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 stated that the third brake light on the tailgate had malfunctioned. All other brake lights were working fine but the third brake light has failed due to the wires melting. The contact has called the manufacturer regarding the brake light and referenced the recall for the electrical system:wiring (00V411000) for the 2000 model Ford Focus. The manufacturer informed the contact that due to the VIN number the vehicle is not included in the recall and he can not receive a remedy repair. The contact stated this is the same issue which is stated in the recall and the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. The failure mileage was 108,000.
I have had numerous stalling condition while driving that have been frightening. Several fuel modules have been replaced as well as harness repairs. The dealer has finally replaced the harness going to the fuel pump stating it had been rubbing against the body and grounding out. I am not sure this will fix the problem since it is intermittent. It appears the dealer has done several wiring harness repairs leading to the fuel pump.
In my 2001 Ford Focus ZX3, there is a serious electrical problem. Several things do not work or have shorts, or the switches operate other things. Right now, the dealer is installing a new wiring harness for $500 at least. I just found that there is a recall for 200 Focus on this issue. This is the same car as mine. Mine should also be covered. The problems began just a few days after the 3 year warranty period ended, but I thought it was minor and I could leave it alone. The dealer is all-american Ford in hackensack, NJ. Can you help me?
- the contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus with a current and failure mileage of 140,000. The contact stated that she was driving 55 mph on a hot day and the vehicle would sputter and lose acceleration, then lost power. The contact stated that the engine would stall, but the car would still be driving until the contact applied the brakes. The contact had the mechanic changed the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filter, but the problem persisted. The contact called the manufacturer, and they told him to take it to the Ford dealer to get it diagnosed. The mechanic stated that it was a failure in the fuel distribution system, but the parts were on nationwide back order.
I was driving home from work one night and as I was driving all the lights, inside and out, except my brake lights went out. I took it to a repair place and they told me I have to take it to a Ford dealership because it was something wrong with my entire electrical system. This is not safe. I could've been in an accident. I have searched for recalls on 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 and have not found any. I also looked up how much it would cost to replace it ($359). This is not a small problem. Problems like this are very dangerous.
- Pawnee, OK, USA
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2001 Ford Focus wagon SE: [xxx] intermittent problem: Rear hatch opens when car is started. Rear hatch cannot be closed when car is running. When I jiggle the wiring harness at the top of the hatch, I hear crackling noises. Eventually, after jiggling the harness, I can get the problem to go away. I also had the fuse blow for the rear lights a while back, but replaced it with no further problems, thinking nothing of it. NHTSA campaign id 00V411000 addresses a problem with the deck lid wiring harness shorting out where it bends, and developing broken wires. Loss of tail lamps is one of the consequences. I believe the hatch opening is a related problem too, although the recall does not specifically mention it. This recall is for year 2000 Focus wagons. Mine is a 2001, but its manufacture date is 2000. Ford customer service refuses to do anything for me, saying that the VIN is not covered under the recall. Meanwhile, I am driving around with this electrical issue. You would think that Ford would treat customers better, rather than just saying they do on their commercials. I have never had their customer service say "yes" to any of my issues. They just record the complaint and happily ask if there's anything else they can "do" for me. They also say that even if the car were covered, its mileage is too high. Is there a mileage limit on this recall? I didn't see it. Please see if you can get these slightly-later-manufactured Focus wagons added to the recall. Thank you for you help! updated 07/16/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
: the contact stated the dealer determined the wire jackets on the wire harness at the deck lid, wore away and resulted in an electrical short. In addition, the license plate light bracket within the deck lid also shorted out, due to the wires being burned. There is an NHTSA recall, # 00V411000 regarding the electrical system/wiring. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.
The rear tail lights do not come on when lights are turned on. The dash panel lights also do not come on when headlamps are on. The turn signals work, and rear tail lights do work when brake pressure is applied. The consumer replaced a fuse several times, and it continued to blow out, indicating a short in the electrical system. Between the hatch and the body there is wiring harness, and inspection of that wiring harness discovered that the shielding of the wiring separated or cracked, indicating the wires are stressed. The consumer feels this is a problem indicated on a recall for prior model years. The consumer contacted Ford, who said this was not covered under warranty, and was not involved in a recall. The consumer has not taken vehicle to a dealer at this time. There have been no repairs or corrections made other than the electrical tape that was placed on the exposed wires by the consumer.
Rear taillights failed wiring harness (rear) has become worn. All wires exposed and are in contact with one another. I have photos. Please contact me to have them forwarded. I know of this problem occuring on at least 8 other ZX3's.
Consumer noticed that instrument cluster lights were turned on, and tail lights were not operating. Results showed that the wiring harness tore due to wear and tear, causing the lights not to operate.
While driving 55 mph consumer smelled a burnt odor coming from the steering column. Vehicle caught on fire due to exposed wires. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Passenger extinguished the fire and disconnected the fuel box. Vehicle was towed.
While driving 45 mph driver started smelling smoke. When she pulled window down smoke began pouring through the ventilation. She pulled over, and vehicle began to smoke even more. Fire department wasn't able to detect cause of severe smoking.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Linwood, NJ, USA