Problems with 2001 Ford Focus STEERING

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/ replace. *jb

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 mph, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace. *jb

In november of 2002, i noticed a squeal under the hood of my 2001 focus. the first time i took it in, they claimed they heard no sound. i then told the mechanic you must actually step out of the car to hear the noise.; he did hear the noise and ford had to replace the belt tensioner and serpentine belt. i began noticing that my windshield wipers would function at will. the left headlamp and turn signal was also malfunctioning. i could not get the wipers to turn off at times. i would turn the headlights off and back on again, and the wipers would turn off. this would also work at times when the wipers would not turn on, but not always. i never noticed an absolute consistency as to what would get the wipers to function properly. they also would not function at the correct speed. they would go fast when i wanted them to go slow and vice-versa. i had taken the car in twice to have this problem fixed. they replaced the multi function switch both times. a week following the second visit, i noticed they would not work again. i scheduled an appointment for the third time. in between the time i scheduled the appointment and the actual day of the appointment, i noticed the gas light had come on when i still had about 36 miles worth of gas left in my car. i noticed the light was on for a bit and then it went off. so, i told them about that problem as well when i took the car in. they replaced the fuel pump and sending unit assembly. also they replaced whatever wires were causing the multi function switch to go out again and again. i left the dealership and made a stop at a convenience store. when i tried to start my car, it would not start. not a sound or anything. the car was totally dead. i called ford to have them tow the car. this time, they claimed they needed to replace the clutch safety start switch, which they did. my breaks also squeak constantly. they adjusted the breaks and clean them up. they claim the squeaking breaks are normal. do not buy a ford.

I have had several repairs for this car. in regards to steering, wheel, tire as well the suspension. as the car was under 18000 mile i had so much problem with mentioned above problems. i could not control my car when it rained or when ever the road was not in perfect shape.

The steering wheel wandered to the left and right.*jb

I have a recall on my 2001 ford focus. my husband is in the military and we are currently living in london, england. we have tried numerous times to get the recall taken care of, but no one will help us. we have taken the vehicle to a ford dealer in the uk, and they told us that they will fix the recall, but they cannot order the part because it is an american car. i have contacted ford about 15 times, and each time have been given the run around. i have about 6 different phone numbers that they have given me to try and each time, the person that i talk to says that they cannot help me. the recall is for rear wheel bearings and pinch bolt. i have a 16-month-old son that has to ride in that car, and i have tried to explain to them that i am afraid for his safety, but even that has not helped to get me any satisfaction. i will appreciate any and all help that can be given. thank you, heather hundley. *jb

The vehicle hit a ditch in the road and front suspension failed completely. *jb.................*ak

There is just to much paperwork to copy out, but would like to mail copies. i am going to pick up car this afternoon just had second fuel pump fitted and new gas tank. to date no recall info received by post. however i have been drenched with gas on more than one occassion while filling car. i have nearly been killed when car cut out at 55mph on highway narrowly missed by two other motorists. vehicle has 38,000 miles & has had the following repairs. 1/countless engine sensors 2/four new tyres 3/new front brake pads 4/new front brake rotas 5/new front wheel bearings 6/two fuel pumps 7/one fuel tank 8/waiting for third set of a frame plastic covers 9/three stereo players 10/tracklink reset three times 11/still have realy noisy brakes 12/engine sounds like 10 year old car 13/rear passenger window works when feels like it 14/right hand door speaker sounds as if broken 15/new tires fitted showing signs of odd wear 16/tail gate leakes water 17/ thought lincoln/mercury dealer might give better results no just longer wait.

