Problems with 2001 Ford Focus VISIBILITY

Tl* the contact owns 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that abnormal cranking noise were coming from the rear driver side window. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 93,000. updated 09/19/12*lj the consumer stated the window regulation failed and could not be used to close the window. updated 09/26/2012 *js

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the passenger side doors would not open. there was a recall for the unlatched doors that was repaired by the dealer; however, the failure has occurred again. the drive side and rear right passenger windows have failed. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who informed her that the plastic clip that holds the windows together was broken and to contact the manufacturer regarding the repairs. the driver seat would not move back and forth because the seat handle was stripped. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 180,000.

I purchased my 2001 ford focus se in march 2001. the first window regulator broke in 2004, leaving one rear window in the down position and unable to open; it just stopped working. the 2nd regulator broke in 2006, leaving the other rear window in the down position and unable to open; also just stopped working one day. the 3rd regulator broke (front driver's side) on 6/23/2010 only this time, the regulator didn't just fail and stop working, the whole thing burst into pieces when i attempted to roll the window up and shattered the window while i was driving. glass came raining down inside the vehicle, leaving a minor cut to my leg (because it was very minor, i'm not considering it an "injury" and checked the "no" field below). fortunately, i was driving in a parking lot when it happened so low speeds didn't allow the glass to blow around but if i had been on the freeway doing high speeds, i could have potentially experienced severe cuts from the shattering glass flying into my vehicle. the first two window regulators that broke (both rear) have not been replaced as of yet, i couldn't afford the parts (quoted as $120 each at the time) so vice grips are inside the door holding the windows up, both faulty regulators are still available. the front drivers side had new glass placed in it on 6/24/2010 and cost $146.00. they did not have a regulator at the repair shop so that window is now also being held up by other means and the faulty regulator is still available for that window as well. i plan on replacing all 4 of them this weekend, even though only 3 have broken at this point, i'm sure the 4th is soon coming so it will be replaced as well. i have found numerous online complaints about regulators breaking on this model vehicle so it appears to be a common problem, but when glass starts shattering while driving, that significantly raises the risk/safety factor and cause for concern. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that all four of the power windows fell into the door well independently. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who set the windows to stay up and taped the power window buttons so that they could not be pushed as the windows would fall again. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was 90,000. updated 12/5/12 *cn updated 12/10/2012 *js

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving 16 mph the air bag deployed. as a consequence, the glass from the window shattered on the occupants in the front seat; which caused minor injuries. the vehicle was in the process of being inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the failure and current mileages were 116,000.

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

The rear passenger and rear driver windows are broken. it started with the rear passenger, not going up, or down, then not staying up at all.. then it was the rear driver side that did the same thing. the problem is even when you think it is up and in place, all of a sudden it is a quarter down, or half way down. if it rains you might as well tape plastic over windows, to keep rain and cold out. i have been reading the complaints that are filed on odi.nhtsa.dot and also reading the multiple ones that come up on the internet when you type in ford focus window problems. how many people does something need to affect before they do an investigation of an item? it is obvious to me that the issue ii the window motor regulator. *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

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the lamination on all four glass windows exhibited significant separation. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they informed the contact that each window would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 93,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that two the front driver side and the passenger side rear door handles fractured from the vehicle. the contact would have to leave the windows open in order to later enter the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer however, the contact stated that the window regulator was defective and would need replacing. the contact was concerned that in the event of an emergency no one would be able to exit the vehicle immediately. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated that the contact should take the vehicle to the nearest dealer for a diagnosis and offered no additional assistance. the failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 74,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving 15 mph, the windshield wipers would fail intermittently and only work temporarily in the highest speed. afterwards, they would slowly stop working completely. the contact has not taken the vehicle to the shop; however, he spoke to the dealer on the phone and they offered no assistance. he discovered a recall for this failure, but the manufacturer stated that his vin was not included. the windshield wipers were currently stuck in the up position. the current and failure mileages were 65,600.

Over a two year perio, three of the four electric windows on the vehicle failed to perform, specifically opened and closed. all three regulators and motors were replaced, at a ford delership,for approximately $1,200, $400 per window. *ak

Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 ford focus zx3. the contact purchased the vehicle ,and two weeks later the heat stopped working. the contact stated that she took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs, and they did an incomplete repair job. the dealer got the heat to work but it only worked when the contact turned the heat on high. the contact stated that on a really bad snow day she smelled rubber burning and turned the heat off and opened the window. she had to shut the window and turn the heat back on, and when she did fumes began to gather in the vehicle, and the entire vehicl was filled with smoke. the contact continued to drive home when the car shut down entirely. ford and toyota gave her the run around concerning replacing the vehicle and a trade in. the contact was instructed to continue using the vehicle while a trade in was being negotiated. when the contact went to sign negotiation papers she was declined. *ak the consumer stated after picking up the vehicle, all the lights illuminated, the consumer was told it was fixed. the salesman test drove the vehicle and it cut off in the middle of the steet. updated 03/30/07. *jb

