Problems with 2001 Ford Focus SUSPENSION

2001 ford focus with 146k miles. adult driven one owner and well cared since new. noticed clunking sound so took it in for brakes to the ford dealer. was told by dealer they can't fix as entire subframe is rotted and "i was one pothole from the engine falling out". it appears that dealers use this line as i found other complaints with the exact same wording. how can you recall the escape and windstar for the same problem and not the focus? because focus owners don't have the same money that those other higher end cars have? i was driving my new baby around in this car and thank god i didn't hit that one more pothole or both our lives could have been ended! all it takes is an internet search to realize that this is a common problem. the subframe is a very important component to a car that should not just rust away in 14 years! clearly the design or materials used were at fault for this. ford needs to recall these cars before more people are killed or injured!

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving, the vehicle pulled to the right independently and the contact lost control of the steering wheel. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm, ball joint assembly, and axle needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact did not know if the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 02v289000 (steering). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 165,611.

Right front coil spring broke as i was driving to the mechanic to have a ball joint on my left front tire replaced. heard a clanging noise while driving. i thought it was from the bad ball joint, when mechanic checked he said the coil spring had snapped. called ford about safety recall which came up when i put my vin number into their website. i was informed that the warranty period was over and my car was not covered. it cost me 600.00 to have both repairs done by a mechanic. i filed a complaint with ford while on the phone with them and their advice was to save my receipt and if a recall goes into effect for this problem, i will get reimbursed. i have seen hundreds of complaints about this problem, yet ford just ignores the issue as it is still happening. now today my back window made a noise and the window fell down and won't go back up. i've already had a new battery, alternator, plugs and coil pack replaced because of surging and stalling. i am also getting poor gas mileage. i was told by ford that there are no open recalls on my car yet i have and am having the same problems that many of the recalls in effect are listing. very poor customer service by ford. *js

Checked your site for recalls. found field service action number:03m02 re: coil springs. previously checked for recalls two year ago. this notice was not on your site then. as the original owner, i have made it a point to keep abreast of all recalls. i was never notified of this notice by ford. used the same dealer for repairs for the last 5 years. called ford today. ford said the dealer had a copy of this notice. never informed of this by the dealer (auto nation, bellevue dealership). your site posting of the notice said it expired after 10 year or 150,000 miles. ford said i was out of luck as "what ever came first, years or mileage". i suspect that ford never notified nhtsa of this problem & i also suspect ford is doing a cya. *tr

Right front coil spring broke while driving on the road. the broken spring penetrated the right front tire and immediately disabled the vehicle. it has been documented that this is a common problem for this vehicle, and it was determined that the springs were manufactured improperly and do not resist corrosion. ford has recognized the probelm through several tsbs and even had a customer satisfaction program 03m02 with at least 2 supplements concerning the issue and replacement of the faulty parts. i spoke with a local ford dealer (hondru) and they told me the program expired and the car is no longer covered. i then spoke with a ford representative through direct customer service and they confirmed this was the case. they confirmed the conversation with number cas4271469-z6w0f2. the representative's name was kendra. i am deeply concerned about this because it is a significant safety risk to me an my family. the coil spring is a significant component of the suspension, and when it brakes the driver's ability to control the car is extremely compromised. to make things worse, the broken spring destroys the tire immediately, further reducing the ability to control the car. since it was documented that there was a fault in the manufacturing process, and ford and nhtsa knew about the problem, these parts should have been replaced under a recall due to the safety concerns. *tt

Subframe is rusted through. *tr

Front right lower balled joint separated and broke the control arm almost separated the wheel from the car. the car has not been repaired. *tr

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 5mph there was a clunking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the front coil springs fractured. the vehicle was being repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. the failure mileage was 122,000.

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact was driving 40 mph when the steering wheel became loose and a clunking noise emitted from the front of the vehicle. the power steering also failed, causing the vehicle to steer to the left abnormally. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the private mechanic confirmed that the front spring from the struts had detached and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 44,099.

Coil spring on front passenger side broke while driving on the highway. unable to move the vehicle because a metal object from broken spring jammed into the front tire. the car is old, but has been kept inside a garage and has low mileage.

