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2001 Ford Focus visibility complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 59, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed Jul 6, 2010 · Visibility · CA

The rear passenger and rear driver windows are broken. It started with the rear passenger, not going up, or down, then not staying up at all.. Then it was the rear driver side that did the same thing. The problem is even when you think it is up and in place, all of a sudden it is a quarter down, or half way down. If it rains you might as well tape plastic over windows, to keep rain and cold out. I have been reading the complaints that are filed on odi.the federal safety agency.dot and also reading the multiple ones that come up on the internet when you type in ford focus window problems. How many people does something need to affect before they do an investigation of an item? It is obvious to me that the issue ii the window motor regulator.

Filed Jun 25, 2010 · Visibility · 123,617 miles · CA

I purchased my 2001 ford focus se in march 2001. The first window regulator broke in 2004, leaving one rear window in the down position and unable to open; it just stopped working. The 2nd regulator broke in 2006, leaving the other rear window in the down position and unable to open; also just stopped working one day. The 3rd regulator broke (front driver's side) on 6/23/2010 only this time, the regulator didn't just fail and stop working, the whole thing burst into pieces when I attempted to roll the window up and shattered the window while I was driving. Glass came raining down inside the vehicle, leaving a minor cut to my leg (because it was very minor, I'm not considering it an "injury" and checked the "no" field below). Fortunately, I was driving in a parking lot when it happened so low speeds didn't allow the glass to blow around but if I had been on the freeway doing high speeds, I could have potentially experienced severe cuts from the shattering glass flying into my vehicle. The first two window regulators that broke (both rear) have not been replaced as of yet, I couldn't afford the parts (quoted as $120 each at the time) so vice grips are inside the door holding the windows up, both faulty regulators are still available. The front drivers side had new glass placed in it on 6/24/2010 and cost $146.00. They did not have a regulator at the repair shop so that window is now also being held up by other means and the faulty regulator is still available for that window as well. I plan on replacing all 4 of them this weekend, even though only 3 have broken at this point, I'm sure the 4th is soon coming so it will be replaced as well. I have found numerous online complaints about regulators breaking on this model vehicle so it appears to be a common problem, but when glass starts shattering while driving, that significantly raises the risk/safety factor and cause for concern.

Filed Sep 30, 2009 · Airbags, Visibility · 116,000 miles · CA · 2 injuries

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. While driving 16 MPH the air bag deployed. As a consequence, the glass from the window shattered on the occupants in the front seat; which caused minor injuries. The vehicle was in the process of being inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 116,000.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Visibility · MS

Windows fell down while driving driver window and both back windows.

Filed Sep 12, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 130,473 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing numerous failures. The main failures were the electrical system, brake system, bent tie rod, shaking and vibrating, rear window mechanisms, and flooding after it rains. The leak occurs on the passenger side and the water rises 2 to 3 inches. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer due to the inspection costs. The failure mileage was 130,473.

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 Aug 20, 2008 · Visibility · NJ

Rear electric window malfunction.\ ford focus se 2001 it started with the window not going down since 2004 and now one window you can pull down by your hand.

Filed Jun 16, 2008 · Visibility · 65,600 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. While driving 15 MPH, the windshield wipers would fail intermittently and only work temporarily in the highest speed. Afterwards, they would slowly stop working completely. The contact has not taken the vehicle to the shop; however, he spoke to the dealer on the phone and they offered no assistance. He discovered a recall for this failure, but the manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included. The windshield wipers were currently stuck in the up position. The current and failure mileages were 65,600.

Filed Nov 20, 2007 · Visibility · 23,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. The rear windows collapsed in the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the plastic holder failed and caused the cables to intertwine, which then caused the window motor to malfunction. The passenger side rear passenger window was replaced at the cost of $300. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a ford dealer for a diagnostic, but they could not guarantee that they would be able to assist. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 25,000 and failure mileage was 23,000.

Filed Jun 28, 2007 · Visibility · 44,200 miles · MD

Over a two year perio, three of the four electric windows on the vehicle failed to perform, specifically opened and closed. All three regulators and motors were replaced, at a ford delership,for approximately $1,200, $400 per window.

