Problems with 2001 Ford Focus FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled at temperatures above 85 degrees. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the technician replaced the fuel pump. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 108,182. upated 9/4/14*cn updated 1/8/2015 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. she was informed of a recall for nhtsa campaign number: 03v482000 ( fuel system, gasoline). the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was unavailable. updated 04/30/13*lj

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that when driving 5 mph and attempting a turn, the vehicle would stall without warning. the contact stated that the failure was possibly caused by the fuel system failing to transfer to the engine. the vehicle was not been inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. the manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). the failure and current mileages were approximately 78,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact was traveling 30 mph when the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was restarted shortly thereafter. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vin failed to qualify under nhtsa campaign id number:03v482000 ( fuel system, gasoline). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 157,000...updated 01/30/13 *bf the consumer stated the dealership found pcv hose at the back of the engine collapsed (repaired), performed fuel induction sytem flush, aaa replaced entire cooling system. the vehicle has been repaired as a whole. updated 2/5/2013 *js

The contact heard metal scraping the ground and then plastic being dragged underneath the vehicle. she immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered the fuel tank on the ground. she called the fire department to get permission for triple a to tow the vehicle. the contact stated that the bolt that holds the arm in place on the fuel tank had no thread remaining. *js

Fuel pump failure at only 65297 . fuel system has no sign of foreign matter in tank. car was running fine before fuel pump failure. cost to replace fuel pump and labor cost of dropping exhaust system and protective metal shield to gain access to fuel tank . fuel tank must be removed to repair. no engine light came on prior to car not starting while in my driveway. this is a outrageous repair for a car with such good maintenance . i request an investigation into defective fuel pumps on this year and model car. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled and immediately restarted independently. the failure recurred intermittently when driving various speeds and occasionally, the vehicle could not be restarted. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the mechanic advised the contact that the failure was caused by the fuel system. the dealer was unable to determine the exact repair the vehicle would need in order to remedy the failure. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 152,000.

Going uphill on freeway, the car started lurching. the lurching was intermittent as it would run smooth again and started lurching. i experienced a loss of power going uphill until i went down to 3rd and second gear. i had the fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel pump relay replaced. the symptoms are very similar to recall number #03v482000(2001 ford focus fuel system recall). i called ford about this recall, they looked up my vin number and said told me there is no recall for my vehicle. *tr

Vehicle surges and lacks power or engine dies. when doing online research of these symptoms. i found a recall that is expired for the vehicle. (recall # 03v48200) i believe the recall should be extended indefinitely do to the nature and scope of the problem. this vehicle is reliable other than that and can provide many more years of use. also, these are generally good starter vehicle for young drivers, and could prove to be a safety issue for inexperienced drivers, including their personal safety if the vehicle leaves them stranded beside the road. *tr

While passing a car while driving down a two lane road, my accelerator pedal continued going down to the floor on its own. i tapped the brakes, checked to see if there were any obstructions by the pedal, tried everything i could to free the accelerator pedal but nothing worked. by this time the car was traveling in excess of 80 mph and applying the brakes were not slowing the car down at all. finally i put the car in neutral and while the engine kept racing at full throttle, i turned off the ignition and coasted to the side of the road. my husband returned to look at the car and found the accelerator cable disconnected and lodged between the mounting bracket and the throttle actuator, jamming the throttle at full throttle. fortunately this happened about two miles from the house. he was able to reconnect the cable and drive the car home, but he said that while driving back, the throttle was slow to throttle down when he released the pedal. once back home he found the cable had disconnected again. we are going to contact ford to see if there has been any recalls on this for the 2001. we found recalls on the 2000 model but none on the 2001. we also found one complaint that was described exactly as ours with the cable disconnecting and hanging up on the bracket. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact was driving 60 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic but the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. he then informed the contact of nhtsa campaign id number: 03v482000 (fuel delivery module) and referred the contact to the manufacturer. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the recall and was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the contact then took the vehicle to the dealer where the dealer replaced the fuel delivery module. the had not experienced any failures with the vehicle following repairs. the failure mileage was 92,400. updated 10/04/11 *bf updated 10/05/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact noticed that while attempting to make a right turn, with a quarter tank of gas or lower, the vehicle would suddenly stall without warning. the dealer was notified who informed the contact that they were aware of the failure and that the manufacturer had issued a silent recall for the fuel delivery module. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle needed an entire fuel pump assembly. the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, did not repair the vehicle under campaign id number: 03v482000 ( fuel system, gasoline). no repairs were performed. the current and failure mileages were 115,101.

