2002 Ford Focus suspension 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 Nov 10, 2019 · Suspension · 108,000 miles · IL

Vehicle has about 108,000 miles. I did replace the tie rods control arms and sway bar of the front subframe. The mechanic said that the subframe is very rusted and the engine could fall of if the vehicle is not serviced immediately. I bought the car around 90,000 miles and have already replaced fuel pump and other parts under the car.

Filed Jan 31, 2019 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · IA

At speed of 40+MPH and uneven highway or when encountering a manhole cover the rear of the car sways and shimmies left to right in an extreme manner. Noticed much worse with new tires that grip well. Have had it inspected by a professional who says all vital parts look okay. 4 wheel alignment did not remedy. I see references to a design issue with the upper control members that make it impossible to reach a correct camber setting. I don't trust much on the internet though, and would like the federal safety agency guidance or further information. Thanks for any help you can provide, I appreciate it.

Filed Sep 10, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 134,000 miles · CA

Ok so I've had my ford focus for about 3 months now I fell in love with this little thing recently got struts changed in front and ball joints bushings and tires so I knew it would need an alignment so got that done now at speeds from 50-60 MPH this car starts fishtailing out of control I dont have alot of money I am not workin at present so I cant afford to take my used car to dealer much less to another auto shop. I travel 50 -70 miles each day to work and I'm scared its gonna fishtail me into a wreck. Mileage 134000 applke valley calif.

Filed Jul 21, 2016 · Suspension · 120 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. While driving 50 to 60 MPH, the suspension spring on the front driver side snapped in half. The failure caused a sharp point and shredded the front driver side tire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The tire and spring were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 120. Updated 08/17/16*lj the consumer has since sold the vehicle. Updated 08/22/16.

Filed Feb 9, 2016 · Suspension · 38,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. While the vehicle was being serviced, the technician informed the contact that the rear coil spring was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Suspension · MO

2002 ford focus zx5. Brakes were replaced and first time it was drove there was a noise from front passenger wheel area. Found the coil spring is moving and making popping noise. I googled the problem and found a lot of complaints about these springs breaking and damaging tires or causing accidents and that there had been a recall? Trying to find out for my mom. This is her car but I am giving my contact info.

Filed Jan 15, 2014 · Body, Suspension · NY

Last inspection it was reported to inspect this year the crossmember/subframe needed to be replaced or car would not pass inspection researching this I've found several people complained about this also I saw recall of more suspension issues occurring now.. 40 k mileage it has last year had to replace sway bar because it let loose when I drove home puncturing my tire almost went into the river this night .

Filed Aug 4, 2013 · Suspension · 56,193 miles · VA

In 2004 ford issued a warranty extension on the front coil springs. This was called: customer satisfaction program 03m02. They knew the part has been incorrectly manufactured and the coil spring would break due to corrosion. The warranty was extended to 150,000 miles or 10 years. My coil spring broke on july 26 2013 when my car only had 56,193 miles but it was 11 years old. The ford dealer told me that the company would not pay for this repair. My complaint is that I think the ford motor company should pay for this repair and for the other front coil spring since the problem should have been a recall since the company knew the part had not been manufactured correctly.

Filed Dec 21, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 30,422 miles · MT

This is our first year driving this focus in the snow, we bought it in 2011. We had a snow fall on 11/1/2012 and we took the car out for a drive. Any speed above 35 MPH and the rear of the car floats (wiggles) back and forth up to a foot. It is completely unstable on snow or ice. I did some research online, and ford apparently knows the problem,: defective rear upper control arms, since they did a silent recall on these in 2006. The federal safety agency should investigate this since there are many more focus out there like ours, and ford should have to recall and replace the control arms on all of these units from 2000-2004. I have over 35 years of winter driving experience and I have never had a vehicle (even the old rear wheel drive models) behave so dangerously on snow and ice, even with all season tires on it. I contacted ford motor company and they said there is nothing they have to do since the car is out of warranty. Here is an attached article I found on line. October 03, 2006 ford motor company told dealers that they may need to replace the rear upper control arms on ford focus models. The models include: 2000 through 2004 focus sedan, wagon, zx3 and zx5 series. Ford will check the rear camber and, if possible, make an adjustment. If an adjustment to the vehicle's rear camber is necessary beyond the negative end of specification, then the dealership will need to source replacement rear upper control arm(s)." this is considered a "silent recall" where upon ford may not notify owners of this condition. .