NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,761 reports36,320 miles · Feb 11, 2010
EquipmentLatches/locks/linkages
TURNED OFF MY 2001 FORD FOCUS (WITH ONLY 36,320 MILES ON IT) AS USUAL AND WHEN I RETURNED TO CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO START IT UP, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY HAD TO DRILLED OUT THE TAB, AND BUILD AND INSTALL NEW KEY CYLINDER FOR A TOTAL OF $427.84. THEY DID NOT OFFER T…
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TURNED OFF MY 2001 FORD FOCUS (WITH ONLY 36,320 MILES ON IT) AS USUAL AND WHEN I RETURNED TO CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO START IT UP, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY HAD TO DRILLED OUT THE TAB, AND BUILD AND INSTALL NEW KEY CYLINDER FOR A TOTAL OF $427.84. THEY DID NOT OFFER THE OLD PART TO ME AND I DIDN'T THINK TO ASK FOR IT. THANKFULLY, IT HAPPENED DURING THE DAY WHILE I WAS AT MY DENTIST'S, AND NOT AT NIGHT AFTER WORK. HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT HAS BEEN FILED IN CALIFORNIA. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF THESE CARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308690
82,500 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I WAS DRIVING FROM HOME TO GO TO MY PARENT HOME. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO TRAFFIC. MY BRAKES FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN BY DOWN SHIFTING AND HAND BRAKES AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR GARAGE. THE REPAIR GARAGE FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE CYLINDER HAD BLOWN OUT AND WAS SQUIRTING BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER. …
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I WAS DRIVING FROM HOME TO GO TO MY PARENT HOME. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO TRAFFIC. MY BRAKES FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN BY DOWN SHIFTING AND HAND BRAKES AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR GARAGE. THE REPAIR GARAGE FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE CYLINDER HAD BLOWN OUT AND WAS SQUIRTING BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER. THIS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAD HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN JULY 2007 WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE CYLINDER HAD FAILED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE - ODI # 10304293. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND TAKE ACTION TO RECALL THIS SERIOUS LIFE DAMAGING COMPONENT ON A OTHERWISE GOOD VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304309
65,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SLOWED, THEREFORE, I USED BRAKES. THE BRAKES FAILED. I HAD BARELY ENOUGH TIME AND SPACE TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LANE AND THEREBY HITTING OTHER VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR GARAGE AND BODY SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE CYLIN…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SLOWED, THEREFORE, I USED BRAKES. THE BRAKES FAILED. I HAD BARELY ENOUGH TIME AND SPACE TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LANE AND THEREBY HITTING OTHER VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR GARAGE AND BODY SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE CYLINDER BLEW OUT AND THEREFORE BRAKES FAILURE. THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID ON THE FREEWAY. I AVOIDED KILLING MYSELF AND OTHERS DUE TO MY SAFE DRIVING TRAINING AT THE BARBER SCHOOL, GIVEN TO ME BY MY PARENTS WHEN I TURNED 18. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES SO OTHER PEOPLE WILL NOT DIE OR GET SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304293
82,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING, AND WANTED TO SHIFT TO LOWER GEAR (FROM 5TH TO 4TH - MANUAL TRANSMISSION) FOR BRAKING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN THE 5TH GEAR. I USED THE CLUTCH TO COAST TO A SAFE STOP AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A SERVICE LOCATION. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT DUE THE BROKEN CABLES FROM THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE ME…
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I WAS DRIVING, AND WANTED TO SHIFT TO LOWER GEAR (FROM 5TH TO 4TH - MANUAL TRANSMISSION) FOR BRAKING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN THE 5TH GEAR. I USED THE CLUTCH TO COAST TO A SAFE STOP AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A SERVICE LOCATION. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT DUE THE BROKEN CABLES FROM THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THESE CABLES AND THE CAR IS OK. WE DID NOT SAVE THE CABLES.*TR
NHTSA ODI #10304274
96,000 miles · Jan 24, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER A WEEK AND NOW WON'T TURN AT ALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10302096
33,000 miles · Jan 20, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