2001 ford focus. consumer writes in regards to reimbursement for fuel pump replacement *tgw the consumer stated her mother had not experienced any problems with the vehicle prior to the recall. however, in feb 2011, the vehicle came to a dead stop without warning. the vehicle was towed to a service station, because it couldn't be restarted. the problem was soon diagnosed as a fuel pump failure and subsequently it was replaced. the consumer's mother contacted the dealership and was told she was eligible for reimbursement. but, soon after the statement was retracted. ford stated the replacement coverage was for a period of ten years from the original warranty start date on the vehicle. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus zx3 (na). the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the fuel system stalled and he was unable to move the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel was not being pumped to the engine which caused the failure; the fuel pump needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance and advised him that his vin was not included in any recalls. the failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact was driving 5 mph and applying the brakes for a traffic stop when the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. the failure would occur intermittently and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and possible repairs. the dealer advised the contact that there was a leak in the pcv hose. the vehicle was repaired yet the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. the dealer advised that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline) that could potentially be the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. the vehicle was not further repaired. the failure mileage was 56,000 and the current mileage was 56,500.

I am the original owner of a 2001 ford focus purchased in mooresville nc the vin is #[xxx]. the fuel pump had to be replaced. the pump is the same one described in the ford extended coverage program03n01 dated 2003 and supplements 1 & 2 dated january 2004. ford said my was not covered under the program because it was built in aug. 2001 after june 13, 2001 cut off. the car was built in the wayne assembly plant, the location of the fuel pumps that fail. after more search on the internet , my husband found a technical service bulletin article #04-5-6 describing the procedure for installing a new design fuel delivery module in the 2001-2002 ford focus. under the issue it states: there is a new design fueled delivery module available for service on 2000-2002 focus built before 12/31/2001 at wayne assembly plant and built before 2/13/2001 at hermosillo plant. the ford motor company said that my does not qualify for the extended coverage program as it was built in aug. 2001. we think that because the car this the pump described in the bulletin, was built at the wayne assembly plant within 2 mos. of the june 13, 2001 that ford could have cove the repair but the company will not. this is an $800 repair. the steering column locking key cylinder is also in need of replacement again. i need to turn the key manually back to a neutral position for the engine to run after starting the car. this is the third locking cylinder that i have had installed in my car. i think four cylinder is a little much for a 9 year old car! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly stall intermittently without warning. the dealer made three attempts to replace the fuel pump however, the vehicle continued to stall without warning. the failure began five months ago and the contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure. the current mileage was 65,622 and the failure mileage was 63,739. updated 5/2/11 *cn updated 05/16/11

Sticking accelerator pedal 2001 ford focus se. 2.0l l4 dohc driving down the interstate heading to work and was going to set the cruise. i couldn't get it to activate tried speeding up and slowing down and setting - didn't operate. a few moments later a car merged in front of me from the on ramp. i slowed down let traffic on the left go by. i then merged to left lane and depressed the accelerator and it stuck at/near full throttle. i tapped the brakes to see if the cruise had engaged - no change, looked to see if there was an obstruction by the pedal - none found, tried pulling pedal back with my foot - no effect, tried stomping on accelerator to see if it would unstick - no change. i was now going over 80 mph and close to rear ending a car in front of me i stepped on the brakes hard, it didn't slow down. at this point i turned the ignition off and merged to the right and off to the emergency lane. i opened the hood and inspected the accelerator linkage at the throttle plate. found the cruise control cable had disconnected and got lodged between the cruise control cable mounting bracket and the throttle plate actuator keeping the throttle plate at or near full throttle. i reconnected the cruise cable went to work returned home and have set the car aside for further inspection. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus se. the contact stated that when driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall without warning. the contact stated that the failure would only occur when the fuel tank was one half full or more. in addition, the vehicle would lunge forward abnormally and would often hesitate. the vehicle was not inspected by the dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle had no recalls associated with it. the failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

