Problems with 2001 Ford Focus STRUCTURE

My driver side passenger door has been acting up for many years now and ford will not fix it. now my door will not close. many of the 2001 ford focus have been recalled for this issue and they say my vin no. is not one of them. please help me get my door fixed. when i went to get it inspected on 11.2.18 they opened my door and now it will not close and again they say that i have to fix it. as mentioned, this has been an issue for years and i am still dealing with it. my car is in excellent condition and do not want to get rid of it. i believe that ford is responsible for fixing the latch. my car has had a few recalls that were fixed, one of which was a few years ago that they honored. i hope to get this issue resolved quickly and they will not pass my car for inspection and i need my vehicle. thank you.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. upon driving over a speed bump at an unknown speed, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the vehicle swerved. after reaching her destination, the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the subframe was completely corroded. the vehicle was inspected by an insurance adjustor who confirmed that the rear subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 115,909.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact observed that the crossmember failed without warning. the vehicle was diagnosed by the contact, who was an independent mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Car will not idle when stopped at a light in the city, when shifting into drive from park, runs rough at low speeds while in traffic and going though parking lots. started one morning, ran horribly, stalled and hasn't started since. the back door doesn't stay latched when shut.

Takata airbag deployed after the car had come to a stop. ali stopped to avoid hitting a car that had suddenly braked in front of her. there was no damage to the car in front her as ali was able to stop in time, but there was major damage to her car. when the takata airbag deployed it burnt her left forearm/hand and incurred $107.00 in medical expenses. caliber collision says that to repair the car it would cost ali $7,639.37.

While driving a 2001 ford focus se and navigating a curve, the rear drivers side door failed to remain secure and suddenly opened while vehicle was in motion. upon attempting to close the door, it appears the door latch does not engage and the door cannot be closed secure. upon further inspection, there is significant corrosion around the latch mechanism. the door must be manually restrained with ropes to remain closed. *tr

Under normal use the exterior door handles on three of the four car doors broke. within a week's time all three broke and the only way to open the doors was to reach through an open window and pull the interior handle. at my expense the ford service dept. replaced the broke handles, however the right rear part couldn't be located to repair it. this should have been a safety recall. should their have been an accident prior to my replacing the handles, someone trying to help a person stuck inside wouldn't have been able to get the passenger out of the vehicle. when i looked online to read about these handles i found that this was a bad design year for door handles and after about 3 years it was then redesigned. why not a recall then? *tr

Subframe is rusted through. *tr

On our ford focus, the exterior door handle, on the front driver's side does not work. you can reach in the window (or lean over ctr console) to pull the handle and open it. the handle on the outside is stuck in the full pulled out position, and cannot be pushed in. the back driver's side door started periodically started having problems opening. i thought the problem with the back door may be due to the child safety locks being engaged. i opened the rear door, inserted, and rotated the key. as far as i could tell, there was no change. you could pull the handle on the inside, and outside, and the mechanism seemed to be working, so i closed the door ....before changing the rotation back. now, the door will not open any, from the inside, or outside. this is a great concern because if there was an accident, or fire, the person in the back seat may not be able to exit this vehicle. i would like to know: is there a way to reset the child safety locks, without opening the door (since this door will not open)? *tr

On our ford focus, the exterior door handle, on the front driver's side does not work. you can reach in the window (or lean over ctr console) to pull the handle and open it. the handle on the outside is stuck in the full pulled out position, and cannot be forced in even. the back door started not working periodically. i thought the problem on the back door may be the child safety locks being on. i opened the rear door, inserted the key, and rotated it. as far as i could tell, there was no change. you could pull on the inside, and outside handle, and the mechanism seemed to be working, so i closed the door ....before changing the rotation back. now, the door will not open from the inside or outside. this concerns me if there were an accident, or fire, the person in the back seat may not be able to exit. i would like to know if there is a way to reset the child door locks-without opening the door (since the door will not open)? *tr

Sunday 05 jan 2014 i had recently parked my car, turned it off, and was outside of my vehicle (2001 ford focus) when i began to notice smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. i was confused at first, as the car was completely off for a few minutes before any problems began. within a matter of two minutes the smoke had increased, thickened, and began to smell. my friend was nearby and had noticed that something was not right. he came over and we both took a couple steps toward the front of the car to figure out what was going on. immediately flames burst up from the hood. at this point we instantly ran from the vehicle, dialing 911. the flames got worse as we waited from a distance for the fire department to arrive. at this point i was unsure as to whether the car would completely blow up or not, as the flames became worse with every minute. the fire department arrived within approximately five minutes. they were able to put the fire out in a few minutes, but had to break the window and then pry the hood open in order to do so. after the fire was completely out and the scene was safe i was able to talk with the firemen. they showed me under the hood and said the fire seemed to be something electrical and looked as if it had started near the front right of the vehicle under the hood (somewhere close to the passenger headlight). they also explained, as i had already assumed, that the vehicle was unsalvageable. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the liftgate wires failed. there was also a crack in the seam of the liftgate window and rain water was able to enter the veihcle. the failure caused the wires to short and melt. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the wiring needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 128,000.

