Four problems related to starter 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.
*this is a safety issue!* when leaving work my car would not start, the starter would not engage and accessories would not come on. . . I went inside for 10 min to try to arrange a ride home. . . When I came back to the car I decided to try one last time and the car started right up no problem. While driving home (at about 8. 30pm local time. . . Fully dark outside) at approx. 50 mph the car died including most accessories, most notably, the headlights. When I tried to steer the car to the side of the road, the steering wheel locked. This all happened very quickly, I was braking and there seemed to be some power assist to the brakes but not full braking power. I was headed straight at a large tree when the car suddenly came to life again and I managed to just miss it. I limped the car about a 1/4 (at 10 mph) to my brothers apartment and it died 2x again on the way. After several days trying to diagnose the problem I discovered that wiggling the key in the ignition induces the car to die. Upon researching this problem I found that this has been reported on a wide scale basis and it concerns me that a recall has not been issued. I was very lucky not to be injured or killed by this problem and many many people are unaware of this risk (as was I until only a few days ago). I have found no way to get the matter corrected via the manufacturer as the current replacement part is almost identical to the original and is noted for short lifetime and for failing in the same manner.
I purchased a 2001 Ford Focus in August 2001. In sept. 2001 with only 2240 miles on the car transmission seemed to be slipping and the car failed to accelerate properly. Had it towed to the dealership and they said there was a leak in transmission line. This was repaired. In oct. 2002 at 16416 miles headlights would not come on when I turned the switch. Switch was replaced. About this same time new brake pads were required. Nov. 2002 at 17871 miles the ignition cylinder locked up. Car was towed and ignition cylinder replaced. August 2003 at 26757 miles ignition cylinder locked up again. Once again the car was towed to the dealer and ignition cylinder was replaced. Now I have a bubble in one tire and my brakes are squealing. What's next? not once have I picked my car up from the dealer and it been washed or vacuumed out. I bought a new car because I needed reliable transportation. Now I feel like taking it back to the dealer and letting them keep it. I wonder how many Ford employees would buy a Focus?.
I was watching the news last night and heard a story that the NHTSA was investigating complaints that the Ford Focus engine can stall causing an accident. This is what happen to my car fortunately I was not involved in a crash. But, when I took the car in I was told that I needed a new starter. This was strange to me being the fact the car was not even a year old. After seeing this report I know understand that the problem is cause by debris accumulating in the gas tank, blocking fuel from being delivered to the engine. After the new starter was installed I'm still have problems with the car. For example at time it seem like it's going to stall or it feels like its dragging.
2001 Ford Focus experiencing problems with the front brakes, fuel pump, battery, sway bars and tires. The consumer replaced the front brakes five times, the radiator went out, the thermostat and sensors pertaining to the engine light ad gone out, the fuel pump and the battery went out and the mechanic could not find the problem. Currently the starter showed signs of going out and the vehicle needed sway bars and 4 tires.