Problems with 2001 Ford Focus ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

While driving vehicle will stall out at anytime without any warning.*ak *yh

The car has completely shutdown without any warning on three occasions. the first time while driving at approx. 25+mph... the car started to stall and i hit the curb (right tire/wheel hit the curb), both airbags went off (why????) and burned my arm (really bad) and broke the windshield. i did not report the problem because i found out that geico (insurance company) had lost (or not received) my online application so i had no coverage and therefore i would have to pay for all the repairs myself. new windshield, airbag, wheel... cost $3000+ i'm still paying for the repairs. the second time it happened when i stopped on red light (i just thoght i was running out of gas...), then; yesterday 06/28/02 i was driving home on hwy 192 at approx. 45mph and the engine lost all power (no warning) , i got scared and hit the brakes and pulled over almost causing an accident in the intersection. it's been raining here in fl almost everyday, i am glad the road was not wet when it happened... it could've been much worse. my car is a 2001 ford focus zx3 with only 7500 miles, so it's not an old car. after some quick research i found out this problem has been happening for a while now... and many of my focaljet.com (online ford focus club) friends had the same problem. so, i have to respectfully ask you and everyone else reading this; when will you (and/or ford) do something about it? i've just found out that i am paying ($3000+, and i only make min. wage) for and small accident that could have been avoided... sorry, i am really upset, i almost caused a high-speed/multiple-car accident in the middle of hwy 192 and i as well as other people could have been hurt. please help ! ! !*ak

Vehicle hesitates after driving long distances, finally stalled while traveling at 65mph in the left lane of a three lane highway. *ak

At start up vehicle will die.dealer has been notified. please provide additional information.*ak

Vehicle intermittently stalls while slowing for a stop resulting in the vehicle loosing all power, the vehicle will restart but will continue to stall, ford was contacted and replaced fuel pump, but problem still exists. *ak *nlm

Vehicle will either stall or come close, fluctuating between 700rpm and 230rpm. has happened in this manner since purchase and have had it to dealer on four separate occasions, they could not duplicate the concern or fix it. my vehicle is equipped with a manual trans and installing aftermarket intake and pcm programing have had no effect on my concern. i am a member of an organization called focaljet and have heard concern from approximately 80-90 percent of owners with the same issue most were equiped with manuals but not all.*ak

Vehicle first started to "chug" for several days of driving and finally stopped while driving at 65 mph about a week later.*ak

While driving 35-40 mph vehicle completely shutsdown without warning, cause unknown. dealer cannot identify cause. please give any further details.*ak

While driving vehicle stalled out at 50 mph, causing consumer to lose power. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak

Twice since buying this car experienced complete stalling on the hwy--almost lost control and nearly had a fatal accident

Sudden loss of power with tachometer dropping to zero or near zero when accelerating between 40 to 60 miles per hour 6 times. *ak

While driving on highway, vehicle just stalled out without any warning.*ak the vehicle stalled as if it had run out of gasoline with an almost full tank. after letting the engine sit for a few minutes, the vehicle would restart.this has occurred several times within a few days and at various speeds from 15 to 65 mph, causing loss of control of vehicle. *jg

Consumer states that the steering mechanism is getting looser the more consumer drives, the looser steering wheel gets. consumer states there is a lot of play in steering and that makes it very hard to steer the vehicle. *jb the vehicle's mileage is decreasing from 300 miles to 200 miles and then to 180 miles for a full tank of fuel. the vehicle also experiences stalling and changing gears has been difficult. *yh

Consumer states when driving if vehicle hits a bump the rear end of vehicle goes from side to side like its loosing traction of the road. cause is unknown. jbconsumer further states the vehicle used to give them 300 miles when the fuel tank is full to empty. now the vehicle gives them 180 miles. the vehicle also has trouble changing gears and has been stalling. the dealer says there is nothing wrong. *jg

At 75 mph engine light come on, and then vehicle started to stall. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak

The vehicle stalled out when driving at high speeds. *ak the vehicle has stalled out several times, most often when coming off of a right turn ramp. *scc

Vehicle was going 20 mph and engine stalled with no warning. vehicle restarted but stalled when put it in drive. had to be towed to dealer. dealer insisted that no problem could be detected. *ak the dealer uplugged throttle position sensor to correct the vehicle's stalling but, and problem had never reoccurred. *yh

