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. While driving approximately 70 mph, the contact noticed the entire instrument panel and other gauges failed to function properly. The speedometer and fuel gauge also would not display an accurate reading. Immediately the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. Upon restarting the vehicle it began to function for a brief period and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the instrument panel cluster was replaced. The similar failure recurred six months after the repair was performed. The contact stated the instrument panel cluster would need to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. Updated 03/14/12 updated 03/19/12
The contact stated while driving 35 - 40 mph, the check engine light and battery light illuminated. While pulling the vehicle into a parking lot all the dashboard lights darkened and the vehicle hesitated as if it was going to stall. It was parked for about 3 minutes and the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was observed by an independent mechanic who determined that a barren came out of one of the pulleys however that would not cause the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was left at the scene of the incident. Two days later the contact returned to the vehicle and the vehicle was burned. The insurance investigator observed a security video which identified the vehicle smoking and a window had fallen.
While attempting to park, the vehicle took off and accelerated without any warning. The vehicle took off going through the back wall of the garage. The air bags did deploy. On another occasion, the vehicle was serviced for check engine light which was on. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and a chip was replaced. However, while driving, the vehicle accelerated out of control again up to 100 miles per hour. Consumer was able to stop the vehicle by turning off the engine. Dealer found throttle was stuck wide open.
- West Bloomfield, MI, USA
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- Benton, AR, USA