2002 Ford Focus Owner Complaints

Break lights won't work and was almost hit by another car, changed break lights changed light break switch checked fuses and wiring everything is good

NHTSA ID

11632542

Incident

Dec 26, 2024

Sunroof Exploded. Empty Road, temp low 40s. No warning. I have owned the car since 2004. Though older car, <120,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11584343

Incident

Apr 21, 2024

The drivers door will not open. It is stuck shut. Turning the key in the lock does not work. Broke outer handle trying to open door to assist elderly party out of drivers seat. Power lock fuse is fine. Took door panel off partly to expose cable, cannot push or pull cable to force open. Safety issue because owner is elderly. Cannot reasonably crawl in and out through passenger side. Emergency personnel would not be able to reach occupants in case of an accident.

NHTSA ID

11534693

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others. Do we have some manufacturer defects on this particular vehicle? Have other concerns which could be the result of vehicle wear and tear, or/and due to manufacturer defects as well. Inner tie rods need replaced as well as control arms/bushings, as reported to me by a mechanic. I have seen recall reports related to the 2002 Ford Focus in which there has been issues directly related to what I'm reporting, which is another reason I'm filing a report. Thank you. The contact wanted to add that the wipers are experiencing an electrical issue as well. When in use, the wipers cannot be switched off when it is at the highest position because it will not return in the downward position.

NHTSA ID

11502938

Incident

Jul 13, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT CALLED FAIRWAY FORD (2761 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37660), AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL WHILE STOPPED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.

NHTSA ID

11355633

Incident

Sep 4, 2020

Mileage

137,000 mi

HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH WITH HIS MOTHER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO ACCIDENT. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OR COVER BROKE WINDSHIELD. HUSBAND HIT BRAKES.

NHTSA ID

11291969

Incident

Dec 29, 2019

Mileage

75,000 mi

VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 108,000 MILES. I DID REPLACE THE TIE RODS CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME IS VERY RUSTED AND THE ENGINE COULD FALL OF IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I BOUGHT THE CAR AROUND 90,000 MILES AND HAVE ALREADY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND OTHER PARTS UNDER THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11279301

Incident

Oct 31, 2019

Mileage

108,000 mi

AT SPEED OF 40+MPH AND UNEVEN HIGHWAY OR WHEN ENCOUNTERING A MANHOLE COVER THE REAR OF THE CAR SWAYS AND SHIMMIES LEFT TO RIGHT IN AN EXTREME MANNER. NOTICED MUCH WORSE WITH NEW TIRES THAT GRIP WELL. HAVE HAD IT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL WHO SAYS ALL VITAL PARTS LOOK OKAY. 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT DID NOT REMEDY. I SEE REFERENCES TO A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE UPPER CONTROL MEMBERS THAT MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH A CORRECT CAMBER SETTING. I DON'T TRUST MUCH ON THE INTERNET THOUGH, AND WOULD LIKE NHTSA GUIDANCE OR FURTHER INFORMATION. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE, I APPRECIATE IT.

NHTSA ID

11173264

Incident

Jan 4, 2019

Mileage

140,000 mi

REAR RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK/OPEN. WHEN TRYING TO UNLOCK I DON'T HEAR THE SOLENOID MOVING. WHEN TRYING TO OPEN FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUT IF FEELS LIKE THE HANDLE ISN'T MOVING ANYTHING.

