This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in recall 02V288000 concerning battery cables. Dealer would not repair the vehicle because VIN number was not included.
I own a 2000 Ford Focus stz. I bought this vehicle for my wife and kids. The first incident with this vehicle was back in I think March. The ignition froze, leaving my wife stranded at work and the kids at the babysitter. She had to find a ride to the babysitter and then home. She then had to call a tow company and have the car towed to skyline Ford in salem Oregon. She was told that there have been quiet a few Focus with this problem. The service tech knew immediately what was wrong with the car. We were 100 miles over the factory warranty!! we had to pay for the faulty part. The next problem was in the beginning of August. We went to get ice cream. The car stalled as we were leaving the ice cream store. The car would not start. It finally started after about 15 minutes. We were only about 10 minutes from home. All the way home the car acted like it was not getting enough gas. Upon arriving home, I opened the hood and noticed that the battery cable was melted. We called skyline, who could not get us in until Saturday. It was 3 or 4 days. Now we are told that we have to pay $120 for a faulty part!! there was a recall on this car for faulty battery cables. We are told that if Ford decides that there is a problem with the actual cable, then we will be refunded the $120. This is outrageous!! I wish that I had never purchased this car. It has really hurt my opinion of Ford products.
I have had my car for one year and five months. I have replaced the fuel pump a month after purchase, twice within two months. My gas lines have fallen off the car, causing the neighborhood to be filled with fumes. Stalls while driving, not matter the speed, dealership said they fixed the issue, still ongoing. Car hesistates to go at times. Often the inside of the car smells like gas. Hard to put car in reverse and other gears, often pops out of gear. Recently replaced clutch cable, tech says the clutch is fine. Replaced the brakes and rotors after being told they were fine, two weeks later the rotors were gone. Brakes continue to squeak. Windshield is not sealed, you can hear air blowing in while driving. Had a burning smell from under hood was told there was no problem, only to get a recall, and my cables were melted. Brake lights always out, when I replace one the other goes out. I have contacted Ford Motor Company, and dealership, both tell me I have to keep getting repairs. I asked Ford Motor Company to buy the car back, and they refused. I feel this car is not safe, I hate driving it.
- Denver, CO, USA
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The recalls on vehicle had failed after mechanic indicated that the recalls were not needed in dry climate and refused to do them. Had taken vehicle back to dealership at least 3 times for repairs. The mechanic had supposed to have ordered parts each time but failed to do so. Needed parts for the battery cable (recall campaign #02V288000), the rear wheel bearings recall campaign #01I017000 and the ball joints. Parts were never ordered.
NHTSA recall 02-V-288-000:certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage. This recall failed.
The consumer received a recall notice for the battery cable wire. The vehicle battery light was on and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to replace the wire. Two weeks later the wire was replaced again. The vehicle was driven home then parked. Ten minutes later the vehicle caught fire. Total loss. Prior to fire the battery light was on and the vehicle stalled out occasionally.
The consumer received a notice for recall remedy 02V288000. Prior to receiving notice, consumer took the vehicle to the service dealer regarding the fraying of the battery cables. Once the recall notice was received, the consumer took the car back to dealer and they tried to force the consumer to file a warranty claim for repair.
The steering wheel had a knocking sound. There was a recall on the battery cable, and the pinch bolt has caused a lot of problems. (the problem still exists) the vehicle will knock when turned to the left. The front axle bearings were damaged along with the seal. The battery cables had a short circuit and the cables still have a corrosion problem. The vehicle stalled while driving, the steering wheel locked, and when the vehicle is turned off, it won't start, you must allow to cool down. The consumer felt that this is a fire hazard/recall #02V288000 scc
Consumer received a recall notice #02S42 to replace the battery wire. The consumer was traveling on the highway and she noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle caught on fire.
I sent this letter to Ford in may of 2000 I purchased a Ford Focus, thinking it would be a safe, low maintenance car, considering it had been in europe since 1997. I would think this would be plenty of time to work out any bugs you may have. Or, should I call them recalls. I think a car that has 16 recalls, most of them which I would consider safety issues, should be recalled entirely. I have had other issues with this car as well. My key would not turn, seat belts locking for no reason, door handles not opening the door (this is all happening again). And one that has not been addressed, brakes. I am now on my third set of front rotors since I have purchased the car. The same thing has happened every time. The driver side rotor and pad will wear completely down yet the passenger side will be just fine. I have talked to other Focus owners and the same thing is happening. I still have my last set of rotors just to prove it. I got smart this time and bought replacements that were not made by you. Stop tech cross drilled rotors and ebc greenstuff kevlar pads. I also replaced the driver side caliper with a non-Ford replacement. I want out of this car because I feel it is unsafe. I also would like to warn other Focus owners that this car is unsafe. You also had better not send me to the dealership again. What does the dealership have to do with the production of an unsafe car? nothing, except that they sell it. I am not putting up with Ford pushing me around or giving me the run around either. This car is extremely unsafe and should not be on the road. I did not do this before but this time you leave me no choice. This letter will be sent to as many bad product websites as I can find. It will also be sent to NHTSA, consumer reports and the better business bureau. You did not do anything with my previous complaint and now there are more issues with this product that not only concern safety, but the life of the car. Something will be done.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Saint Louis, MO, USA