Heard clunking noise-rear subframe is completely rotted and broken on both sides. *tr

Rear door will not stay latched and swings wide open. *tr

My last oil change i was inform the front subframe is badly rusted, to the point the mechanic could push a screw driver through it in spots. he informed me that driving it was a major safety risk, as the frame could fail, causing an accident. he said ford has not issued a recall. they must be waiting for a higher body count when the front end of the car fails while going down the interstate. *tr

The latches on three of the doors either do not latch which makes the door fly open or it latches and doesn't open, after inspection the latches are so corroded with rust that they do not work at all. before i realized that the door wasn't latching i had a propane tank for a grill in the back seat when i made a right hand turn and it hit the door and the door flew open and the tank went flying down the street and almost hit a pedestrian. there have been recalls on this but my vin # isn't on the recall but should be! i was quoted over $800 to fix the doors. this is a safety issue and i shouldn't have to pay for it. *tr

On may 9, 2011 my car went for emergency repairs to bill wilcox's charlon ford agency of ridgecrest, ca. after $1725 repairs, i experienced a reduction in mileage, dropping from 30-31mpg to 25-26 mpg, a 17 to 18 % drop. that began immediately, with the initial purchase of gas - in visalia; and, it was later confirmed was caused by the improper use of a torch on a suspension cross member. the car was taken to rob holbrook's auto crew in clearfield, utah, checked for undercarriage damage and evidence that charlon ford's repairs caused the problems. he is a licensed safety inspector for the state of utah. widespread damage to that main cross member, where the attachment for the rear motor mount is affixed to that portion of the sub frame, was confirmed. the sub frame was quite distorted, bowed in and out, and exhibited evidence that the mount had been removed by use of a torch so the rear dog bone motor mount could be replaced. deformation of that cross member and resultant changes to the suspension were the reasons for low mpg and tire wear because of improper camber. bill wilcox, stated to california bar that toe-in was only adjusted while the camber was overlooked or could not be adjusted. but, the use of a torch to this unit is not called for - unless it is to replace that unit. leaving the suspension cross member in that condition, leads to a stress point that could lead to cracking and tearing, and could prematurely cause rusting which weaken those attachments to the suspension. if repairs are made it is imperative that it and surrounding structures be returned to proper dimensions. but problems arise when improper heat affects strength and creates permanent softness and increasing brittleness. the cross member had to be replaced and a new alignment performed - at a cost of $851.74. *tr

Hi, i recently went to a ford dealership to get an oil change on my 2001 ford focus, so when they lifted my car up to change the oil they noticed something that was a major problem, my front subframe had about a half a foot diameter hole in it because it had completely rusted out, it was all corroded and they said that if i had hit a pot hole in the road that it could have broken in half and the front end would fall straight to the ground because the front subframe holds up the whole front of the car. i think this should be a recall because this is a major safety risk to all drivers of some ford focus because they may not know about this, because i would have never known about this unless they had told me at the dealership. i can send some pictures of the subframe if you like. i just want to make sure no one gets seriously injured because of this front subframe rusting away, i was told by ford that the front subframe should last the life of the car, but apparently that wasn't the case for mine. i am getting it repaired as soon as possible because of the safety risk it can cause. thank you for your time reading this. *tr

2001 focus 112k mi. bought from local ford dealer, 1 yr old w, 21k on it. a recent inspection by my own mechanic tells me that the rear sub frame is rotted and it is dangerous to drive it. especially at highway speeds. the local dealer laughed when i inquired about a nine year old car w/ rusted frame. *tr

Water leaks onto the passenger side floor in the front.. apparently from a defective seal on the bottom of the windshield. *tr

Driving down the highway our children rolled down the back power windows and they would not go back up - swerved into other lane trying to contain the situation because of the noise from the traffic has to exit the highway immediately to note that the windows would no longer go up - had to manually push them up to keep them up - although while driving they will go back down - which cause a jump in reflexes. to temporarily fix the problem we have applied duct tape. also when it rains there is now water accumulating on the passenger floor board and spreads to the back seat floor board - has door seals checked and will replace although this is a real health concern because of rust and mold. *tr

