Wiring Problems of Ford Focus - part 2

Decklid wiring harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the hinge. Similar to NHTSA recall id# 00v411000. Consequences: this could result in either a loss of individual lamp functions, or in the case of a short of the broken wires that causes a fuse to open, in the loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function. Loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function could increase the risk of a crash.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Focus 🔎.

2014 Ford Focus st with manual transmission when decelerating to a stop sign or stop light (approx 20-10 mph), and engaging the clutch to coast with the car in neutral, the car will almost stall (drops to about ~500 rpm) and then the engine "catches itself" and will rev to 1000-1200 rpm before settling back to a normal 700-800 rpm idle. This happens at random, but "ac/on" also increases likelihood of occurrences. This happens every trip. I stopped counting after 12 events in the first seven days. The car also "hunts" for it's idle speed (with a warmed engine) and varies from 700-1000 rpm, apparently at random. There is already a Ford TSB for this, TSB# 13-09-07, but it can only be accomplished if an engine completely shuts down and throws a check engine light/code. Due to the fact that this could completely shut off an engine while stopping near other motorists, like the recent gm ignition issue, I believe Ford should recall all these vehicles. It is a 45 minute repair and approx $8 dollars in parts to repair two "crimped wire connections" in the main wiring harness, (s132 & s133). They need to be soldered, not crimped (6 bare copper wires overlaid together and crimped). I have been to two Ford dealerships but they are under strict Ford guidelines not to accomplish the TSB unless there is a check engine light/code. I even offered to pay for the repair and was turned away both times. I believe it is better to accomplish this TSB and remove the concern than to wait for an owner safety issue leading to engine shut down and an accident. There have been numerous complaints about this issue on forums at Focus st. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Focus 🔎.

Since buying the car new I have had multiple issues with the transmission jerking, slipping, loss of take off power and feelings of unsafe driving situations. My vehicle one time felt like someone threw on an emergency brake and nose dived on the highway when it lost power during acceleration off entrance ramp. Most of the time the surging,bucking, slow to respond happens when the vehicle is warmed up and have to move after a stop light or sign. Also had to bring it in to dealer to have wiring fixed due to vibrations of vehicle. Last few trips to the dealer I had to pay out of pocket and never got any solid answers to the problem or any fixes, just told it is within limits. With no fixes in the plans I quit taking it in to the dealership due to no issues being covered under warranty.

Rear taillight bulb blows out as if an electrical short in wiring. Bulb will look black, even the socket has black discoloration. This has been an on-going problem since we purchased car in 2009 with both the left and right rear tail lights. To date I have replaced about 15-20 bulbs to the extent I purchased two (2) boxes of bulbs a socket wrench and correct socket to keep in car to replace bulbs each time it happens.

See all problems of the 2007 Ford Focus 🔎.

Entered on 10/20/2015 at 13:36:31 edt (gmt-0400) by a. Zelaya: tl- the contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that his vehicle excessively vibrates intermittently and will fail to hesitates to accelerate . The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated his vehicle was not apart of NHTSA campaign number: 14v495000 (electrical system). The dealer stated that the wiring harness would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention this was the second time his had to replace this failure. Previously in 2014, the failure had occurred and the vehicle was taken to repaired. The failure mileage was 3,000. Az.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Focus 🔎.

When driving on residential roads, I often feel my 2013 Ford Focus stall or jerk. Often times there are glitches in the electrical wiring of locks and also in the radio. The door will stay locked after hitting the unlock button on the inside multiple times. The radio will not turn on, unless I turn off and re-turn on the car. As for the stalling, it often stalls when going anywhere from 30-65 mph.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the wiring harness failed on the rear hatch of the vehicle. The brake lights stopped working and it caused the gear shift to become stuck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the design of the wiring harness was too short and when it was stretched the wires caused the failure to occur. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 110,000.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Focus 🔎.

Vehicles shifter button failed to engage. Initially discovered it was due to a blown fuse (#32. ) after replacing, vehicle operated fine for a few days, but again shifter button failed to engage. Investigated on the internet and found out the blown fuse was due to cracked wiring insulation causing exposed wires in the rear hatch. Also learned this issue caused the rear tail and brake lights not to operate. Found multiple complaints on the internet regarding this same issue of which it was ultimately due to a design flaw because the wires on the rear wiring harness are too short.

See all problems of the 2006 Ford Focus 🔎.

