Problems with 2001 Ford Focus STEERING

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.

As i was coming from dr's appt. with daughter and mom a roaring sound started in the rear. it kept getting louder and louder, car's rear would sway to the right side a little. but as i was driving down the street trying to at least get us all home safe. the rear driver side wheel came off and just rolled down the street about a half-a-block. a man came out noticing the tire roll pass him, helped me retrieve it and get it back to my car. looked at the wheel and car axle i guess that's what you call it, and told me my wheel bearings were gone. *tr

Was driving my car at 55 mph at 11:20 pm on way home from work car made jerk lost all power no brakes no steering black smoke coming through vents to inside of car and flames coming from under hood car fully engulfed in flames blew up. *tr

Driving on 4 lane highway, car sputters and stalls as if out of gas. coasted off road, and after a few minutes car started and ran fine. car has been doing this every few weeks. changed coil, plugs, plug wires, oxygen sensor, fuel filter, cat converter and still stalls. this car is dangerous when it stalls in fast traffic. we only drive it now during daylight and short trips because it is not dependable. *tr

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

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 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

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

My 2001 ford focus zx3 has always had problems with the steering column locking and the key refusing to turn in the ignition. i have usually been able to get it to release after a few tries. recently, it's gotten worse. i have had several incidents where i was not able to get the key to turn for a few minutes, leaving me with fears of being stranded. unfortunately, my luck ran out yesterday. i tried both keys, i tried just letting it sit, i tried tapping the keys lightly with a hammer, as did the tow truck operator. now i'm out $125 for the tow to the dealership, $500 for a new ignition lock, and $180 for two new keys, because of the wear on the old keys. i am shocked both at the price, and at how frequently this seems to happen. i have been a proud ford focus owner for 9 years, but the ongoing problems with this car make me leery about ever buying ford again. *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

No events to indicate failure. went to vehicle after working to after dark. put key into ignition and key would not turn. simply would not turn! several attempts were made over a 20 minute period. i, fortunately, was leaving my place of employment. however, it was still cold outside, dark and not a safe environmental situation. i feel fortunate that i was not stranded. *tr

My ford focus ignition just stopped working! no problems before, the key would only go in half way, then i got it to go in with a slight tap of a hammer! then the key would not turn over! this is a major problem!! got it towed to the dealership, they said this problem is very common! a common problem that cost me $426.27! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while backing out of the driveway at an unknown speed, the contact turned the steering wheel and heard a noise. the steering wheel became inoperative. the vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic, who stated that the steering shaft failed. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 89,000.

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, the engine began to idle excessively high. on a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled without warning and lost power steering. the driver experienced extreme difficulty steering the vehicle and had to use excessive force to turn the steering wheel. the vehicle was able to resume normal operation. the failures occurred intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they wanted to charge the contact for a diagnostic; however, the contact refused due to the cost. the technician refused to repair the vehicle unless the aftermarket parts were replaced by the manufacturer. the parts consisted of the pcv valve and fuel filter. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer conducted a campaign (03v-482) to address the stalling in the vehicles. the contact experienced the identical failures mentioned in the campaign, but the vin was excluded. the failure mileage was 118,000 and current mileage was 119,000.

While in curve driving 50 mph steering locked up, not sure if car cut off but i was unable to straighten out wheel resulting in accident where i hit telephone crushing pelvis, and breaking my left arm.. i spent 37 days in hospital and now have plates and screws in my pelvis and arm. it has been a month since the accident and i am now in a wheel chair for 2 months healing time before i can start therapy to begin walking, and doctors say i will have to have a hip replacement in the next 2 to 5 years. help me please ford is responsible for this i am 24 years old.. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving approximately 5-10 mph, the steering wheel pulled to the left without warning. as a result, the vehicle sideswiped a parked vehicle. the mirror was damaged. the police was not called to the scene. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been repaired. an independent mechanic stated that the steering control arm disengaged, which caused the failure. the failure and current mileages were 93,000.

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

The device in the steering wheel housing that cancels the turn signal has failed for the third time since i bought the car. the part is obviously defecting in design. this failure results in my reluctance to use the turn signals since i must turn them off manually after completing the turn. and not using turn signals compromises driving safety. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. in an attempt to drive the vehicle with the key in the ignition, the steering wheel locked and the key would not turn. the failure occurred twice. the dealer stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileages were 93,750.

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.

