IllustrationON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN EXITING FREEWAY OR FAST LANE CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND HESITATE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID PAN WAS REMOVED, AT THAT TIME THE CONSUMER NOTICED PIECES OF MATERIAL IN THE OIL PAN AFTER THE SERVICE THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HESITATE. *TT *NLM *DT
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
Power Train complaints
90 reportsI PURCHASED THIS FORD FOCUS IN MARCH 2001. IN MAY 2001 I WENT BACK TO PHIL LONG FORD BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY. PERIODICALLY I WOULD BE DRIVING ALONG AND THE CAR WOULD ACT AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT PHIL LONG THAT I SPOKE WITH AT THIS TIME WENT WITH ME FOR A TEST DRI…
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I PURCHASED THIS FORD FOCUS IN MARCH 2001. IN MAY 2001 I WENT BACK TO PHIL LONG FORD BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY. PERIODICALLY I WOULD BE DRIVING ALONG AND THE CAR WOULD ACT AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT PHIL LONG THAT I SPOKE WITH AT THIS TIME WENT WITH ME FOR A TEST DRIVE IN THIS CAR AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. HE SAID NOTHING COULD BE DONE UNLESS THEY COULD EXPERIENCE WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE CAR. I TOLD HIM THE CAR WAS SLIPPING, SKIPPING, AND TWICE WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE CAR LOST POWER. HE TOLD ME WHAT I HAD SAID DID NOT MAKE SENSE AND UNLESS THEY COULD EXPERIENCE THIS MALFUNCTION THEY COULD ONLY GUESS IT WAS ONE OF THE COMPUTERS IN THE CAR ADJUSTING FOR A ROAD CONDITION. THIS SERVICE REP DISMISSED ME AS BEING A STUPID WOMAN. TODAY, DECEMBER 31, 2001, I WENT TO MY CAR AT 7:00AM THIS MORING TO GO TO WORK AND WHEN I TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL IT WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT COME BACK UP. I MANAGED DRIVING AT 2MPH TO PHIL LONG FORD WHERE I SAT FOR 2 1/2 HOURS BEFORE THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IS A BROKEN CABLE. I AM SO FURIOUS WITH PHIL LONG FORD I FILED A COMPLAINT VIA E-MAIL WITH FORD MOTOR CO. AS I THOUGHT MORE ABOUT THIS SITUATION THROUGHOUT THE DAY I REALIZED HOW FORTUNATE I WAS THAT THE CABLE BROKE WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE I LIVE. SUPPOSE THIS HAD (AND IT PROBABLY HAS TO OTHERS) OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALONG. SUPPOSE THIS HAD HAPPENED ONE OF THE TWO TIMES THIS CAR LOST POWER AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG A VERY BUSY ROAD? I WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I THINK FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY LOSING AT LEAST ONE VACATION DAY FOR WORK POSSIBLY TWO OR MORE DAYS BECAUSE PHIL LONG CAN NOT GIVE ME ANY GUARANTEE WHEN THIS CAR WILL BE FIXED BECAUSE OF THE HOLIDAY. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE ON FORD AND PHIL LONG FORD PART.*AK
MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAKES CLATTERING NOISE AT IDLE SPEED. TRANSMISSION DIFFICULT TO SHIFT AND GRINDS GEARS. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, ENGINE SPUTTERS AS IF IT IS GOING TO STALL. INSTRUMENT LIGHTS FLICKER DUE TO LOW ALTERNATOR RPM. IDLE THEN INCREASES.*AK
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE, WHEN SOMEONE BACKED UP INTO MY CAR, THEY ONLY MOVED 3 FEET DIDN'T DO ANY DAMAGE TO TEH BUMPBER, BUT FROM THAT SLIGHT HIT IT SENT MY CAR FREE WHEELING IN PARK 175 FEET, ACROSS A ROAD, AND SLAMMING INTO 3 TREES TOTALLING OUT THE REAR OF THE CAR. LUCK…