Filed Jun 22, 2007 · Visibility · TN

First, my rear passenger window would not scroll up and down. This is after having my 2001 ford focus for 2 years. I rarely use my rear windows. I thought it was a motor problem. When I opened the door and checked by myself, I was shocked to see that it was not the motor but the regulator which is made of plastic. I think ford did this intentionally. After a few months, the drivers side rear window also would not scroll up and down. I immediately knew what the problem is, the plastic regulator. So what I do is to pull the window up and hold it to the frame using a piece of paper. To fix this problem would cost me $300 a piece. That is $600 total to put in another plastic that will eventually fail. To make matters worse, today my front passengers side window also went down. Same problem. White plastic regulator. That puts my total cost of fixing this to $1200. I have decided not to buy a ford again if this problem cannot be fixed. They need to recall the ford focus exhibiting this problems and fix it. It is simple, stop using the plastic as the regulator. The funny thing is that you can't purchase the regulator on its own. You have to buy it plus the motor which I do not need. Every ford focus owner is having this problem. My car is paid off and I don't think I will be looking at a ford again if this is not resolved.

Filed Feb 21, 2007 · Engine, Visibility · 42,000 miles · OH

Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 ford focus zx3. The contact purchased the vehicle ,and two weeks later the heat stopped working. The contact stated that she took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs, and they did an incomplete repair job. The dealer got the heat to work but it only worked when the contact turned the heat on high. The contact stated that on a really bad snow day she smelled rubber burning and turned the heat off and opened the window. She had to shut the window and turn the heat back on, and when she did fumes began to gather in the vehicle, and the entire vehicl was filled with smoke. The contact continued to drive home when the car shut down entirely. Ford and toyota gave her the run around concerning replacing the vehicle and a trade in. The contact was instructed to continue using the vehicle while a trade in was being negotiated. When the contact went to sign negotiation papers she was declined. *ak the consumer stated after picking up the vehicle, all the lights illuminated, the consumer was told it was fixed. The salesman test drove the vehicle and it cut off in the middle of the steet. Updated 03/30/07.

Filed Feb 11, 2007 · Electrical, Visibility · CA

I own a 2001 ford focus se automatic: my ignition lock and the steering wheel are jammed. It is a very recent development and I am finding out that I may have to pay hundreds of dollars to fix it, which I am very unhappy about since it would have been prevented by a recall of the vehicle. I still have no idea how I am going to fix it and I might have to end up towing the car which will cost even more and I don't have enough money to do that, but if I leave it on my street then I will get a parking ticket. Shame on you ford for not issuing a recall, what am I supposed to do? Another problem with my focus is that the rear passenger side window broke in 2005. The motor got jammed and broke or something, but now my window won't roll up and my car is getting rained inside of, again thanks ford for not issuing a recall on that problem, which is a problem that every ford focus owner that I know has. I will never buy a ford again, and I will tell everyone that ford's suck!!!!!

Filed Feb 8, 2007 · Visibility · 65,000 miles · VA

Rear window does not operate automatically either from the driver's mechanisms nor the one by the window. This is the second window, this has happened to. The first window, also rear on the driver's side broke couple of years ago and we had to have it fixed at the time. Since this is the second window, and now the driver's window is starting to sound like it's going to break, I fear this should be considered a defect, and the manufacturer is not using proper material to ensure the vehicle works properly. Being unable to open and/or close the window presents a hazard, thus this matter should be taken seriously by the manufacturer and fixed at their and not our expense, especially since it is an ongoing problem.

Filed Dec 21, 2006 · Visibility · 85,000 miles · CA

The driver side rear window operating cable mechanism broke. This was shortly followed (within a month or so) by the failure of the same mechanism in the rear passenger side window. Both windows fail to rise and any attempts to use the window switches are answered with grinding cracking sounds. The windows are currently held up using coat hangers.

Filed Aug 21, 2006 · Visibility · TX

2001 ford focus-window regulators fail without notice. 5 times the window regulators failed, 3 of those while driving under normal conditions, the window either dropped or would not roll back up if window was open. The first 3 times it was over 100 degrees outside and the air conditioning would not cool the back seat where my newborn was sleeping. All 4 windows have done this at least once, the driver side front window has done it twice. Ford fixed the problem 4 times and refused on the fifth time. The customer service representative from ford in dearborn, mi hung up on me 3 times refusing any service.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Visibility · 88,000 miles · TX

Both rear passenger windows systems have failed, with no warning, within a month of each other. The window will not open or close, and unless it is secured in the frame, it will slide down into the door and stay there. The window regulator that fails is a ford (plastic) part, that costs over $130 and needs a special tool to replace. Every place in town that I called about this says they repair more ford focuses than any other car, as this part is clearly defective. I see many focuses with windows taped up, etc. I'm considering just gluing the second window into place in the frame, as over $200 (parts and labor) to replace a defective part is money I do not have.