2001 ford focus. consumer states faulty fuel pump *tgw the consumer stated as she was driving, the vehicle began to loose power. the vehicle began surging to the point where she had to press the accelerator all the way down to the floorboard and the vehicle was still barely maintaining power to get out of the way of traffic. the fuel filter was replaced and she was able to get the vehicle back onto the highway. as she began to drive, the vehicle began to surge again and finally the vehicle shut off. after doing some research, the consumer discovered the vehicle was built using a faulty fuel pump which was found to be a safety issue. nhtsa required ford to issue a csp 03n01 which replaced the fuel delivery module. the consumer stated her vehicle should have been included, but because the vehicle was built two months after the end of the csp production date range ford would not replace the fuel pump free of charge. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that fuel was not flowing into the engine properly. when he first started the vehicle it began to function properly, however within a few minutes the vehicle would hesitate. the contact changed the fuel filter and the vehicle functioned normally for a few days. the contact noticed that the vehicle would hesitate, lose power and stall whenever it was driven for more than an hour at 40 mph. he had to shift into neutral gear and then back into drive gear in order to temporarily fix the failure. when the contact called the manufacturer about recall 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline), he was informed that his vehicle was not included. the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. the current mileage was approximately 150,000. the failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

I have had numerous stalling condition while driving that have been frightening. several fuel modules have been replaced as well as harness repairs. the dealer has finally replaced the harness going to the fuel pump stating it had been rubbing against the body and grounding out. i am not sure this will fix the problem since it is intermittent. it appears the dealer has done several wiring harness repairs leading to the fuel pump.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus . the vehicle intermittently exhibits a no-start condition. a technician from the dealer concluded that her vehicle identification number was excluded from recall # 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). her vehicle remained at the dealer. the failure mileage was 83,000.

Vehicle engine rpm was running high and low while idling. then car completely shut down and would not restart. previously had similar problem and replaced the fuel pump with ford pump in 2007 and was told that the pump is bad again. *tr

My main complaints are the power windows, air conditioning, fuel system issue 3 of the 4 power window mechanism in my car have broken and two are wedged up, which wasn't a huge safety concern to me because i rarely have people in the rear seats. now, i have to decide if i should fix my driver window or wedge it. it is a safety concern for me because if i get into an accident and cannot open my window then i might make it out alive. my a/c is broken as well so in the summer months, i need to choose to either fix my a/c or fix my power window so that i can have ventilation. also, i have been trying to get an issue fixed with the fuel system as it sometimes lurches in the middle of driving. it hasn't stalled on me yet in the middle of an intersection like it has for some people, but i am worried it will happen soon. i am hopeful ford will fix my window issues as this is a direct cause of cheap parts. *tr

We have a 2001 ford focus that would cut out and die during acceleration. we found that this model had a recall notice on it and took it to the local ford dealership, jack kissee ford, and was told that it was not covered. the findings that they returned to us was that it needed the fuel pump and fuel filter replaced, the same as the recall. we took in the safety recall information from your website with all relevant information. *tr

Extremely poor gas mileage on my 2001 ford focus, . hesitation started over the last couple of months. had a full tune up. now the car hesitates at all speeds and it seems like it is going to stall at any moment. did a recall search and found out that the fuel pump is on recall for that particular model and year so i am heading to the dealer the first of the week to get it done. fingers crossed. *tr