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

2001 ford focus se, vin [xxx], 62000 mi. - both front coil springs are broken, many people have had the same problem and ford only issued extended warranty number 03m02 for 1999/2003 model years. i have had the car for almost 2 years and never received any info from ford about the problem. spring breaks and rubs against tire and causes blow out. faulty springs. ford admits defect but said i was past warranty date as of 09/26/2010 they would no longer cover the problem - disgraceful. 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 while driving approximately 25 mph and making a left turn, he heard noises. the vehicle was inspected by the dealer who stated that the left rear coil springs had fractured. the vehicle was repaired. the contact also stated that there was a problem with the headlight lenses which became foggy over time. the dealer stated that they had changed headlight manufacturers because of the problem. the failure mileage was approximately 81,800. updated 1/19/2010 *cn updated 03/25/11*jb

I've had numerous problems with my ford focus and despite regular maintenance i've been stranded on the side of a highway countless times.thus far i've replaced the engine twice. twice i've had to replace the alternator. my throttle does not return to idle and has unexpected moments of acceleration and i've had to replace the engine throttle sensor. both of my front coil springs have broken and were very close to puncturing my tires. after taking my vehicle to numerous mechanics none of them have been able to diagnose why my car shakes so badly. i have very poor visibility at night with the exterior lighting which is significantly less compared to other vehicles. my fan has had to be replaced since it was malfunctioning and my car was having problems overheating as well. during the course of all of these car malfunctions, i've been in dangerous situations on the side of the highway and in risky neighborhoods at night. this car has proven to be very unreliable and unsafe. *tr

2001 ford focus, front strut spring broke in 2 places. i just got in the car and it sounded like a rifle shot went off....started to drive off and stopped for the 'clunking' sound. drove to near by repair shop, said the trouble was the spring. checked recalls, in case...2000 models had recall for spring breakage, but not the 2001 models. have written to ford and am submitting vehicle info tomorrow for consideration. *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

My daughter was driving 2001 ford focus se wagon approximately 45mph when she described steering locked up in turn then she heard tires squealing and vehicle jerked hard left causing her to go off the road, hit a rock wall and flipped the car end over end. the air bags did not deploy. she landed upside down but was able to exit vehicle through broken window. she received cuts and bruises and was taken to emergency room for x-rays where they said she had no serious injuries and was released. on scene investigation by police and tow truck operated suggested ball joint failure or other steering/suspension failure. car was totaled. *tr

I will start with the fact the car is on it's fourth battery. it has had the wiring harness replaced along with every sensor in the car some twice. there was a steering column recall done on it. the two back windows tracks have been broke a total of six times. the door handles brake three so far. the stereo is broke for the second time. i have had to do the brakes twice so far and all this and the car only has 63,498.8 miles . *tr

Front coil spring broke. *tr

While my young daughter and i was driving on the freeway 65mph, i smelled rubber burning, looked in my rearview and smoke coming from my car, i turned radio down and heard the loud whining sound as i tried to pull to the right side of road was a loud crunching noise and i felt something hitting under my driver side floor, i had trouble steering the car but did get it pulled over, after my husband inspected the car briefly we now know that the coil spring broke cut into my tire and other damages, my front fenders were actually sitting on my tires. the car has been towed home we do not have the resources to have it repaired at this time. i am the only owner of this car. after looking at other complaints i have discovered that i have had alot of these problem as well. my car has seen the back of a tow truck more than its share. *tr

Front coil spring broken. *tr

Defective front coil springs fractured, wedged against tire, causing partial loss of steering control. right side fractured july, 2005, left side fractured may, 2008. coil spring & related parts replaced both times. *tr

Sunday morning (4/6/2008) i got in my car and backed down my driveway. while turning the wheel and going down the driveway i heard a very loud metal on metal sound. i put the car up on jack stands and inspected the suspension. i found the drivers side spring was not seated on the strut base. at this time i drove the car to sears auto repair in novi, michigan. while driving the car to sears the spring moved a couple times, made some noise, and affected the steering of the vehicle. sears inspected the springs and found the drivers side spring was corroded and fractured in a couple places at the top. i ended up replacing both springs and it cost $436.86. on monday (4/7/2008) i decided to go on the internet to find out if other people had the same issue with the ford focus springs. i found out it was not an uncommon issue. in fact ford issued a tsb (03m02s2) and extended the warranty on the springs to 150,000 miles or 10 years (only if serviced at a dealership). unfortunately i found this out after i repaired the car on sunday. i was never notified by ford of tsb on the springs. also, it should be noted that i bought the car used (about 1.5 years ago) from a ford dealership which should have inspected the vehicle for things like this (spring corrosion). on monday (4/7/2008) i decided to call the ford customer service line (800-392-3673) to see what can be done to reimburse my expenses and discuss the safety concern. i was told by the customer service representative that ford did not view this as a safety concern. i am a mechanical engineer designing safety critical suspension components (not coil springs) and to me this is not an acceptable answer. if the coil spring were to fracture further and cut my tire when driving on the freeway i can imagine that would not be a very safe situation. i don't understand ford not issuing a recall over a poor quality suspension component which could cause injury. if needed i have the old parts in my possession. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving approximately 25 mph and approaching a traffic light, the battery light illuminated. the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and then flames appeared. she stopped and exited the vehicle when it became completely engulfed in flames. the police and fire departments arrived and a report was filed. the vin, engine size, and powertrain were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 52,899. updated 04/11/08 *bf the dealer stated consumer had vehicle in a pinch bolt torqued and a zetec engine cable routing. the dealer also replaced both front coil springs. updated 04/11/08 *tr

