MyCarTSB

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2001 Ford Focus — Known Issues & Recalls

14 Recalls1815 Owner Complaints14 Categories Affected
1815
Total Complaints
14
Open Recalls
174
Crashes
50
Fires
138
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2002 to Dec 2010

The most reported issue is electrical system problems (377 complaints). 174 complaints involved crashes. 50 involved fires.

Open Safety Recalls (14)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 12E007000

Component: EQUIPMENT

RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

Risk: IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jul 2009

NHTSA Campaign: 09E012000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Nov 2008

NHTSA Campaign: 08E050000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 06E049000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Nov 2009

NHTSA Campaign: 09E025000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 06E026000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jun 2002

NHTSA Campaign: 02V289000

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES

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.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jun 2002

NHTSA Campaign: 02V288000

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

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.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Aug 2001

NHTSA Campaign: 01V258000

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jan 2005

NHTSA Campaign: 05V030000

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 03V482000

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 01I017000

Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.

Risk: THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 01V108000

Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 00V418000

Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1815)

Engine3 issues
criticalENGINE
Filed: Nov 2019

Your car is stalling unexpectedly while you're driving, at traffic lights, and when you brake or use the clutch, which created a dangerous situation where another vehicle nearly hit you from behind. The engine also won't stay running when idling. This is a serious drivability and safety issue that needs immediate attention to prevent accidents.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11281301
criticalENGINE
Filed: Aug 2018

Your car was running normally until you stopped for a few minutes at a store. When you restarted the engine, you heard a loud clanking noise and the engine ran roughly at idle. After researching, you discovered this is a known issue with this model year—your engine experienced a dropped valve seat, which is a serious internal engine failure. You'll likely need to have the engine professionally inspected and rebuilt or replaced.

NHTSA #: 11121189
highENGINE
Filed: Sep 2017

Your 2001 Ford Focus is having trouble starting, and after checking the starter, alternator, and battery (which are all in working order), a camera inspection revealed that the valve pistons aren't working properly. You've found that other owners of this same year and model report bent valves and failed pistons as a recurring issue. Fixing this will likely require valve and piston replacement or a complete engine rebuild.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11021395
Unknown Or Other3 issues
criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2018

Your mechanic found severe corrosion on your engine cradle and warned that the engine could potentially fall out while you're driving. You contacted Ford about this safety concern, but they declined to inspect your vehicle despite you offering to donate it for investigation. This level of rust deterioration is unusual, especially since your car has been garaged with less than 83,000 miles. Addressing this issue would likely require inspection and replacement of the corroded engine cradle and related mounting hardware.

NHTSA #: 11093894
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2017

Your car's ignition key won't turn, preventing the engine from starting. The vehicle was parked and stationary when this occurred. The issue likely involves the ignition cylinder or steering wheel lock mechanism, which may need to be serviced or replaced.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11032594
lowUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2020

The owner wanted to add pictures to a previous complaint (11338120) but was unable to do so through the system.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11340189
Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System3 issues
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2018

Your dashboard and license plate lights flicker, and your car has shut off while driving on multiple occasions—both on the highway and local streets—creating a serious safety concern. You've already replaced the fuel pump, spark plugs, and engine air filter, but the stalling issue persists. The underlying electrical problem causing the stalling needs to be diagnosed and repaired, which may involve testing the alternator, battery, or ignition system.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11064238
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2021

Your car keeps shutting off unexpectedly and is overheating. This combination of symptoms suggests a problem with the cooling system, electrical connections, or fuel delivery that's causing the engine to stall and run too hot.

NHTSA #: 11407527
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2018

Your car shakes noticeably when you start it, and the check engine light and fuel warning light keep turning on and off repeatedly. You've had multiple repairs including a tune-up, inner tie rods replaced, and CV valve replacement, but the check engine light continues to return. The underlying issue likely hasn't been fully diagnosed—your mechanic may need to read and clear the check engine codes to identify the root cause, which could be related to the engine, fuel system, or sensors.

NHTSA #: 11098857
Suspension,wheels1 issue
criticalSUSPENSION,WHEELS
CrashFiled: Dec 2021

While driving at 35 MPH, your car's passenger-side ball joint suddenly snapped without any warning lights or signs of trouble beforehand. This caused you to lose control and crash into a ditch. The ball joint is a critical part of your suspension that connects your wheel to the steering and suspension system, and its failure can make your car unstable and dangerous to drive.

