2002 Ford Focus

939 complaints on file, page 1 of 47.

1. Filed Dec 26, 2024Failure Dec 26, 2024Kennewick, WAService brakes

   Break lights won't work and was almost hit by another car, changed break lights changed light break switch checked fuses and wiring everything is good

   NHTSA complaint 11632542
2. Filed Apr 21, 2024Failure Apr 21, 2024Cincinnati, OHUnknown or other

   Sunroof Exploded. Empty Road, temp low 40s. No warning. I have owned the car since 2004. Though older car, <120,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint 11584343
3. Filed Jul 26, 2023Failure Jul 14, 2023Marinette, WIUnknown or other

   The drivers door will not open. It is stuck shut. Turning the key in the lock does not work. Broke outer handle trying to open door to assist elderly party out of drivers seat. Power lock fuse is fine. Took door panel off partly to expose cable, cannot push or pull cable to force open. Safety issue because owner is elderly. Cannot reasonably crawl in and out through passenger side. Emergency personnel would not be able to reach occupants in case of an accident.

   NHTSA complaint 11534693
4. Filed Jan 21, 2023Failure Jul 13, 2021Easely, SCElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Suspension

   I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others. Do we have some manufacturer defects on this particular vehicle? Have other concerns which could be the result of vehicle wear and tear, or/and due to manufacturer defects as well. Inner tie rods need replaced as well as control arms/bushings, as reported to me by a mechanic. I have seen recall reports related to the 2002 Ford Focus in which there has been issues directly related to what I'm reporting, which is another reason I'm filing a report. Thank you. The contact wanted to add that the wipers are experiencing an electrical issue as well. When in use, the wipers cannot be switched off when it is at the highest position because it will not return in the downward position.

   NHTSA complaint 11502938
5. Filed Sep 17, 2020Failure Sep 4, 2020137,000 milesChurch Hill, TNPower train

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT CALLED FAIRWAY FORD (2761 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37660), AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL WHILE STOPPED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11355633
6. Filed Dec 30, 2019Failure Dec 29, 201975,000 milesBloomsburg, PAAir bags

   HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH WITH HIS MOTHER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO ACCIDENT. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OR COVER BROKE WINDSHIELD. HUSBAND HIT BRAKES.

   NHTSA complaint 11291969
7. Filed Nov 10, 2019Failure Oct 31, 2019108,000 milesChicago, ILSuspension

   VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 108,000 MILES. I DID REPLACE THE TIE RODS CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME IS VERY RUSTED AND THE ENGINE COULD FALL OF IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I BOUGHT THE CAR AROUND 90,000 MILES AND HAVE ALREADY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND OTHER PARTS UNDER THE CAR.

   NHTSA complaint 11279301
8. Filed Jan 31, 2019Failure Jan 4, 2019140,000 milesSioux City, IASuspension

   AT SPEED OF 40+MPH AND UNEVEN HIGHWAY OR WHEN ENCOUNTERING A MANHOLE COVER THE REAR OF THE CAR SWAYS AND SHIMMIES LEFT TO RIGHT IN AN EXTREME MANNER. NOTICED MUCH WORSE WITH NEW TIRES THAT GRIP WELL. HAVE HAD IT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL WHO SAYS ALL VITAL PARTS LOOK OKAY. 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT DID NOT REMEDY. I SEE REFERENCES TO A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE UPPER CONTROL MEMBERS THAT MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH A CORRECT CAMBER SETTING. I DON'T TRUST MUCH ON THE INTERNET THOUGH, AND WOULD LIKE NHTSA GUIDANCE OR FURTHER INFORMATION. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE, I APPRECIATE IT.

   NHTSA complaint 11173264
9. Filed Feb 5, 2018Failure Jan 8, 2015125,000 milesTuttle, OKElectrical system

   REAR RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK/OPEN. WHEN TRYING TO UNLOCK I DON'T HEAR THE SOLENOID MOVING. WHEN TRYING TO OPEN FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUT IF FEELS LIKE THE HANDLE ISN'T MOVING ANYTHING.

   NHTSA complaint 11066935
10. Filed Apr 25, 2017Failure Apr 18, 201740 milesWilliamsport, PAUnknown or other

    ANTITHEFT HAS CAR LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING

    NHTSA complaint 10980406
11. Filed Feb 24, 2017Failure Mar 28, 201273,000 milesMorrisville, VTEngine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE BACK SEAT. WITHIN A SHORT TIME, THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO FLAMES AND NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PUMP BURNED UP AND THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FRIEND'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE SIX MONTHS LATER AND GAVE THE CONTACT A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 04/12/17 LJ *CN

    NHTSA complaint 10956772
12. Filed Jan 11, 2017Failure Dec 14, 20164,000 milesBuchanan, MIWheels

