Problems with 2001 Ford Focus ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Was on my way to the va hospital 04/04/2018 started car, it would shake vigorously. check engine light and oil fuel light keep coming on and off. had a complete tune up. going to the va hospital on 4/16/2018 start car, check engine light came on and fuel light came on again. had inner tire rods replaced. going to a va appt, on 05/10/2018 start car check engine light cam on, cv valves replaced. 5/30/2018 on my way again to the va hospital, start car check engine light came on again. please advise, since it very difficult to miss and reschedule appts at the va hospital. thank you.

This car has electrical issues,the dash and tag lights flicker,the car has been turning off while i'm driving with my son in the car over 3 times now,on the highway and on main street,its so scary i've had panic attacks and got a stress rash on my face. im so scared that i can't drive it,i've had the fuel pump replaced,spark plugs,motor filter.i just try to keep getting it repaired costing me my bills money being a single parent. i'm overwhelmed and don't know what to do.

No dash light tail lights or markrr lights

Ignition key gets stuck and will not turn. ford has known of this problem should have to pay for repairs and reimbursement.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle started to jerk and the contact smelled smoke. the battery warning indicator illuminated. the contact stated that the vehicle was stopped on the side of the road and the ignition was turned to the off position as the contact exited the vehicle. the contact observed flames under the hood of the vehicle. the vehicle restarted without being prompted and started rolling forward. the fire department extinguished the fire. a police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. the vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v288000 (electrical system). the failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 50,000.

It start with door busting all the time ,then i switch it off ..now it want crank ,just bust. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the warning indicators did not illuminate on the dashboard. the failure occurred numerous of times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and recommended the replacement of the faulty wiring. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate mileage was 162,600.

2001 ford focus. consumer writes in regards to electrical system failure. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle was a lemon. over the past 2 years alone, he has spent $2,000 in non-routine repairs. every time there was an issue, the vehicle was taken to the repair shop for the problem, but was never fully fixed. on one occasion, the vehicle started smoking and the wiring caught on fire.. the consumer was informed, the vehicle needed all new wiring, after the dash lights and tail lights went out 3 times. also, the cruise control and all the lights inside the vehicle stopped working. *jb

Bought vehicle 2nd hand, cash, everything worked fine. now, i have no brake lights, & my door locks no longer work on the remote, or the "all lock/unlock" button, & now my trunk latch is not working correctly. the door locks are self locking (meaning that they lock at any given time whenever they please.) the brake switch has been replaced, all bulbs have been checked & replaced, fuses keep getting blown. cannot locate fuse for the door locks. ford has a campaign for the year 2000 for a door latch issue, campaign #05s27 nhtsa id# 05v-030. also, campaign #05s50 nhtsa id #00v-411 for a tail lamp issue. there are no recalls on this yet after doing weeks of research i am finding that it is an issue with the ford focus from 2000 to current. after calling several dealers, none of them would tell me anything, & that "they didn't recall any problems before from anyone else". how is it that i can find this issue on the internet but the dealers "never heard of it"? why is there no change in the indicated issue of the wiring harness to the rear tail light assembly? wouldn't this be a hazard? i didn't know they weren't working until i got pulled over by law enforcement. so, this issue happens while the vehicle is being driven!!! therefore, a diligent owner who checks their lights regularly will not know it happens until (a) said person gets hit from behind, or (b) gets pulled over by law enforcement. here are a few links for your reference: link: http://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-t574_ds546293. link: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?s=2146e9390be4cc339ae4f6438baf3812&t=104972. link: http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1250643. link: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=149053. link: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268411. link: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=206427 *js

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

Ignition switch on the vehicle is completely locked up and will not turn. my wife is a diabetic and has numerous health complications due to her diabetes. if we were out and became stranded it could have cost us her life. i am disappointed with ford for not fixing this issue. *tr

Key does not turn properly in ignition cylinder and door locks. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the alternator failed due to corrosion and it was cracked in several places.. the contact replaced the alternator himself. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 143,000. ...updated 12-24-13 *bf

I've had my 2001 ford focus for years now and i have had problems with my ignition (got that replaced) and my windshield wipers work when ever they want to and will sometimes turn on its own. also my trunk will not open at all. i've taken it to different places to get it fixed and no one has been able to open it. i purchased this vehicle so that i could save on gas but all i'm doing is wasting a crap load of money on just repairing everything. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the key broke off in the ignition. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the ignition needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the problem recurred. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 186,000. *tr

the right front door lock is jammed or stuck, i cannot open the door from the inside or outside,the other 3 door locks work fine. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the contact was able to move the key in the ignition, but there was no response. the failure recurred frequently and without warning. the contact stated that the battery was drained and he would often jump start the vehicle, which would temporarily resolve the failure. the vehicle was taken to a private repair shop for diagnosis but were the technicians were unable to duplicate the failure. the battery was replaced. the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 80,000. the current mileage was 85,000.

