Problems with 2001 Ford Focus ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dt. the consumers vehicle would hesitate, surge and lose power and then shut off. after letting the vehicle sit for awhile the consumer was able to restart the vehicle. there were times when the consumer attempted to apply the accelerator and the vehicle would not go pass 60- 70 mph, when the consumer experienced this, the front of the vehicle would vibrate. *jb

dt: contact states a local service dealer said the insulation on wires from the trunk lid to the inside has been scraped off in the factory. this did caused a short in the wires, leading to the loss of abrake lights.*ak

3 times in 1 week, my ignition key gets stuck. the key turns, the car starts, but will not come out. i have only had the car 1 month and it was purchased with 48k miles on it. after extensive internet research and speaking with several dealerships, i have found that this is a very common focus problem.

I don't think that the problem that i am having is life threatening. my problem is as folllows: i purchased a 2001 ford focus zx3 and for some reason this particular car has a problem that the steering wheel locks by its self. about 2 years ago it happend for the first time and i had to have tow truck take it to the service department since it was still under warranty. the problem is back again and i no longer have warranty on my car. i just think that there should be a recall for this particular problem that this car has. after reviewing other people that own a ford fucus and that have the same problem i really believe that a recall is necessary because this is a manufacture defect. anyways, i went to the service department to see if they could fix the problem without charging me since the car had the same problem before when it was under the warranty. but they said that since it happen about 2 years ago they couldn't do it under the warranty. i wanted to know if anyone in your deparment could have any information on warranty. i just think that why should i have to pay for something that is a manufactur defect and that this problem happen before and they should be able to fix it at no charge.

On saturday 5/14/2005 the engine compartment of my well maintained ford focus se, 2001, (equipped with a zentec engine), got fire in a fashion similar to that described by numerous owners in the following web sites: http://www.geocities.com/archangel_jjn/ http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_focus_fires.html the damages occurred to my focus are close to those graphically described in the pictures of the second web site. the fact that this occurred on a parking lot a block away from a fire station prevented further damage to the passenger compartment. but had this occurred on my house's covered garage, the whole house had burned. what happened to my car is similar to the situation described in the nhtsa 02v288000 campaign. but my vehicle was manufactured on august 2003, and therefore does not qualify to the voluntary ford recall to deal with this situation. as you can see in the referred web sites, this is he same situation reported by other owners. i have reported this case to my insurance company, allstate, claim number 179019215. the adjuster is mr. ruben romero @ 800 733-8910 x4385. as allstate suggested, i also contacted ford. yesterday, i was informed by allstate that my accident resulted in a total lost. on monday 5/16/2005, i contacted mr. mccluster, from the tipton ford dealership, who photographed my pictures from the fire. he assured me that he was going to log the incident into the systema and ask me to contact ford at 866 436-7332. when i called that number, the same day, i talked to andrew, employer number 3176. he gave the claim number 0422761365 and indicated that ford was going to contact on two days. i am still waiting for the call. in my opinion ford did not fully fixed the causes of the nhtsa 02v288000 campaign and that was the reason for my car's fire. thus, ford should solve the problem in all focus vehicles suffering from this problem and it also must be held accountable for all property damage.

On saturday 5/14/2005 the engine compartment of my well maintained ford focus se, 2001, (equipped with a zentec engine), caught on fire in a fashion similar to those described by numerous owners in the following web sites: http://www.geocities.com/archangel_jjn/ http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_focus_fires.html. the damages occurred to my focus are close to those graphically described in the pictures of the second web site. the fact that this occurred on a parking lot a block away from a fire station prevented further damage to the passenger compartment. but had this occurred on my house's covered garage, the whole house had burned. what happened to my car is similar to the situation described in the nhtsa 02v288000 campaign. but my vehicle was manufactured on august 2003, and therefore does not qualify to the voluntary ford recall to deal with this situation. as you can see in the referred web sites, this is he same situation reported by other owners. i have reported this case to my insurance company, allstate, claim number 179019215. the adjuster is mr. ruben romero @ 800 733-8910 x4385. as allstate suggested, i also contacted ford. yesterday, i was informed by allstate that my accident resulted in a total lost. on monday 5/16/2005, i contacted mr. mccluster, from the tipton ford dealership, who photographed my pictures from the fire. he assured me that he was going to log the incident into the system and ask me to contact ford at 866 436-7332. when i called that number, the same day, i talked to andrew, employer number 3176. he gave the claim number 0422761365 and indicated that ford was going to contact on two days. i am still waiting for the call. in my opinion ford did not fully fixed the causes of the nhtsa 02v288000 campaign and that was the reason for my car's fire. thus, ford should solve the problem in all focus vehicles suffering from this problem and it also must be held accountable for all property damage.

