Three problems related to underbody shield have been reported for the 2002 Ford Focus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the 2002 Focus.
Vehicle towed to Ford dealer because it would not start. Upon inspection, dealership found front sub frame completely rusted through. Said it is "one pothole away from the engine falling out; totally unsafe to drive. " rusting also caused corrosion in wires from ignition to starter, resulting in car not starting. This car was purchased brand new, has been garage kept, only driven 5,000 miles per year by elderly couple. Obviously the metal used in sub frame was not properly coated. Will cost thousands of dollars to fix, if it is deemed worth fixing! someone could have been seriously hurt or killed if this engine had indeed fallen out while in motion!.
Last inspection it was reported to inspect this year the crossmember/subframe needed to be replaced or car would not pass inspection researching this I've found several people complained about this also I saw recall of more suspension issues occurring now. . 40 k mileage it has last year had to replace sway bar because it let loose when I drove home puncturing my tire almost went into the river this night .
The front sub frame on my 2002 Ford Focus zts was completely rusted through and unable to support the front suspension. I also had my car inspected by a Ford dealer who passed it and told me nothing about how destroyed my sub frame was. When I took it to a mechanic they told me it was so bad I shouldn't be driving the vehicle. The bolts where even rusted out of the sub frame. Its believed that this also caused my motor mounts to have to be replaced. Cause such bad vibration that it ruined all my shocks, struts, and all 4 of my tires. The tires where only 5 months old and are destroyed.