Attempted to start my car. inserted key into the ignition and a warning chime began. steering wheel was locked and i cannot move it. ignition will not turn. cannot drive at this time. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph and smelled a burning odor just as all of the instrument panel gauges reduced to zero abnormally. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) but was advised by the manufacturer that the recall was expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Headlight failure. with engine running, when the headlight switch is turned on, the headlights (both) do not always go on. also, after being on for a while (often within 10 minutes, almost always within 20 minutes), both headlights will suddenly turn off on their own. when headlights go off, dashboard lights, and other outside lights, remain on. when the switch is on, but headlights have gone off, if the high beams are toggled on and then off, the headlights will go on (for a while). this sequence occurs repeatedly. unless it is dark (e.g. if in twilight or in daytime rain), or unless i can see the headlight reflections, i have no way of knowing the status of my headlights. dealership initially replaced a relay, without solving problem. dealership then replaced the "multi-function switch" controlling turn signals and high beams, with seeming success. i am in possession of the failed original-equipment "multi-function switch". dealership was understanding and helpful, but would not treat this intermittent, sudden, repeated headlight failure as a critical safety issue under warranty. this vehicle has been subject to gas pump failure, and to front suspension spring breakage, which were covered under warranty. [note also that car design does not allow headlights to turn on or stay on when engine is off - this may save accidental battery drain, but deprives operator of illumination or signaling ability that may be needed in emergency situations.]

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the front driver's side floor mat became wet. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the condenser box to the air conditioning unit was cracked and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was unknown. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the keys became stuck in the ignition cylinder and could not be used to start the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to a repair shop or to the dealer for inspection. the vehicle was repaired by a locksmith who replaced the ignition cylinder and issued a new key. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the contact stated that the problem could have been related to a defective side bar in the ignition cylinder lock. the vin was unavailable. the current mileage was 140,000. the failure mileage was 130,000. ...updated 08-10-12 *bf the consumer stated the cost of the repair was 177.00. updated 08/13/2012 *js

The key for my ford focus will go into the ignition but not turn. i have tried to turn the steering wheel but it still won't get the key to turn in the ignition. after doing some research, i am finding that this is a major and very common complaint with ford focus owners and ford will not issue a recall. the car is not drivable and in order to get it to a repair shop we will have to tow it which will be another expense. if ford is aware of this problem and will not do anything to recall it, something needs to be done. *tr

Went to start my car this morning and the key would not turn in the ignition. after doing some google research, found that this is a very common issue with the focus, and has to do with parts in the ignition switch becoming stuck. i was able to get the key to turn eventually by banging on it, and have now left the key in the ignition to avoid the problem occurring again. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the ignition cylinder would not release the key. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic to have the ignition cylinder repaired. the contact stated the ignition cylinder had no problems after the repair. the failure mileage was 148,000.

I put the key in the ignition to start the car and the key would not turn and my steering wheel locked up. i spoke a friend about it and she stated she has the same problem she has a ford focus please tell me what to do if it was an emergency i would not be able to leave or pull off in the event of something happening. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that there was a malfunction with the battery, causing the vehicle to stall intermittently. the contact also stated that the battery cables were hot and he was unable to touch them. the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had not been included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables). the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the failure and current mileages were 130,000.

There were no warning signs. on may 09, 2011, the key became stuck in the ignition and would not come out. did some research online to find out this is a common problem with no recall. *tr

This vehicle has suddenly died dozens of times since april of 2011. it dies when applying the brakes on the interstate, it dies when braking in a parking area. there is no specific speed when this occurs. the vehicle starts back up after two or three times while giving it gas. it happens when the gas tank is full or low and our very reputable mechanic can find no cause. this is extremely dangerous, especially in high traffic areas and i have seen where numerous complaints have been filed online and i hope reporting this will show a pattern with these vehicles. *kb

The ignition on this car has been replaced already by the first owner. well, the key cannot not be removed from the ignition. now the key has broken off in the ignition. the key stub can be removed and the engine will still run. this morning i moved the 01 focus and i shut off the car and took the key out but the shifter was still in drive. i locked the door, walked behind the car and it rolled backwards into me. lucky my neighbor was there to help me stop the car. there are many complaints from other focus owners regarding the failure of the ignition switches and ford will not recall the car and fix this dangerous problem. thanks for any help in this matter.