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I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE, WHEN SOMEONE BACKED UP INTO MY CAR, THEY ONLY MOVED 3 FEET DIDN'T DO ANY DAMAGE TO TEH BUMPBER, BUT FROM THAT SLIGHT HIT IT SENT MY CAR FREE WHEELING IN PARK 175 FEET, ACROSS A ROAD, AND SLAMMING INTO 3 TREES TOTALLING OUT THE REAR OF THE CAR. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT NOR IN THE CAR AT THE TIME FO THIS ACCIDENT. WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR I EXPECTED TO SEE THE GEER SHIFTER BROKEN BUT IT WASN'T IT STILL WORKED. MY CAR WAS THE WAY I LEFT IT JUST 175 FEET DOWN TEH ROAD. THIS IS NOT RIGHT! TWO OF TEH MAIN SAFETY FEATURE FAILED ON THIS CAR. FORD SENT OUT AN INVESTIGARTOR WHO LOOKED OVER THE CAR, PUSHED ON THE CAR WITH THEIR HANDS, BUT NEVER TOOK THE TRANSMISSION APRT TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY DAMAGE. NOW FORD SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND IT IS PERFECTLY SAFE. I AM VERY UNHAPPY, I AM STUCH WITH A CAR I DON'T WANT ANY MORE, DONT TRUST, AND NOW BECUASE OF THE DAMAGE UNABLE TO TRADE IN. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAR SINCE OCT OF 2000. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE CAR AND FORD IS JUST TRYING TO COVER IT UP.*AK
CAR WAS PARKED, TRANSMISSION WAS IN "PARK" KEYS OUT OF CAR. A CAR BACKED INTO MY PARKED CAR HITTING THE FRONT BUMPER. MY CAR WAS ONLY 3 FEET FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT HIT ME AND THE BACKING CAR BACKED UP SLOWLY AND ONLY CAUSING A SMALL SCRACH ON THE BUMPER. AFTER THE 2 CARS BUMPED, MY CAR BEGAN TO ROLL AND CONTINUED TO ROL…
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CAR WAS PARKED, TRANSMISSION WAS IN "PARK" KEYS OUT OF CAR. A CAR BACKED INTO MY PARKED CAR HITTING THE FRONT BUMPER. MY CAR WAS ONLY 3 FEET FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT HIT ME AND THE BACKING CAR BACKED UP SLOWLY AND ONLY CAUSING A SMALL SCRACH ON THE BUMPER. AFTER THE 2 CARS BUMPED, MY CAR BEGAN TO ROLL AND CONTINUED TO ROLL DOWN A SLOW GRADE AND PICKED UP SPEED. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR ATEMPTED TO STOP MY CAR BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET IN SENCE THE DOORS WERE LOCKED. HE ALSO ATEMPTED TO GET THE FRONT TIRES TO TURN AND COULD NOT. MY CAR THEN STRUCK A STAND OF TREES DISTORYING THE REAR END. MY CAR ROLLED OVER 120 FEET FROM THE SPOT IT WAS PARKED IN. WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR, I CHECKED THE SHIFTER TO SEE IF IT HAD BEEN MOVED OUT OF "PARK" IT WAS STILL IN "PARK" AND I SHOOK IT TO MAKE SURE IT WAS. I THEN STARTED THE CAR WITH OUT ANY PROBLEM AND MOVED IT BACK TO WERE IT WAS PARKED. THE CAR DROVE AND ACTED FINE, I EVEN HAD 2 OTHER PEOPLE ROCK THE CAR TO SEE IF WE COULD GET IT TO JUMP OUT OF GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT. I THEN CALLED A FORD DEAL WHERE I WAS TOLD "THATS NOT A PROBLEM, IF YOUR CAR GETS HIT IT CAN JUMP OUT OF PARK". BEING A POLICE OFFICER MY SELF FOR OVER 18 YEARS AND IN THAT TIME WITH ALL THE ACCDENTS I HAVE SEE I HAVE YET TO SEE ONE WHERE A CAR WITH A AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS HIT AND CAUSE IT TO COME OUT OF "PARK" EVEN WHEN IT WAS HIT AT OVER 50 MILES AN HOUR. MY CAR WAS HIT AT LESS THAN 1 MILE AN HOUR AND IT JUMPS OUT OF GEAR? BUT I REALLY CAN'T SAY IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR SENCE IT WAS STILL IN PARK THE HOLE TIME IT WAS ROLLING DOWN HILL AND WAS FOUND IN "PARK" AFTER IT CAME TO A STOP. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM AND I THANK GOD MY CAR WAS NOT PARKED WHERE IT COULD OF ROLLED OUT INTO A MAJOR INTERSECTION AND CAUSE THE DEATH OF ONE OF MINE OR SOMEONE ELSES FAMILY MEMBER. *AK
SOME OF THE BRAKE COMPONENTS ARE COVERED IN RUST, DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO A PROTECTANT NOT BEING USED DURING MANUFACTURING, RUST IS VERY SEVERE AND ALXES ARE BEGINNING TO RUST, CONSUMER IS VERY CONCERNED, DEALER WILL NOT MAKE REPAIRS UNLESS CONSUMER PAYS FOR COSTS OR UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED. *SLC
DRIPPING FROM PASS. SIDE HEAT VENT DURING A/C USE OR RAIN, SEVERE RATTLING FROM TRANSMISSION DURING ACCELERATION OR AT IDLE WITH CLUTCH OUT, WHEN CLUTCH IS PRESSED THE NOISE GOES AWAY, FRONT END OUT OF ALIGNMENT, PULLS TO THE RIGHT. *AK
TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN GOING FROM REVERSE TO PARK.*AK
MANUAL TRANSMISSION IS LOUD AND COARSE. GEAR CLATTER PROMINANT AT ALL SPEEDS. OCCASIONALLY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. *AK
ENGINE EXPERIENCING SEVERAL PROBLEMS, VEHICLE IS STALLING AND THEN NOT STARTING, OIL IS LEAKING, THE ENGINE RACES, AND VEHICLE RUNS HARD. *SLC
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.