I own a 2001 ford focus se automatic: my ignition lock and the steering wheel are jammed. it is a very recent development and i am finding out that i may have to pay hundreds of dollars to fix it, which i am very unhappy about since it would have been prevented by a recall of the vehicle. i still have no idea how i am going to fix it and i might have to end up towing the car which will cost even more and i don't have enough money to do that, but if i leave it on my street then i will get a parking ticket. shame on you ford for not issuing a recall, what am i supposed to do? another problem with my focus is that the rear passenger side window broke in 2005. the motor got jammed and broke or something, but now my window won't roll up and my car is getting rained inside of, again thanks ford for not issuing a recall on that problem, which is a problem that every ford focus owner that i know has. i will never buy a ford again, and i will tell everyone that ford's suck!!!!! *nm

Rear window does not operate automatically either from the driver's mechanisms nor the one by the window. this is the second window, this has happened to. the first window, also rear on the driver's side broke couple of years ago and we had to have it fixed at the time. since this is the second window, and now the driver's window is starting to sound like it's going to break, i fear this should be considered a defect, and the manufacturer is not using proper material to ensure the vehicle works properly. being unable to open and/or close the window presents a hazard, thus this matter should be taken seriously by the manufacturer and fixed at their and not our expense, especially since it is an ongoing problem. *jb

2001 ford focus-window regulators fail without notice. 5 times the window regulators failed, 3 of those while driving under normal conditions, the window either dropped or would not roll back up if window was open. the first 3 times it was over 100 degrees outside and the air conditioning would not cool the back seat where my newborn was sleeping. all 4 windows have done this at least once, the driver side front window has done it twice. ford fixed the problem 4 times and refused on the fifth time. the customer service representative from ford in dearborn, mi hung up on me 3 times refusing any service. *jb

I was driving on the garden state parkway when my wipers failed to work in the pouring rain. i pulled over and decided that i needed to get home. luckily, for me the rain let up enough for me to get home. it is a very scary experience when your driving and wipers go dead. please investigate this thank you. *jb

The driver side rear window operating cable mechanism broke. this was shortly followed (within a month or so) by the failure of the same mechanism in the rear passenger side window. both windows fail to rise and any attempts to use the window switches are answered with grinding cracking sounds. the windows are currently held up using coat hangers. *nm

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the rear windows collapsed in the vehicle. the mechanic stated that the plastic holder failed and caused the cables to intertwine, which then caused the window motor to malfunction. the passenger side rear passenger window was replaced at the cost of $300. the manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a ford dealer for a diagnostic, but they could not guarantee that they would be able to assist. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage was 25,000 and failure mileage was 23,000.

Both rear passenger windows systems have failed, with no warning, within a month of each other. the window will not open or close, and unless it is secured in the frame, it will slide down into the door and stay there. the window regulator that fails is a ford (plastic) part, that costs over $130 and needs a special tool to replace. every place in town that i called about this says they repair more ford focuses than any other car, as this part is clearly defective. i see many focuses with windows taped up, etc. i'm considering just gluing the second window into place in the frame, as over $200 (parts and labor) to replace a defective part is money i do not have. *jb

Dt: contact stated in 3-03 windshield cracked. he took vehicle to dealer and had windshield replaced. it was still leaking, and he took it back again. the dealer replaced it again. but, it was still leaking. the dealer replaced it a third time. it continued to leak. in 4-03 the dealer, where the contact bought the vehicle, said he would seal the windshield. a month ago, it cracked again. he took vehicle to another dealer, and he replaced the windshield. however, the problem recurred, and the dealer sealed it twice. it was still leaking. the contact believed there was defect in the body of the vehicle. the water leaked into the dome light, and the contact was afraid there might be an electrical fire. *ak the windshield was replaced again on 9/18/2005 but on 9/23/2005 the consumer noticed that is was still leaking. *nm

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.

We have had three electrical windows to fall inside the door panels. each time was due to the regulator. first time was under warranty april, 2004. the second and third time, has now happened sept and october, 2004. we have had to pay for both of these windows. there is odviously a defect in the original regulators. what are your chances of three power windows falling inside your door panel because the regulator went out on them. two of the windows has only been used up to 10 times total since i have owned the vehicle since may, 2001.*ak

While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers failed to come on. dealer was aware of this problem which was intermittent. *ak

When the vehicle was parked and running, the rear window fell through the vehicle. please provide additional information. *jb

Rear electric window malfunction.\ ford focus se 2001 it started with the window not going down since 2004 and now one window you can pull down by your hand. *tr

Windows fell down while driving driver window and both back windows. *tr

Leaking from windshield to dash to passenger cabin: in heavy rains and car washes water would come in though the windshield seal and run down into the dash near air bag and come out near fuel shut off valve. ford wanted $1,000 to fix this. the problem happened on other ford focus models. i was told there was a service advisor and that nothing would be covered under warranty. after discussing this matter, i got price down to $150.*ak

The rear passenger window shattered when the consumer used the automatic switch to close the window. *jb *cb *jb

When the heat was in use, there was a foul order (like burning oil) which seemed to have emitted through the vents. the cause had not been determined. please provide additional information. *jb

Also nov/20/01 my electric windows stopped working once again.....warrenty covered that.

