2002 Ford Focus: windshield wiper failure

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 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 Mar 31, 2005 · Wheels · 42,000 miles · PA

I kept hearing noises in the front passenger side of my car so I called the dealer and told them this problem along with faulty windhield wipers , noises in the transmission and a radio that plays when it wants. I brought the car in for repairs . They did the repairs on the windshield under the warranty, and said the radio was not defective and the faceplate was broken (it is not), and the noise that I am hearing in the front of the car was due to me replacing a flat tire (in the rear of the car) with a tire not the same as the other three. Well I was driving the car for about 300 miles after being at the dealer and went to make a left turn at a traffic light. The right front wheel( not the tire) went rolling into the highway and myself and 2 toddlers went to the left and into a business parking lot. After being towed to the dealer, the told me that they do not recall telling me about the noise I heard , and due to the fact that the tech that worked on the car did not write the results on it that they were not resposible for the wheel falling off and to get my car off their lot before they have it towed off.in the event of the wheel falling off it also caused $1000.00 damage to the front quartepanel and door. I had to have the car towed to grand sport auto for repair and I have to pay for the damages that my insurance will not ccover, along with a rental car.

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Visibility · 58,000 miles · NY

Windshield wiper motor went, this car is 2 years old and has 58,000 miles on it, cost to repair $298+ this is the third expensive repair on this 2002 ford focus, the other two were wheel related and locking door locks that were quite expensive to repair as well.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Visibility · 50,000 miles · WI

Windshield wipers frequently fail without notice during rain events despite expensive repairs. Sometimes I have smelled smoke and am concerned having heard that the focus wiper motors have caused fires in the past. Two ford dealers have failed to isolate problem.

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 Nov 13, 2003 · Electrical, Locks · 14,000 miles · WV

While driving I lost all power to the car. It completely shut down and I could not start it. It has been towed to dealership to be fixed twice. I do not feel safe driving this car with my kids in it. I don't think the problem is fixed and I'm waiting for this to happen again. Now I need to take it back to the dealership again because there is a bad vibration in the front end. I had it there previously for this also, and they said it needed the tires rotated and balanced. Even though it is still under warranty, they charged me $36.00....the vibration is worse now so obviously that wasn't the problem. Oh I forgot to mention that the trunk won't latch properly and the windshield wipers won't go the whole way down when you turn them off. This car is not safe to drive. The dealership acts like they haven't had any complaints with this car!

Filed Sep 18, 2002 · Visibility · CT

Windshield washer fluid disappears when you drive the car. I put in over 3 gallons, even though we did not use the washer. It is impossible to see how much fluid is in the container as it is hidden in the wheel well. We visited the dealer 4 times. Although he says he replaced the system, the problem is not fixed. In the northeast, we have severe snow and ice storms. Failure of the washer system during an ice storm would be a safety hazard. It would require stopping the car at frequent intervals on a dangerous interstate highway to clead the windshield. The dealers solution: "carry a gallon of wiper fluid in the car at all times." he can't fix it. Says it is a design defect. Can you force ford to make good on this? Note: this form says the airbag was deployed. It was not.