While driving my 2001 focus wagon on interstate off ramps it starts to stall and hesitate. the rpms drop out with absolutly no power. this has happened numerous times and is really scary. the last time it happened was yesterday while iwas merging from a ramp and my car died out infront of a semi trying to get onto the ramp.i pulled over as far as i could to get out of his way he locked up his brakes. i take this same ramp all the time since its onmy way home from work. this problem starts if i let the gas get below a 1/2 tank. i been to the dealer and they can't find anything wrong. i am bringing it back tomorrow again to have they find the problem. i am at my wits end with this. i told my family about the problem and said if i get killed in an accident on a ramp it because of the problem of it dying. and to go after ford for this. my family has been in the car when this happens so they know what i am talking about. i went over your other complaints about this vehiscle/ it is unreal the amount of problems that i have in common with them, it worrys me. i was going to give this car to my daughter to drive she 16 but not now. i want her to come home in one piece. i have had a water noise in the dash they cant find, sticking gas pedal now fix for noe after 2 times in the shop. the oil smell in the car. leaking oil i see in in the driveway but can't seem to find where its comming from. i wish i knew more about the lemon law a couple of months ago. it doesn't apply to me now because of my mileage. i drive about 100 miles a day. if you have any question please contact me. thank you. *ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Car has stalled out on three separate occasions for no apparent reason. dealer(s) could not identify problem. car still sputters frequently. may or may not be related to problem experienced with transmission over memorial day weekend when "check transmission" light came on; that was fixed by dealer. last incident was friday, june 7, 2002 when car stalled out.

Consumer states his auto cuts off on him all the time, it started around june of last year. he states the mechanic told him that they could not find out exactly what the problem is. nlm

Key will not turn in ignition. took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced locking mechanism in steering column. *ak the fuel mileage was not consistent with what was stated , the fuel pump was replace along eith the filter, egr valve and radio, two front tires were replaced at 10,700. *yh

I was stopping at a light to turn. as i was slowing down i heard a big clunk. i thought i ran over something so i checked but nothing was there. i noticed my battery light was on but the light turned green to turn so i started to go and had no power steering. i pulled over at the liquor store and had my friend look under the hood. upon pulling on the serpentine belt, the tensioner pulley fell right out of the bottom of the car. after looking over the incident we found a snapped off bolt in the street. snapped neatly at the beginning thread. also on the pulley, the mounting arm was snapped in half. i know ntsa is investigating many parts on the focus, so i thought i'd give a heads up about this just incase it could pose any serious problems later on. thanks and have a nice day. *ak

3/07/02 engine failure at 35 mph -- 3/14/02 engine failure at 65 mph on interstate 95. fuel pump replaced after 3/07 failure -- returned to dealer after 3/14 event -- dealer states 'could not verfy cust concern at this time' -- have seen other concerns on your site -- please look into this before someone is seriously injured or dies. *ak

Have had numerous problems with the car hesitating and stalling. have taken the car in a total of 7 times. 5 of which were related to hesitation. 3 of the those 5 times they found problems with the car. 2 times for an egr emissions sensor and 1 for a fuel pump (they think). the other two times they coulndt find anything wrong at the time. i have called ford directly and they can do nothing about the car, because they say it is repairable. i have had the car back now for a little over a week since they have replaced the fuel pump. seems to have a little hesitation still, but has not stalled. we have had the left rear tire replace once for cupping of the tire. ford dealership wasnt sure what caused it, but they say i could have run over something hard. the new tire starting cupping like the one they replaced, then that is when the recall for the rear wheel bearings was issued. no problems since then with the tires.

The check engine light illuminated and was told it was a faulty switch that needed to be reset, the problem has not yet been resolved. *scc

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

While exiting a ramp vehicle completely shutdown. cause unknown. as a result, steering and brakes went outand vehicle coasted to a stop. please provide any further information.*ak

My car began having problems at 2,500 miles. i have had it 8 months and it has broken down 5 times. the car dies while driving posing a serious risk of crash, injury and death. the defect remains unresolved. there is no warning that the car is about to go dead other than sputtering then dead. the car has an erratic idle, dies while driving at any speed, dies in park, dies at stop signs and at red lights. i have filed formal complaints to my dealer prior to filing here. no one will help me or take me seriously. put it like this, the car can either be repurchased and ford lose $17,000 or me and my child get killed and my husband sue ford for millions, and he would win. i have a small child and i don't want her to be harmed or myself or other motorist for that matter. i have had my car repaired four times and this time makes the fifth. i fear for my safety and will no longer drive the car. i am currently pursuing action under the "lemon law" rights. i have read other complaints with cars just like mine. my heart dropped when i saw so many other people having the same problem as me and saw that their problem was going unresolved as well. i pray that you will give us all help. it is rediclous that someone has to get seriously injured or killed before the motor companies will admit there is something wrong. i don't know how they sleep at night.*ak

Vehicle has stalled twice at 65 mph. dealer has replaced computer chip and fuel pump. both times cruise was on, but not set.*ak

Consumer states there is a vibration in vehicle and steering wheel at speeds over 55 mph. vehicle sways back and forth, also vibration when braking. dealer has replaced and balanced tires. vehicle has been taken to dealer 6 times could not remedy problem.*akthe spindal was stripped affecting brakes and causing vibration and pulsation. it was stated that the spindal appeared to be defective from the manufacturer. the engine stalls. *jg

While driving vehicle stalled , resulting in loss of brake and steering functions. as a result, consumer collided with a truck. ph

I was stopped, proceeded to make a left hand turn, engine died without warning. the car has done this twice to me. the car was only 6 months old at the time of the first occurrence. *ak

The vehicle engine stalls without warning. the initial occurrence resulted in my wife crossing into the left lane due to her inablity to drive or brake effectively without the power assist.

