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2002 Ford Focus SVT problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Ford Focus SVT is electrical system, typically around 17,359 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Focus SVT model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
32
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
2
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2002 Ford Focus SVT problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    6
  • Transmission
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Tires
    4
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Ford Focus SVT

Stalling 5

Recalls 1

Vehicle speed control: cruise controlReported April 18, 2002 · 534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles built with manual transaxles, there is the potential for the speed control cable to hang up at the throttle body bracket during high, wide open throttle operation, preventing the throttle from returning to the closed position when the accelerator is released.
Risk
If this condition were to occur, it may be necessary to depress the clutch and apply the brake to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the throttle body and check for proper operation. Owner notification began april 25, 2002. 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 number 02V117000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT 2

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2002 Ford Focus SVT owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 6, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 135,000 miles · KS

Car periodicualy looses all power to dash baterry everything completly I've replace battery altinator cluster light it seems if I use my light it happens more or anytime I stop or slow dow it stalls and will not start without a jump then it will be great again sometimes for a day sometes a week it s very irradicul and throtle gets stuck reving up high then other tests idles way too low and does

Filed Dec 10, 2012 · Engine · 74,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus svt. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was started after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue and offered not assistance. The failure mileage as approximately 74,000. The current mileage was approximately 74,988.

Filed Nov 14, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 35,000 miles · CA

Noticed that my dash board high beam for my headlights was staying on. Took to wheel works and they told me its the wiring harness for my headlights. They told me it is melting and need to take to the dealer. I bought my car brand new and paid cash for it with extras added on to it. I have had multiple problems with this car and I get no help. I need to know if this has been on a recall. I am on a very limited income and cannot afford this to come out of my pocket.

Filed Sep 28, 2012 · Locks · 155,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus svt. The contact stated that while trying to close the rear passenger side door from the outside of the vehicle, the door failed to latch. The vehicle was driven to the dealer but was not inspected or repaired. The vehicle was repaired by the previous owner under the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch) and the manufacturer was contacted concerning the issue. The failure mileage was 155,000 and the current mileage was 159,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 10, 2011 · Steering · 77,000 miles · WA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford focus svt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the bolt located underneath the air bag that holds the steering wheel in place disengaged. As a result, the contact lost all steering capabilities but was able to drive onto the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the ignition switch was faulty, as a result the electrical failure caused the steering wheel to fall off and the bolt to be loose. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was nothing they could do since the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 77,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2010 · Acceleration · 75,000 miles · ID

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford focus svt. The contact was driving approximately 65 MPH when the accelerator pedal was depressed and became stuck in the open throttle position. The speed increased to 90 MPH. The contact attempted to manually release the pedal; however, the pedal would not move until he used excessive force. The vehicle did not stop until the brakes were engaged and the contact was able to shift into neutral gear. The contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the emergency lane so that it could be towed to an independent mechanic. The failure was contributed to the throttle cable. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v117000 (vehicle speed control: cruise control); however, the VIN was excluded from the recall. The contact experienced similar failures as mentioned in the recall. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus svt. The contact stated that the rear lower control arm broke in two while he was driving at approx 5 MPH. He heard a loud noise and the rear of the vehicle dropped to the ground. He had the vehicle towed to a repair shop and was informed that the passenger side rear control arm broke and the driver side rear control arm was cracked and about to experience the same failure. Both sides of the vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. He called the manufacturer and was offered no assistance. The current mileage was approximately 140,000. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Nov 8, 2007 · Visibility · 64,000 miles · CA

Damage to driver's side power window mechanism failing to raise and/or lower window glass in vehicle. Window operator requires grease to operate properly which was not present after closer examination of parts. Parts were damaged beyond repair and are in need of replacement.

Filed Mar 21, 2007 · Transmission · 52,151 miles · TX

1. This happened under moderate acceleration to get on the freeway and with no precursors or indicators. 2. The vehicle made a loud pop. Immediately after the pop the engine stalled, and white smoke emitted from under the hood. Upon closer examination after pushing the vehicle off the roadway it was found the factory ford pressure plate assembly exploded and shot shrapnel through the transmission and ripped a hole through the transmission coolant lines. The oil and coolant spilled onto the hot clutch , luckily at the same time, preventing a fire and just\ emitting steam. The shrapnel from the transmission housing and pressure plate was found throughout the engine compartment and the surrounding road. *ak 3. It was brought to my attention shortly after this incident that ford has a tsb on this item but not a recall. After contacting svt and ford, I was notified since I had 52,000 miles on my vehicle they would not cover this item and it was up to me. I replaced the clutch and flywheel with aftermarket units as the ford dealer could not assure me that they were post tsb (didn't want the same thing to happen) the transmission was replaced with a used one total cost was about $1600.00 I performed all the labor as I have an a&p license and have more than enough skill. The old bell housing was available. I also have a lot of pictures and a witness, was in another car.

Filed Aug 17, 2006 · Visibility · TX

Both rear windows stopped working, getting stuck all the way down, leading to an unsafe environment for small children or animals. Rear driver window failed in may 2006 and was repaired by a ford dealership. Rear passenger window failed august 17, 2006.

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Questions about the 2002 Ford Focus SVT

Is the 2002 Ford Focus SVT reliable?

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2002 Ford Focus SVT, close to a typical Focus SVT model year.

What is the 2002 Ford Focus SVT year score?

The 2002 Ford Focus SVT scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Focus SVT: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

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

Electrical system, with 6 complaints, typically around 17,359 miles. Next is transmission (5).

How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Focus SVT have?

1 recall, covering vehicle speed control.

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