I have a 2003 ford focus. now i am having a problem with steering wheel lock-up. my search on the internet has shown that this is apparently a very common problem with the focus. this problem will occur out of the blue and now i am beginning to think that it isn't just my key. there is a problem with this lock design. ford needs to recall this. *nm

Key can not turn ignition cylinder. this is the issue every time i try to start the car. *tr

We bought our daughter a 2001 ford focus. all the reviews stated that the car was a good, economical, safe car. we purchased the car used in 2004. since the purchase her steering and ignition system has locked up on her twice. after reading many sites it sounds like this is a common problem with ford focus. this is an economical car that many parents are relying on to get their college aged children to and from school. ford needs to recall all ford focuses so they can all have new ignitions installed. the safety of our children is most important here. parents should not have to continually worry that their 22 year old daughter may be stranded somewhere without help due to fords lazy attitude. please recall these cars that so that parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are safe.*nm

My steering column locks up and will not allow me to turn the car on. i drove my car to work no problem when i came out i could not get the key to turn in the ignition. the steering wheel is locked and will not move thereby not allowing me to trun the car on

My 2001 ford focus ignition swith has locked up leaving my car completely out of service and me stranded, the sterring wheel as well as everything else locks up. this has happened 10 times three times resulting in towing and complete removal and replacement of the ignition switch. ford has done nothing except replaced the problem part each time resulting in failure again. it is also not covered under my extended warrenty.

I don't think that the problem that i am having is life threatening. my problem is as folllows: i purchased a 2001 ford focus zx3 and for some reason this particular car has a problem that the steering wheel locks by its self. about 2 years ago it happend for the first time and i had to have tow truck take it to the service department since it was still under warranty. the problem is back again and i no longer have warranty on my car. i just think that there should be a recall for this particular problem that this car has. after reviewing other people that own a ford fucus and that have the same problem i really believe that a recall is necessary because this is a manufacture defect. anyways, i went to the service department to see if they could fix the problem without charging me since the car had the same problem before when it was under the warranty. but they said that since it happen about 2 years ago they couldn't do it under the warranty. i wanted to know if anyone in your deparment could have any information on warranty. i just think that why should i have to pay for something that is a manufactur defect and that this problem happen before and they should be able to fix it at no charge.

I own a 2001 ford focus. the ignition key tumbler has been replaced twice in the last year.*ak

I have had more repairs incidences with 2001 ford focus than is normal on any car. if most of the repairs had been in the first 18 months i could have easily declared a lemon. unfortunatley they have been since that time. most recently i have had the rear wheel bearings replaced for the second time on a 3 year old car and am in the process of having the steering column replaced for the second time. i went through over 3 full sets of tire in less than a year and a half. and less than a year ago i got pulled over by the police because i had absolutely no lights in the back of my vehicle. ford dealer charged me to replace the rear light housing and some wire that had shorted out.*ak

I walked to my car one evening after catching up with some friends. when i went to start the car i could not turn the key to start the ignition. the enitre steering column locked up including the brakes. not only did i had to have my car towed to the nearest ford dealership, but it was not covered under my warranty. the dealership replaced my "ignition lock". when i went to pay for the work, the cashier said that they have to replace at least one "ignition lock" a day at the dealership. now my radio has been shorting out. i called the dealership that worked on my car and they said that there is no correlation between the two problems. *ak

Steering wheel locks when key is put in the ignition. the ignition switch and clock spring were replaced twice before. vehicle will be taken to dealer for repairs again.*ak

I am the owner of a 2001 ford focus and have always had problems with it. on 10/28/2004 i stopped for gas with my two small children. after re-fueling, we all got back into the car to leave and the key wouldn't turn. my whole stering column had locked up-the steering wheel wouldn't budge, the shifter was locked as well as the brake pedel. although many strangers tried to help me start my car, me adn my children were stuck at the gas pump for over an hour. after having my car towed the driver told me that this was his seond focus that day with the same problem and his company tows several a month.

I am exhibiting problems with my 2001 ford focus lx that matches the problems listed with the recalls for the car. i am having powers surges, vibration in the front end, noises in the front end, and loss of power. i have contacted the ford motor company about this and have brought the car in several times about it. they keep saying there are no recalls for my car. i know this to be false because a friend of mine got the same exact car as i did 2 weeks apart from me. he has recieved the recall letters and already had the problems fixed. i need help. *ak

Key will go in ignition, but will not turn. steering wheel is locked, gear shift is locked. *ak

