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.
No crashes or injuries, however ther could have been since the car stalled several times while my wife was driving it. Some months ago the "check fuel cap" light appeared. This had never been a problem, as I always turn the cap several times after fueling. I had a local auto parts store reset the light. This happened again so I switched gas caps with the other 2001 Focus I own. The light came on again, followed by a "check engine" light. When I had the auto parst store check it before resetting the lights their readout stated "large vacuum leak". since the car ran ok and there was no noticeable drop in fuel economy, I felt there was no problem, until my wife drove it and came back very upset that it had stalled several times and she had to use the gas as well as the brake to get home. Upon taking it to the dealership, I was advised that there was a leak in the fuel filler neck and that the part as well as the $30 fuel cap needed replaced at a cost of over $350. I explained the filler cap switch (the other Focus has not had the problem since it was built in Michigan and not mexice) and they only replaced the fuel filler neck to the tune of $324.65 while this vehicle has 60,000 miles on it I do not feel that this was a cost that I should have absorbed.
Problem is ongoing.when the gas tank is less than 1/4 tank full, the engine hesitates, as if it's not getting enough fuel, when I try to resume speed after dropping from highway speed of 40+ to anything below that and then try to accelerate again. Problem typically occurs when merging onto a thruway from an access ramp. My mechanic speculates that fuel pump in gas tank doesn't get enough fuel because what fuel is left sloshes away from pump. Problem is long-standing, fuel filter has been replaced but didn't help. I chose to keep the tank full rather than spend $100S of dollars investigating problem. Special note: Model is a station wagon with a manual transmission.
Problems similar to EA02-022. Stalls (enigine shuts off) while driving on freeway or at any speed. Fails to start in driveway or parking lot, then car gets towed to repair shop and car works fine with no problem found. Replaced fuel filter with no effect on problem. Verified spark works and relays are closing when car would not start. Happens very frequently. About once per week. Car now has 58,000 miles on it and problem started to occur around 32,000 miles. Please fix this is dangerous!! stalls occur without warning. Stalling this often makes this problem higher risk than an occasional stall.
Consumer stated there was a roaring and grinding noise coming from the front wheels, dealership was aware of problem. Consumer stated the fuel cap was loose and not fully installed which caused the check engine service light to come on, front and rear brakes are noisy upon application and there is a vibration when braking.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Ashtabula, OH, USA