Vehicle stalled at various speeds. Vehicle was taken to the dealer on several separate occasions. Dealer replaced the air intake valve twice, but problem recurred.

- Severn, MD, USA

While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

I was driving on the on-ramp of the pa turnpike when scalding water from up under the dash poured out onto my right foot. I was barely able to drive the car to a safe stop. I sustained second and third degree burns to my right foot. The wrecker took the car to a Ford dealer in emmaus, pa for repairs. The service department originally told me that the evaporator line was plugged, but when I picked up my car, the narrative on the service form said that the line was not plugged. They replaced the evaporator which I understand entailed removing the entire dash. I do not know if the old part is available.

- Wellsboro, PA, USA

I bought the car on Oct 29, 2002. Since day one the car has consumed way too much gas. It is outrageous! it has become a mortgage pmt! my car pmt is $344 a month I pay the same in gas a month. I use to own a 1993 Ford escort, stick,4 cyc and never did I ever spend so much gas. I am 49 yrs old, don"T speed, and know the difference. I have also owned many stick,4 cyl cars and none have ever spend so much gas. There has got to be a problem with the car in that respect. Second: A couple of months ago the "check engine" light came on, ever since then, my car won't start in the mornings, and when it has been sitting for a awhile. I have brought my car to the dealer 4 times already, they have changed the fuel pump 3 times, still having the same problem, this last time in which I picked up the car yesterday, Nov. 11, nothing was done! I ask questions but all I get is there is nothing wrong! but something is happening...nowadays, everything is computerized, one thing goes bad and it affects the entire car. Something is not being check, but I am informed, everything is being checked! I have had it with the car! with the amount of gas that is being consumed & the not starting just don?T know what to do! there is something majorly wrong with this car! I can't stay this way, it is not fair, it?S so expensive to own a car nowadays. The stress of being left anywhere, being late for work most of the time due to the car not starting. Why should I pay for something that is not working properly" I work, living pay check to pay check, I am having way too much stress & now I am @ a point where it has effected my work, possibly I will loose my job.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

There is a line that went straight into the engine's intake that has been leaking fluid since 2,000 miles and was inspected by deler who told to me that it was nothing. But the engine case should not have a large leak of fluid that soon. Finally now, they have done something on this and replaced the hose, as it was seen once more and knows of all the times reported. I hope this is just not a easy fix or this now hasn't caused any damange to the inside of the engine itself, as the engine has been in the shop for riding rough. They told me last time that the part of the transmission that was fixed would fix this. I think it is due to the oil leak on the top of the engine case since it was new. A new car should never have a oil leak on a engine case.

- Lancaster, CA, USA

Problem I'm still having and was reported to dealership is car pulls to left, ( not corrected) back end of car or tires bounce on road and especially when hitting a bump, cannot stay on road in slush or snow, back end is all over road, ( nothing done) tires are completely groved in many spots on the tires, caused by rear end bouncing on road, Firestone won't replace they say it is focas's rear end and it wears out the tires, dealer or Ford won't do anything about rear end or tires, car vibrates badly, rear doors barley open are so stiff, looks like door locks are coroaded nothing was done by dealership even though they said they lubricated, nothing is on the locks to show lubrication of locks.

- Friendship, WI, USA

The car is a 2002 svt Focus. The engine has a severe miss/surge under normal driving conditions. The last ticket on the vehicle states that there is no fix at this time. October 27, 2003 update: Thank you for your help on this matter. Ford purchased the vehicle back, refunded all of the payments made, and compensated me for any aftermarket parts I had the receipt for. Ford went out of its way to make me happy. Thank you.

- Williamson, GA, USA

On November 9, 2002 while doing errands I noticed smoke coming from the engine area of 2002 Ford Focus (5 months old). It was a wet and rainy day and the windows were fogging-up. I had to roll the windows down to defrost the light mist on the windows, as the defrost button would not work. The smoke became so thick I decided to pulled over and call for Ford road service. By the time I was giving the rep. My location people were running from thier homes to move thier cars. I told the rep. The car is on fire. I hung-up and called the fire department. The fire department responded in less than a minute. I ran back to my new car and watched as it burned. The fire departement said the engine fire was caused by an electrical short. I was also told that I pulled over just in time. My insurance company has not been helpful. Ford assured me that they would take care of everything. I am waiting for Ford motor to take car of everything. I told them in a fax I sent last week that I want that "blue oval" service they constantly talk about - maybe someday. Thanks, denise keyes

- So. Pasadena, CA, USA

Heating/vent produces a disgusting smell. Repairs indicated oil leak near heater - unknown origin. Smell abated but still it produces annoying smells that requires windows to be kept open. Will have to go back to selling dealership 4th time for further investigation. Is there a better way and another shop in cleveland, oh that can make an independent assessment of the problem? thanks.

- Lakewood, OH, USA

The engine experienced complete failure at 55 mph with no warning sign. It has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. Sunroof was stuck in open position and would not close properly unless manipulated by hand. Dealer fixed the problem the following day.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

While driving 35 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but it did not resolve the problem.

- Falling Waters, WV, USA

While driving at highway speeds engine lost power, nearly resulting in a rear end collision. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem. The tachometer would suddenly race up to 7000 and the wheels lost power. The vehicle felt as if it were in neutral, after 15-30 seconds or downshifted to 2nd gear, the vehicle re-engages and the wheel power was restored. This was an intermittent problem. Ford was unable to diagnose the problem. A flight recorder was installed twice. The engineers revealed that the problem could have been related to the speed sensors and input shaft sensors. The consumer's husband experienced a complete loss of power. The vehicle was unable to be moved because there was no power steering. The loss lasted 10 seconds, the gear was placed into 2nd gear, then back to drive and the power steering was back active. This problem returned two more times. On one of the incidences, the tachometer had gone over 7 then dropped. The transmission slipped intermittently.

- Gresham, OR, USA

Intermittently at any speed, the vehicle will shift out of drive and into neutral then back into drive. The vehicle has been to the dealer seven times for this problem. The dealer will not do anything because they can not duplicate the problem. The manufacturer is aware of the problem.

- Pharr, TX, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle hesitated and took a dip forward and down to the ground. Then, it accelerated as if nothing happened. Consumer's daughter experienced the same thing while driving and lost control of the vehicle which landed in a ditch. Consumer's daughter sustained back injuries. Consumer wore seat belts. However, air bags failed to deploy.

- Goodview, VA, USA