Dashboard and running lights going out. Replaced blown fuse and then fuse blows again. Opening and closing the hatchback the lights came on and then off again and the replaced fuse was blown. Located a bundle of wires within a rubber hose that runs from the interior roof headline outer rim of the vehicle across to the interior top of the hatchback. We pulled down this rubber protector to find to our complete amazement that the bundle of wires that run to the hatchback brake light and the hatchback windshield wiper was broken and burnt. Thought that there was a possible loose connection that just needed to be snapped back together, but only to find a bundle of broken and burnt wires wrapped tightly together, plus there was no black wiring tape around the wires for extra protection. Just the wires tightly bound together. Little to none flexibility for the bending or movement for these wires. These wires are located in an area where there would be movement due to opening and closing the hatchback. Contacted the local dealership and spoke with the service manager. He stated that the wire bundle have been made short in some vehicles. Our concern:potential fire hazard and still maybe until fixed; concern are for other individuals who may own this type of vehicle that may be transporting passengers (to include children in car seats) in the back seat (which there is no back side passenger doors) that could have a difficult time exiting this vehicle should it go on fire due to these bundle of wires possibly catching on fire and igniting the interior roof headliner of the vehicle. We have not taken our vehicle into the dealership as we are waiting on a response from Ford motor company. Additionally, the dealership stated that we would have to pay a portion to repair (what we believe to be a faulty design and defect) to correct this problem. Pictures available. ## VIN failed ##.

While waiting at a construction site the engine died and would not start (the engine indicator lit). The brake lights, power windows, and rear hatch release also failed to function. The vehicle was towed and the personal mechanic reported the electrical harness to the rear hatch had failed where is passed between the body and the hatch door. The harness electrical insulation was cracked on the entire bundle of wires and shedding fragments causing some wires to short, the 15 amp fuse for the brake lights had evidence of heating, but did not blow, rather, wires leading to the brake pedal sensor, the 15 amp fuse, and along the harness back to the short in the rear wiring harness near the center brake light had discolored and were melted in some segments. Ford customer service said to consult a Ford service center to determine if there was a manufacturing defect. The Ford service representative said he had seen this before and said it was not a manufacturing defect, rather it was a design defect that occurs after 10 years or more.

2012 Ford Focus. Consumer writes in regards to trunk lid, wiring and water flowing down rear window the consumer stated when the trunk was activated, the lid went from fully closed to fully opened at a high velocity in a very short period of time. The wiring routed to the inside of the trunk lid, was hanging down, and when it rained, water flowed down and through the gaps between the bottom of the window and the top of the trunk lid.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Focus 🔎.

Plastic insulation of electrical connector that connects right headlight bulb with wiring overheated, melted and caused smoldering fire that led to damaging smoke deposits in headlight assembly. Fire stayed contained to headlight housing.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Focus 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact noticed that the battery wiring and case were melted. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) but was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not included in the recall and offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 42,650 and the failure mileage was 42,400.

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus station wagon. The contact was driving 45 mph when he noticed that the tail lights and marker lights were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who informed him that the wiring harness was chafe and had a short circuit. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised that there were no recalls for the failure however, there was a technical service bulletin under NHTSA item number: 10023297 (electrical system: wiring). The contact did not order the service bulletin for additional information. The failure mileage was 120,000.

An electrical short in teh rear wiring harness in the liftgate has caused the rear defrost, the rear wiper and teh high-mount rear brake light to all fail, concurrently. The dealership has commented that this was a common problem with zx3 Ford Focus model and was as recalled service issue on a prior model year. It was also cautioned by the tech that fire could result.

Ford Focus 2005 wagon. Noticed that electric lock will not open hatch back, but took no action to correct. Incident: could not move shift lever out of park leaving motorist stranded. Found that shared brake light fuse was blown. Replaced fuse, but wondered about root cause so tested brake lights. Immediately noticed that brake lights remained on when brake pedal was not pressed or pressed. Realized that this is a major safety concern, as other drivers will not be aware when the brake is pressed. After web search, I observed many documented cases of damaged wiring harness; I opened the hatch and removed the rubber boot covering the wiring harness. Immediately observed that several wires were severed and others damaged.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the third brake light on the tailgate had malfunctioned. All other brake lights were working fine but the third brake light has failed due to the wires melting. The contact has called the manufacturer regarding the brake light and referenced the recall for the electrical system:wiring (00v411000) for the 2000 model Ford Focus. The manufacturer informed the contact that due to the VIN number the vehicle is not included in the recall and he can not receive a remedy repair. The contact stated this is the same issue which is stated in the recall and the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. The failure mileage was 108,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Focus 🔎.

