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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,794 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2001 Ford Focus fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2001 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #34

Oct 232004

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am exhibiting problems with my 2001 Ford Focus LX that matches the problems listed with the recalls for the car. I am having powers surges, vibration in the front end, noises in the front end, and loss of power. I have contacted the Ford Motor Company about this and have brought the car in several times about it. They keep saying there are no recalls for my car. I know this to be false because a friend of mine got the same exact car as I did 2 weeks apart from me. He has recieved the recall letters and already had the problems fixed. I need help.

- Richfield, NC, USA

problem #33

Sep 202002

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles
The consequences described in the stalling recall 03V482000 occurred on numerous occasions, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

- Batesville, VA, USA

problem #32

Jun 252004

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
On 2 occasions my car has failed to start and cut off. Leading up to this the car was working fine and just all of a sudden just stopped. The 1st time it started with the hesitation and stuttering of the engine. Where there was a recall on the gas line which the dealer fixed. The 2nd time it just keep cutting off everytime I put the car in drive. I took it to the Ford and they said they could find nothing wrong with the car but I have a feeling it is going to do it again and I will be stranded by the road again. Everytime it happens Ford can't find anything wrong or aren't looking well enough.

- Irvington, NJ, USA

problem #31

Aug 152002

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,156 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Fuel system-stall out at freeway speeds-and at any long right hand turns-contacted dealer/out of warranty, to many miles to consider. Brakes-rotors and pads worn out at 24,000miles-dealer stated maintenance issue, normal for the Ford Focus- they directed me to call Ford Motor Co.to complain...

- Graham, WA, USA

problem #30

Oct 152003

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,500 miles
The same as eveyone else. The vehicle is stalling at unpredictable times due to fuel delivery system/fuel pump. I am a ase certified mechanic. I talked to Ford, then I called the local dealer. They told me, as they have in the past it's a fuel pump issue. They would have to charge me 75 bucks to check it out (because according to Ford, it has to be done by them regardless of my qualifications) then if it's not having the performance problem at the time they would not be able to verify it's the fuel pump. Since it's intermittent I chose to pull the tank and investigate my self. I agree "kinda" that it's a fuel pump issue. The reason I say this is because I pulled the tank tonight, disassembled the pump/sending unit assembly and found a large amount of sediment in the base and around the sides of the body the pump sits in. Additionally the screen/sock on the inlet side of the pump motor was almost completely clogged with the stuff, . the tank itself had a light film of the brown stuff which easily is wiped with a clean rag. Looking at the gunk, it would seem to me to be very bad gas, but why just the Focus. I put the same stuff in both my other two vehicles and no problems. I can't analyze the stuff to determine what it is for sure but can assure you it's only a matter of time before it caused enough cavitation for the pump to heat up burn out. I did not see evidence of any gaskets or anything else internal attached to the tank going bad, but since I use the same fuel else were w/O problems it almost has to be a situation like a seals/sealant deteriorating and producing the nasty stuff. I plan on saving $250 and clean it all and see if things improve. The pump is only available from Ford (interesting). Ford needs to do somthing about this before they allow somone to get killed out there on the hiway. I just purchased this vehicle used a month ago for my 15 year old daughter. I should have done better research first.

- Mtn Home, ID, USA

problem #29

Mar 152003

Focus

  • Manual transmission
  • 39,948 miles
I bought my Focus used, it had 38,000 miles, on a trip the engine began to act up. It was revving all the way up but would not go above 40 mph. After calling a tow truck the check engine light came on, the dealership that I took it to had it for over a week and had difficulty locating the problem. It started and drove just fine for them. I had the fuel pump and filter replaced, as well as the fuel system flushed. While it was there they performed recall work on my battery cable routing, and my one of my engine control arm bolts. Everything was fine for a few months, then I had a tire throw tread, the front passenger side. 1 week later it was back to get the other tire replaced because it had a bubble in it, after learning that I got the rest of the tires replaced. A few weeks ago my brakes started squeling, I had the pads checked they were fine, after they kept making noise I insisted that they were changed. After driving about 100 miles I started hearing a spinning thump. That became very loud. Back into the shop, they replaced a brake caliper, and also I had to get yet another fuel filter, it was begining to become restricted, again. The brake problem even though it had been doing it for a while since I did not have a Ford dealership do it was not covered under my warranty, and I am sure that something else will go wrong. Yay!

