The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. While driving at speeds of 30 mph, the vehicle would not shift gears. The vehicle felt as if it was attempting to stall. In addition, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and advised there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by a second mechanic who advised replacing the alternator. The alternator was previously replaced a total of 3 times. There were no additional repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 83,000. Updated 8/9/10 updated 08/11/10.

- Anaherm, CA, USA

Three instances. Vehicle electrical system (dash, gauges, lamps, etc) suddenly go dead. Engine then surges and stalls. Power steering and power brakes fail. Vehicle fails to restart. 1st instance (12/2004): Dealer had failed to properly reconnect electrical connectors after recall service. Accident occurred, minor injuries. 2nd instance (1/22/2006): Dealer found no problem. Vehicle restarted. 3. 3rd instance (2/3/2006): Dealer found faulty alternator/alternator wiring.

- Detroit, MI, USA

While driving at 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The battery cable melted and the alternator was bad and needed replacement. A week prior, the check engine light came on and smoke had come from the engine compartment. The fourth gear went out because it's wire connection melted. The consumer felt the failures were due to the engine misplaced cable problem as stated in recall 02V288000.

- Lafayette, CO, USA

My car stalled when driving anywher from 20 - 70mph. The gauges go haywire the light cut off and on, the clock resets, the speedometer goes crazy, and I have a young daughter that rides in this car. This started in October and is still going on to date. My car is still under warranty.

- Garland, TX, USA

Multiple failures; continual issues with brakes. Correct water leak and patch tire. The alternator needed to be replaced.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

2002 Ford Focus ZX5 hatchback model was purchased new from lafres Ford. The check engine light keeps coming on and stays on. Various electrical problems have occurred and various parts have been replaced (documented on all service reports) the check engine light has been a problem from day one and I have experienced other parts burned and replaced in the past, ie cooling fan harness and resistor burnt, burn smell when A/C is in use or the heator, replacement of battery. (car is still under warranty) I continually take the car back and forth to the dealer to have the check engine light corrected. (no reimbursement of toll/bridges and days off from work to have this car properly serviced, no reimbursement of rental cars) when I get the car back the check engine light is off and two days later it is back on again. I periodically call my service advisor at the service department telling him that I just picked up the car and within 24 hours the check engine light came on again. My service advisor tells me that the check engine light does not mean anything and I could drive around with the light onindefinetly althought the light is a nuisance. On 12/11/03 while driving, the check engine light which was already on, the battery light indicator came on, I immediately called the dealer service department and explained to my service advisor of the problem, it was late Friday afternoon, he stated that was not a good sign and advised me to seek service at a Ford service station. Took car to universal Ford. The car began to emit a burning smell I arrived at the dealer service stations and was told that my alternator was no good and that the harness hand burned and all the wires had melted. That is truly an unsafe car, this problem could have caused the car catch on fire and I could have been seriously injured, or become a fatality or others could have gotten hurt. The car is currently at the universal Ford dealer service station.

- Bronx, NY, USA