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2001 Ford Focus steering complaints

Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 86, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2001 Ford Focus steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 15, 2004 · Steering · 41,000 miles · MI

Owner says there is to much play in the steering wheel. Driver must turn the wheel several inches before the steering wheel will turn the tires in the direction. Provide further details.

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Steering · TN

Steering wheel locked and key would not turn wheel start vehicle. Happened 3 different times car had to be towed into dealership twice and each incident was close to a 300 dollar bill each incident.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel produces a whine noise when turning. *mr the whine would be present when the vehicle was turned. This was an intermittent problem. The dealer also noticed the noise and diagnosed the problem as friction in the steering mechanism and lubed the steering. The noise continued intermittently and the dealer had become unable to duplicate the problem. *sc

Filed Jun 19, 2004 · Steering · 62,150 miles · TN

This morning when we were starting our ford focus it would not allow us to turn the key.the ignition was locked up.you cannot do anything when that happens.we found out that ford is well aware of this inherent defect in the ignition system in the focus but has never recalled them for it. All locksmiths and other mechanics can no longer buy ignition switches from ford to rectify the problem and ford service centers want an arm and a leg to do the work from $169- just unde r$300 if they have to drill it out.this can be dangerous if it fails in a bad spot and you get stuck.it is very unsafe for women who have to drive alone somewhere or say someone with small children who gets stuck on the highway or anywhere on either a hot day or cold day as nothing will work.you need to have the vehicle towed.we were lucky in tha tmy husband kept at it until it did work;but have heard it can happen anytime,anywhere again;and tha tsome people who had theirs fixed had it happen more than once.I have high blood pressure and if it happened to me when alone it would make that skyrocket ,endangering my health.ford is well aware of the defect and they admit it can happen in any focus.they will not recall it unless your dept pushes them to do this.

Filed May 3, 2004 · Steering · 42,000 miles · MA

Ignition key didn't turn on my ford focus 2001 at november 2003. Mileage was 42,000 at that date. I've spent half of hour to leave my field work place. Because of repair is too expansive, I've bought a new ignition lock cylinder for $84 and drilled oldone by myself.

Filed Feb 27, 2004 · Steering · 3,018 miles · WA · crash

While driving 40 MPH, the consumer lost steering control. This caused a minor crash, and the vehicle went into a ditch. The consumer had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve. Please provide more information.

Filed Jan 16, 2004 · Steering · MI

The entire steering column had to be replaced after it broke. *ph (nar) the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of replacing the steering column and enclosed is a copy of the safety recall issued in regards to the steering column.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Steering · ME

I purchased a 2001 ford focus se 4-door sedan in november 2002. The car was a manufacturer buy-back from the original owner and had a small warranty left. At the end of november 2002, I brought the car back to the dealership to have the spark plugs, spark plug wires and a faulty belt replaced. At the end of december 2002, the car was making a strange noise and the engine light was on, so I returned the car to the dealership. A day or so before my appointment with the dealership, I received a recall notice from ford regarding the pinch bolt. Unfortunately, I received that recall notice too late the faulty pinch bolt had already failed and caused so much damage to the rack and pinion that it had to be replaced. I have since replaced the front brakes. I also experienced a faulty valve in the heating system that was allowing water to flow into the car's cabin and soak the carpeting. Getting to the transmission problem, about a week ago, the car refused to accelerate going up a hill and instead the engine revved. No matter what I tried, I could not get the car to accelerate past 30 MPH. Since the car is now long past its small manufacturers warranty, I had an independent mechanic look at the car. He recommended that I flush the transmission and see if that would help the problem. I spent $100 on a transmission flush. That didn't work and the problem continues. I called ford motor company to complain about the car and to ask for a buyback, but my request was refused. I then took my car to wiscasset ford. They diagnosed the problem(s) with the car (at no charge). I need a new transmission. They gave me two options for payment. 1) pay for the new transmission out-of-pocket, estimated cost at $2500 - $3000; 2) buy an extended warranty on the drive train for $500. I am planning on purchasing the extended drive train warranty which will allow wiscasset ford to replace my transmission and will also give me an extra 15k miles for the drive train.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Fuel system · 24,156 miles · WA

Fuel system-stall out at freeway speeds-and at any long right hand turns-contacted dealer/out of warranty,to many miles to consider. Brakes-rotors and pads worn out at 24,000miles-dealer stated maintenance issue,normal for the ford focus- they directed me to call ford motor co.to complain...

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Fuel system · 18,530 miles · PA

In november of 2002, I noticed a squeal under the hood of my 2001 focus. The first time I took it in, they claimed they heard no sound. I then told the mechanic you must actually step out of the car to hear the noise.; he did hear the noise and ford had to replace the belt tensioner and serpentine belt. I began noticing that my windshield wipers would function at will. The left headlamp and turn signal was also malfunctioning. I could not get the wipers to turn off at times. I would turn the headlights off and back on again, and the wipers would turn off. This would also work at times when the wipers would not turn on, but not always. I never noticed an absolute consistency as to what would get the wipers to function properly. They also would not function at the correct speed. They would go fast when I wanted them to go slow and vice-versa. I had taken the car in twice to have this problem fixed. They replaced the multi function switch both times. A week following the second visit, I noticed they would not work again. I scheduled an appointment for the third time. In between the time I scheduled the appointment and the actual day of the appointment, I noticed the gas light had come on when I still had about 36 miles worth of gas left in my car. I noticed the light was on for a bit and then it went off. So, I told them about that problem as well when I took the car in. They replaced the fuel pump and sending unit assembly. Also they replaced whatever wires were causing the multi function switch to go out again and again. I left the dealership and made a stop at a convenience store. When I tried to start my car, it would not start. Not a sound or anything. The car was totally dead. I called ford to have them tow the car. This time, they claimed they needed to replace the clutch safety start switch, which they did. My breaks also squeak constantly. They adjusted the breaks and clean them up. They claim the squeaking breaks are normal. Do not buy a ford.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 21,000 miles · GA · crash