- Bastrop, TX, USA

problem #28

Jul 152003

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car suddenly stalls when taking a sweeping right hand turn. Power steering is inoperable, leaving auto in middle of road or highway ramp.

- Penllyn, PA, USA

problem #27

Mar 152003

Focus

  • Manual transmission
  • 18,530 miles
In November of 2002, I noticed a squeal under the hood of my 2001 Focus. The first time I took it in, they claimed they heard no sound. I then told the mechanic you must actually step out of the car to hear the noise.; he did hear the noise and Ford had to replace the belt tensioner and serpentine belt. I began noticing that my windshield wipers would function at will. The left headlamp and turn signal was also malfunctioning. I could not get the wipers to turn off at times. I would turn the headlights off and back on again, and the wipers would turn off. This would also work at times when the wipers would not turn on, but not always. I never noticed an absolute consistency as to what would get the wipers to function properly. They also would not function at the correct speed. They would go fast when I wanted them to go slow and vice-versa. I had taken the car in twice to have this problem fixed. They replaced the multi function switch both times. A week following the second visit, I noticed they would not work again. I scheduled an appointment for the third time. In between the time I scheduled the appointment and the actual day of the appointment, I noticed the gas light had come on when I still had about 36 miles worth of gas left in my car. I noticed the light was on for a bit and then it went off. So, I told them about that problem as well when I took the car in. They replaced the fuel pump and sending unit assembly. Also they replaced whatever wires were causing the multi function switch to go out again and again. I left the dealership and made a stop at a convenience store. When I tried to start my car, it would not start. Not a sound or anything. The car was totally dead. I called Ford to have them tow the car. This time, they claimed they needed to replace the clutch safety start switch, which they did. My breaks also squeak constantly. They adjusted the breaks and clean them up. They claim the squeaking breaks are normal. Do not buy a Ford.

- Blue Bell, PA, USA

problem #26

May 152001

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
I have had numerous problems with my Focus. About 3mo after I bought it, the transmission began to feel like it was slipping, and making a noise. I took it to the purchasing dealership, and a mechanic told me it was the torque converter. They didn't have a loaner car for me, so I made an an appointment for the following week. The next day on my way home from work, the car shut down. I called a tow truck, they took it to the closest dealership. When I called the dealership the next day, they said the fuel pump went out. They told me that the stutter I was feeling in my car was probably that. A few days later, the same problem. Took it back to the selling dealership, and the shop supervisor went out with me. He said I was driving the car out of context. What he meant by that, he wouldn't elaborate, but said there is nothing wrong with my car. I have been driving it since, and the computer will fade in and out, but I won't lose engine power. My car has to have new brake pads every couple of months, new tires, and other maintenance things. At less than 40000 miles, it needed new spark plugs, and wires, which I happily bought. The dealership wanted $300, because the plugs were in the back of the motor. I went to my car, popped the hood, four spark plugs lined the top of the head cover. There was no further explanation of the attempted over charge. My car has several other problems. The positive cable on the battery, has melted back, there is a loud roar in the cab of the car, and three of the four lug nuts on the right rear tire has snapped off. The explanation for the lug nuts, was that the tire was loose, not fastened properly. But this problem occurred 3-4 mo after I bought it. The tires had not been taken off. I am to the point where I hate Ford for selling me this car. I will ever buy Ford again, but I love the concept of the car

