Four problems related to tank filler pipe and cap 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.
No crashes or injuries, however ther could have been since the car stalled several times while my wife was driving it. Some months ago the "check fuel cap" light appeared. This had never been a problem, as I always turn the cap several times after fueling. I had a local auto parts store reset the light. This happened again so I switched gas caps with the other 2001 Focus I own. The light came on again, followed by a "check engine" light. When I had the auto parst store check it before resetting the lights their readout stated "large vacuum leak". Since the car ran ok and there was no noticeable drop in fuel economy, I felt there was no problem, until my wife drove it and came back very upset that it had stalled several times and she had to use the gas as well as the brake to get home. Upon taking it to the dealership, I was advised that there was a leak in the fuel filler neck and that the part as well as the $30 fuel cap needed replaced at a cost of over $350. I explained the filler cap switch (the other Focus has not had the problem since it was built in michigan and not mexice) and they only replaced the fuel filler neck to the tune of $324. 65 while this vehicle has 60,000 miles on it I do not feel that this was a cost that I should have absorbed.
Starting at about 39,000 miles (October, 2002), whenever my car had a quarter tank or less of gas, the car would start choking and feel like it was going to stall. If I stopped and let the car sit for a few minutes, it would be ok for a few minutes and then it would happen again. This continued after I had the fuel filter replaced, and a mechanic couldn't figure out the problem. It has happened at many speeds, but most often while on the freeway. Today, at 49,000 miles, I have more than half a tank of gas, going about 35 mph, and the same thing happened.
Consumer states fuel fill door snapped off in his hand, dealer states it is not a covered item, and to replace it will cost over $100. 00.
Consumer stated there was a roaring and grinding noise coming from the front wheels, dealership was aware of problem. Consumer stated the fuel cap was loose and not fully installed which caused the check engine service light to come on, front and rear brakes are noisy upon application and there is a vibration when braking.