2001 Ford Focus: transmission slipping

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 Apr 8, 2004 · Transmission · 3,812 miles · CA

While driving 30 MPH transmission slipped gears. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

I have had numerous problems with my focus. About 3mo after I bought it, the transmission began to feel like it was slipping, and making a noise. I took it to the purchasing dealership, and a mechanic told me it was the torque converter. They didn't have a loaner car for me, so I made an an appointment for the following week. The next day on my way home from work, the car shut down. I called a tow truck, they took it to the closest dealership. When I called the dealership the next day, they said the fuel pump went out. They told me that the stutter I was feeling in my car was probably that. A few days later, the same problem. Took it back to the selling dealership, and the shop supervisor went out with me. He said I was driving the car out of context. What he meant by that, he wouldn't elaborate, but said there is nothing wrong with my car. I have been driving it since, and the computer will fade in and out, but I won't lose engine power. My car has to have new brake pads every couple of months, new tires, and other maintenance things. At less than 40000 miles, it needed new spark plugs, and wires, which I happily bought. The dealership wanted $300, because the plugs were in the back of the motor. I went to my car, popped the hood, four spark plugs lined the top of the head cover. There was no further explanation of the attempted over charge. My car has several other problems. The positive cable on the battery, has melted back, there is a loud roar in the cab of the car, and three of the four lug nuts on the right rear tire has snapped off. The explanation for the lug nuts, was that the tire was loose, not fastened properly. But this problem occurred 3-4 mo after I bought it. The tires had not been taken off. I am to the point where I hate ford for selling me this car. I will ever buy ford again, but I love the concept of the car

Filed Aug 25, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · TX

I purchased a 2001 ford focus in august 2001. In sept. 2001 with only 2240 miles on the car transmission seemed to be slipping and the car failed to accelerate properly. Had it towed to the dealership and they said there was a leak in transmission line. This was repaired. In oct. 2002 at 16416 miles headlights would not come on when I turned the switch. Switch was replaced. About this same time new brake pads were required. Nov. 2002 at 17871 miles the ignition cylinder locked up. Car was towed and ignition cylinder replaced. August 2003 at 26757 miles ignition cylinder locked up again. Once again the car was towed to the dealer and ignition cylinder was replaced. Now I have a bubble in one tire and my brakes are squealing. What's next? Not once have I picked my car up from the dealer and it been washed or vacuumed out. I bought a new car because I needed reliable transportation. Now I feel like taking it back to the dealer and letting them keep it. I wonder how many ford employees would buy a focus?.

Filed Feb 14, 2003 · Transmission · 15,818 miles · OH

I just bought vehicle used in november with 13k on it. The trunk latch was the first thing that wasn't working right. It woudn't work unless I shut it really hard. The split rear seat doesn't latch either. Now after15k miles and three months have passed and I keep loosing brake fluid. I took it to the dealer and a tech found that the clutch master cylinder is leaking fluid. I wonder if that is why my clutch is slipping?

Filed Jan 12, 2003 · Electrical · TN

Engine stalling, check engine light stays on, transmission slips when this happens. When I took the car to the dealer, they have replaced the sensor 3 times.

Filed Apr 2, 2002 · Transmission · MI

Transmission slips in first gear, and dealership can't find the problem.

Filed Jan 1, 2002 · Transmission · CO

I purchased this ford focus in march 2001. In may 2001 I went back to phil long ford because the car was not performing properly. Periodically I would be driving along and the car would act as though the transmission was slipping. The customer service rep at phil long that I spoke with at this time went with me for a test drive in this car and everything was fine. He said nothing could be done unless they could experience what was happening with the car. I told him the car was slipping, skipping, and twice while driving along the car lost power. He told me what I had said did not make sense and unless they could experience this malfunction they could only guess it was one of the computers in the car adjusting for a road condition. This service rep dismissed me as being a stupid woman. Today, december 31, 2001, I went to my car at 7:00am this moring to go to work and when I touched the gas pedal it went right to the floor and would not come back up. I managed driving at 2mph to phil long ford where I sat for 2 1/2 hours before they told me the problem with the car is a broken cable. I am so furious with phil long ford I filed a complaint via e-mail with ford motor co. As I thought more about this situation throughout the day I realized how fortunate I was that the cable broke while I was sitting in the parking lot where I live. Suppose this had (and it probably has to others) occurred while I was driving along. Suppose this had happened one of the two times this car lost power as I was driving along a very busy road? I would have been involved in a serious accident. I think ford should take responsibility for my losing at least one vacation day for work possibly two or more days because phil long can not give me any guarantee when this car will be fixed because of the holiday. This is inexcusable on ford and phil long ford part.