Coil springs. left front coil spring broke with out reason. thankfully the spring did not blow off of retaining area. if it had while i ws driving this could have potentially caused my steering to lock up blow a tire or who else know what. and the outcome from any of these could have been life threatening. *tr

I have a 2001 ford focus, originally there has only been one owner to this vehicle. very recently, i experienced a very loud noise in my left rear tire which as days past, i was unable to drive the car. my tire had begun to wobble to the point i thought that it may come off my car. this was caused by defective wheel bearings in the tire. *tr

Noticed a creaky sound coming from the front of the car. when mechanic looked at it, the left front coil spring was broken. car has 72,000 miles. replaces both front springs. have never known coil springs to just break on a car. and judging from the other complaints filed here and elsewhere on the internet for this year car, it is a fairly common problem. shame on ford for not following up on this. *tr

2001 ford focus zx3 with <55,000 miles has been found to have both from springs broken. at the time of discovery neither spring had worked lose from the perch, however with additional time the springs would be able to move and potentially puncture a tire. *tr

Passenger side front coil spring fractured. loud crunch noise when turning right or left. no accident or injuries. i am going to have the spring replaced this week, 07/18/07. *tr

I drive a 2001 ford focus. my car was parked overnight, and as i went to back out of my parking space to go to work, i heard a loud clunking noise and my car struggled to back up. i left my car parked as i thought it was a problem with the brakes. i drove the car to work the next morning (going 65 on the freeway), and the noise continued to worsen and i started to smell burning rubber. i brought the car to a repair shop. the next day they said i was very lucky the tire did not blow because the spring had broken and was rubbing against the tire. this is a problem i know ford is well aware of. i don't know what i would have done had anything happened to me and my family as a result of this gross negligence by ford. repairs ended up costing $570 to replace both front springs, struts, and mounts. *jb

Both front coil springs broke within 7 days of each other, causing the car to sag and drive abnormally. *jb

Strange noise when turning and/or hitting bumps. both front springs were broken with the left spring broken in two places. had to replace both springs and struts and have front end alignment done. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact heard a noise coming from one of the front wheels. when he drives over speed bumps, it sounds as if something is loose under the vehicle. he also stated that when he drives between 50-75 mph, the vehicle vibrates and the steering wheel shakes. he had the tires rotated and balanced and the front end aligned, however, the mechanic stated that those were not the cause of the vibration and noise. the contact found nhtsa recall number 02v289000 (steering: linkages). the contact stated that his vehicle would not start and he had the battery inspected. the mechanic stated that the battery was fine. the vehicle started when the contact looked under the hood and moved the battery cable. upon closer inspection, he realized that the cables looked and smelled burnt. he then discovered nhtsa recall number 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables). he notified ford about the two recalls and was informed that his vin was excluded from both. the contact feels that his vehicle should be included since he is experiencing the same failures. the current mileage was 43,800 and failure mileage was 38,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving 2 mph the vehicle hit a patch of ice, slid into a curb, and caused the suspension front control arm to bend. a new suspension front control arm was installed by the dealer. on march 14, 2008, while making a turn the vehicle made a clunking noise, the steering failed, caused the vehicle to hit the curb and the suspension front control arm was bent again. the failure mileage was 60000 and the current mileage was 87587.

Broken coil springs. *jb

Yesterday morning as i was backing out of my driveway i heard a clunk in the front end of my ford focus and when i drove the car pulled to the left. i drove my car to the dealership about 3 miles away. after explaining the problem to the service rep he told me it might be a spring failure that is covered by a recall. i was surprised i had not been notified of this recall and he told me they only do something about it if the consumer complains! this is crazy! what if i had been going 70 mph when the spring broke? this is the second recall i haven't been notified about this year. earlier is was a fuel pump that failed causing the car to lose acceleration, this time as i was driving 70 miles an hour! the part was replaced free of charge as it was covered by the recall. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated after driving on bumpy road conditions t a clanking noise coming from the front suspension. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who determined the stabilizer bar needed to be replaced, and the pivot joint had worn out prematurely. the dealer replaced the stabilizer bar. *ak updated 2/7/2006 - *nm