My 2006 Focus zx5 started intermittantly unlocking the hatchback when I stepped on the brake pedal. I was driving on the freeway when I pulled over to take a phone call. I left the car in drive with my foot on the brake pedal. After about 5 minutes I completed my call and merged back into traffic. When I reached my destination I parked my car and got out. I returned to my car, started the engine and could not get the gear shift out of park. I had someone watch my brake lights while I stepped on the brake pedal. The lights did not work and I found the fuse for the brake lights was bad. I took a fuse from another circuit and got home. I had been driving for 20 miles with no brake lights. I took the car to a Ford dealer and they found a broken wire and 6 other wires with cracking insulation. They said they fixed the problem and the car worked ok. In January of 2013 I noticed after closing my hatchback and getting in the car my the "door open" indicator stayed on. I checked all doors and the hatchback and all were closed. After finding out on-line that there have been complaints about the Focus wiring since the 2000 models, I took off the carbody end of the rubber conduit to the hatchback. I found a broken wire (fixed my door open indicator problem when I repaired it) and 6 wires with black electical tape on them. I found that the electrical tape is wearing through just like the wire insulation did. I contacted the dealer and complained about the half ass repair they did. The service manager stated that was the repair authorized by the extended warranty. I asked what repair was authorized by the original warrenty and he said the same repair. Ford has known that this harness is a problem since 2000 and I was told they are still using the wiring in their 2013's. Why haven't these cars been recalled!.

Hatch wiring harness fatigued and developed broken wires in the bend area of the wiring harness causing a short circuit. This resulted in loss of stop lamp function & harness burning.

Excessive heat from taillight/brakelight bulb caused plastic housing to distort and brake lights fuse to burn out, causing loss of rear brake lights. Potential for rear end collision & wiring fire. After fuse was replaced, wiring smoldered until new fuse also burned out.

The decklid wire harness has fatigued breaking 2 internal wires in the bend area. As a consequence, rear windshield wiper and decklid latch remote release function are lost. Because it is in the same harness, loosing stop lamp, defrost or vehicle registration lamp functions it just a matter of time. This failure mode has already been described only that with a different effect (loss of stop lamp). Please refer to your campaign 00v411000.

I have had numerous stalling condition while driving that have been frightening. Several fuel modules have been replaced as well as harness repairs. The dealer has finally replaced the harness going to the fuel pump stating it had been rubbing against the body and grounding out. I am not sure this will fix the problem since it is intermittent. It appears the dealer has done several wiring harness repairs leading to the fuel pump.

2007 Ford Focus wagon with all the wires (about 10 of them) in the body to liftgate wiring harness cracked or broken. Found due to brake lamp fuse blowing repeatedly, causing loss of all brake lights and a/t shift lever interlock operation. It might have gone unnoticed if it wasn't for the interlock not working. Car is off warranty so Ford will not fix unless I pay for it. This is a definite safety item in my opinion. I will replace the wires myself as I am an aircraft electrician. I will use a better quality wire too. The stuff Ford uses is not meant to move and flex repeatedly. Wiring should last the life of a car.

For the third time since I've owned the car, the rear tail 'running' lights have blacked out. At the same time, dashboard lights do not function. Nhtsa campaign 00v411000 covers this for about 75,000 Focuses identical to mine, but for some reason, mine is not covered by the recall. I've had the same problem three times. Each time, the wiring harness and fuses have to be replaced. Once, the multifunction switch needed replacing, too. The repairs have cost me nearly $1,500. I contacted Ford the third time, but the representative said there was nothing Ford could do to help with repair costs, as my specific VIN did not fall under the recall. My concern is the random nature of the tail light loss. It happens when I'm driving home at night, and I need to put my hazards on any time I drive after dark. It is extremely dangerous, and I am afraid of being struck from behind.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. His vehicle failed state inspection for poor exterior lighting functionality. He contacted the dealer in reference to recall # 00v411000 (electrical system:wiring). Upon contact he was advised that since his vehicle identification number was excluded from the recall, he was ineligible for a free remedy. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and was in the process of being repaired at an expense of $179. 00. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 165,000.

My brake lights and cruise control failed: the result of the wiring harness being constantly abraded in the hinge of the hatchback. All of the wires were exposed, and it caused not only a driving safety hazard, but a fire hazard as well. In the year 2000, this same problem caused a recall of the 2000 Ford Focuses, but I have written to Ford and they deny any responsibility for my car. "thank you for contacting the Ford motor company customer relationship center regarding the wiring harness concern on your 2003 Ford Focus. Your vehicle is not involved in any recalls or customer satisfaction programs at this time. " is their response. I am having the problem corrected by my mechanic: he will lengthen the wires so that they cannot be caught in the hinge. Ford only will replace the entire harness, which is the same as the one that failed.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Focus 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact took her vehicle for routine inspection and was informed that the deck-lid wire harness fatigued and developed damaged wires in the bend area of the wire harness. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 00v411000 (electrical system:wiring); therefore, they would not assume any responsibility for the repairs. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 188,000. Updated 06/03/09 updated 06/04/09.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 25 mph on normal road conditions, the instrument panel failed to illuminate and the parking lamp and tail lamps were nonfunctional. The contact replaced the fuse on five separate occasions and the failure recurred. The vehicle's power lock system also failed to operate. She discovered the failure was contributed to the deck lid harness. The vehicle has not been inspected by a certified technician. Nhtsa campaign id number 00v411000 - electrical system;wiring is related to the failure; however, the VIN number was excluded from the recall. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 50,300. Updated 11/06/09. The consumer stated while driving, she noticed the dashboard was not lit and she was unable to read the speedometer. The headlights were working. The consumer replaced the fuse and the dashboard lit up properly. However, a short while later the fuse blew again. The consumer also discovered the tail lights and parking lights were not working as well. Also, the power door locks failed. The consumer discovered 4 wires had been completely severed, and all the others had bare patches where the insulation had rubbed off. The consumer stated a recall had been issued for the exact problem, but her VIN was not included. Updated 11/10/09.