NHTSA ID

11066935

Incident

Jan 8, 2015

Mileage

125,000 mi

ANTITHEFT HAS CAR LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ID

10980406

Incident

Apr 18, 2017

Mileage

40 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE BACK SEAT. WITHIN A SHORT TIME, THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO FLAMES AND NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PUMP BURNED UP AND THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FRIEND'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE SIX MONTHS LATER AND GAVE THE CONTACT A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000. UPDATED 04/12/17 LJ *CN

NHTSA ID

10956772

Incident

Mar 28, 2012

Mileage

73,000 mi

OHTSU FN7000 WITHIN ONE MONTH OF BEING PUT ON NEW TIRE WOULD DEFLATE ALL A SUDDEN WHILE PARKED SHORTLY. 4 HOURS OR LESS. CHANGED TO SPARE. TIRE HAD BELLE TIRE RUN A CHECK BLAMED ON BENT RIM. WHICH IS NOT BENT. THEY AIRED IT BACK UP AND SAME AGAIN A MONTH LATER JUST WENT FLAT. TOOK TO A LOCAL SHOP WHO HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 30 PLUS YEARS SAID IT WAS A BAD TIRE IT WAS NOTHING BUT POWDERED RUBBER INSIDE SHOWING WIRES. TOOK BACK TO BELLE TIRE AND HAD TO ARGUE TO GET THEM TO REPLACE TRIED SAYING IT WAS DRIVIN ON WHILE FLAT WHICH IT WAS NOT. I'M AFRAID THE OTHER TIRES MAY HAVE HIDDEN ISSUES NEW TIRE LOOKED BUILT DIFFERENT EVEN SAT ON RIM DIFFERENT AND HAVE YET TO HAVE A ISSUE WAS CHECKED VIA DIFFERENT SHOP RIM DOES NOT LEAK. *TR

NHTSA ID

10944443

Incident

Dec 14, 2016

Mileage

4,000 mi

TAIL LIGHT CONNECTION MELTS DUE TO BULB GETTING TOO HOT. IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE CONNECTOR TO REPLACE BULB. HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE LENS. MANY, MANY REPORTS ONLINE OF THIS HAPPENING. FORD DENIES AND REFUSES TO REPLACE. EXPENSIVE REMEDIES FOR CUSTOMERS. THIS HAPPENS ON FOCUS WAGONS AND MANY OTHER FORDS.

NHTSA ID

10927017

Incident

Nov 7, 2016

Mileage

64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LATCH AND BOTH FRONT DOOR LATCHES FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 11/08/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ID

10905808

Incident

Sep 12, 2012

Mileage

110,000 mi

OK SO I'VE HAD MY FORD FOCUS FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS NOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS LITTLE THING RECENTLY GOT STRUTS CHANGED IN FRONT AND BALL JOINTS BUSHINGS AND TIRES SO I KNEW IT WOULD NEED AN ALIGNMENT SO GOT THAT DONE NOW AT SPEEDS FROM 50-60 MPH THIS CAR STARTS FISHTAILING OUT OF CONTROL I DONT HAVE ALOT OF MONEY I AM NOT WORKIN AT PRESENT SO I CANT AFFORD TO TAKE MY USED CAR TO DEALER MUCH LESS TO ANOTHER AUTO SHOP. I TRAVEL 50 -70 MILES EACH DAY TO WORK AND I'M SCARED ITS GONNA FISHTAIL ME INTO A WRECK. MILEAGE 134000 APPLKE VALLEY CALIF.

NHTSA ID

10905560

Incident

Sep 7, 2016

Mileage

134,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE HATCH DOOR INDICATOR LIGHT DISPLAY ILLUMINATED. THE REAR HATCH LATCH OPENED ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V246000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,846.

NHTSA ID

10893424

Incident

Aug 7, 2015

Mileage

10,846 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 50 TO 60 MPH, THE SUSPENSION SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SNAPPED IN HALF. THE FAILURE CAUSED A SHARP POINT AND SHREDDED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE TIRE AND SPRING WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120. UPDATED 08/17/16*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE SOLD THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/22/16.*JB

NHTSA ID

10887447

Incident

May 15, 2015

Mileage

120 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT DISENGAGED FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID

10887440

Incident

Oct 9, 2015

Mileage

80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA ID

10825189

Incident

Feb 5, 2016

Mileage

38,000 mi

MY 89 YEAR OLD MOTHER BOUGHT A 2002 FORD FOCUS FROM LAUREL AUTO IN BOSWELL AND WHEN SHE WENT TO GET IT INSPECTED WAS TOLD THE FRAME (UNIBODY) IS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THERE ARE HOLES ALL THROUGH IT. SHE PAID $5,000 AND HAS ONLY HAD THE CAR 1 YEAR. WAS THERE A RECALL ON 2002 FORD FOCUS FRAMES? THE GARAGE STATES THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME IN SUCH BAD SHAP.

