2001 Ford Focus: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Ford Focus: 7 recalls, 1761 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 7 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #00V418000 · 2000 · 95,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The subject vehicles have a folding 60/40 second seat that becomes a load floor in the folded position. When the 60% portion of the seat is folded down and a load is applied to the front edge of the load floor, the outboard hinge pivot could disengage from the hinge.
Why it matters: If the seat is then returned to the upright position without re-engaging the hinge pivot, the seat and seat belts May not provide the intended level of performance in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge pivot.
Seats Vehicle recall #01V108000 · 2001 · 8,500 vehicles
What's wrong: Pm certain sedans and wagons, the seat back recliner handle spring could have been damaged during an in-process test and the occupant May notice a chucking, or perceived looseness of the front seat back, or the seat back could unexpectedly recline.
Why it matters: If the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car is being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat back recliner handle spring for the driver and front passenger seats. Owner notification began April 3, 2001.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #01V258000 · 2001 · 1,083,000 vehicles
What's wrong: A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from…
Why it matters: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began August 20, 2001.
Electrical Vehicle recall #02V288000 · 2002 · 291,854 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.
Why it matters: This, in turn, could cause the battery cables to short resulting in heat damage to the cables. Besides heat damage, the "check engine" light May illuminate, the vehicle May fail to start, or smoke, melting, or fire could also occur.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the battery cables for the condition of the cable insulation and proper tightening of the terminal ends. As necessary, cables will be rerouted, retaining clips installed, and damaged battery cables replaced. Owner notification began February 10, 2003. Owners who do not receive…
Steering Vehicle recall #02V289000 · 2002 · 446,569 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
Why it matters: Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. Owner notification began February 10, 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V482000 · 2003 · 671,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module (fdm) can reduce, and eventually block, the flow of fuel to the engine.
Why it matters: This May cause engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms. Over time, the filter May become sufficiently blocked to cause the engine to stall, which could result in a crash.
The fix: This action is deemed a safety improvement campaign and is not being conducted under the safety act. All owners will be notified of the problem, and dealers will replace the fdm with a new design at no charge if the owner reports that the vehicle exhibits any of the identified symptoms. The free…
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #05V030000 · 2005 · 589,932 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, a build-up of corrosion at the pawl pivot area of the rear door latch…
Why it matters: If not latched properly, the door May open while the vehicle is in motion. If an occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
The fix: Dealers will have a lower rocker seal added to the door and have the rear door latches evaluated free of charge. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to…
7 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Wheels Recall #01I017000 · 2001 · 238,653 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 2000-2001 Ford focus passenger vehicles, originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohiom,…
Why it matters: The wheel bearings could prematurely wear and cause a noticeable noise. If not repaired, this condition could progress to the point where the wheel begins to wobble.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings at no cost to the consumer. Additional bearing seals will also be installed to ensure a smooth ride. This program will be in effect until December 31, 2002, regardless of mileage. Even if the vehicle has already been serviced under recall campaign 00s31,…
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Equipment Equipment recall #12E007000 · 2012 · 10,006 vehicles
What's wrong: The readymount assemblies were sold as aftermarket service equipment for use on certain 2000 through 2005 Ford focus vehicles. These assemblies were assembled with a nut without the necessary washer. The absence of the washer can allow the readymount assembly to pull apart the top mount.
Why it matters: If the assembly separates during installation, it could result in injury to the installer. If the assembly separates while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in secondary damage to the vehicle and possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Ride control will notify owners and will set up procedures to inspect, repair, and/or replace the affected parts without charge to the owner. The safety recall began on March 30, 2012.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 47 mention a fire, 136 injuries and 8 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (496): the most common themes are door / lock issues (189), electrical failure (93).
- Fuel system (277): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (180), leaks (24).
- Engine & cooling (243): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (150), noise or vibration (37).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (176): the most common themes are noise or vibration (56), brake failure / soft pedal (21).
The 2001 Ford Focus has 1761 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 20 Focus model years for complaints (1.6× the average Focus year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (332 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 58,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (3686 complaints, 11 recalls), 2002 (939 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Ford Focus.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Ford Focus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Ford Focus, plus 7 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Ford Focus problems?
Owners have filed 1761 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (496), fuel system (277), engine & cooling (243).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford Focus get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Ford Focus repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.