- Weavervlle, NC, USA

problem #25

Dec 152002

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
There is just to much paperwork to copy out, but would like to mail copies. I am going to pick up car this afternoon just had second fuel pump fitted and new gas tank. To date no recall info received by post. However I have been drenched with gas on more than one occassion while filling car. I have nearly been killed when car cut out at 55mph on highway narrowly missed by two other motorists. Vehicle has 38,000 miles & has had the following repairs. 1/countless engine sensors 2/four new tyres 3/new front brake pads 4/new front brake rotas 5/new front wheel bearings 6/two fuel pumps 7/one fuel tank 8/waiting for third set of a frame plastic covers 9/three stereo players 10/tracklink reset three times 11/still have realy noisy brakes 12/engine sounds like 10 year old car 13/rear passenger window works when feels like it 14/right hand door speaker sounds as if broken 15/new tires fitted showing signs of odd wear 16/tail gate leakes water 17/ thought Lincoln/Mercury dealer might give better results no just longer wait.

- Longwood, FL, USA

problem #24

Jan 152003

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle sluggish when gas pedal pushed, finally stalled out and wouldn't start for a period of time. When started only ran for a moment then stalled again. Vehicle towed to dealer where fuel pump and filter were replaced.

- Florence, TX, USA

problem #23

Sep 152003

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,756 miles
Also Nov/20/01 my electric windows stopped working once again.....warrenty covered that.

- Nampa, ID, USA

problem #22

Oct 152003

Focus

  • Manual transmission
  • 0 miles
We sued Ford via the magnuson moss warranty act. The Focus had been sold prior to the filing of the law suit. We reached an out of court settlement of $3500. The problem with the car was intermittent stalling. The local Ford dealer was unable to determine the cause of the problem.

- Chesterfield, MO, USA

problem #21

Oct 152003

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
After three unseccessful attempts to have my Ford Focus repaired for engine stalls(while on the highway with the kids in the back seat, with 18-wheeler behind me).iionce again took my car to Ford for warranty work.they found that the fuel pump was not suppling enough pressure and fixed it I thought, when at work with the car running and the exhaust at running temperature, all the fuel leaked out and could of very easily caused a fire which could of caused a great lose of life not only for myself but also for my wife and kids who always drive the car

- Fairfield, OH, USA

problem #20

Mar 152004

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,500 miles
My 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 has stalled around turns and when it gets below 1/3 tank consistently since I got it, and in mid March it completely stalled out as I was driving down the road and took nearly 20 minutes to restart. I just visited Ford web site to find out any recall information and it came up with no recalls for this problem, or any other problem.

- Parkersburg, WV, USA

problem #19

Mar 232004

(reported on)

Focus

  • miles
Vehicle hesitated and stalled due to a contaminated fuel tank. The consumer has since received a recall notice, and after reading the notice she realized the vehicle had the same problems.

- New Providence, PA, USA

problem #18

Feb 232004

(reported on)

Focus

  • miles
After taking vehicle for recall repair, engine light came on after it hasn't been driven for two days. When it was taken to dealership it was found that there was an excess leak in the solenoid canister. After repair on solenoid canister, check engine light reappeared. Consumer took vehicle back to dealership, light goes off. Consumer went back and forth to dealership because check engine light kept appearing. Also, consumer experience loss of fuel. Consumer fulled gas tank and after being driven 51 miles, tank is half full.

- Louisville, MS, USA

problem #17

Feb 092004

Focus 4-cyl

  • 75,296 miles
Dealership refused to perform the stalling recall 03V482000 repairs unless the consumer paid $165 for a diagnostic. The vehicle was repaired at another dealership at no charge.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #16

Jan 232004

(reported on)

Focus

  • miles
The dealership refused to perform the engine stalling recall 03V482000 unless the consumer purchased a fuel filter for $42.

- Garner, NC, USA

problem #15

Nov 262003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 29,540 miles
At 75 mph in interstate traffic, vehicle engine missed then lost power. Engine would not rise above 1000 RPM. Narrowly avoided collision in merging out of traffic. Engine would not accelerate above 1500 RPM, eventually stalled. After 15 minutes, restarted and operated normally for 5 minutes before stalling again.

- Austin, TX, USA

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