NHTSA #: 11444566
Air Bags1 issue
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2021

Your front dashboard and steering wheel airbags deployed while you were stopped at a red light with no impact or collision. The sudden deployment caused hearing damage and could have been much worse if you had been driving. No warning lights or sounds preceded the airbag deployment, and your car had recently passed inspection. The airbag system will need to be inspected and replaced if the sensors or control module are faulty.

NHTSA #: 11433112
Electrical System,structure,electronic Stability Control (esc)1 issue
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
FireFiled: Sep 2020

Your car suddenly shut down while driving, and you lost the ability to accelerate or brake. Shortly after, smoke and sparks appeared, followed by flames that grew larger and eventually engulfed the entire vehicle, with the fire appearing to originate near the battery and cables. The fire was severe enough to cause all windows to explode and the car to be destroyed. This issue likely involves a critical electrical fault in the battery or wiring system that caused a fire.

NHTSA #: 11355484
Suspension1 issue
criticalSUSPENSION
Filed: Jul 2020

Your car's front end collapsed while driving up a hill, causing the suspension to fail completely. The vehicle had excessive rust damage to the frame, which Ford says isn't covered by a recall despite similar rust-related recalls on other 2001 models. Fixing this issue will likely require complete frame and front suspension replacement or may result in the vehicle being deemed unsafe to repair.

NHTSA #: 11338120
Unknown Or Other,service Brakes1 issue
criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2019

While turning into your parking space, your car suddenly accelerated instead of braking and hit a rock wall barrier. Your mechanic found that the throttle cable was twisted or stuck, which they straightened out. The problem appears to be that the cable routing became misaligned, causing the gas pedal to stay engaged even when you applied the brakes. The fix involved re-routing the throttle cable to its proper position.

NHTSA #: 11186950
Vehicle Speed Control1 issue
criticalVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Aug 2017

Your car is experiencing sudden, uncontrolled acceleration where the engine revs up to 2000-3500 RPM on its own, whether the car is idling or driving at any speed. This has happened multiple times and you've already replaced the throttle position sensor, throttle body, spark plugs and wires, coil pack, fuel pump, and filter without resolving it. On one occasion after exiting the highway, the engine accelerated severely and you couldn't stop the car even pressing hard on the brakes—you had to shift into Neutral to avoid hitting vehicles at a traffic light. The fix will likely require a comprehensive diagnostic to identify the actual cause of the uncontrolled acceleration, which could involve engine computer reprogramming, fuel injector service, or additional sensor replacement.

NHTSA #: 11012403
Electrical System,exterior Lighting1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Aug 2020

Your rear lights have electrical issues. The license plate lights don't work at all, and sometimes all of your rear lights stop working completely. This is a safety concern since other drivers won't be able to see your vehicle at night. The fix will likely involve checking the wiring, replacing fuses, or replacing the light fixtures themselves.

NHTSA #: 11343641
Electrical System,engine1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2020

Your car's engine keeps overheating. This could be caused by issues with the electrical system or engine cooling components. You should have the cooling system inspected and repaired as soon as possible to prevent engine damage.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11328839
Structure1 issue
highSTRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2018

Your driver's side front door won't close and has been problematic for years. Other 2001 Ford Focus models have been recalled for this same issue, but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in the recall. The door latch likely needs to be repaired or replaced to get your car passing inspection and functioning properly.

NHTSA #: 11149891
Exterior Lighting1 issue
highEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Feb 2018

Your headlights aren't shining brightly at night, whether you're using the low beams or high beams. The dashboard warning lights aren't coming on to alert you to the problem. The dealership wasn't able to diagnose what's causing the dim headlights. This could involve replacing the headlight bulbs, checking the alternator's output, or inspecting the wiring and connections in the headlight circuit.

NHTSA #: 11071614
Latches/locks/linkages1 issue
mediumLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Aug 2017

Your rear driver's side door latch stopped working without any warning signs. The door latch has completely failed and is no longer functioning. The dealership was contacted but referred you to NHTSA instead of helping. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the door latch assembly.

NHTSA #: 11020745

Get notified when any of these become free repairs

We'll alert you if a new recall is issued for your vehicle — that means a free fix at the dealer.

Related Vehicles

Other 2001 vehicles:

See other years