Approx. on may 10th, when putting the key in the ignition of my car, it would not turn. it took many tries of wiggling the key back and forth, attempting to turn the locked steering wheel some small degree to get the key to actually turn over in the ignition switch and allow me to start my car. this problem became progressively worse to the point that i have had to leave my spare key in the ignition and cover my steering wheel in an attempt to hide the key. i have spoken to someone via phone at this agency and was referred to this website, but did not have access to computer until now. and i have spoken to someone at the ford company via phone who could offer no solutions unless i were to take my car to a dealership, have it inspected and repaired at my expense. i have ordered the part and am awaiting its shipping. coincidently, while ordering the part, the young man waiting on me stated his girlfriend called him over the weekend with the same problem with her newer ford focus. i gave him your website address. he states he has met several people since with the same complaint and gave your website to them.

2001 ford focus wagon se: [xxx] intermittent problem: rear hatch opens when car is started. rear hatch cannot be closed when car is running. when i jiggle the wiring harness at the top of the hatch, i hear crackling noises. eventually, after jiggling the harness, i can get the problem to go away. i also had the fuse blow for the rear lights a while back, but replaced it with no further problems, thinking nothing of it. nhtsa campaign id 00v411000 addresses a problem with the deck lid wiring harness shorting out where it bends, and developing broken wires. loss of tail lamps is one of the consequences. i believe the hatch opening is a related problem too, although the recall does not specifically mention it. this recall is for year 2000 focus wagons. mine is a 2001, but its manufacture date is 2000. ford customer service refuses to do anything for me, saying that the vin is not covered under the recall. meanwhile, i am driving around with this electrical issue. you would think that ford would treat customers better, rather than just saying they do on their commercials. i have never had their customer service say "yes" to any of my issues. they just record the complaint and happily ask if there's anything else they can "do" for me. they also say that even if the car were covered, its mileage is too high. is there a mileage limit on this recall? i didn't see it. please see if you can get these slightly-later-manufactured focus wagons added to the recall. thank you for you help! *nm updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Contact stated: when the key was put in the ignition the key became stuck. the car was at the ford dealer. and had not been repaired. ford told the consumer that the steering column may have been damaged. in addition, ford was replacing the fuel pump and seat belt.*ak

I would like to know how many recalls can a car have before it is a lemon! my 2001 ford focus has had every problem out there and more than half of them, i have had to pay for. in the 4 years i?ve owned this car, i have had the battery replaced at my cost due to stalling, which turned out to be the faulty fuel pump?s fault, so that was replaced; the struts replaced at my cost after they caused my front tire to explode on the freeway; the bushings worked on 3 times yet the suspension still makes a very frightening noise every time i drive. imagine my surprise (or should i truthfully say, lack of?) when i received yet another recall notice in the mail. *ak

My 2001 ford focus ignition locked up, i left work and could not get the key in to start it. after some research i have found out that it happens to a ton of ford focuses, maybe you could get a recall on this because it is costly to fix and keeps going bad. *ak

Ignition lock on 2001 ford focus has failed three times causing expensive repair bills. ford calls this a "known malfunction" but will not recall the part.*ak

Ignition cylinder on 2001 ford focus locked and unable to turn key. *ak

I have a 2001 ford focus, bought new from the dealership and within the last year i have had to replace the ignition cylinder three times. in each of these instances i have had to miss class because my key will not turn and start my car. at first, i thought the steering wheel was locked, but then i realized that the key does not turn at all. on each occasion i have had my car towed to the dealership and they replace the ignition lock cylinder. fortunately, the second and third times it was taken care of under the warranty, but the first time i had to pay the deductible. the service employee said this was a common problem with the ford focus and it seems that the key is not long enough for the ignition cylinder. he said that in order to fix the problem, he would have give me new keys that fit the cylinder, and thus replace all locks (including the trunk). at first he offered to do the repairs free of charge, but since the mileage is over the manufacturer's warranty (still within the extended warranty), i would have to pay the deductible. i should not have to pay for the replacement which should have been prevented before the assembly line.*ak

Key will not turn in ignition. steering column locked. sudden failure. no action taken yet. *ak

Key will not turn over in ignition. ignition jammed. key will not move to start car. dealership aware of problem. ford has not issued a recall. *jb