2002 Ford Focus wagon rear hatch wiring harness frayed wires and no brake lights.

Starting 2 years ago rear hatch would intermittently unlock when brake pedal was depressed. Problem was worse in cold weather. Within last two weeks, rear brake lights no longer work when brake pedal is depressed, and the rear windshield wiper no longer functions. All symptoms point to a failure in the wiring harness leading from the car body to the rear hatch lid. Online forums of Focus owners document broken insulation and wires in this wiring harness. A similar problem was the target of a NHTSA recall of Focuses from this model year, but apparently only applied to the sedans. I have an appointment with my Ford dealer to repair, but without a recall I will be forced to pay out of pocket. Please investigate this issue and report a recall soon if appropriate. The brake light failure and spontaneous opening of the rear hatch while driving are serious safety hazards. . Read more...

I will start with the fact the car is on it's fourth battery. It has had the wiring harness replaced along with every sensor in the car some twice. There was a steering column recall done on it. The two back windows tracks have been broke a total of six times. The door handles brake three so far. The stereo is broke for the second time. I have had to do the brakes twice so far and all this and the car only has 63,498. 8 miles .

In my 2001 Ford Focus zx3, there is a serious electrical problem. Several things do not work or have shorts, or the switches operate other things. Right now, the dealer is installing a new wiring harness for $500 at least. I just found that there is a recall for 200 Focus on this issue. This is the same car as mine. Mine should also be covered. The problems began just a few days after the 3 year warranty period ended, but I thought it was minor and I could leave it alone. The dealer is all-american Ford in hackensack, NJ. Can you help me?.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. In July of 2007, the door locks on the vehicle began to malfunction. The contact changed the fuse, but this did not correct the failure. The tail and brake lights also began to malfunction, followed by the rear hatch. The dealer advised him not to drive the vehicle because a fire had taken place in the wiring. The contact is currently awaiting the vehicle diagnosis. The current mileage was 42,338 and failure mileage was 42,000.

My left tail signal light went out. When I went to change it according to the instructions in my manual I could not remove the taillight capsule from the housing. I went to coons Ford fairfax, va to see if they could change it. I was told that the electrical output of my car melted the taillights to the lens on both sides of the car. The estimated repair is $500. I got on the phone and talked to someone at Ford's main customer service line. After our conversation they gave me 15% off on my repair bill. After retrieving my car the other taillight died. Someone on Ford's assembly line did not wiring my car correctly. How is this my fault and why did I have to pay $421. 20 for a mistake they made? for safety reasons I got the repairs done. I would like a full investigation of this matter. I have in my possession both broken taillights for anyone to check out.

I drove a 2000 Focus zx3 for 3 years without a single problem. On March 2007 (90000 miles) the car stalled and died completely in the middle of a California freeway. After 5 min I was able to restart the car and drive to my mechanic (not a Ford dealer). Computer analysis showed a faulty mass air flow sensor. He replaced it ($450). Two days later, the car stalled again in a residential area (20 mph and full tank of gas). The car restarted and I drove back to same mechanic. He didn't find anything wrong and suggested I should drive to a Ford dealer. They replaced the fuel delivery module at no cost because of Ford recall #03n01. After that the car stalled (and died) again while pulling out of a parking lot (5 mph and full tank). Ford technicians drove the car for 150 miles while hooked up to a "flight recorder" and found nothing. I drove it for 20mi with a "flight recorder" and it stalled right away. I tried restarting it and it stalled again (4 times in a row). I was able to record the data using flight recorder. For the first time the check engine light was on (code p1237). The Ford dealer inspection all the electrical wires looking for a faulty connection ground. After re-wiring they test-drove the car again. They think the car is ok now. This has been my third week without a car. I was renting a car in order to go to work (paying to go to work). I can't afford to spend more money on more surprises. I have been stressed emotionally and financially. Even if the car is ok now, I don't feel safe driving it (or any other Ford). At this point I decided to sell the Focus to the same Ford dealer. I'm complaining about the Ford Focus and Ford in general (as a corporation and a brand) for allowing such a flaw to be sold to the general public. I have been very well treated by the service department at the Ford dealer.