I purchased a 2001 ford focus se 4-door sedan in november 2002. the car was a manufacturer buy-back from the original owner and had a small warranty left. at the end of november 2002, i brought the car back to the dealership to have the spark plugs, spark plug wires and a faulty belt replaced. at the end of december 2002, the car was making a strange noise and the engine light was on, so i returned the car to the dealership. a day or so before my appointment with the dealership, i received a recall notice from ford regarding the pinch bolt. unfortunately, i received that recall notice too late the faulty pinch bolt had already failed and caused so much damage to the rack and pinion that it had to be replaced. i have since replaced the front brakes. i also experienced a faulty valve in the heating system that was allowing water to flow into the car's cabin and soak the carpeting. getting to the transmission problem, about a week ago, the car refused to accelerate going up a hill and instead the engine revved. no matter what i tried, i could not get the car to accelerate past 30 mph. since the car is now long past its small manufacturers warranty, i had an independent mechanic look at the car. he recommended that i flush the transmission and see if that would help the problem. i spent $100 on a transmission flush. that didn't work and the problem continues. i called ford motor company to complain about the car and to ask for a buyback, but my request was refused. i then took my car to wiscasset ford. they diagnosed the problem(s) with the car (at no charge). i need a new transmission. they gave me two options for payment. 1) pay for the new transmission out-of-pocket, estimated cost at $2500 - $3000; 2) buy an extended warranty on the drive train for $500. i am planning on purchasing the extended drive train warranty which will allow wiscasset ford to replace my transmission and will also give me an extra 15k miles for the drive train.

When going around a slight curve steering and brakes failed causing impact with curb and permantly disabling the steering. the car is undrivable and had to be towed. recall was issued 11/06/02 but ford states that i will not be notified until 01/03. i must wait until then or pay to have car looked at to determine if faulty part is contained in the most recent recall. dt

While driving 15mph power steering malfunctioned and vehicle lost control. please provide any additional information.*ak

Have there been any reported problems with rack/pinion, transmission and alternators on this vehicle since mileage has been so low yet so many problems with the car. dt

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing numerous failures. the main failures were the electrical system, brake system, bent tie rod, shaking and vibrating, rear window mechanisms, and flooding after it rains. the leak occurs on the passenger side and the water rises 2 to 3 inches. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer due to the inspection costs. the failure mileage was 130,473.

While driving at 15mph on flat surface and with no warning steering wheel locked up, resullting in an accident. dealer notified. *ak

Fuel system-stall out at freeway speeds-and at any long right hand turns-contacted dealer/out of warranty,to many miles to consider. brakes-rotors and pads worn out at 24,000miles-dealer stated maintenance issue,normal for the ford focus- they directed me to call ford motor co.to complain...

While placing the key into the ignition switch the vehicle froze up there were no steering. please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem. ts

Vehicle delivered on 6/1/01. soon after i started experiencing problems with the steering gear not being stable. the car and steering wheel would shake once i would begin picking up speed at approximately 60 mph. the vehicle was taken into the dealership for repairs on two occasions for front end repairs on 8/16/01 & 2/14/02. on 5/26/02 i loss control of the vehicle and had an accident on the expressway, hit the median and totaled the vehicle. prior to the accident i noticed a great deal of vibration on the steering wheel/column and the car was shaking.

Consumer states that the steering mechanism is getting looser the more consumer drives, the looser steering wheel gets. consumer states there is a lot of play in steering and that makes it very hard to steer the vehicle. *jb the vehicle's mileage is decreasing from 300 miles to 200 miles and then to 180 miles for a full tank of fuel. the vehicle also experiences stalling and changing gears has been difficult. *yh

While driving the tie rod broke causing consumer to lose control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail. *jb

Hydroplaines at certain speeds even with new tires and alignment! (originally submitted december 17, 2002)

Common problem with steering column being locked and key will not turn after being inserted. hundreds (perhaps more) of people have been writing about the problem on the net. *nm

While in motion consumer lost power steering. while at the service station, the mechanic explained the power fuel container was dry and that a new pump might be sufficient. the serviceman who wrote up the invoice only reported that the power steering was hard to turn. consumer requests help in this situation. *jg

Malfunction of fuel filter. was replaced on two different occassions. malfunction of steering assembly. was replaced twice on two different occassions. malfunction of braking system. was replaced on two different occassions. all within a 16 month period after purchasing the automobile in may of 2001. it is a 2001 ford focus zx3.

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Please advise if you have had any other problems or complaints in this area. no safety defect listed. *ak

While driving at any speed and vehicle hits a bump steering is difficult to maintain. vehicle wanders unexpectedly from side to side. dealership has examined vehicle several times. shocks and tires were changed twice. please provide any additional information / documentation. *ak