2002 Ford Focus: headlights failing or too dim

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 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 May 12, 2014 · Tires, Wheels · 97,500 miles · FL

On 05/09/2014 at approximately 1750 hours I was traveling southbound on interstate 95 adjacent to mile marker 99 located near stuart, florida when I suddenly felt a very strong vibration and loud noise coming from the front right axle, immediately after the front right tire tread separated from the tire causing me to loose steering control of the vehicle. The vehicle eventually came to a full stop and upon further inspection on the shoulder it was revealed that the separation of the tire tread caused significant damages to the vehicle to include front right fender dents, braking AC refrigerant lines, front headlight assembly, side marker and the plastic cover that goes underneath the wheel well. The tire is described as a firestone fr380, 185/65r14 86s with dot e26l 38b 3110 a30. The vehicle was towed to a pep boys shop in jupiter, fl and the tire was taken to the tire plus store located in jupiter, fl to be exchanged. The tires were originally purchased and installed at tires plus on october, 2010 at 77,600 miles and overall the tire had less than 20,000 road miles when the entire tire tread separated. Pictures of the tire are available upon request, thank you.

Filed May 12, 2014 · Tires · 97,500 miles · FL

On 05/09/2014 at approximately 1750 hours I was traveling southbound on interstate 95 adjacent to mile marker 99 located near stuart, florida when I suddenly felt a very strong vibration and loud noise coming from the front right axle, immediately after the front right tire tread separated from the tire causing me to loose steering control of the vehicle. The vehicle eventually came to a full stop and upon further inspection on the shoulder it was revealed that the separation of the tire tread caused significant damages to the vehicle to include front right fender dents, braking AC refrigerant lines, front headlight assembly, side marker and the plastic cover that goes underneath the wheel well. The tire is described as a firestone fr380, 185/65r14 86s with dot e26l 38b 3110 a30. The vehicle was towed to a pep boys shop in jupiter, fl and the tire was taken to the tire plus store located in jupiter, fl to be exchanged. The tires were originally purchased and installed at tires plus on october, 2010 at 77,600 miles and overall the tire had less than 20,000 road miles when the entire tire tread separated. Pictures of the tire are available upon request, thank you.

Filed Jun 9, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 175,778 miles · PR · fire · 1 injury

Engine compartment fires on the driver's side in the area of the battery burning all the wires and the left headlight.

Filed Jan 22, 2007 · Electrical · NY

Gauges have been surging along with the headlights. This time was different though as the gauges never returned to normal position and I drove all the way to work ( 13 miles) not knowing my speed ,mileage nor temp of my car. At the same time my radio was on and when I tried to turn down my heat from 4 to 3 it turned off any sound from the stereo. When I reached work I let my car set for a few more minutes when finally my gauges surged once again and returned to normal. I bought my car a year ago and told the dealer about it then (the surges always returned to normal until this evening) and the dealer just commented that there was nothing they could do.

Filed May 28, 2006 · Lights · KY

A year ago, the driver's side turn signal light on my 2002 ford focus wagon burned out. In trying to replace it at a local auto parts place. The socket was so tight in the lens/reflector assembly that it could not be removed. I took it to my dealer, kain family ford in london. I learned that the problem was that the fitting for the socket had warped from excessive heat, apparently. The dealer searched to see if there was a technical bulletin and found one instance in which a pizza driver in a similar vehicle had a similar problem. They were able to pull the light out and with a pocket knife make the new socket fit in the assembly, and charged me the hourly rate for the work. I suspect this is a manufacturer's defect, because I've heard of two other instances in the same type of vehicle in this area with the same results. I recently replaced the passenger side headlamp and fount the same warping. I have yet to take it to my dealer, but will. Is there a way to search repair records for this vehicle to determine if this is a defect and should be recalled? I learned of this site from click and clack on npr's cartalk.

Filed Jul 25, 2005 · Electrical · 20,000 miles · MI

Exactly same complaints as complaint # 10056383, engine stalling while driving at slow speeds. Radio cuts out, headlights start flickering and sometimes speedometer goes grazy and seems to reset itself. Dealership has had the car for three weeks and was not able to solve the issue. No fault codes were registered, and since the issues happen infrequently and shortly no electrical measurements were possible. As soon as I pick up the car it stalls on me. Still trying to work thru the dealership, although I'm getting desperate. Dealership told me my2002 has already the upgraded fuel pump, according to some focus forums then the problem could be egr related. Dealership is not willing to replace components without knowing what is causing this safety and possibly environmental issue...

Filed Feb 5, 2004 · Electrical, Locks · PA

Went to start car and it would not start. When I turned the radio on the windshield wipers would come on, when I turned the wipers on the headlights would go off. Ford dealer tried to say that the cause was related to a remote starter that had been installed. Took it to another dealer and it was found to be a problem with the wiring. Also having transmission problems and problems with the lock on the trunk.

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Electrical · 21,344 miles · MO

After having my 2002 ford focus for 4 months the engine began to stall wile I was driving. When this happened the radio would cut out, the headlights began flickering on and off, and sometimes the speedometer would drop to zero and pop back up while I was driving on the interstate. The problems got worse after aweek or so. I took it to a local dealership and they said it wouldn't do it for them so they couldn't do anything to fix it. It would stop doing it for a month or so and do it again once or twice then stop again, but eventually it gets progressively worse. I have taken it in three times and they refuse to admit anything is wrong. I have spoken to an attorney and am begining lemon law proceedings against ford.

Filed Sep 11, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 20,678 miles · TX

I have a 2002 ford focus zx5 4 dr hatchback my problems started on 7/21/03 when my brakes lights, headlights, turn signal and radio stopped working. I took it into the dealership and it was repaired however now the radio will no longer response to me turning the vol. Up or down as well as I only only set the time on military time. Now on 9/7 my brakes have started to grind. On 9/11 my car now vibrates when I accerate at 60 MPH +. In the past week I have also noticed that my car will accellerate and hesitate when in motion. In the last three months my gas mileage has slowly declined as well. I am taking it into the dealership tonight - but thought I need to report. Seems there are many others like me.