Ford Focus / 2001
2001 Ford Focus problems
Owners have filed 2,361 complaints about the 2001 Ford Focus with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 22.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of fuel system, gasoline at 12.3%.
Complaints2,361
Crashes227
Fires67
Injuries176
Deaths14
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 22.1% · 521
Fuel system, gasoline 12.3% · 291
Engine and engine cooling 10.5% · 249
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.4% · 198
Suspension 6.5% · 154
Air bags 6.4% · 150
Power train 3.9% · 92
Steering 3.6% · 86
Severity
Of those complaints, 227 describe a crash, 67 describe a fire, 176 report an injury and 14 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Ford Focus in this data, 2001 sits 5th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 18 in the last three years against 34 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 56,800 miles.
In owners' own words
Stranded in parking lot when key wouold not turn the ignition. Had to get toed to dealer to get fixed. Haven't got it fixed yet because it just happened today and I found all the other complaintes here. I am wondering why there is no recall because it is a serious failure. I was lucky and had a phone handy and if it had been my wife, something terrible could have happend and we may not had any way to get there. Electrical system · reported at 22,700 miles
While driving my car would stall out causing the steering wheel to lock. I initiated the lemon law, but was offered a 2002, same model, to avoid my proceeding to arbitration hearing. Wrong move on my part. I traded in the 2001 for a 2002 and have the same iginition problems ... Stalls out/steering wheel locks while driving! I do not recommend buying a Ford Focus. This car is a horror and extremely dangerous! Electrical system
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the key became stuck in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. Prior to the failure, the contact noticed that the key would occasionaly become stuck in the ignition, but could be removed. The current mileage was 97,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. Electrical system · reported at 75,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…