Ignition sticks and moves around, horn fell completely out from under the car and hit someone's car, the fan box and all fell completely off and down, backfiring stalling rattling vibrates front right side around tire area rattles horribly, check eng. light stays on mass air flow sensor is bad transmission sensor is bad lighter stopped working car completely goes dead spits sputters, manifold pipe broke so now its loud. its all day long non stop period we have replace several sensors and tubes and wires for it doesn't work not getting the gas mileage i should and i have had it 11 months but hardly dove it 3 total all together i cant afford any thing else to fix these problems 3 days after i bought it its been pure ?!@#$%. *tr

On 10/3/08 i was changing oil on my 2001 ford focus with 60000 miles and noticed rust holes through the front subframe, which holds the motor, lower wheel control arms to the car body. it is a very crucial part that should last the life of the car. i took the car to the dealer and they said the frame was defective and that if i hit a large bump that the frame may break in half and that it was unsafe to drive. the dealer said that the car is out of the warranty period and there was nothing they could do about it. i called ford and they said the same thing. this repair was estimated by the dealer to be around $900.00. the car is being repaired as i write this. i feel that this is a defective part ford has used and they should inspect and replace the part on this model before one does break and someone gets hurt. *tr

I have had my ford focus wagon for three years now. i had to repair a alot of things on this car! tranny, alternator, fuel pump, timing belt, and the only door that opens from the outside is the passenger right front, which my kids have to climb through to get to the back because both back doors broke not even four months from the day i bought it. also the driver door only opens from the inside because of the companies defected car door handles. my friend has the same car, and its the same way. not mentioning how everytime i stop it dies out and i have to try and keep starting it. it seems there is always something wrong with it. *tr

Water leak into the front passenger foot well. started in july, went back to the dealer three times, final time was told it needs to go to a body shop, possible defective body panel issues? *jb

Dt*: the contact stated three of the doors on the vehicle will not open and the driver door will not stay closed. the dealership has been alerted.

Dt: 2001 ford focus - the consumer received manufacturer's recall 05s27 concerning corrosion of the rear doors in march 2005. called the dealership, and they said that this recall did not affect this vehicle because it was not a hatch back car. contacted the manufacturer, and they said the same thing; this would not effect this vehicle. the rear driver's door will not close due to the corrosion. *ak

While driving 35 mph driver's side door flew open. *ak

While driving 65 mph engine mount bolts snapped in half. as a result, the engine fell onto the axle, which damaged part of the axle. *ak

My question regards to see if there is a recall about water in the passenger side floor. but there is nothing wrong with the car. its just that water comes into the passenger floor when it raining. example= driving for a while when it is raining the floor becomes wet. but after it dries out, there is no water. even on sunny days. i hope what i've typed makes since. because that is the best that i can explain it. thank you for your time. rodney ray note''''' there was no accident so the one that is in the incident date is not for real''''''''''''''''''''because this site won't lety me pass without one. *ak

The passenger side rear door fails to stay shut, even when locked. the door flings open while driving. *ak

The floor board on the passenger's side had two inches of water on the floor. the driver took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. the mechanic noticed that the water was coming in through the cowling. *ak *ph *nm

The first problem that i started to have with my 2001 ford focus began less than a year after i bought it. the left rear window went out first, then about a week later the right rear window went out. i think the gears were faultily manufactured. when at a ford dealership for a recall, i was told i would have to pay about $350 per window to fix the problem, money i do not have because i have to save up to fix another problem with this car. the second problem is concerning the electrical system. everything in my car powered by electricity flickers on and off. when i try to roll up my remaining windows or turn on the a/c, the radio will go static, the headlights flicker, the abs light pops on, etc. i have talked to numerous focus owners who have had similar problems. they have been told by ford dealers that it is this or that and paid a lot of money to fix the problems, but the problems never went away. i am just waiting for my ignition to go out, that is another common problem i have heard of with this lemon of a car. the ford focuses need to be recalled, we should all get our money back! how many people is ford going to rip off and kill before they are finally held accountable? i cannot afford to fix all the problems i am having and will have in the future, especially since my warranty was conveniently up just a month before i started having these problems. i would like to be e-mailed back with some information on what i can do. can i declare this car a lemon and make them buy it back from me? i have corresponded with ford via e-mail and it has gotten me nowhere. please help us!!!*ak

Ford focus 2001, excessive rocking of the engine, replaced motor mount. *bf when the consumer went to the dealer the third time, new bushings were put on the front of the vehicle. when the consumer applied the brake at a very low speed, the wheel vibrated and the body of the vehicle appeared to stop at a slightly slower speed than the wheel and there was a jerking a reaction. the mechanic believed there was a problem with the rear center motor mount and the lack of an a frame brace, which was causing the problems with the wheels. *jb

Water leaks into passenger floor when it rains i have had to dealer twice still not fixed now warranty has run out. *jb

The left side bumper plastic rattled and the tail pipe hit the bumper which made a rattle noise. the dealer placed a rubber spacer between the bumper and the body, the bumper was now lower and hitting the tail pipe even more because of the rubber spacer, which was falling out. the screws which held the bumper and body together were visibile. finally the consumer was told it was the design of the vehicle and the problem could not be corrected. *scc *jb

Outside handle on driver's side fell off without prior warning. when she went to open the door for access. *ak

While driving from a parking lot doors locked. doors were inoperative, except driver's side door. also, horn started to blow and the driver was not able to stop it. *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.