2001 ford focus experiencing problems with the front brakes, fuel pump, battery, sway bars and tires. *mr the consumer replaced the front brakes five times, the radiator went out, the thermostat and sensors pertaining to the engine light ad gone out, the fuel pump and the battery went out and the mechanic could not find the problem. currently the starter showed signs of going out and the vehicle needed sway bars and 4 tires. *sc

While driving, insured noticed smoke coming from the floor of the vehicle, and then smoke began coming from under the hood, and eventually the vehicle caught on fire.*jb (claim#11-3852-491)

The car has been taken in twice and it still stalls, loses brakes and steering. *ak

Dt: brakes failed twice since 2001. brakes were replaced in 2001 and 2002. kept repairing the vehicle. the water pump/battery, and tires malfunctioned. on june 11 2005 while driving the car stopped. the car made a popping sound and started smoking. there was a warning, the battery light was on. the engine lights came on right before. car didnt start back up after several attempts. car was towed to home. dealer reported no problem with the vehicle. car was regularly serviced.*ak

Manual transmission makes clattering noise at idle speed. transmission difficult to shift and grinds gears. when coming to a stop, engine sputters as if it is going to stall. instrument lights flicker due to low alternator rpm. idle then increases.*ak

While driving vehicle stalls out without any warning. had vehicle serviced 7 times,but problem still occurs. dealer contacted.*ak

Vehicle stalled 4 times, always when slowing down to come to a stop. dealer cannot find cause.*ak

My security system basically went nutty...it even sounded funny when the horn sounded, the cruise would also stick or not work at all when it should have been turned on. i have had the hego sensor or the front oxygen sensor replaced 3 times, one at my own cost...i had a huge bulge pop out on my tire early on, firestone replaced it at no cost...the brakes have intermittantly squealed since the vehicle had few miles on it, when i took it in to get it fixed, it basically felt like they had loosened them because you had to press on the pedal harder to stop, soon after they started squealing again, all ford will tell me is that i need new brake pads at my cost because it is road hazard...should a car with 40,000 miles need brake pads? i think not. the last complaint that i have is that the car will stall with no apparent reason why...no matter what the speed is or if i have just started it or have driven it all day it does not matter, i will just be stuck until it decides to start again.

Car stalled while on highway on 2 different occasions. also was getting poor gas mileage. brought in for service problem solved after second service.*ak

Purchased car in december 2000 within days brakes squealing and grinding..called dealer said to let wear in..problem persisted..engine light came on ..took car to nearest d dealership..in january 2001..brakes shoes back and pads on front replaced. oxygen sensor, and parking brake replaced ..brakes still had problem engine light still on..took to dealership where purchased..kept 12 days..brakes adjusted and computor and ignition were replaced..light off..brakes still trouble..took back numerous times..for check-ups..at 16,000 told brakes need to be replaced in front and tires where all worn away on inside of tire..bald!! ..manufactor and dealer would not pay for..replaced all four tires, alignment, and new brakes put on front brakes..car still not right with brakes..shaking violently of car while braking at any speed. or going downhill .took back to dealership rotors were no good as well as front brakes. they replaced..inner tires already wearing out...brakes still giving noise and grinding..took back within month..they said fine..took back again when oil changed..brakes where said to be fine..brakes noisy and grinding as usual..3 weeks later brakes failed..had car towed to dealership....they state needs new brakes on front and backshoes cracked and need new rotors...they keep saying its the way we drive car...no way..never had this much problem with any brakes in any car we have owned...car is very unsafe and made with inferior products.. (tiresize: 15)

Vehicle stalls at various speeds, taken to dealer 3 times. dealer cannot find cause. *ak

Vehicle would shutdown without warning while driving. vehicle been todealer shop on three occasions, and still unable to resolve problem. feel free to provide any further information on this matter.*ak

I'm from canada ignore the last half of address thanks engine sputtered then stalled would not start. noticed round silver dome attached to gas line near the firewall under hood was very very hot. the air conditioner was also on just before it stalled. the car would not run right until i cooled off that silver dome thing attached to the gas lines. it was so hot i thought it was going to explode. we left the car alone for about 30 minutes then put cold compress on that silver dome to cool it off. went to dealer they thought i was nuts. i never use the air conditioner again and in the summer i often stop to cool down that silver dome. this sould be a safety recall before some focus blows up. even now the car still idles ruff and stalls when it gets hot using the air conditioner gets the engine even hotter ,the car stalls easier. dt

Engine stalls while driving first time at 35 mph and second time at 70 mph. dealer can find nothing wrong.

When idling vehicle will start to shake intermittantly, beginning at engine and working it's way back towards rear of vehicle.. dealer cannot find a problem. nlm

Water in the engine, technician could not find any mecahnical reason for it to get in there, need a brand new engine, warranty will not cover it, estimate is $4000. *ak