Filed Jul 14, 2006 · Visibility · 65,255 miles · NJ

I was driving on the garden state parkway when my wipers failed to work in the pouring rain. I pulled over and decided that I needed to get home. Luckily, for me the rain let up enough for me to get home. It is a very scary experience when your driving and wipers go dead. Please investigate this thank you.

Filed Oct 6, 2005 · Visibility · 29,370 miles · PA

Dt: contact stated in 3-03 windshield cracked. He took vehicle to dealer and had windshield replaced. It was still leaking, and he took it back again. The dealer replaced it again. But, it was still leaking. The dealer replaced it a third time. It continued to leak. In 4-03 the dealer, where the contact bought the vehicle, said he would seal the windshield. A month ago, it cracked again. He took vehicle to another dealer, and he replaced the windshield. However, the problem recurred, and the dealer sealed it twice. It was still leaking. The contact believed there was defect in the body of the vehicle. The water leaked into the dome light, and the contact was afraid there might be an electrical fire. *ak the windshield was replaced again on 9/18/2005 but on 9/23/2005 the consumer noticed that is was still leaking.

Filed Oct 5, 2004 · Visibility · NC

We have had three electrical windows to fall inside the door panels. Each time was due to the regulator. First time was under warranty april, 2004. The second and third time, has now happened sept and october, 2004. We have had to pay for both of these windows. There is odviously a defect in the original regulators. What are your chances of three power windows falling inside your door panel because the regulator went out on them. Two of the windows has only been used up to 10 times total since I have owned the vehicle since may, 2001.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Visibility · WA

While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers failed to come on. Dealer was aware of this problem which was intermittent.

Filed May 18, 2004 · Visibility · 45,578 miles · UT

When the vehicle was parked and running, the rear window fell through the vehicle. Please provide additional information.

Filed Feb 15, 2004 · Airbags, Fuel system · 36,211 miles · TX

Leaking from windshield to dash to passenger cabin: in heavy rains and car washes water would come in though the windshield seal and run down into the dash near air bag and come out near fuel shut off valve. Ford wanted $1,000 to fix this. The problem happened on other ford focus models. I was told there was a service advisor and that nothing would be covered under warranty. After discussing this matter, I got price down to $150.

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 · Airbags, Electrical · NJ

Engine light on. Jerky gear engaging. Choppy acceleration. 8/02 replaced alternator 8/02 replaced v belt 10/02 blinkers out & electric windows broke 10/02 battery light on "corrosion on wires" 1/03 wouldn't start, battery light on, "wire fell off alternator" airbag light on then off

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Fuel system, Visibility · 51,756 miles · ID

Also nov/20/01 my electric windows stopped working once again.....warrenty covered that.

Filed Dec 16, 2003 · Visibility · 27,000 miles · CA

When the heat was in use, there was a foul order (like burning oil) which seemed to have emitted through the vents. The cause had not been determined. Please provide additional information.

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 26,000 miles · CA

Rear wheel bearings are wearing out on vehicle.*mr the automatic transmission does not shift properly, the consumer discovered the wrong transmission fluid was in the vehicle. The front windshield cracked due to excessive heat. The rear seat latch, the seat fabric and the key ignition failed.*ts the windshield wipers wore out, which were only used about seven times and the rear brakes had to be replaced.

Filed Aug 13, 2003 · Acceleration, Body · CA

2001 ford focus displaying problems with transmission due to several leaks, cruise control, and trunk of vehicle. *mr water leaked onto the floorboard of the trunk which was only adjusted(problem repeated), the cruise control worked intermittently(new switch was ordered, the drivers side window squeaked and was fixed, the transmission leaked and was replaced but the service dealer was unable to determine the cause, water leaked in the front passenger side (problem repeated) then the r & l cowl grid was replaced to remedy the problem but didn't, coolant leaked from the upper radiator and the hose clamp was replaced, the trunk did not shut properly and the latch was replaced but did not fix the problem, the vehicle was taken in due to the parts being recalled, the real wheel bearings were replaced, the second recalled part was the pinch bolt torque and battery cable routing which was replaced, and the mechanics found that the brakes had worn out in the front and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken in for warranty repairs on 10 separate occasions and six attempt for the leaks, the problem in the front of the vehicle persisted. In addition, the entire transmission had to be replaced because of several leaks, several circuit and switches have broken down on the cruise control. The consumer was also concerned with the gas mileage which had consistently fallen and did not act as the promoted dealers sticker. The consumer requested a full refund for the purchase price. *scc

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Visibility · 50,000 miles · FL

Vehicle experienced windshield wiper failure while driving. This resulted in poor visibility.

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