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3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,364 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

problem #11

Mar 182008

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,509 miles

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

I had received a letter in January 2004 from Mr. Frank M. ligon, director of service engineering operations of the Ford Motor Company. The letter stated that in accordance with program 03N01 (engine stalling in 2000-01 Ford Focus vehicles) customer's vehicles "may experience engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms ultimately causing the engine to stall completely...as a result of contamination of the fuel pump filters."..."Ford is offering to replace your vehicle's fuel pump (parts and labor), at no cost, if your vehicle exhibits any of the above conditions...valid for a period of 10 years from the original warranty start date, with no limit on mileage."...I had been experiencing the above forementioned safety issues with my 2001 Focus, and took the car to the dealership for service. The dealer had to replace the fuel pump and filter, originally stating that it was covered under this program, but called back later and ultimately changed their mind. The explanation given was that this program was no longer "open." Since the company has acknowledged this particular safety concern, confirmed the letter being sent and my vehicle fitting the program 03N01 guidelines of make, model, year, and timeline (10 years unlimited mileage), and has refused to repair this defect free of charge, as stated in their letter, ...I would like to file an official complaint on this issue...and I would appreciate your assistance in resolving this runaround that the Ford Motor Company has given me. I got the letter, had the problems and safety issues as stated in that letter, it hasn't been 10yrs, so why did I have to pay for their defect? thank you for your time and assistance!

- Hazleton, PA, USA

problem #10

Aug 192007

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. On August 19, 2007, while driving 10 mph, the contact heard metal scraping the ground and then plastic being dragged underneath the vehicle. She immediately stopped the vehicle and discovered the fuel tank on the ground. She called the fire department to get permission for triple a to tow the vehicle. The contact stated that the bolt that holds the arm in place on the fuel tank had no thread remaining. She filed a complaint with Ford and they stated that they could not be of assistance. The current and failure mileages were 87,000. Updated 12-12-07. Updated

- Levittown, NY, USA

problem #9

Aug 152004

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,500 miles
1. without crash or other damage, fuel began to leak out of the top of the gas tank and down the tank onto the undercarriage. Occurs only when ignition is on and vehicle is driven. 2. failure appears to be a seal on siphon/fuel line going into top of tank. Consequences are potential serious fire/explosion hazard, unpredictable loss of power when driving. Awaiting service on the vehicle.

- Woodstock, IL, USA

problem #8

Aug 162003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles

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

Gas tank leaks while driving.

- Novi, MI, USA

problem #7

Jun 222003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 25,000 miles
Fuel pump problems related to 2001 Ford Focus ZX3. Began to stumble when at 1/4 tank and turning right and has progressed that at any time im at 3/4 tank or less I can not turn right at any reasonable speed without fuel cut. This is related to a known defect of fuel tank liner that they refuse to warranty or recall. Has left me many times merging onto highway with nearly stalled engine. Ford is aware and issues bulletin to dealerships but refuses to acknowledge problem to public.

- Kaukauna, WI, USA

problem #6

Jun 022003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 15,000 miles
2001 and up Ford Focus fuel pump & gas tank recall request. The fuel tank is made from a material that frequently flakes off and clogs the fuel pump very often. I have had 3 fuel pumps replaced already, and my car has less than 21,000 miles. Due to the inferior design of the tank and fuel pump, the pump clogs too easily, then burns out leaving the car stranded. The design of the pump has a fine mesh screen before the larger screen so the large mesh screen is simply useless! the small screen clogs up from large flakes that would have been caught by the large screen if the pump had not been designed by retards.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #5

Oct 252002

Focus

  • miles

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

While driving on highway, vehicle just stalled out without any warning.the vehicle stalled as if it had run out of gasoline with an almost full tank. After letting the engine sit for a few minutes, the vehicle would restart. This has occurred several times within a few days and at various speeds from 15 to 65 mph, causing loss of control of vehicle. Dealer was notified, inspected the car, and said that there was nothing wrong.

- Germantown, MD, USA

problem #4

Dec 132000

Focus

  • miles
The engine light came on exactly 1 week after I bought the car. It was returned to me 2 days later and 1 week after that the light came on. Both times the car stopped cut off. The dealer replaced the the main computer. I returned the vehicle in November of 2001 for the same problem. They said they fixed it and I returned again in another week same problem. This time they said there was a leak around the seal on the gas tank. They returned it to me. In February or March, I brought it back again (the engine light comes on the car cuts off). Again they said it was the main computer and they replaced it and returned it to me. I have talked to a Ford rep and they refuse to acknowledge there is a serious problem with this vehicle and even offered to sell me another one! this is my first and last Ford!

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #3

May 202002

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer states that the steering mechanism is getting looser the more consumer drives, the looser steering wheel gets. Consumer states there is a lot of play in steering and that makes it very hard to steer the vehicle. The vehicle's mileage is decreasing from 300 miles to 200 miles and then to 180 miles for a full tank of fuel. The vehicle also experiences stalling and changing gears has been difficult.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #2

Dec 012001

Focus

  • miles
I have contacted Ford Motor Company. They have told me " they have no repair procedure" at this time. The washer tank vent is located such that it allows up to 3 quarts of fluid to drain out of the tank. We have had the car to coleman Ford twice and they did replace the tank and check the system. The problem will continue until the tank vent issue is corrected is what I was told at coleman Ford.

- Simpsonville, SC, USA

problem #1

Apr 022002

(reported on)

Focus

  • miles
I have 18-2001 Ford Focus' and 7-2000 Focus'. I live in erie, pa. When the outside temperature goes up 25-30degrees fast the car starve for gas. Last year champion Ford and Ford fleet acknowledged the problem. This year they blame it on the "gas station" and because I didnt bring all my maintenence work to them. 5 of the 18-2001 have broken down for this problem this year. Last year 6 out of 7 car broken down for this problem. Need help. Please supply information if you have any. Please call 814-461-2451. Thank you. John simmons.

- Erie, PA, USA

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