2002 Ford Focus: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Feb 7, 2015 · Fuel system · FL

Car would not shift correctly to 3rd or 4th gear. Engine fuel light would appear.

Filed Dec 23, 2012 · Transmission · 129,000 miles · WI

Ford dealership in woodruff, wi replaced front right drive axle and seal 4 times before they got it right and the leak stopped. This initial leak was found by the owner after the car was taken in for a full check upon purchasing indicating the dealership did not inspect the car as they stated and were paid to do. The same day after getting the car back for the last time shifting problems began to occur and I had to replace the overdrive solenoid because the car would not shift into overdrive. This solved that problem but now the car shudders between 40-50 MPH as if it is shifting back and forth between gears. Nothing shows up on a diagnostic check, may be expensive torque converter problem. A large number of posts on the inernet show transmission problems and solenoids are a common problem with ford focus cars and unfortunately some people are LED to believe they need a new transmission which they have replaced probably due to misdiagnosis and at a huge unnecessary expense.

Filed Apr 20, 2012 · Transmission · 98,750 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle onto the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was successfully restarted, but the gear selector would not shift. The vehicle was then towed to a local repair shop, who performed a diagnostic test which discovered that the transmission gear pin was corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 98,750.

Filed Aug 31, 2011 · Brakes, Suspension · 38,200 miles · MA

My 2002 ford focus wagon needed brakes because the front end would shake when I applied brakes. Also noticed a whirling noise from the back off car but did not mention that to my mechanic. He took it for a test drive and asked if I noticed the whirling noise too. He said he was concerned and checked that 1st. My right rear tire was frozen and not turning, that's where the noise was coming from. It had to be cut off in order to be replaced. He told me that the wheel could have broke off while driving and could have killed me, I had that repaired, along with front end brakes and replaced warped rotors. Then just 2 days later backed out of my driveway and broke a front right coil spring. A year later replaced the alternator. And last week just had to pay for a rebuilt transmission, because would not shift properly, upon observation the transmission had metal chips in transmission fluid and needed to be replaced. I cant believe no recall on this car!

Filed May 12, 2010 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. While driving at speeds of 30 MPH, the vehicle would not shift gears. The vehicle felt as if it was attempting to stall. In addition, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and advised there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by a second mechanic who advised replacing the alternator. The alternator was previously replaced a total of 3 times. There were no additional repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 83,000. Updated 8/9/10 *cn updated 08/11/10.

Filed Feb 4, 2009 · Transmission · 78,450 miles · VA

While driving at freeway speeds sudden loss of acceleration and smell of burning fluid. Car would not shift beyond 2nd gear. Took to dealer and was told that the 3rd and 4th gears were burnt up. Req'd replacement of transmission at cost of $4,000. Vehicle mileage was 78k and well maintained.

Filed Feb 19, 2008 · Electrical, Transmission · 86,302 miles · DE

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact stated that the gear would not shift out of park. The failure occurred twice in three weeks. He allowed the vehicle to run for over an hour; however, the gear would still not shift out of park. The vehicle can only be driven if an emergency button is engaged, which also does not allow the gear to shift out of park. An independent mechanic stated that the failure was electrical and a wire that connects to the brakes needed to be repaired. The vehicle was purchased in may of 2007 with a 1,000 mile or 30 day warranty. The fuel system was unknown and the VIN was invalid. The current mileage was 86,332 and failure mileage was 86,302.

Filed Dec 28, 2007 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

'02 ford focus zx5 has shown continuous problems with ignition. First, the key would get stuck and the transmission would not shift out of 'p'. Then, the key would intermittently get stuck in the ignition. This occurred with increasing frequency, and it is now stuck permanently. I have not yet taken it to get fixed, but based on phone inquiries to repair shops it will cost me anywhere from $200-500 to get it fixed.

Filed Jul 11, 2006 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · NH

2002 ford focus ignition problem. Key will not turn. My daughter, 17 years old was stuck in parking lot, late in the evening! This has happened on several occasions.

Filed Apr 5, 2004 · Brakes · MI

Today is the fourth time my car has been towed for service for a recurring problem: brake sensor fails and car won't shift out of park - disabling the vehicle. This problem last had me stranded in tennessee. I feel this is a vehicle failure rather than dealership failure. I am concerned where I will be stranded next. I believe my car might be a lemon. I am extremely concerned that my vehicle fails, is repaired and fails again with no warning. I am scared to drive the car not knowing where I will be next when it does not work. I would like to know what can be done to insure this problem is fixed; and what should be done in the event I cannot be guaranteed that this problem will not occur again.