The ignition tumbler broke inside. key wouldn't go in at all. *ak

The driver placed the key inside of the ignition the steering wheel would not move on it on and the vehicle would not start. the driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. the mechanic informed the driver that the ignition switch needed replacement. please provide additional information. *nm

Ignition lock-up. first time major disaster with independent mechanic and dealership costing me $1055.26 just because the key cylinder/key would not work. second time it locked up, 14 months later, still cost me over $500.00 for fix and new keys at dealership. *jb

Key won't turn in ignition. can not start car. was told it was probably the ignition cylinder. getting checked tomorrow.*ak

The ignition switch is not turning when the key is inserted, preventing the vehicle from turning on. manufacturer was informed by owner.*ak

Key began sticking in ignition of my ford focus. this past weekend key locked in ignition. appointment made with my local dealer and i have just paid $252 for a new cylinder. i questioned my dealer on previous complaints and they advised me that they had none!! hard to believe when my local mechanic advised us of several individuals with this same problem. quick fix was to take a hammer and gently tap on the key when in the ignition or here's the better one-leave a key in the ignition at all times. after dropping my vehicle this am i learned of this site to file complaint from www.automotivetalk.net where countless people have encountered this similar problem. i also plan to try ford customer assistance but will that help resolve this problem with the focus. i'm hoping this complaint will help. **jb

I have a 2001 ford focus and my ignition has locked up for the 3rd time. i have found numerous other owners of this exact type of vehicle who have experienced the exact same problem. this is absurd. if this problem is so common then ford needs to take responsiblity for their poor manufacturing and issue a recall. i have spent $1000 since november 2004 in repairs to this car. i need to get rid of it, but i owe to much on it. i cannot afford to spend this type of money anymore. this car is my family car. i have two preschoolers whom i tote around daily in this car. i do not feel safe in this car and i am scared to take my children anywhere in this vehicle. it is not safe. i could easily get stranded in the middle of nowhere with my babies and ford does not care that it is their problem nor about hte safety of thier customers. please let ford know that because of their scams, lies and poor craftmanship, they will continue to be last in auto sales!*ak

Ignition key hs been locking steering column and would not turn to unlock column. stranded in downtown beloit, because key would not turn. car had to be towed to local mechanic. mechanic could not turn ignition key to unlock steering column. called local ford dealer. dealer said that this is common problem with the ford focus, however there is currently no recall on this from ford. mechanic had to replace ignition cylinder and tumbler. total cost: $246.40. local mechanic: ace auto sales, (608) 362-6600. mechanic's name and owner of shop: brad. not happy in beloit. *jb

My igniton gets locked up and the key wont turn to start the car. *ak

consumer stated that the ignition switch locked without warning. as a result, the key will not turn . *ak

The ignition and steering wheel has locked up. i cannot get the key to turn in the ignition, so the car will not start-this is a major failure. i will need to take it to a mechanic to replace the lock cylinder within the ignition assembly. *jb

Key sticks in ignition; cylinder needs to be completely replaced at a cost of hundreds of dollars. *nm

The consumer is experiencing a problem with the ignition. the ignition cylinder was frozen. the key will not turn to start the vehicle. provide further details. *jb

Key got stuck in ignition and could not be removed unless consumer jiggled it around or took it to the dealer, who removed the key, but had not fixed the problem. took vehicle to the dealer multiple times since being purchased for the same problem.*ak

The ignition switch locked up, the key will not turn the steering is locked in place.*ak

Ignition key/steering wheel jammed. *jb

Dt: the ignition switch locked and will not move. this problem has been occurring off and on since the vehicle was purchased. the problem first started on 12-23-04. when the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership they did nothing to change the vehicle. they told him that they were unable to find the cause of the problem. *ak *mr

My ignition locked up on my 2001 ford focus, can't start the car. *jb

Consumer noticed that instrument cluster lights were turned on, and tail lights were not operating. results showed that the wiring harness tore due to wear and tear, causing the lights not to operate.*ak *nm

Rear taillights failed wiring harness (rear) has become worn. all wires exposed and are in contact with one another. i have photos. please contact me to have them forwarded. i know of this problem occuring on at least 8 other zx3's. *jb

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

Sudden lock-up of ignition switch, requiring tow to ford dealer for replacement of ignition cylinder.*ak

Ignition cylinder failed and key would not turn to start the car. i had just gotten off of work and got it my car to go home and my key wouldn't not turn over. i had to sit in my car for almost an hour in freezing weather until someone could come and get me. *jb