First, my rear passenger window would not scroll up and down. this is after having my 2001 ford focus for 2 years. i rarely use my rear windows. i thought it was a motor problem. when i opened the door and checked by myself, i was shocked to see that it was not the motor but the regulator which is made of plastic. i think ford did this intentionally. after a few months, the drivers side rear window also would not scroll up and down. i immediately knew what the problem is, the plastic regulator. so what i do is to pull the window up and hold it to the frame using a piece of paper. to fix this problem would cost me $300 a piece. that is $600 total to put in another plastic that will eventually fail. to make matters worse, today my front passengers side window also went down. same problem. white plastic regulator. that puts my total cost of fixing this to $1200. i have decided not to buy a ford again if this problem cannot be fixed. they need to recall the ford focus exhibiting this problems and fix it. it is simple, stop using the plastic as the regulator. the funny thing is that you can't purchase the regulator on its own. you have to buy it plus the motor which i do not need. every ford focus owner is having this problem. my car is paid off and i don't think i will be looking at a ford again if this is not resolved. *tr

Consumer states that window broke without warning. dealer notified.*ak

While driving the vehicles rear windshield shattered. *nlm

Engine light on. jerky gear engaging. choppy acceleration. 8/02 replaced alternator 8/02 replaced v belt 10/02 blinkers out & electric windows broke 10/02 battery light on "corrosion on wires" 1/03 wouldn't start, battery light on, "wire fell off alternator" airbag light on then off

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.

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.

My daughter was in a fender bender. she was behind someone at an intersection. they were both turning right. the person before her proceeded through the intersection. my daughter looked to her left for vehicles and started through the intersection. the vehicle in front of her stopped and she rear ended it. there was no damage done to the other vehicle and her focus has a small dent in the front fender. the damage came from the fact that the airbags deployed and blew out the windshield. if my daughter had not been wearing glasses, she may have received an eye injury from the shattered glass. the dealer claims that the airbags should deploy at that low of a speed and it is expected to blow out the windshield.*ak

Consumer involved in a frontal collision at 10 mph. both the driver and passenger air bags deployed. the passenger bag shattered the windshield causing glass to "fly" around vehicle causing injuries. *mr

My wife purchased a 2001 ford focus. the washer tank is defective and leaks. we took the car to the dealership twice for the problem. (george coleman ford travelers rest, sc). we then contacted ford motor company and were told that the engineers have no repair process at this time. *jb

When the tempature gets to about 20 degrees or colder the windshield wipers will start to arch into a bow and arrow shape and become inoperable. contacted dealer. nlm

The passenger side of my car on the floor is soaked with water drainage due to a defective sunroof. i have taken the car back to the dealer 3 times, and 3 times they have told me the problem has been corrected. the last time i took the car to the dealer for this problem was 1/7/02. today is 1/25/02 and the passenger side is soaked again. i have to wait until monday to take the car back because the "water doctor" only comes on mondays. i am not a mechanic but i know there is something wrong. please help, i don't want my warranty to run out before they fix it. help. *ak

upper interior molding is bulging along windshield . dealer notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak

On the way home after purchasing vehicle, the side view mirrors would not adjust. consumer called the repair service to have the mirrors fixed. when consumer went to adjust the mirror it broke into 3 pieces. *jg

When driving in the rain windshield wiper blades cause a film on the windshied and with oncoming light of other cars/trucks it makes it very difficult to see out of the windshield. the dealer as well as ford has told me that this is normal operating procedure and that i should use my defroster and this will clear it up. i tried this and it did not clear it up. i called the ford number and i was told to go back to the dealer and tell them to prove it is normal. their service manager said there is nothing he can do for me since ford has to approve anything he does. i basically have nowhere else to go. please help me.*ak

Dripping from pass. side heat vent during a/c use or rain, severe rattling from transmission during acceleration or at idle with clutch out, when clutch is pressed the noise goes away, front end out of alignment, pulls to the right. *ak

I have tried to have this problem fixed but community ford says that it does not cause a problem. unless it is hitting something or scraping something . no safety defect. *ak

Windshield washer fluid reservoir is located underneath frame of vehicle and washer fluid level can not be determined. dealer has yet to be contacted. *ak *jb

When i bought the car they said they programmed the aut. door locks. there were none. i was told to take or leave it. the door clip is broken, tapes are chewed, brake lights failed on hwy.,complained of brakes @5k miles - down to rotor -they said it will be every 15k miles. "not our prolem." this car is a dangerous lemon. i don't want to die! fan belt is loose/needs reeplacement. my warranty is up soon. i wanted what i paid for -safety, and have a "death trap". ford says "we cannot lose any money" to me. i informedd my insurance company because i am afraid, and do not wish to be blamed for ford's poor quality workmanship. exact dates can be found. *ak (tiresize: 185/65r14) (tiresize: 185/65r14)

Back window apparently spontaneously shattered while parked in the sun.*ak