Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2001 Ford Focus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the 2001 Focus.
Vehicle sliped out of park and into drive, while car was running, I was out of the car aproxmently 15ft away checking in on the cookout that was going on at the shop. . At which time I heard like a shifting noise or loud click from the car, I look over at the car an noticed the vehicle started forward an crash into to corner of building causing some minor damage to the right front fender of the car nothing to building. When I got into the car the console gear selector was still in park. I notified great lakes Ford about what happen, I have to bring it in on 09/25/2002 to have the transmission look at. I just hope I dont get the run - around treatment. . I feel after reading other complaints on your web page of this type of car and year having simular problems Ford should be notified and a letter sent out to the customers notifing them of the possible problem with automatic transmission. And a recall notice should be issued. Thanks ray scott. Nlm.
Transmission makes noise whether at idle or when shifting. The dealer checked out the problem several times and maintained that it was a normal function of the transmission to make noise or clatter.