I have a 2001 ford focus and the ignition switched locked on me and costs 500.00 at the dealership to get it fixed. i also have a ford taurus and the same thing happened but a rep at the dealership recommended that instead of having them to fix it to buy the part (which was about 70.00) and have someone elso to put it in. this cost about 120.00 in total. also i had a wreck in the ford focos and it so happens that my rental car was a ford focus and i drove it for about 2 days and 1 day the ignition locked up. i called ford and the rep laughed and said "oh yeah that happens all the time, we are aware of it but theres nothing we can do". i was stranded for 3 hours because i had to wait until a flatbed wrecker truck was available, because when the ignition switch locks so do the wheels and therefore the car cannot be rolled. but anyways 3 of the same cars all were lemons. they all produced the same exact problems, and it seems as if i am not the only person with this problems and it just so happens that thereis no recall from ford for this issue. but as their rep confirmed they are aware of the situation.

Vehicle fire sustained on 2001 ford focus after replacement of a valve gasket cover at hollingsworth richard ford in baton rouge louisiana. following replacement of gasket, smoke was noted from the hood. dealer service representative stated that smoke was due to a cleaning solvent used after servicing the vehicle and should stop in about two days. the following day (after service), the vehicle caught on fire where the fire had to be extinguished by the local fire department. my son and i were in the vehicle and bearly escaped before the front of vehicle was engulfed in flames. report has been filed with dealer who told me that this was a matter that should be handled by the insurance. ford dealer showed nor indicated their acceptance of any liability regarding this issue. research has indicated many customer complaints of vehicles fires centered around this year of focus.*ak

Consumer took the vehicle in to the dealership for a replacement of a valve cover. after picking up vehicle and driving, consumer noticed smoke coming from under the hood. contacted mechanic, and informed consumer that solvent used in repair of valve cover caused smoke, and will disappear. consumer parked vehicle, and a passer by noticed smoke and flames coming from under the hood. local fire department was contacted, and flames were extinguished. consumer contacted the insurance company. *ak

Steering wheel locks when key is put in the ignition. the ignition switch and clock spring were replaced twice before. vehicle will be taken to dealer for repairs again.*ak

Vehicle hesitated upon starting. consumer replaced the battery. but, vehicle would not start. finally, dealer stated that fuel pump needed to be replaced. this vehicle was not included in the nhtsa recall 03v482000 due to vin. *ak *tt

The consumer stated the ignition locked without warning. the part has been replaced, however the problem still existed. please provide additional information. *jb

No events lead up to failure. the tumblers in the lock keep getting stuck making it almost impossible to start the car. we tried to take it to the dealer, but it wasn't covered on the extended warranty i purchased. they wanted $260 to replace it, but it will continue to break over and over. from people i have spoken to online, and in person, this problem happens a lot with the ford focus. seems to me that there should be a recall. *ak

The ignition has locked continuously on my 2001 ford focus. the key will not turn and the steering wheel is completely locked. i understand this is a persistent problem with many vehicles, there is a design problem, yet there has not been a recall. something needs to be done!!!!!*ak

I put the key in the ignition of my 2001 ford focus and it wouldn't turn. the steering column/ wheel is locked up.*ak

My ignition key often sticks in the ignition and can not be removed. this is a very common problem and ford knows all about it. they will only replace it with the same defective piece of junk. it makes the cars unsafe as they sometimes lock the column and sometimes make it impossible to restart the car in unsafe locations, such as high crime areas or adjacent to interstate highways. it makes the cars vulnerable to theft. ford will do nothing about it and it seems every focus will have this problem. i will never buy another ford product as they do not own up to their design failures. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the side view mirror on the vehicle was repaired and the transmission also slipped. after the repairs were complete, the vehicle did not drive the same. the dealer stated that the parts needed were not in stock and they kept the vehicle for one month. in addition, whenever the left turn signal was activated, the vehicle would shut off entirely. the lights were replaced; however, the vehicle continued to lose power whenever the signal lights, hazard lights, or air conditioning were activated. the headlights continued to short and, while driving at night, the high beams had to be activated. the seat belt in the rear driver's seat was inoperable and the driver's seat continued to move backwards from the steering wheel. she also stated that the key can be removed from the ignition while the vehicle is in motion and while the ignition is on. finally, none of the warning lights on the instrument panel are functional. the failure mileage was 23,000 and current mileage was 95,000.