2001 Ford Focus: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 7, 2018 · Lights · 130,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. While driving various speeds at night, the low and high beam headlights failed to illuminate brightly. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to metro ford of madison (5422 wayne terrace, madison, wi 53718, (608) 246-3600), but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 135,000 miles · MI · fire

Sunday 05 jan 2014 I had recently parked my car, turned it off, and was outside of my vehicle (2001 ford focus) when I began to notice smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. I was confused at first, as the car was completely off for a few minutes before any problems began. Within a matter of two minutes the smoke had increased, thickened, and began to smell. My friend was nearby and had noticed that something was not right. He came over and we both took a couple steps toward the front of the car to figure out what was going on. Immediately flames burst up from the hood. At this point we instantly ran from the vehicle, dialing 911. The flames got worse as we waited from a distance for the fire department to arrive. At this point I was unsure as to whether the car would completely blow up or not, as the flames became worse with every minute. The fire department arrived within approximately five minutes. They were able to put the fire out in a few minutes, but had to break the window and then pry the hood open in order to do so. After the fire was completely out and the scene was safe I was able to talk with the firemen. They showed me under the hood and said the fire seemed to be something electrical and looked as if it had started near the front right of the vehicle under the hood (somewhere close to the passenger headlight). They also explained, as I had already assumed, that the vehicle was unsalvageable.

Filed Dec 12, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 65,850 miles · PA

Headlight failure. With engine running, when the headlight switch is turned on, the headlights (both) do not always go on. Also, after being on for a while (often within 10 minutes, almost always within 20 minutes), both headlights will suddenly turn off on their own. When headlights go off, dashboard lights, and other outside lights, remain on. When the switch is on, but headlights have gone off, if the high beams are toggled on and then off, the headlights will go on (for a while). This sequence occurs repeatedly. Unless it is dark (e.g. If in twilight or in daytime rain), or unless I can see the headlight reflections, I have no way of knowing the status of my headlights. Dealership initially replaced a relay, without solving problem. Dealership then replaced the "multi-function switch" controlling turn signals and high beams, with seeming success. I am in possession of the failed original-equipment "multi-function switch". Dealership was understanding and helpful, but would not treat this intermittent, sudden, repeated headlight failure as a critical safety issue under warranty. This vehicle has been subject to gas pump failure, and to front suspension spring breakage, which were covered under warranty. [note also that car design does not allow headlights to turn on or stay on when engine is off - this may save accidental battery drain, but deprives operator of illumination or signaling ability that may be needed in emergency situations.]

Filed Nov 30, 2010 · Lights, Suspension · 81,800 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, he heard noises. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who stated that the left rear coil springs had fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that there was a problem with the headlight lenses which became foggy over time. The dealer stated that they had changed headlight manufacturers because of the problem. The failure mileage was approximately 81,800. Updated 1/19/2010 *cn updated 03/25/11

Filed Sep 30, 2010 · Acceleration, Lights · 107,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. The contact stated that she experienced numerous issues with the vehicle which included the passenger side struts which had to be replaced twice. The vehicle would sit sideways when parked. The back of the front passenger seat would not lock into place, so it slid forward while the vehicle was in motion. The headlights were too dim and did not provide adequate lighting on the road. The front driver's side seat belt alarm would ring although the seat belt was engaged and the latch would also pop open suddenly at times. The vehicle stalled while the contact was driving and would accelerate suddenly. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the repairs would have to be performed at the contact's expense. The current and failure mileages were approximately 107,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2009 · Electrical, Fuel system · 115,000 miles · CO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. She had her vehicle repaired according to recall# 03v482000 ( fuel system, gasoline). After the repair while at a local gas station she saw a puddle of gasoline from under the fuel tank. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and an updated version of the component was installed. Years later, while driving the driver-side head light failed. She pulled over to a local store and turned the vehicle off. Minutes later smoke engulfed the front-end of the vehicle, and then flames erupted. The fire department extinguished the flames and cut the battery cables. A fire fighter speculated that the battery caused the fire. The manufacturer was contacted in reference to recall #: 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables). Upon contact she was advised that her vehicle identification number was excluded from the VIN range. She was in the process of sending correspondence to the manufacturer that exemplifies the failure. The failure mileage was . The current and failure mileages were 115,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2009 · Electrical, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · CA

While driving my 2001 ford focus back in november of 2008', I experienced the engine stalling while driving on the freeway. The headlights started to flicker along with the dashlights going haywire. I then drove the vehicle home and had it towed to my auto repair facility. They found nothing wrong and could not do what I described to them. Approx. 1 week later it did the same thing again, this time the check engine light stayed on, and they were able to receive some diagnostic codes. They cleaned some ground wires but stated that was all they could find, the same thing happened a few days later, I called my mechanic, and we both agreed that I should send it to the ford dealer. I had it towed again, this time to the ford dealer where I stated that the problem only occurs while it is being driven. After approx. 1 week, the dealer stated they were unable to duplicate the problem, but they advised me that the alternator dropped to 11.5 volts. I advised them to replace with a new alternator. They advised me that they were sure that is what the problem was. On or about 1/2/09, I experienced they same electrical problems that I have been having over the last 2 months. I drove it to the dealership immediately and advise them I was having the same problem and that it was not the $ 550.00 alternator that I paid for. I again reiterated to them that it has to be driven, to have the symptoms occur. Since I had the new alternator installed I only put on 325 miles. My service manager kory foster with gosch ford in hemet, ca has only called me twice since 1/2/09. When he calls he has always stated that he cannot find anything and he does not no what the problem is he has not heard of this type of problem with the ford focus. I have told him everytime I have seen him and when he calls to drive it ! It is the only way to get it to stall out. The last time he called me which was last week sometime, that I could come get my car if I needed it. I advised him to keep it until it is fixed.

