMPLAINT LINE AND THEY SAID IT WAS A MILEAGE PROBLEM,AND THEY EXPLICITLY SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP. WE HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE FORD MOTOR CO. MANY TIMES AND THEY ARE NO LONGER HELPING,EVEN THOUGH THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER SAID THE DOORS HAD INTERNAL DAMAGE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM AND THE LAST TIME OUR 9 YR.OLD WOULD HAVE FALLEN OUT OF THE CAR HAD HE NOT BEEN WEARING HIS SEATBELT. OH,YES THEN THERE IS THE SEATBELTS,BRAKE LINES, DOOR KNOBS,BRAKE ROTORS,FUEL PUMP,WHEEL BEARINGS THE LIST GOES ON WE HAVE A LEMON PLEASE CONTACT US TO HELP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10107751

36,000 miles · Jan 5, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

CAR SPUTTERED ON A SUNDAY MORNING (11/2004). ON MONDAY NIGHT THE CAR DIED. COULD TURN IGNITION, BUT NO FUEL GOT TO ENGINE. CALLED FORD SERICE CENTER, THEY WERE CLOSED. HAD PROBLEM FIXED (NEW FUEL PUMP) AT ANOTHER SERVICE STATION ($594). FOUND LETTER DATED 1/2004 STATING FORD WAS AWARE OF FAULTY FUEL PUMP, AND WAS OFFERING REPLA…

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CAR SPUTTERED ON A SUNDAY MORNING (11/2004). ON MONDAY NIGHT THE CAR DIED. COULD TURN IGNITION, BUT NO FUEL GOT TO ENGINE. CALLED FORD SERICE CENTER, THEY WERE CLOSED. HAD PROBLEM FIXED (NEW FUEL PUMP) AT ANOTHER SERVICE STATION ($594). FOUND LETTER DATED 1/2004 STATING FORD WAS AWARE OF FAULTY FUEL PUMP, AND WAS OFFERING REPLACEMENT COVERAGE FOR 10 YEARS. HAVE TRIED TO GET FORD TO REIMBURSE ME, BUT THEY DENY THE CLAIM, STATING IT WAS NOT AN EMERGENCY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10105830

77,000 miles · Dec 22, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS STALLED AGAIN. THIS IS ABOUT THE 4TH TIME. LOCAL MECHANIC FOUND PROBLEM TO BE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT IS ONLY BATTERY REPLACEMENT. I HAVE ALL OLD PARTS FROM RECENT SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS VEHICLE RECALLED. FOUND INTERNET ARTICLE THAT STATES THAT THIS IS NOT …

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MY 2001 FORD FOCUS HAS STALLED AGAIN. THIS IS ABOUT THE 4TH TIME. LOCAL MECHANIC FOUND PROBLEM TO BE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT IS ONLY BATTERY REPLACEMENT. I HAVE ALL OLD PARTS FROM RECENT SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS VEHICLE RECALLED. FOUND INTERNET ARTICLE THAT STATES THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL. HTTP://WWW.THEAUTOCHANNEL.COM/F/MANIA/REPAIR/NEWS.HTML?MANIA. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10104305

74,500 miles · Dec 14, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAD RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT MY CAR MAY NEED TO HAVE MY FUEL FILTER REPLACED DUE TO POSSIBLE HESITATION; HOWEVER, I WAS NOT TO HAVE THIS DONE UNLESS THE SYSTEM FAILED. ON MY WAY HOME FOR THANKSGIVING, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE, AND MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW...I LET OFF THE GAS, PRESSED ON THE GAS, AND FRANTICALLY PUMPED TH…

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I HAD RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT MY CAR MAY NEED TO HAVE MY FUEL FILTER REPLACED DUE TO POSSIBLE HESITATION; HOWEVER, I WAS NOT TO HAVE THIS DONE UNLESS THE SYSTEM FAILED. ON MY WAY HOME FOR THANKSGIVING, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE, AND MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW...I LET OFF THE GAS, PRESSED ON THE GAS, AND FRANTICALLY PUMPED THE GAS AS CARS PASSED ME GOING 80 MPH. WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILED, I WAS OUT OF STATE, 400 MILES FROM HOME, SITTING ALONG SIDE AN INTERSTATE FULL OF HOLIDAY TRAFFIC, BUT FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY CONCERN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102907

21,500 miles · Nov 29, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

2001 FORD FOCUS SE: TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM - JOE MEYERS FORD SUPPOSEDLY FOUND PCV VALVE PROBLEM AND ATTENDANT HOSE - REMOVED AND REPLACED - PERFORMED ADDTIONAL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATED WITH FORD ALERT RELATED TO FUEL PUMP FAILURES - TWO WEEKS LATER, ENGINE LIGHT REAPPEARS - VEHICLE RETURNED TO JOE…

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2001 FORD FOCUS SE: TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM - JOE MEYERS FORD SUPPOSEDLY FOUND PCV VALVE PROBLEM AND ATTENDANT HOSE - REMOVED AND REPLACED - PERFORMED ADDTIONAL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATED WITH FORD ALERT RELATED TO FUEL PUMP FAILURES - TWO WEEKS LATER, ENGINE LIGHT REAPPEARS - VEHICLE RETURNED TO JOE MEYERS FORD AND REPAIRS AFFECTED TO CORRECT SHODDY WORKMANSHIP OR OTHER SEAL LEAK ASSOCIATED WITH PREVIOUS FUEL PUMP REPAIR - LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LATER FUEL SYSTEM FAILED SPRAYING ENTIRE FUEL TANK CONTENTS ACROSS UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10100683

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

AFTER THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE RECALL 03V482000 WAS PERFORMED THE REPLACEMENT PART FAILED. THIS WAS VERIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP AFTER INSPECTION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10101489

Official recalls

7

05V030000 · 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

9

AQ10001 · 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.