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.
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact was traveling 30 mph when the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted shortly thereafter. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN failed to qualify under NHTSA campaign id number:03V482000 ( fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 157,000...updated 01/30/13 the consumer stated the dealership found PCV hose at the back of the engine collapsed (repaired), performed fuel induction sytem flush, aaa replaced entire cooling system. The vehicle has been repaired as a whole. Updated 2/5/2013
After purchasing car with 62K miles on it, I discovered a coolant leak the next day. This leak has gotten worse over the last week. A search of different internet sites found at least 15 reports of the thermostat housing coming loose/breaking loose from its position against the engine block. This is where the leak is coming from on my car, and the description in at least one other case appears to be identical to my own leak. The descriptions found online range from nearly immediately after purchase to approximately 1 year after purchase. This leak is severe enough to generate a 2ft wide by 4ft long puddle of coolant in approximately 12hours. Continuous leak even after car has sat for greater than 12 hours rules out a failure only while under pressure.
I have had my Ford Focus wagon for three years now. I had to repair a alot of things on this car! tranny, alternator, fuel pump, timing belt, and the only door that opens from the outside is the passenger right front, which my kids have to climb through to get to the back because both back doors broke not even four months from the day I bought it. Also the driver door only opens from the inside because of the companies defected car door handles. My friend has the same car, and its the same way. Not mentioning how everytime I stop it dies out and I have to try and keep starting it. It seems there is always something wrong with it.
Noticed coolant leaking onto pavement for several days. For fear of overheating took it into a pep boys as was closest repair facility. They found the thermostat housing (plastic I might add) was faulty and with parts and labor it came to $455 for the job. The nearest Ford dealer said they would need 2 days to even look at the problem.
Thermostat housing is leaking. Found internal seal wall cracked/washed out allowing leakage past seal ring. Steady drip of coolant from thermostat housing even after replacing seal ring. Found many other complaints of same problem in discussion threads on internet. Coolant puddled under car where pets can drink it and loss of coolant causing overheating.
- Greenfield Center, NY, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Cracked thermostat housing. I recently needed to have the plastic thermostat housing replaced on my Focus, as it was cracked and leaking. I have been researching on the web and found numerous other entries regarding the problem. I have not seen a recall or any info regarding if there is a systematic failure of the part. I have the part if needed for research.
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.
My car has been stalling now for about a year. I had it fixed at around 27,000 miles and I still had a factory warranty and I went to joe machens Ford in columbia, mo (where I bought the car in 10/01) and they said it was a wire on the transmission that was corroded. About 3 weeks ago, this happened again and again I took it to joe machens and they told me there was nothing wrong with it. I had asked them to check again because this had happened about a year ago and it was transmission problems. They replaced some seals. Repair work took about a week. On June 4, 2004, I was going down I 270 in St. Louis, mo and I was in the fast lane going 75mph when my car stalled. It would not go and I am glad that I was going to the speed I was because as it was dying I was able to maneuver over to the side of the road. Joe machens again fixed it and said that it was the fuel pump. They replaced my fuel pump and my fuel filter on June 8, 2004. On my way home from columbia, mo on June 11, 2004 it stalled again. As of now I have not sent it any where to get it looked at because this happened last night on my way home from college. This will now be the fourth time this has happened with no results.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Charleston, SC, USA