2001 ford focus problems problem 1 - in the past, whenever i would transition between freeways, my car would begin to stall. i push the gas pedal, and nothing would happen for at least 10 - 15 seconds. it happened mostly on a circular on ramp. and i think this problem lead to the next issue. problem 2 - i had to replace the fuel pump (which was expensive). i think this issue happened due to this statement i read "nhtsa investigators said the alleged engine stall problem may be caused by debris accumulating in the gas tank, blocking fuel from being delivered to the engine." eventually, this "debris" problem causes strain on the fuel pump. and now, my check engine light came on. i checked the issue, and they said it's a gas vapor leak or something to that affect. they told me to keep an eye out for a gas leak. that issue maybe from the mechanic who fixed it, but if ford would have put a recall for that issue, i wouldn't be having this problem. problem 3 - i took my focus into ford to get a "buzzing" sound checked out. they fixed the bearing problem because my car was under warranty. now, 2 years later, the sound is back. i read a statement "...a rear-wheel bearing failure that could lead to a wheel falling off..." i am afraid that this noise i hear today is due to that same problem 2 years ago. i called ford and they told me it was going to cost me close to $400 to repair it. first of all, that's a lot of money to me. secondly, i'm very afraid for the safety of my wife. i'm afraid something might happen when she drives the car. third, i don't think it's fair for me to have to repair something that is "faulty" due to the manufacturer. *nm

Dt: the contact experienced a noise from the rear end. the noise became louder over the past week. the contact took the vehicle to a ford dealer, who noted this was an issue with the wheel bearings. the wheel bearings were replaced under a special service campaign in 2003 on a customer satisfaction program. the nets, 01i017. this was not covered because it was not under recall or any type of warranty the second time around. the wheel bearings were cracked and the bearings will not be covered by this again. the contact called the ford dealer manager, and ford manufacturer who offered no assistance. the contact planned to have this replaced. *ak

The front right coil spring snapped without any warning or previous issue indicating a problem. the failure resulted in the breakage of the right front strut leading to replacement of both front coil springs and struts on the vehicle. i had the exact same part break on my ford windstar van but ford declines responsibility.*jb

The front right coil spring snapped without any warning or previous issue indicating a problem. the failure resulted in the breakage of the right front strut leading to replacement of both front coil springs and struts on the vehicle. i had the exact same part break on my ford windstar van but ford declines responsibility. *jb

My car has 29,500 miles on it. i bought it used about 3 weeks ago. following symptoms: 1 - car stumbles/hesitates/loses power at around 2-3k rpm...regardless of speed...but stumbling/hesitation is best felt on the freeway. 2 - car has had some type of recall work and dpfe sensor replaced at: 17500 miles. not sure if fuel pump recall has been performed...ford dealers have been very reluctant to tell me without making me spend $150+ on a stupid diagnosis...that's called good business. 3 - dpfe sensor replaced prior to me picking up the car at: 28440 miles. 4 - 1000 miles later...i have the stumbling. 5 - things i've done to the car: a - replaced air filter b - replaced fuel filter c - replaced pcv valve d - replaced plugs (using bosch platinum 2) so far i've done all changes myself because no ford dealership seems to care to offer advice or a helping hand. the consequences are that i've almost been hit from the rear due to stumbling/hesitation. *jb

Problem with suspension. car shakes when turning at any speeds along with noise that sounds like driving with a flat tire. tire was not flat. took in to dealership for a different safety recall and was told the front wheel bearings were deteriorated. part is being replaced. *nm

Additional statement for claim # 10131720 along with front wheel bearing being replaced, the front axel bearing it also being replaced. *nm

My 2001 zx3 focus would eat tires .. got it used but with only 30,000 miles put new firestone tires on and had it rotated every 3000 miles to keep it from shaking .. did that 4 times and sold the p.o.s. the people at firestone told me it was bad engineering on fords part . brakes would make nose that the dealer had no clue what it was . .. now i date someone i with a 2002 ford focus. at 30,000 new brakes and rotors . new pcm . and the list is still adding up. if the focus isn't a lemon ... then there is no point of the lemon law. time to change it and make it harder to sell cars that are made so cheap!!! *jb

Dt: while driving down road about 60 mph and the back hub began to make a grinding noise without warning. it was a split second from falling off. also, rear bearings went out. had to be towed to an independent repair shop, who noted that the both rear bearings went out. visible to naked eye, could look back at wheel and see that it was about to fall off. recall for corrosive issued, but this vehicle was not involved in the recall. vehicle is currently in shop for repairs. spouse checked wheel to see if it was properly secured, and discovered the hub was totally rusted. *ak

The left front coil spring of my 2001 ford focus station wagon broke. *jb

While driving at 65, the left rear wheel came off. the consumer pulled off the road. the vehicle sustained some damage. the vehicle was towed. the dealer stated the wheel bearings were defective. *jb