2002 Ford Focus recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford Focus has 1 safety recall and 939 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
939
Crashes / fires
82 / 20
Injuries / deaths
78 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford Focus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford Focus recalls

Recall 05V-030: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Feb 1, 2005 · 589,932 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

2002 Ford Focus problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System295
Suspension115
Engine and Engine Cooling106
Service Brakes, Hydraulic81
Air Bags74
Tires62
Fuel System, Gasoline59
Power Train58
Structure53
Steering53
Latches/Locks/Linkages45
Wheels36

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Ignition — 124
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 51
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 31
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 29
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 25
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 22
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 21
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 21

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 53,000 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 2002 Ford Focus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Dec 26, 2024
Break lights won't work and was almost hit by another car, changed break lights changed light break switch checked fuses and wiring everything is good
Unknown or Other · reported Apr 21, 2024
Sunroof Exploded. Empty Road, temp low 40s. No warning. I have owned the car since 2004. Though older car, <120,000 miles.
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 26, 2023
The drivers door will not open. It is stuck shut. Turning the key in the lock does not work. Broke outer handle trying to open door to assist elderly party out of drivers seat. Power lock fuse is fine. Took door panel off partly to expose cable, cannot push or pull cable to force open. Safety issue because owner is elderly. Cannot reasonably crawl in and out through passenger side. Emergency personnel would not be able to reach occupants in case of an accident.
Exterior Lighting · reported Jan 21, 2023
I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others.…
Power Train · at 137,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2020
The contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle slipped out of drive into neutral. The contact called fairway ford (2761 e stone dr, kingsport, tn 37660), and informed the dealer of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that he had to pay a diagnostic fee. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer due to the diagnostic and repair costs. The contact also stated that the vehicle independently shifted to neutral while stopped. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not subjected to a recall. The failure…

Other Ford Focus years

Compare all Ford Focus years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Focus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Ford Focus: 05V-030 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Focus?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (295 reports), followed by suspension (115). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 53,000 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.