I own a 2001 ford focus,i was coming back from dallas and my car lost power. i had to get onto the shoulder,it would not go faster than 20 miles. i had surges in power. i did make it home without an accident. next day car would not start. called and had it towed to my mechanic. my mechanic said it started fine,i left it there ,next day it would not start. mechanic called and said it needed a new fuel pump and filter. i then called spikes ford in mission tx. they said my vin # was not on the recall. so i called ford myself,computers were down,they said to have it fixed and call them back.they will not do anything. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning. the contact drove to a repair shop and the mechanic replaced several parts; however, the failure was not corrected. the fuel pump was eventually determined to be the cause of the failure. the dealer and manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). the current and failure mileages were 83,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. on may 25, 2008, the vehicle would not move when the contact attempted to accelerate. he took the vehicle to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel pump failed. the mechanic further stated that the part could not be replaced because he did not have the proper tool to remove the fuel pump. only the ford dealer was equipped with the tool. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). the estimated repair cost would be $1,000. the manufacturer confirmed that the vin was not included in the recall and would not assist with the repair. the current and failure mileages were 59,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact was driving approximately 60 mph when the engine hesitated and the speed decreased to 30 mph. suddenly, the vehicle stalled. the contact pulled over to the side of the road and after waiting fifteen to twenty minutes the vehicle resumed to normal operation. the failure occurred approximately between every 10 to 40 miles. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the sensor and fuel filter were replaced. the failure continued to occur. the failure mileage was 100,000. the current mileage was 130,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while engaging the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shut off due to the fuel pump. the manufacturer stated that they were unable to provide any assistance. the contact is aware of the safety risk since the failure could potentially cause a crash. the current mileage was 46,000 and the failure mileage was 45,000.

Car began to hesitate and stall. multiple start failures. dealer repeatedly failed to fix the problem even though it was under recall for exact issue (csp 03m01). this issue started in january of 2009. the dealer stated it was a vapor management vacuum leak and "repaired". issue not resolved. fuel filter replaced again in march of 2009. issue not resolved. in may of 2009 dealer did multi-point inspection found no cause for problem. issue not resolved. november of 2009 back at dealer for inspection still no cause found. april 2010 car back to dealer had computer tested still no cause found. it's shocking to me that this car had a csp on it for the very issue i was having...and it was never resolved. now the car is out of fords 10 year recall and they won't fix the know defect. seems like ford and the dealer delayed repair until after recall coverage! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving between 5-10 mph, the engine shut off without warning. the vehicle would not restart and was towed to the dealer for repair. the dealer stated that the fuel pump needed to be repaired. the contact paid for the repair. he discovered a recall for the fuel pump, but the dealer did not inform him of the recall. the nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. the failure mileage was 55,000.

My second 2001 ford focus station wagon(# ) has just started to lose fuel pressure sporadically when driving. several times it has caused a loss in break-ability, since the engine isn't running smoothly when the pressure drops. it definately causes the car to stall and not run as well, which could lead to a wreck. my first 2001 ford focus wagon (#) had the same issue, and it was repaired by ford under the nhtsa 03v482000 recall, yet ford is denying the second wagon for a recall repair. i hope to resolve this issue quickly, as it may cause harm to someone if i leave this intermittently-bad pump in the car. this fuel pump pressure failure occurs almost every other day now, which makes the car unreliable to drive in heavy traffic. i would like ford to consider this car as they do my other car, and fix the fuel pump problem that is definately a manufacturing issue. this car has less than 70,000 miles on it. it shouldn't have a fuel pump problem already. i will see what i can do to fix it; and i will keep the old part for reference and possibly refund if you are able to research this and hold ford accountable for their fuel pumps that don't produce adequate fuel pressure consistently. *tr

2001 ford focus, sever gasoline leak, when noticed half a thank had leaked in 1 hour. stopped car, had it towed after allowing the leak to stop. could had get on fire, road got covered with gas. dealer found disconnected gas line to gas pump on gas pump. could not connect the gas line back since neck was damaged, replaced gas pum and gas line. pump was changed by same dealer on 2005 after car died because pump broke, recall was in effect and pump changes as recalled. *tr