Interior dashboard lights went out, also noticed extrior rear lights went out. replaced fuses, blew new fuses immediately so some sort of short in the electrics. wiring on hatch lid appears to be frayed. we have found a recall for this for the 2000 version of this car but not the 2001.

I have had my focus now for only about 3 years, & have had more problems than i have had with any other vehicle i have ever owned before, combined. ford focuses from the years 2000-2003 have an apparent ignition problem, and i am one of the unfortunate owners to be left stranded by this issue. i am completely astonished that practically every single focus owner has had this problem & yet the ignition has not been recalled! i have had 2 other recalls on my vehicle, both very stupid trivial items which has never affected me in the slightest. i am very close to just scrapping this vehicle, & i am positive i will never be purchasing another ford ever again. it disgusts me that something that seems like it was made to break... something that left me stranded & without a car for over 2 weeks now... is also something that every other focus owner has had to replace out of their own pocket. how has this issue not been resolved by ford yet?!?!? *tr

The ignition will not turn without large amounts of spray lubricant and pummeling the key while in the ignition to cause the tumblers in the cylinder to fall into place. this is a major safety issue, because it happens without warning, and right now, during these epic blizzards we are experiencing, it has caused me to be in danger. this problem is common among owners of this vehicle. many people have developed ways to temporarily fix it since they don't have money available fix this unexpected safety issue, which is not part of preventative maintenance of an automobile.... while others have opted to just get the car towed to a dealership, which replaces the ignition assembly with the same faulty parts, and then charges up to $500. this ignition needs to be recalled by ford, and it needs to be replaced free of charge with a reliable ignition assembly. this morning, after having to find other transportation to work for two days, i finally dedicated three hours to getting the ignition to turn. i had to leave the key in the ignition, because i cannot afford to lose my job by being absent or tardy. i am in an initial probationary period at my job, and i think it goes without saying that if i had enough money to fix ford's mistakes, i would probably just go and buy a different car altogether. *tr

The events leading up were intermittently spaced this has been happening since i purchased the vehicle from a private owner in 2004. when i would put the key in the ignition the wheel would not turn and feel locked i would sit for 10-20 minutes and work on it by pushing the key in hard and turning the wheel as hard it would come loose and the ignition would turn. this impacted my life as a nuisance. recently in dec of 2010 the occurrences became more frequent two to four times a week constantly being stranded until i could get the ignition and wheel to turn. happening frequently while at the store, work or somewhere away from home and again causing a great nuisance and frustration as it has made me late for work several times, allowed me to be vulnerable in situations that could have been avoided with proper recall. then around dec 20th 2010 the ignition stopped working. i was at work leaving for the day and i sat there for over an hour, not knowing any of this was a normal recurrence with other ford focus owners. after working on this myself i had to contact my spouse to come and try and he was unsuccessful as well. i have kept up the maintenance on my focus and it is in very good condition for the year. currently it has not been fixed only towed to my home residence. the cost is so high for the ignition replaced i have been given estimates of $500 plus extra for towing. this cost comes after months previous i had replaced the radiator tank at a $400 cost. this car seems to have some of the highest amount of recalls and service bulletins and i do not understand how the main power to the car, the ignition, is not seen as a hazard to the public who purchased these vehicles. *tr

Ford focus 2001. ignition locks up requiring new tumbler. key won't turn in the ignition. the car won't start nor can you get it in neutral to push it off the road. it is a known defect but not remedied by ford. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the vehicle was parked when the contact attempted to turn the ignition on but it would not respond. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the approximate failure mileage 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the third brake light on the tailgate had malfunctioned. all other brake lights were working fine but the third brake light has failed due to the wires melting. the contact has called the manufacturer regarding the brake light and referenced the recall for the electrical system:wiring (00v411000) for the 2000 model ford focus. the manufacturer informed the contact that due to the vin number the vehicle is not included in the recall and he can not receive a remedy repair. the contact stated this is the same issue which is stated in the recall and the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. the failure mileage was 108,000.