Filed Sep 9, 2008 · Lights · IN

My headlight fell out of the housing and melted the housing around it. It no longer works as a result of this.... There were no events leading up to the failure of this part. I would not know why the lamp it's self would just fall out of the housing. I have asked if there was a recall on this but was told no by the local ford dealership but you can't trust what they say because they told me years ago there was no recall on my fuel pump and there was, they are just rude there.

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Electrical, Lights · 23,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. The contact stated that the side view mirror on the vehicle was repaired and the transmission also slipped. After the repairs were complete, the vehicle did not drive the same. The dealer stated that the parts needed were not in stock and they kept the vehicle for one month. In addition, whenever the left turn signal was activated, the vehicle would shut off entirely. The lights were replaced; however, the vehicle continued to lose power whenever the signal lights, hazard lights, or air conditioning were activated. The headlights continued to short and, while driving at night, the high beams had to be activated. The seat belt in the rear driver's seat was inoperable and the driver's seat continued to move backwards from the steering wheel. She also stated that the key can be removed from the ignition while the vehicle is in motion and while the ignition is on. Finally, none of the warning lights on the instrument panel are functional. The failure mileage was 23,000 and current mileage was 95,000.

Filed Dec 30, 2007 · Electrical · 25,000 miles · IL

I have a 2001 ford focus. For the past 3 years now I have had a problem with the battery discharging. I have had the battery replaced more than once and this is not the problem. Recently, my car did not start 12/22 and again on 12/26, 12/27 and now today, 12/30/07. I had to have someone jumpstart my car each time except this morning. No one is available this early in the morning. I am tired of ford saying they cannot find the problem. I know there are hundreds of people out there having this problem. We need ford to come forward and admit ownership of this problem and either fix our cars at no charge or issue a blanket recall or something. I cannot afford the towing charges, the days off work while the car is in the shop etc. This will go on for a couple of weeks and then I can go 3 months, maybe 6 months with no problems. I have tried not using my dome light and keeping it in the off position. I manually turn off my radio and headlights before leaving the car in case that was what was draining the battery, but that was not the problem. I do notice that a couple of days before the battery goes dead the car will start lunging a couple of days in advance but only about one time per day.

Filed Sep 10, 2006 · Electrical · 97,000 miles · MO

*this is a safety issue!* when leaving work my car would not start, the starter would not engage and accessories would not come on...I went inside for 10 min to try to arrange a ride home...when I came back to the car I decided to try one last time and the car started right up no problem. While driving home (at about 8.30pm local time...fully dark outside) at approx. 50 MPH the car died including most accessories, most notably, the headlights. When I tried to steer the car to the side of the road, the steering wheel locked. This all happened very quickly, I was braking and there seemed to be some power assist to the brakes but not full braking power. I was headed straight at a large tree when the car suddenly came to life again and I managed to just miss it. I limped the car about a 1/4 (at 10 MPH) to my brothers apartment and it died 2x again on the way. After several days trying to diagnose the problem I discovered that wiggling the key in the ignition induces the car to die. Upon researching this problem I found that this has been reported on a wide scale basis and it concerns me that a recall has not been issued. I was very lucky not to be injured or killed by this problem and many many people are unaware of this risk (as was I until only a few days ago). I have found no way to get the matter corrected via the manufacturer as the current replacement part is almost identical to the original and is noted for short lifetime and for failing in the same manner.

Filed Jul 11, 2006 · Electrical · SC

This complaint is in response to help another person in electrical complaints. The flicker you have with your 2001 focus is supposedly a ground issue to the chassis. It appears to have fixed my problem with the instruments and headlights and anything electrical flickering sporadically. The fix is pretty cheap under 20 bucks and you could do it yourself if you are somewhat mechanical. As for my complaint. For a car to be in the top 10 for a few years and a great economy car this is not the car with an answer. I have such replaced 2 alternators under warranty, 3 batteries before I fixed my ground problem. Replaced pvc valve 2 times, radiator, trunk release actuator, numerous headlights and fog lights, radiator and hoses that were busted from overheating, couple of belts, driver door lock, something with the gas tank I think to be a fuel pump. All of this with 30k on the car. Since then I have only replaced tires and rims on the car at 130k I decided to replace any part after warranty with aftermarket gear. So now the car has a cold air intake, svt engine, aem on board computer to adjust with laptop, nitrous, aftermarket hella lights, new paint job, new dash indiglo lights, new stereo speakers, interior. So after all this I guess I should have just bought a lexus and called it a day. The car now runs great and has not had a single part failure since.