I have a fuel pump problem with my 2001 ford focus station wagon. if the gas gets below 1/2 tank, the engine stalls and the motor starves for fuel, but there is about 1/2 tank of gas in the car. this has happened to me twice now in 30 days. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the engine hesitated, and the vehicle lost power, surged, and experienced other similar symptoms. the failure has occurred twice while driving. the vehicle became sluggish and stalled at any speed. after waiting 20 to 40 minutes, the contact restarted the vehicle and took it to the local service station for a diagnostic. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). the failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 90,000. updated 07/29/08 *bf updated 08/07/08 the dealer lowered the fuel tank, removed the old fuel pump and found the screen in the bottom of the tank. the dealer replaced the fuel pump. updated 08/07/08

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate and then shut off a few minutes later. the vehicle was towed to a garage and the mechanic stated that the fuel pump failed. the mechanic replaced the fuel pump. the contact received a ford recall notice (03n01) in january of 2004 and took the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer informed her that they would not change that part until the failure occurs. currently, the contact is experiencing difficulty receiving reimbursement from the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 86,781 and current mileage was 87,800.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that when sitting stationary with the engine running, the vehicle would stall. the contact was able to prevent the stalling if keeping slight pressure on the accelerator but once the pressure was released, the engine would idle and then stall. the contact believed the failure was directly related to nhtsa recall campaign id number 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline) but had not confirmed if his vehicle was included in the recall as of yet. the failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 129,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph. the engine loss power without warning. the vehicle was able to restart. the failure occurred whenever traveling at the speed rate of 65 mph. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). the vehicle has not been repaired at this time. the failure mileage was 120,000. the current mileage was 128,000.

I had received a letter in january 2004 from mr. frank m. ligon, director of service engineering operations of the ford motor company. the letter stated that in accordance with program 03n01 (engine stalling in 2000-01 ford focus vehicles) customer's vehicles "may experience engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms ultimately causing the engine to stall completely...as a result of contamination of the fuel pump filters."..."ford is offering to replace your vehicle's fuel pump (parts and labor), at no cost, if your vehicle exhibits any of the above conditions...valid for a period of 10 years from the original warranty start date, with no limit on mileage." ...i had been experiencing the above forementioned safety issues with my 2001 focus, and took the car to the dealership for service. the dealer had to replace the fuel pump and filter, originally stating that it was covered under this program, but called back later and ultimately changed their mind. the explanation given was that this program was no longer "open." since the company has acknowledged this particular safety concern, confirmed the letter being sent and my vehicle fitting the program 03n01 guidelines of make, model, year, and timeline (10 years unlimited mileage), and has refused to repair this defect free of charge, as stated in their letter, ...i would like to file an official complaint on this issue ...and i would appreciate your assistance in resolving this runaround that the ford motor company has given me. i got the letter, had the problems and safety issues as stated in that letter, it hasn't been 10yrs, so why did i have to pay for their defect? thank you for your time and assistance! *tr

My car has had several issues with the engine stalling and shutting off...i encountered my first incident just recently, about a week ago. my car shut off and would not start while i was driving. it happened right as i was changing lanes. i thought i needed a jump but when that did not work i had my car towed to a mechanic. they told me that my fuel system was clogged/blocked, i don't remember the exact statement, but they told me that i needed a fuel system flush, a fuel filter, and a new fuel pump. i checked the recall list and saw that my card make and model were on the recall list for fuel system failure and when i called the dealership they tell me that my car does not qualify. i tell me that my issue was caused by something else...this is the first major problem that i have had with this car and now ford is trying to say my car was not a part of the recall and are refusing to fix the problem. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the engine warning indicator light illuminated intermittently and the vehicle surged forward. while idling at a stop light, the engine shut off. the dealer stated that the fuel delivery module malfunctioned and they made the replacement. prior to the contact owning the vehicle, it was previously serviced in 2004 under nhtsa campaign id number 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). the failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 103,000.

2001 ford focus has failed twice during long trips. vehicle stutters, struggles and will maintain a speed of only 35-40 mph during these episodes. stopping, restarting will reset and allow another 5-10 miles of proper operation and then in happens again. during both instances it was hot and humid. was able to continue trip both times, but this is a scary situation on the interstate!!!!! suspecting fuel control module, but everything tests fine at the shop and unable to recreate symptoms for mechanic. online ford database says this vehicle is not included on the recall for fuel system malfunction, but the sysmptoms are exactly as described in the complaint.