NHTSA ID

10787701

Incident

Nov 2, 2015

Mileage

100,000 mi

I HAVE A 2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5, MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT A SPEED OF 35 MPH WITH ABSOLUTELY NO IMPACT TO THE CAR. DUE TO IT DEPLOYING AND GOING OFF IT HAD HIT MY LEFT SHOULDER AND CAUSED ME TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT, IF IT WASN'T FOR THE FACT THAT I WAS ALREADY IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE I WOULD'VE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS THIS ALSO HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF "RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC". I HAVE READ ON OTHER WEBSITES WHERE 2004 AND 2006'S SAME AIR BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON W/O ANY KIND OF IMPACT. THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD IN MY LEFT EAR THAT I COULD NOT HEAR OUT OF IT FOR OVER 45MINS, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THAT WOULD'VE DONE TO MY INFANT IF THEY WOULD'VE BEEN IN THE CAR AT THAT TIME. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER AS I AM 5MONTHS PREGNANT AND IF THE FRONT AIR BAG WOULD'VE GONE OFF IT COULD'VE CAUSED MUCH MORE INJURY TO ME AND MY UNBORN CHILD. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND CONSIDER HAVING THIS MODEL PUT ON THE RECALL LIST.

NHTSA ID

10780660

Incident

Sep 22, 2015

Mileage

150,000 mi

IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN! THEY HAVE KNOWN (FORD) ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND ARE REFUSING TO ISSUE A RECALL.

NHTSA ID

10764704

Incident

May 4, 2015

Mileage

86,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID

10762868

Incident

Sep 9, 2015

Mileage

160,000 mi

I AM WRITING THIS FOR TWO INCIDENTS HAPPENED WITHIN A TWO WEEK TIME FRAME. 1. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE ONE PISTON PIN HAD BROKEN DUE TO WHICH THE WHOLE PISTON HAD BROKEN INSIDE THE ENGINE. THE WHOLE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED AS PER MECHANICS SUGGESTION. I HAVE THE INVOICE FROM THE MECHANIC SHOP AND THE MECHANIC WOULD GLADLY PROVIDE MORE DETAILS IF NEEDED. 2. THIS WAS SCARY ! WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MILES AN HOUR ON CRUISE,THE CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL AND CONSTANTLY ACCELERATED EVEN AFTER TRYING TO USE BRAKES. (IDEALLY WHEN YOU FIRST TOUCH THE BRAKES, THE CAR SHOULD COME OUT OF CRUISE) ONCE THE CAR REACHED AT A SPEED OF 80 MILES AND I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. WHEN THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN ABNORMALLY, AND RESTARTED THE ISSUE CONTINUED AND EVEN WHEN IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, IT CONSTANTLY RAVED UP. I SEE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE RECENTLY FILED COMPLAINS FOR THIS AND EXPECT THE NHTSA TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT URGENTLY AS IN MY OPINION IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THE MECHANIC MENTIONED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS STUCK IN THE HOUSING. CURRENTLY THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED BY MY MECHANIC AND I HAVE BOUGHT A NEW CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM THE DEALER AND HOPE TO GET IT FIXED SOON, HOWEVER EXPECT THE COMPANY TO TAKE CARE OF BOTH OF THE ABOVE ISSUES.

NHTSA ID

10748354

Incident

Jul 17, 2015

Mileage

327,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCH FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V030000 (LATCHES, LOCKS, LINKAGES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

NHTSA ID

10747822

Incident

Aug 7, 2015

Mileage

136,000 mi