Model year record

2001 Ford Focus

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,361 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V030000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component: Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 589,932
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-02-01
Owners notified: 2005-03-09

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V482000

Fuel system, gasoline

Component: Fuel system, gasoline
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 671,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-11-19
Owners notified: 2004-01-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V288000

Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables

Component: Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 291,854
Reported to NHTSA: 2002-11-06
Owners notified: 2003-02-10

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V289000

Steering: linkages

Component: Steering: linkages
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 446,569
Reported to NHTSA: 2002-11-06
Owners notified: 2003-02-10

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V258000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

Component: Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,083,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-08-08
Owners notified: 2001-08-20

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V108000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component: Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 8,500
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-03-28
Owners notified: 2001-04-03

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V418000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component: Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 95,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-12-14
Owners notified: 2001-01-24

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Electrical system: ignition	194	63,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	140	47,259 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	129	55,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	94	69,000 mi
Electrical system	89	90,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	83	39,863 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	74	45,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	73	48,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling	62	52,899 mi
Tires	57	20,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	52	24,156 mi
Air bags	51	68,607 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	48	33,000 mi
Suspension	47	77,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	43	45,000 mi
Steering	41	74,778 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	39	22,300 mi
Unknown or other	38	37,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	35	56,000 mi
Engine	32	111,343 mi
Suspension: front	32	75,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	27	96,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables	26	60,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	24	—
Fuel/propulsion system	21	130,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	21	5,001 mi
Structure: body	21	115,119 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	20	18,411 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	20	77,700 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	20	51,756 mi
Suspension: rear	19	36,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	17	24,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	16	78,000 mi
Equipment	16	36,320 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	16	46,000 mi
Power train	16	70,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module	14	47,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	14	50,500 mi
Wheels	14	43,297 mi
Steering: linkages	13	37,000 mi
Structure: body: door	13	95,000 mi
Air bags: side/window	12	68,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)	12	26,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	12	46,000 mi
Fuel system, other	12	60,000 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump	12	27,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	12	70,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	12	45,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	11	73,850 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	11	33,000 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	11	37,000 mi
Structure	11	1,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	11	51,000 mi
Exterior lighting	10	65,850 mi
Seats	10	107,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt	10	12,036 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	10	50,043 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	9	20,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	9	78,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	9	80,000 mi
Steering: column	9	62,975 mi
Visibility: windshield	9	29,370 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	8	41,000 mi
Seat belts	7	79,000 mi
Service brakes	7	123,961 mi
Structure: frame and members	7	60,752 mi
Tires: sidewall	7	11,950 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	6	51,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	6	16,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor	6	23,300 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	6	3,018 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	6	26,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module	5	65,000 mi
Equipment: electrical	5	—
Exterior lighting: headlights	5	78,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	5	60,300 mi
Power train: axle assembly	5	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	5	—
Vehicle speed control: cables	5	34,000 mi
Visibility	5	93,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	5	45,578 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	4	41,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	4	160,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	4	5,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	4	1,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights	4	88,400 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights	4	78,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock	4	1,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage	4	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings	4	34,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	4	48,093 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	4	122,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	4	16,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	4	44,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	3	89,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator	3	44,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	3	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	3	28,444 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	3	60,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional	3	7,000 mi
Seat belts: front	3	42,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other	3	70,006 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: pads	3	19,800 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	3	16,950 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	3	40,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	3	—
Suspension: rear: shock absorber	3	113,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages	3	40,437 mi
Visibility/wiper	3	116,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices	3	1,000 mi
Wheels: rim	3	7,000 mi
Electrical system: horn	2	—
Electrical system: starter assembly	2	—
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid	2	125,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	2	78,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	2	99,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch	2	67,140 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail	2	37,392 mi
Parking brake	2	35,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	2	64,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)	2	15,818 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	2	36,470 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly	2	—
Service brakes, air	2	38,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock	2	—
Service brakes, air: drum: shoes/linings	2	5,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	2	—
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)	2	10,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate	2	—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	2	—
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm	2	33,500 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber	2	—
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar	2	38,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs	2	81,800 mi
Unknown	2	40,300 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	2	42,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	2	—
Electrical system: starter assembly: relay	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk	1	65,000 mi
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan	1	64,871 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer	1	50,000 mi
Exterior lighting: back up lights: switch	1	—
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices	1	38,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors	1	12,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting	1	75,028 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch	1	—
Parking brake: driveline	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	1	102,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	1	—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft	1	30,050 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint	1	40,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	1	—
Seats: front assembly: recliner	1	—
Service brakes, air: disc	1	16,900 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper	1	23,300 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	1	50,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	120,000 mi
Steering: linkages: drag: power assist system	1	—
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm	1	53,153 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	1	8,700 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	—
Structure: body: bumpers	1	—
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	1	—
Structure: body: tailgate	1	—
Structure: body: trunk lid	1	—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	1	16,750 mi
Suspension: front: hub	1	144,000 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut	1	28,444 mi
Suspension: multiple axle	1	—
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly	1	22,000 mi
Tires: markings	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	1	27,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer	1	65,600 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor	1	23,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring	1	65,000 mi
Wheels: hub	1	—

The 2000 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2002 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.