Bought new in '01 ford focus. noticed right off brakes would make a grinding noise and squeak. tires were worn real bad on inside on one front size since we bought it. repeated alignments with no improvement. still experience this problem. started experiencing problems with it missing during acceleration. check engine light came on in february 2005 and took it to the dealership. they replaced sensors that had recall,was recall code p0401. engine light stayed on. they said that we were using gas that was dirty and waiting too late to put gas into the car and that was why it was stalling. we paid $272.98 for them to replace this whole section that had to do with the fuel being filtered. car loses power and stutters going around curves with even over a half a tank of gas. stalling to the point we must pull over into the emergency lane afraid of accident! i own car i bought brand new and it jerks and sputters like some piece of crap from jd byrider! everytime we start the car you smell oil burning for15 minutes afterwards. had it checked no leaks or anything could be found. april of 2005 noticed when the car idled at a traffic light the thermostat would show shoot up showing it was running hot! took it in to the dealership and they found anti-freeze leaking. was told the thermostat housing and thermostat had to be replaced. retested it and was told problem solved. our bill was $375.00. this was first brand new car and was taken well care of, it only has around 78,000 miles on the odometer. i was told there was a silent recall on these for the engine problems and they were being fixed for no cost to the owner. we were not notified of a recall and paid for all of this out of pocket .car is paid off now and cannot enjoy having a paid off car with low mileage because we are scared to drive it and bought a new car that was safe to drive around with our kids! time goes on and it is getting worse. sometimes not wanting to start at all! engine still stalls despite all these repairs. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. on august 19, 2007, while driving 10 mph, the contact heard metal scraping the ground and then plastic being dragged underneath the vehicle. she immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered the fuel tank on the ground. she called the fire department to get permission for triple a to tow the vehicle. the contact stated that the bolt that holds the arm in place on the fuel tank had no thread remaining. she filed a complaint with ford and they stated that they could not be of assistance. the current and failure mileages were 87,000. updated 12-12-07. *kb updated *jb

First occurrence happened when my wife and daughter were driving in the baltimore tunnel and the engine started to stumble and loose power finally stopping soon after they exited the tunnel allowing them to pull oven onto the shoulder. if the engine died 30 seconds sooner who knows what could have happened, there is no place to pull over in the tunnel. she managed to get to a gas station to fill the tank and then the car ran fine. it was at 1/2 a tank when it died. when she got home i changed the fuel filter and we had no more problems for 3 months. the second occurrence happened when i was driving the car to clemson sc for my daughter to use while attending college. i ran the tank to almost empty and noticed some loss of power but i thought i just got to close to empty, filled it up and all was fine again. while i was passing an 18 wheeler, fuel at 1/2 tank, the car started bucking violently and loosing power. i had to wait for the truck to go by and then make an extremely aggressive move cutting off the car that was following the truck so i could get to the shoulder. once again after sitting for awhile the car started and i was able to limp to a gas station fill it up and it was fine. my concern is for public safety and a company the does not support the products that they sell. ford has been aware of this problem forever and sent letters to almost 600,000 owners telling them of the possible problem and giving them an extended warranty on the fuel delivery system for up to ten years with unlimited mileage. what about the rest of us? we don't deserve the same consideration? i had to pay $500.00 to fairway ford in anderson sc because my vin number wasn't included in the replacement program. ford, and all there talk of quality, ?q1? flags flying at all of their facilities, seems to be more concerned with share holder value, than the safety of their loyal customers. *tr

Initially the problem seemed to be hesitation in the transmission at high speed on the highway. however, it gradually worsened and resulted in surging and loss of power. the throttle because totally unresponsive and i had to coast to a stop on the side of a busy highway. the car is in the shop presently. given the amount of data out there to show this is a common defect for the 2001 focus, i expect ford to cover the repair. *tr