general problems of the 2001 Ford Focus

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving her vehicle at approximately 35 mph, her vehicles ball joint snapped on the vehicles passengers side. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated nor any indication of a failure prior to the ball joint snapping. The contact stated that when the failure happened to her vehicle it caused her to crash into a ditch. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained and the vehicle was towed to the residence where it remains currently. The contact stated that she did contact the dealer as well as the manufacturer who advised her to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 190,000.

While I find rust recalls for 2001 Focus fusions and windstars Ford claims there is no recall for frame collaps from excessive rust problems. We pulled out of our drive headed up a blind hill and the front end totally collapsed leaving us as an easy target. Several good folks jumped into action to help us get the mess safely off of the state highway by blocking traffic and helping us drag it back into our driveway. We are in our 70's and only drive the car 7-8 thousand miles a year. It has been babied and maintained by the book it entire lifetime . Conversations with Ford have gotten us no where! where do we turn ?.

2001 Ford Focus with 146k miles. Adult driven one owner and well cared since new. Noticed clunking sound so took it in for brakes to the Ford dealer. Was told by dealer they can't fix as entire subframe is rotted and "I was one pothole from the engine falling out". It appears that dealers use this line as I found other complaints with the exact same wording. How can you recall the escape and windstar for the same problem and not the Focus? because Focus owners don't have the same money that those other higher end cars have? I was driving my new baby around in this car and thank god I didn't hit that one more pothole or both our lives could have been ended! all it takes is an internet search to realize that this is a common problem. The subframe is a very important component to a car that should not just rust away in 14 years! clearly the design or materials used were at fault for this. Ford needs to recall these cars before more people are killed or injured!.

Checked your site for recalls. Found field service action number:03m02 coil springs. Previously checked for recalls two year ago. This notice was not on your site then. As the original owner, I have made it a point to keep abreast of all recalls. I was never notified of this notice by Ford. Used the same dealer for repairs for the last 5 years. Called Ford today. Ford said the dealer had a copy of this notice. Never informed of this by the dealer (auto nation, bellevue dealership). Your site posting of the notice said it expired after 10 year or 150,000 miles. Ford said I was out of luck as "what ever came first, years or mileage". I suspect that Ford never notified NHTSA of this problem & I also suspect Ford is doing a cya.

Subframe is rusted through.

Heard clunking noise-rear subframe is completely rotted and broken on both sides.

My last oil change I was inform the front subframe is badly rusted, to the point the mechanic could push a screw driver through it in spots. He informed me that driving it was a major safety risk, as the frame could fail, causing an accident. He said Ford has not issued a recall. They must be waiting for a higher body count when the front end of the car fails while going down the interstate.

On may 9, 2011 my car went for emergency repairs to bill wilcox's charlon Ford agency of ridgecrest, CA. After $1725 repairs, I experienced a reduction in mileage, dropping from 30-31mpg to 25-26 mpg, a 17 to 18 % drop. That began immediately, with the initial purchase of gas - in visalia; and, it was later confirmed was caused by the improper use of a torch on a suspension cross member. The car was taken to rob holbrook's auto crew in clearfield, utah, checked for undercarriage damage and evidence that charlon Ford's repairs caused the problems. He is a licensed safety inspector for the state of utah. Widespread damage to that main cross member, where the attachment for the rear motor mount is affixed to that portion of the sub frame, was confirmed. The sub frame was quite distorted, bowed in and out, and exhibited evidence that the mount had been removed by use of a torch so the rear dog bone motor mount could be replaced. Deformation of that cross member and resultant changes to the suspension were the reasons for low mpg and tire wear because of improper camber. Bill wilcox, stated to California bar that toe-in was only adjusted while the camber was overlooked or could not be adjusted. But, the use of a torch to this unit is not called for - unless it is to replace that unit. Leaving the suspension cross member in that condition, leads to a stress point that could lead to cracking and tearing, and could prematurely cause rusting which weaken those attachments to the suspension. If repairs쳜 are made it is imperative that it and surrounding structures be returned to proper dimensions. But problems arise when improper heat affects strength and creates permanent softness and increasing brittleness. The cross member had to be replaced and a new alignment performed - at a cost of $851. 74.

My 2001 zx3 Focus would eat tires . . Got it used but with only 30,000 miles put new firestone tires on and had it rotated every 3000 miles to keep it from shaking . . Did that 4 times and sold the p. O. S. The people at firestone told me it was bad engineering on Fords part . Brakes would make nose that the dealer had no clue what it was . . . Now I date someone I with a 2002 Ford Focus. At 30,000 new brakes and rotors . New pcm . And the list is still adding up. If the Focus isn't a lemon . . . Then there is no point of the lemon law. Time to change it and make it harder to sell cars that are made so cheap!!!.

While driving and making a left vehicle makes noise and is hard to control the steering. Dealer notified.

While driving and turning to the left steering wheel makes noise. Dealer inspected several times and could not duplicate or correct the problem.

My new 2001 vehicle in less than a year started making clucking noise loud vibration. The complete axle shaft had to be replaced and new tires the bearings failed and Ford would not help. Even though it usually takes six years before they go they confirmed the bearings needed to be replaced. I spent over 300. 00 dollars with another mechanic who said they should pay.

Vehicle would shimmy at 45 mph or more . Vehicle was at the dealer,and problem was reoccurring. Feel free to provide any futher information.

When driving at speed bumps there is a loud noise that comes from front of vehiicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.

Vehicle delivered on 6/14/01. Shortly after I started experiencing problems with the vehicle. The steering gear was not stable. The car and steering wheel would shake when the speed would hit up to approximately 60 mph. Vehicle was taken into the dealership for front end repairs on two occasions 8/16/01 & 2/14/02. Shortly before 5/26/02 I noticed that there was a great deal of vibration on the steering column and the car was shaking. I lost control of the car and hit the median on the expressway. My vehicle was totaled.

Consumer states that while driving at high speeds the vehicle will start to pull to the left and when trying to adjust it to the right the vehicle will then move over to the right and then back to the left so the vehicle is moving from side to side on the road. Contacted dealer. Nlm.

While driving on highway heard a loud noise from front of vehicle, then pupping. Lost control of vehicle/ resulted in a crash. Car totalled.

While driving over 50 mph extreme vibrations occurs within steering wheel, causing loss of vehicle control. Cause unknown. Dealer has been notified. Please give any further details.

Vehicle would make a loud noise and vibrate when driving 25 mph or more. Dealer was notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

While driving vehicle will pull to the left. Checked over 6 times. Still caus eof problem unknown.

Both springs failed in the consuemr's 2001 Ford Focus.

While driving front passenger wheel makes a loud thumping noise. Also, steering wheel shakes erratically. There is also a burning smell which is very harsh. Please provide any further information.