My 17 year old daughters' 2001 ford focus had her stranded after work august 13 when she put her key in the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. we called aaa, and they couldn't 'fix' it, so we had it towed to the nearest ford dealer only to be told the repair will cost between $450.00 and 1000.00!!! i'm a single mom and my daughters' still in high school for gosh sake. i thought this vehicle would be a safe and dependable one. i spent a lot of my savings on this car and insurance for her. i don't know what to do now, i've got a vehicle we can't start. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving approximately 70 mph, the contact noticed the entire instrument panel and other gauges failed to function properly. the speedometer and fuel gauge also would not display an accurate reading. immediately the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. upon restarting the vehicle it began to function for a brief period and the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the instrument panel cluster was replaced. the similar failure recurred six months after the repair was performed. the contact stated the instrument panel cluster would need to be replaced for the second time. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the malfunction. the approximate failure mileage was 89,000. updated 03/14/12*lj updated 03/19/12

My cars battery was not working, as told by a triple a mechanic. i took my car to the repair shop to get it replaced and they said that the battery was working fine, the alternator was bad. they said the car wouldn't go out of the shop if it wasn't fixed. so i paid them $416 to get the alternator fixed. after i got the car back within a day, it stopped working again. the same problem and the car would not start, while i was driving home they messed up my meters, the lights wouldn't turn on and the car wouldn't start, not only did they charge me wrongfully there was no alternator problem, the battery was bad. i called them and they wouldn't answer me properly, they said that it wasn't their fault and i should replace the battery myself. they hung up the phone. this company is a fraud, they lie and wont answer my calls. my car is messed up, they changed all the wires the lights wont work, the gauges don't work. i called the sheriff and they said i should take them to court, they also replaced my tired and they used different tires. im extremely mad and i need help. *tr

Having problems when i put my key in the ignition (2001 ford focus). my steering wheel gets locked or something. i would get this problem every so often no i've had it since friday. it is very frustrating!!! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that the key would not turn when she tried to turn on the ignition. the contact called roadside assistance who 'slammed' the key into the ignition to start the vehicle; the key had to be 'slammed' everytime to start the vehicle. the vehicle had not been taken to an authorized dealership at the time of the complaint. the vin was not available. the current and failure mileages were approximately 82,000.

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.

I tried to start my car and the key wouldn't turn in the ignition, therefore i was unable to start my car. it has only occurred this one time, i am having the ignition replaced. *tr

I parked my car on the side of the street and turned it off. when i came back to it about 20 minutes later i put the key in the ignition but it would not turn. the key would not turn forward or backward at all. i tried moving the steering wheel back and forth to try and get the key to move but then my steering wheel completely locked up as well. i was then unable to move anything on my car and it was stuck on the side of the road in a metered parking space. i had to call a tow truck which cost $69. i had it taken to the nearest ford dealership and they replaced the ignition lock which cost me $530.73. this is the second time my ignition has been locked up. *tr

Key won't turn in the ignition. has gotten progressively worse over a week and now won't turn at all. *tr

2001 ford focus. key won't turn in ignition, won't budge. i tried moving the steering wheel, tried using the other key, tried pressing the key in harder- nothing. ignition has given me problems before: it would take two or three tries before it would turn, but it's never refused to move like this. also, there were times when it didn't want to give the key back; i would have to jiggle and turn it, but it always came out after a few seconds of struggling. *tr

Key will not come out of ignition of my 2001 ford focus. the key will turn the car on, but will not come back out of the ignition. i fear that at some point the key will not turn the engine over, leaving me stranded during winter weather. at this point i cannot get it fixed due to the high cost of having it replaced. i have found numerous complaints about this same problem, which tells me ford has a faulty mechanism. why hasn't a recall been made? *tr

I own a 2001 ford focus. up until now, i have had no issues with my vehicle. i currently woke up today 1-15-10 and was unable to turn my key in my car. my car was in park and i had tried moving the steering wheel while turning key but still did not turn. i later searched on the internet and found results instantly on the ford focus defect for 2000-2003 models about the key being unable to turn. my car currently only has 90,000 miles on it and i am in the middle of my second of five internships for physical therapy. this is a huge problem. this defect should be highly considered for recall! this is a huge issue for many drivers. please help us out. thanks for your time. *tr dustin r. brown iowa