Tired of having to bring car in for repeat break downs. dt

Bought the car from karlson motors in ketchikan ak where we reside at. on june 7, 2002 needed to take the car to the dealership for a water leak on the front floorboard on the passenger side. on july 8, 2002 had to take the car back to the dealership for another water leak in the trunk. on augus 9, 2002 had to take the car back to the dealership for another water leak on the front floorboard on the passenger side. on august 22, 2002 called the dealership for yet another water leak on the front floorboard on the passenger side. however the service department was not able to get the car into the repair shop until august 27, 2002. we have had rain now for 5 consective days. the water is thick and smells really bad inside the car. now i want to know what is the water damage to my carpet and under the carpet. i have requested for a different vehicle preferbly one that doesnt leak water. i live in ketchikan ak where it is a rain forest. it rains over 200 inches a year. i also have asthma and allergies, mold and mildew are not kind to my body. i needed to do a breathing treatment to assit with my asthma so that i can breathe more easliy. i have called and talked to the dealership and they said there is nothing that they can do except keep fixing my car. i called the headquarters of ford and that was the same comment. i dont feel that they are treating this properly. the car was close to $16,000. i dont feel that i should have to keep taking it to the dealership to keep getting it fixed. for the price of the car it shouldnt have any problems in the first place. i feel that i have bought a lemon and no one in the ford company wants to listen. i am hoping that this goes in the correct hands and something can be done about this.

Excessive dust and dirt entering car. believed to be coming in through the rear doors. have had the car at the dealership 5 or more times for repairs for the excessive dust problem. dealership has failed to fix the problem... car is now just above miles for warranty coverage and ford will not respond to phone calls. there is a serious defect in the structure causing inside of rear doors to be covered in dust and as driving car dust leaks into car creating a circulating cloud of dust floating inside the car. daughter has allergies and causing major problem. hard to even breath while driving car down 1 mile of gravel road. dealership says they have done all they can and ford is refusing to even look at the problem being that the car is now out of warranty. problem first begain shortly after purchase. dust continued to worsen so reported to dealership may 2002. dealership has worked on vehicle 5 times since may 2002. dust continues to worsen. ford refusing to help. cannot keep anything in car or will be layered in dust. rear doors becoming impossible to open unless oiled at least once a week... must clean car (dust interior) at least once a week if not more often due to so much dust layering inside of doors, seats are full of dust.*ak

When putting key in ignition key won't turn, and sometimes it will afterwards jiggle around. took to dealer, and tumblers replaced. also, tailgates are too high. consumer has injured shoulders opening and closing the tailgates.*ak

Power door locks failed to open after the vehicle was turned off. consumer and child were stuck inside vehicle for at least two minutes trying to manually unlock the doors. horn started beeping/ headlights and hazrards lights wouldn't go out, and trunk wouldn't open. an electrical burning smell was entering vehicle. two days prior door key code would take 3-5 tries to unlock the door. dealer was aware and inspected vehicle. please provide more information. *ak

Front passenger floor fills with water when it rains. *tt

Power door locks have activated incorrectly. while outside the car scraping the windshield, car running, the power door locks went into the locked position, preventing me from getting into the vehicle. *ak

Consumer states that there is water leaking from under the dashboard that will flow into the vehicle and get the interior wet and produces mildew. this is the second vehicle that this has happened to the first vehicle was a ford focus 2000 coop. dealer unable to fix problem. nlm *tt

Driving ford focus slowly in snow,a jeep spun out of control hit the drivers side front of car spun around and hit us again from the rear.airbag deployed and it my passenger full in face. damaged her face with chemical burns and created a coroidital tear in her eye that is permanent and permanent vision loss in one eye. the impact of the airbag jarred her brain and she now has a brain injury called chiari malformation,

After washing the car noticed water in the floor board 2 to 3 inches deep, on the passenger side. it came through the firewall. start home an half an hour later, made a sudden stop and the car went out of control very sparodic and would not stop. vehicle crossed five lanes of traffic hit the divider concrete wall and bounced off, crossed three lanes spun around crossed the same three lanes and came to a stop on the left shoulder, the computer is located in the fire wall where the water leaked detected.

Automatic door locks cannot be disabled. as soon as shifted to either reverse or drive , locks engaged. consumer and his wife are diabetic, and worry if they pass out during an accident, they would be locked inside vehicle.*ak