2001 Ford Focus: windshield wiper failure

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 155,000 miles · AZ

I've had my 2001 ford focus for years now and I have had problems with my ignition (got that replaced) and my windshield wipers work when ever they want to and will sometimes turn on its own. Also my trunk will not open at all. I've taken it to different places to get it fixed and no one has been able to open it. I purchased this vehicle so that I could save on gas but all I'm doing is wasting a crap load of money on just repairing everything.

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 Jun 2, 2008 · Electrical · 21,000 miles · WI

The wiring in my 2001 ford focus zx3 that connects the rear hatch to the front of the car deteriorates significantly. The wiring on my car has stripped through the insulation, and has broken 4 of the 8 wires completely in half. This disables the center brake light, the license plate lights, the windshield wiper, and the trunk lid causing a potentially hazardous situation.

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 Jun 1, 2006 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · NY

The rear wiper in my 2001 ford focus zx3 stopped working. Upon investigation I found that 5 wires in the wiring harness going into the hatch lid had cracked insulation and exposed conductors. One wire was completely severed. I have used electrical tape to temporarily render the situation safe until I can make a more permanent repair. I have also learned than many other 2001 focus owners have experienced the same problem. I believe the exposed conductor constitute a serious fire hazard.

Filed Jan 28, 2005 · Engine, Locks · 123,000 miles · PA

I own a 2001 ford focus. Problems started one month after purchase. Window wiper motor blew but was under warrenty. Then after warrenty expired everything started to go wrong. Trunk hood would not latch closed, then door latches started to stick , then had to climb into passenger seat to open drivers side door because it would not unlock and door handle plays games and opens door when it wants to. Fuel pump had a recall, thank god because I kept stalling on highway. Then while driving home from work the back passenger side door flew open on highway, almost caused accident. Then engine blew with only 123,000 miles on it. I have all oil change records to prove engine oil was changed every 3,000 miles give or take 20. Engine had to be replaced and that left me without a car for a week. Paid $1900 for an engine from a totaled focus. Called ford motor company and they told me to hold my engine receipt so that when and if they get any complaints maybe in 2 years or so I'll get a refund. Total money that I have put in car is over $4,000.00 and it's still not paid off yet. Now I need a new front axle because that is going bad. Why can't ford help me when I have questions and why is it when I go to a dealer and they can't help and then I call company itself they go and call dealer I went to and they go by what dealer mechanic says and not customer. I will never buy another ford again. And now the dealer I bought it from went of of business.

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

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

Filed Apr 19, 2002 · Visibility · IN

When the tempature gets to about 20 degrees or colder the windshield wipers will start to arch into a bow and arrow shape and become inoperable. Contacted dealer. Nlm

Filed Dec 20, 2001 · Visibility · PA

When driving in the rain windshield wiper blades cause a film on the windshied and with oncoming light of other cars/trucks it makes it very difficult to see out of the windshield. The dealer as well as ford has told me that this is normal operating procedure and that I should use my defroster and this will clear it up. I tried this and it did not clear it up. I called the ford number and I was told to go back to the dealer and tell them to prove it is normal. Their service manager said there is nothing he can do for me since ford has to approve anything he does. I basically have nowhere else to go. Please help me.