In june 2004, i took my 2001 ford focus into sunset ford in westminster, california complaining about a vibration and rattle in the front end of my car. they charged me $80 and told me there was nothing wrong with my car. again, on august 12, 2004, i took my 2001 ford focus into sunset ford complaining that the vibration and rattle were still there and getting worse. they again charged me $80 for a diagnostic and told me there was nothing wrong with my car. in the early morning on october 2, 2004, i started to slowly accelerate from a complete stop and my car for no reason at all turned sharply and struck a curb. there is now major structural damage to my car that will cost thousands of dollars to repair. the estimate for the repairs point to the same type of parts as another recall made by ford for this same year of the focus. i contend that this major damage was caused by ford_x0019_s negligence in not finding and fixing the original mechanical defect that i reported to them twice. i also contend that the symptoms my car was exhibiting were the same as described in your nhtsa campaign id #02v289000. (please note that i am re-entering this complaint as i incorrectly stated the year of the ford focus as 2000 instead of 2001 in complaint #10093930.)*jb

Ingition switch stuck and will not turn at all to turn on the car. *ak

Steering wheel lock problem. i parked my vehicle in a parking space as normal, placing it into park, and turning off all electrical items. i then excited the vehicle. upon return, i slid the key into the ingnition, and then it happened. at happened? absolutely nothing. the wheel was totally stiff, and the key would not move in either direction. i was stuck in this position for at least 3 hours, try after try, still no movement. this has caused a major inconvenience to me, and i now have to bring the car into a dealship to have the problem, whatever that may be repaired. there should be a recall of some sort or reimbursement for this procedure, for i have read many complaints regarding to the same nature. 2001 ford focus se. *ak

Owner says there is to much play in the steering wheel. driver must turn the wheel several inches before the steering wheel will turn the tires in the direction. provide further details. *nm

Steering wheel locked and key would not turn wheel start vehicle. happened 3 different times car had to be towed into dealership twice and each incident was close to a 300 dollar bill each incident. *jb

While having the brake pads changed service man noticed that the left front steering knuckles wore out, and needed to be replaced. this resulted in loss of steering while driving. also, front end problem. *ak

This morning when we were starting our ford focus it would not allow us to turn the key.the ignition was locked up.you cannot do anything when that happens.we found out that ford is well aware of this inherent defect in the ignition system in the focus but has never recalled them for it. all locksmiths and other mechanics can no longer buy ignition switches from ford to rectify the problem and ford service centers want an arm and a leg to do the work from $169- just unde r$300 if they have to drill it out.this can be dangerous if it fails in a bad spot and you get stuck.it is very unsafe for women who have to drive alone somewhere or say someone with small children who gets stuck on the highway or anywhere on either a hot day or cold day as nothing will work.you need to have the vehicle towed.we were lucky in tha tmy husband kept at it until it did work;but have heard it can happen anytime,anywhere again;and tha tsome people who had theirs fixed had it happen more than once.i have high blood pressure and if it happened to me when alone it would make that skyrocket ,endangering my health.ford is well aware of the defect and they admit it can happen in any focus.they will not recall it unless your dept pushes them to do this. *ak

Steering wheel produces a whine noise when turning. *mr the whine would be present when the vehicle was turned. this was an intermittent problem. the dealer also noticed the noise and diagnosed the problem as friction in the steering mechanism and lubed the steering. the noise continued intermittently and the dealer had become unable to duplicate the problem. *sc *jb

While driving 40 mph, the consumer lost steering control. this caused a minor crash, and the vehicle went into a ditch. the consumer had the vehicle towed. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve. please provide more information. *ak

Ignition key didn't turn on my ford focus 2001 at november 2003. mileage was 42,000 at that date. i've spent half of hour to leave my field work place. because of repair is too expansive, i've bought a new ignition lock cylinder for $84 and drilled oldone by myself.*ak

Ford focus sped up for no reason and then veered to left crossing left lane and went into ditch which had a culvert and the car then bounced into a cornfield. airbags deployed for both driver and passenger. driver had broken ribs and other bruises. passenger had chest injuries from which he died couple hours later. the inspecting officer said witnesses insisted they did not see brake lights, and if there was anything wrong with the car the driver would have hit the brakes. driver remembered the accident, and was awake and talking to passenger. she was hospitalized and had neurological tests and did not have a stroke. *ak

While driving t at normal speed, vehicle caught on fire, causing brakes and steering to fail, resulting in a front collision. dealer notified. *ak

Consumer had a front collision and neither of the air bags deployed. dealer notified. *ak vehicle's engine stalled causing steering and brake failure causing a collision into the side of a mountain. air bag equipment failed to deploy on impact. *mr

2001 ford focus suddenly loses power when taking a sweeping right hand turn. power loss makes power steering inopearble and car comes to rest in middle of road or highway ramp.*ak

Vehicle lost steering while turning right. vehicle was taken to the dealer. please provide details.*ak

Focus zx3 has 20,000 miles, steering column locked, entire ignition locked, couldn't turn key, had to be towed and took a day to repair. this is the second time this has happened. *jb