2001 Ford Focus recalls and problems
The 2001 Ford Focus has 7 safety recalls and 1,761 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Ford Focus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Ford Focus recalls
Recall 05V-030: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, a build-up of corrosion at the pawl pivot area of the rear door latch can cause a binding condition of the pawl that may affect proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. The occupant may experience difficulty opening or closing a rear door, and eventually the rear door may not latch properly.
Risk: If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
Fix: Dealers will have a lower rocker seal added to the door and have the rear door latches evaluated free of charge. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to the rear doors advising the owners to use the recommended lubricant. The recall began on march 9, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Recall 03V-482: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module (Fdm) can reduce, and eventually block, the flow of fuel to the engine.
Risk: This may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms. Over time, the filter may become sufficiently blocked to cause the engine to stall, which could result in a crash.
Fix: This action is deemed a safety improvement campaign and is not being conducted under the safety act. All owners will be notified of the problem, and dealers will replace the fdm with a new design at no charge if the owner reports that the vehicle exhibits any of the identified symptoms. The free replacement will be available for a period of 10 years following the original purchase of the vehicle, with no mileage limit. Owner notification is expected to begin during november 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Recall 02V-288: Electrical System
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.
Risk: This, in turn, could cause the battery cables to short resulting in heat damage to the cables. Besides heat damage, the "check engine" light may illuminate, the vehicle may fail to start, or smoke, melting, or fire could also occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the battery cables for the condition of the cable insulation and proper tightening of the terminal ends. As necessary, cables will be rerouted, retaining clips installed, and damaged battery cables replaced. Owner notification began february 10, 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Recall 02V-289: Steering
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
Risk: Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. Owner notification began february 10, 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Recall 01V-258: Visibility
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; kansas city plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; norfolk plant from 2/21/00 through 7/27/00; wayne stamping and assembly plant from 2/25/00 through 8/15/00; and wixom plant from 2/15/00 through 8/8/00.
Risk: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Recall 01V-108: Seats
Problem: Pm certain sedans and wagons, the seat back recliner handle spring could have been damaged during an in-process test and the occupant may notice a chucking, or perceived looseness of the front seat back, or the seat back could unexpectedly recline.
Risk: If the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car is being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat back recliner handle spring for the driver and front passenger seats. Owner notification began april 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Recall 00V-418: Seats
Problem: Vehicle description: station wagons and 3-door vehicles. The subject vehicles have a folding 60/40 second seat that becomes a load floor in the folded position. When the 60% portion of the seat is folded down and a load is applied to the front edge of the load floor, the outboard hinge pivot could disengage from the hinge.
Risk: If the seat is then returned to the upright position without re-engaging the hinge pivot, the seat and seat belts may not provide the intended level of performance in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge pivot.
2001 Ford Focus problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 521 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 291 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 249 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 198 | |
| Suspension | 154 | |
| Air Bags | 150 | |
| Power Train | 92 | |
| Steering | 86 | |
| Tires | 75 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 67 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 67 | |
| Structure | 62 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition — 194
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 140
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 129
- Air Bags › Frontal — 83
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 74
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 73
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 48
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 39
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 58,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Ford Focus complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Focus years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Ford Focus have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Ford Focus: 05V-030 (latches/locks/linkages), 03V-482 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-288 (electrical system), 02V-289 (steering), 01V-258 (visibility) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Focus?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (521 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (291). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 58,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.