    OHTSU FN7000 WITHIN ONE MONTH OF BEING PUT ON NEW TIRE WOULD DEFLATE ALL A SUDDEN WHILE PARKED SHORTLY. 4 HOURS OR LESS. CHANGED TO SPARE. TIRE HAD BELLE TIRE RUN A CHECK BLAMED ON BENT RIM. WHICH IS NOT BENT. THEY AIRED IT BACK UP AND SAME AGAIN A MONTH LATER JUST WENT FLAT. TOOK TO A LOCAL SHOP WHO HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 30 PLUS YEARS SAID IT WAS A BAD TIRE IT WAS NOTHING BUT POWDERED RUBBER INSIDE SHOWING WIRES. TOOK BACK TO BELLE TIRE AND HAD TO ARGUE TO GET THEM TO REPLACE TRIED SAYING IT WAS DRIVIN ON WHILE FLAT WHICH IT WAS NOT. I'M AFRAID THE OTHER TIRES MAY HAVE HIDDEN ISSUES NEW TIRE LOOKED BUILT DIFFERENT EVEN SAT ON RIM DIFFERENT AND HAVE YET TO HAVE A ISSUE WAS CHECKED VIA DIFFERENT SHOP RIM DOES NOT LEAK. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10944443
13. Filed Nov 18, 2016Failure Nov 7, 201664,000 milesDriggs, IDExterior lighting

    TAIL LIGHT CONNECTION MELTS DUE TO BULB GETTING TOO HOT. IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE CONNECTOR TO REPLACE BULB. HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE LENS. MANY, MANY REPORTS ONLINE OF THIS HAPPENING. FORD DENIES AND REFUSES TO REPLACE. EXPENSIVE REMEDIES FOR CUSTOMERS. THIS HAPPENS ON FOCUS WAGONS AND MANY OTHER FORDS.

    NHTSA complaint 10927017
14. Filed Sep 12, 2016Failure Sep 12, 2012110,000 milesBAY City, MILatch

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LATCH AND BOTH FRONT DOOR LATCHES FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 11/08/16*LJ *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10905808
15. Filed Sep 10, 2016Failure Sep 7, 2016134,000 milesApple Valley, CASteering, Suspension, Wheels

    OK SO I'VE HAD MY FORD FOCUS FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS NOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS LITTLE THING RECENTLY GOT STRUTS CHANGED IN FRONT AND BALL JOINTS BUSHINGS AND TIRES SO I KNEW IT WOULD NEED AN ALIGNMENT SO GOT THAT DONE NOW AT SPEEDS FROM 50-60 MPH THIS CAR STARTS FISHTAILING OUT OF CONTROL I DONT HAVE ALOT OF MONEY I AM NOT WORKIN AT PRESENT SO I CANT AFFORD TO TAKE MY USED CAR TO DEALER MUCH LESS TO ANOTHER AUTO SHOP. I TRAVEL 50 -70 MILES EACH DAY TO WORK AND I'M SCARED ITS GONNA FISHTAIL ME INTO A WRECK. MILEAGE 134000 APPLKE VALLEY CALIF.

    NHTSA complaint 10905560
16. Filed Aug 5, 2016Failure Aug 7, 201510,846 milesManhattan Beach, CALatch

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE HATCH DOOR INDICATOR LIGHT DISPLAY ILLUMINATED. THE REAR HATCH LATCH OPENED ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V246000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,846.

    NHTSA complaint 10893424
17. Filed Jul 21, 2016Failure May 15, 2015120 milesDenver, COSuspension

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 50 TO 60 MPH, THE SUSPENSION SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SNAPPED IN HALF. THE FAILURE CAUSED A SHARP POINT AND SHREDDED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE TIRE AND SPRING WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120. UPDATED 08/17/16*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE SOLD THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/22/16.*JB

    NHTSA complaint 10887447
18. Filed Jul 21, 2016Failure Oct 9, 201580,000 milesDenver, COSeatsCrash1 injured

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT DISENGAGED FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10887440
19. Filed Feb 9, 2016Failure Feb 5, 201638,000 milesRipon, WIRear

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10825189
20. Filed Nov 2, 2015Failure Nov 2, 2015100,000 milesDavidsville, PABody

    MY 89 YEAR OLD MOTHER BOUGHT A 2002 FORD FOCUS FROM LAUREL AUTO IN BOSWELL AND WHEN SHE WENT TO GET IT INSPECTED WAS TOLD THE FRAME (UNIBODY) IS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THERE ARE HOLES ALL THROUGH IT. SHE PAID $5,000 AND HAS ONLY HAD THE CAR 1 YEAR. WAS THERE A RECALL ON 2002 FORD FOCUS FRAMES? THE GARAGE STATES THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME IN SUCH BAD SHAP.

    NHTSA complaint 10787701