2001 FORD FOCUS. KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION, WON'T BUDGE. I TRIED MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, TRIED USING THE OTHER KEY, TRIED PRESSING THE KEY IN HARDER- NOTHING. IGNITION HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS BEFORE: IT WOULD TAKE TWO OR THREE TRIES BEFORE IT WOULD TURN, BUT IT'S NEVER REFUSED TO MOVE LIKE THIS. ALSO, THERE WERE TIMES WHEN…
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2001 FORD FOCUS. KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION, WON'T BUDGE. I TRIED MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, TRIED USING THE OTHER KEY, TRIED PRESSING THE KEY IN HARDER- NOTHING. IGNITION HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS BEFORE: IT WOULD TAKE TWO OR THREE TRIES BEFORE IT WOULD TURN, BUT IT'S NEVER REFUSED TO MOVE LIKE THIS. ALSO, THERE WERE TIMES WHEN IT DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE THE KEY BACK; I WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE AND TURN IT, BUT IT ALWAYS CAME OUT AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF STRUGGLING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10300438
135,000 miles · Jan 17, 2010
Electrical System
KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION OF MY 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE KEY WILL TURN THE CAR ON, BUT WILL NOT COME BACK OUT OF THE IGNITION. I FEAR THAT AT SOME POINT THE KEY WILL NOT TURN THE ENGINE OVER, LEAVING ME STRANDED DURING WINTER WEATHER. AT THIS POINT I CANNOT GET IT FIXED DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF HAVING IT REPLACED. I HAVE …
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KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION OF MY 2001 FORD FOCUS. THE KEY WILL TURN THE CAR ON, BUT WILL NOT COME BACK OUT OF THE IGNITION. I FEAR THAT AT SOME POINT THE KEY WILL NOT TURN THE ENGINE OVER, LEAVING ME STRANDED DURING WINTER WEATHER. AT THIS POINT I CANNOT GET IT FIXED DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF HAVING IT REPLACED. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM, WHICH TELLS ME FORD HAS A FAULTY MECHANISM. WHY HASN'T A RECALL BEEN MADE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10300060
90,000 miles · Jan 15, 2010
Electrical System
I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. UP UNTIL NOW, I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. I CURRENTLY WOKE UP TODAY 1-15-10 AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN MY KEY IN MY CAR. MY CAR WAS IN PARK AND I HAD TRIED MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING KEY BUT STILL DID NOT TURN. I LATER SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND RESULTS INSTANTLY ON THE FORD FO…
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I OWN A 2001 FORD FOCUS. UP UNTIL NOW, I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. I CURRENTLY WOKE UP TODAY 1-15-10 AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN MY KEY IN MY CAR. MY CAR WAS IN PARK AND I HAD TRIED MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING KEY BUT STILL DID NOT TURN. I LATER SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND RESULTS INSTANTLY ON THE FORD FOCUS DEFECT FOR 2000-2003 MODELS ABOUT THE KEY BEING UNABLE TO TURN. MY CAR CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 90,000 MILES ON IT AND I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SECOND OF FIVE INTERNSHIPS FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM. THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE HIGHLY CONSIDERED FOR RECALL! THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE FOR MANY DRIVERS. PLEASE HELP US OUT. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TR DUSTIN R. BROWN IOWA
NHTSA ODI #10299910
120,000 miles · Jan 12, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND STALLED. THE SPEED IS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND STALLED. THE SPEED IS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V482000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR OVER $650 AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10299530
107,000 miles · Jan 12, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SHE STATED THAT HER DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF SINCE THE LATCH WAS NOT LOCKING OR UNLOCKING ALL FOUR OF THE DOORS. RECALL NUMBER 05V030000, LATCHES LOCKS LINKAGES, DOORS LATCH IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE LATCHES BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE HANDLE. THE CONTACT WANTS …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD FOCUS. SHE STATED THAT HER DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF SINCE THE LATCH WAS NOT LOCKING OR UNLOCKING ALL FOUR OF THE DOORS. RECALL NUMBER 05V030000, LATCHES LOCKS LINKAGES, DOORS LATCH IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE LATCHES BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE HANDLE. THE CONTACT WANTS THE DEALER TO ALSO REPLACE THE HANDLE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
NHTSA ODI #10299088
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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