2002 Ford Focus electrical problems

Filed Jan 21, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · SC

I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others. Do we have some manufacturer defects on this particular vehicle? Have other concerns which could be the result of vehicle wear and tear, or/and due to manufacturer defects as well. Inner tie rods need replaced as well as control arms/bushings, as reported to me by a mechanic. I have seen recall reports related to the 2002 Ford Focus in which there has been issues directly related to what I'm reporting, which is another reason I'm filing a report. Thank you. The contact wanted to add that the wipers are experiencing an electrical issue as well. When in use, the wipers cannot be switched off when it is at the highest position because it will not return in the downward position.

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · OK

Rear right passenger door will not unlock/open. When trying to unlock I don't hear the solenoid moving. When trying to open from either inside or out if feels like the handle isn't moving anything.

Filed Dec 15, 2014 · Electrical · 167,511 miles · TX

Hatch switch failed .ghost electrical problem having wiper come on at times.wiring harness inside rubber boot located where hinges between hatch and vehicle body develope bare and broken wires. Found this after checking all fuses and switches. This is apparently common as seen on you tube and seems to have been previously reported. Please reply as to why there has been no recall. Surely dealers have encountered this defect. Like one individual said his dog could have flew out the rear going 70. Not to mention fire.mine blew no fuses.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Electrical · 34,000 miles · CA

Ever since I have had this car and since the warranty ran out in 2005, I have nothing but repairs. First, the radio needed to be replaces, then the brakes, then the locks on both doors and then the brakes again, high beam light never goes off, always on and now the radiator. This car is 12 years old, has less than 50,000 miles on it and it has been nothing but trouble. I live on a limited income and cannot afford all these repairs and ford could care less. If I ever buy another car, it will not be a ford. This is why the name stands for: fix or repair daily. I am not asking for money but if you want to throw some my way thanks and if not thanks.

Filed Oct 15, 2014 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · CA

Ignition cylinder in steering column is frozen. Key inserts but will not turn at all. Cannot start the car, shift into neutral, etc.

Filed Aug 28, 2014 · Electrical · AL

Alternator pulling to much fire from the battery.

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 189,000 miles · OH

Car when warmed up and during intercity driving will randomly cut out when the accelerator is not depressed. Car shuts off and becomes hard to steer and control. Have almost been hit and no one can figure out what's wrong. It does this intermittently. Also the car has the updated thermostat housing and the thermostat still tends to overheat. Have contacted ford and call center employee did not seem too enthusiastic to help. Offered to find me a ford dealer but not someone from their safety office. Also, car had old style ignition cylinder which locked back in february. This seems to be a common problem... Aftermarket have the same design.

Filed Feb 6, 2014 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · MN

Decklid wiring harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the hinge. Similar to the federal safety agency recall id# 00v411000. Consequences: this could result in either a loss of individual lamp functions, or in the case of a short of the broken wires that causes a fuse to open, in the loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function. Loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function could increase the risk of a crash.

Filed Dec 14, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 60,000 miles · MD

Vehicle towed to ford dealer because it would not start. Upon inspection, dealership found front sub frame completely rusted through. Said it is "one pothole away from the engine falling out; totally unsafe to drive." rusting also caused corrosion in wires from ignition to starter, resulting in car not starting. This car was purchased brand new, has been garage kept, only driven 5,000 miles per year by elderly couple. Obviously the metal used in sub frame was not properly coated. Will cost thousands of dollars to fix, if it is deemed worth fixing! Someone could have been seriously hurt or killed if this engine had indeed fallen out while in motion!

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 132,000 miles · OR

While waiting at a construction site the engine died and would not start (the engine indicator lit). The brake lights, power windows, and rear hatch release also failed to function. The vehicle was towed and the personal mechanic reported the electrical harness to the rear hatch had failed where is passed between the body and the hatch door. The harness electrical insulation was cracked on the entire bundle of wires and shedding fragments causing some wires to short, the 15 amp fuse for the brake lights had evidence of heating, but did not blow, rather, wires leading to the brake pedal sensor, the 15 amp fuse, and along the harness back to the short in the rear wiring harness near the center brake light had discolored and were melted in some segments. Ford customer service said to consult a ford service center to determine if there was a manufacturing defect. The ford service representative said he had seen this before and said it was not a manufacturing defect, rather it was a design defect that occurs after 10 years or more.