I have had several repairs for this car. In regards to steering, wheel, tire as well the suspension. As the car was under 18000 mile I had so much problem with mentioned above problems. I could not control my car when it rained or when ever the road was not in perfect shape.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Brakes · FL

There is just to much paperwork to copy out, but would like to mail copies. I am going to pick up car this afternoon just had second fuel pump fitted and new gas tank. To date no recall info received by post. However I have been drenched with gas on more than one occassion while filling car. I have nearly been killed when car cut out at 55mph on highway narrowly missed by two other motorists. Vehicle has 38,000 miles & has had the following repairs. 1/countless engine sensors 2/four new tyres 3/new front brake pads 4/new front brake rotas 5/new front wheel bearings 6/two fuel pumps 7/one fuel tank 8/waiting for third set of a frame plastic covers 9/three stereo players 10/tracklink reset three times 11/still have realy noisy brakes 12/engine sounds like 10 year old car 13/rear passenger window works when feels like it 14/right hand door speaker sounds as if broken 15/new tires fitted showing signs of odd wear 16/tail gate leakes water 17/ thought lincoln/mercury dealer might give better results no just longer wait.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering, Tires · 500 miles · GA · crash · 1 injury

Hydroplaines at certain speeds even with new tires and alignment! (originally submitted december 17, 2002)

Filed Nov 13, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · 2,000 miles · AR

When trying to start the vehicle the key did not turn in the ignition. Dealer replaced the steering column four times, but the problem still occurs.

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Steering · IL

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall# 02v289000 repairs concerning steering pinch bolts. The remedy for this recall is inadequate because the control arm continues to loosen from the steering knuckle, causing difficulty when steering the vehicle.

Filed Sep 22, 2003 · Steering · NY

I have a recall on my 2001 ford focus. My husband is in the military and we are currently living in london, england. We have tried numerous times to get the recall taken care of, but no one will help us. We have taken the vehicle to a ford dealer in the uk, and they told us that they will fix the recall, but they cannot order the part because it is an american car. I have contacted ford about 15 times, and each time have been given the run around. I have about 6 different phone numbers that they have given me to try and each time, the person that I talk to says that they cannot help me. The recall is for rear wheel bearings and pinch bolt. I have a 16-month-old son that has to ride in that car, and I have tried to explain to them that I am afraid for his safety, but even that has not helped to get me any satisfaction. I will appreciate any and all help that can be given. Thank you, heather hundley.

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Acceleration, Airbags · MI · crash · 1 injury

Ford focus sped up for no reason and then veered to left crossing left lane and went into ditch which had a culvert and the car then bounced into a cornfield. Airbags deployed for both driver and passenger. Driver had broken ribs and other bruises. Passenger had chest injuries from which he died couple hours later. The inspecting officer said witnesses insisted they did not see brake lights, and if there was anything wrong with the car the driver would have hit the brakes. Driver remembered the accident, and was awake and talking to passenger. She was hospitalized and had neurological tests and did not have a stroke.

Filed Jul 22, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · 38,000 miles · PA · crash

Consumer had a front collision and neither of the air bags deployed. Dealer notified. *ak vehicle's engine stalled causing steering and brake failure causing a collision into the side of a mountain. Air bag equipment failed to deploy on impact.

Filed Jul 22, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · PA · crash · fire

While driving t at normal speed, vehicle caught on fire, causing brakes and steering to fail, resulting in a front collision. Dealer notified.

Filed Jul 8, 2003 · Steering · 26,000 miles · PA

2001 ford focus suddenly loses power when taking a sweeping right hand turn. Power loss makes power steering inopearble and car comes to rest in middle of road or highway ramp.

Filed May 29, 2003 · Steering · WA

Vehicle lost steering while turning right. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. Please provide details.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Steering · 20,201 miles · CA

Focus zx3 has 20,000 miles, steering column locked, entire ignition locked, couldn't turn key, had to be towed and took a day to repair. This is the second time this has happened.

Filed Apr 8, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 14,012 miles · WI · crash

The vehicle hit a ditch in the road and front suspension failed completely. *jb.................

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Steering · 37,000 miles · MO

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 MPH, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Steering · 37,000 miles · MO

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 MPH, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system and therefore they refused to repair/replace.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Steering · 37,000 miles · MO

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 MPH, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Steering · 37,000 miles · MO

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 MPH, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Steering · 37,000 miles · MO

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 MPH, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/ replace.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Steering · 37,000 miles · MO

When the vehicle exceeded more than 40 to 50 MPH, the rear end vibrated, the dealer stated the recall regarding the steering linkages, was not in their system, and therefore they refused to repair/replace.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Steering · TX

The steering wheel wandered to the left and right.

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