2002 Ford Focus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Focus › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Ford Focus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 2002 Ford Focus. Newest first.
Ride control, llc (ride control) IS recalling certain readymount assemblies, p/n 746641mt and 746646mt, with corresponding aftermarket customer part numbers: gabriel g56944 and gabriel g56945, and privately branded partsmaster with part numbers g68944 and g68945. the readymount assemblies were sold as aftermarket service equipment for use on certain 2000…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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. owners may contact ride control at 1-800-999-3903.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. 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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector IS fully…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 the rear doors advising the owners to use the recommended lubricant. the recall began on march 9, 2005. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Owner complaints
939 complaints82 involved a crash20 involved a fire78 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
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
- Unknown or other
Sunroof Exploded. Empty Road, temp low 40s. No warning. I have owned the car since 2004. Though older car, <120,000 miles.
- Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Suspension
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…
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.
- Power train
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…
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.
- Air bags
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.
- Suspension
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.
- Suspension
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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.
- Unknown or other
Antitheft has car locking up while driving
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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
- Wheels
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…
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
- Exterior lighting
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
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…
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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.
- Suspension
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…
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
- Seats
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.
- Suspension › Rear
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.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
Ignition key will not turn! They have known (ford) about this issue and are refusing to issue a recall.
- Engine
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.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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…
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.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary…
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
- Engine stalling
Clogging of the fuel delivery module (fdm) filters in the subject vehicles can lead to stalling and other related symptoms.these symptoms become increasingly obvious to the driver as the clogging gradually increases over extended periods of driving.stalling in these vehicles IS most likely to occur when accelerating…
Clogging of the fuel delivery module (fdm) filters in the subject vehicles can lead to stalling and other related symptoms.these symptoms become increasingly obvious to the driver as the clogging gradually increases over extended periods of driving.stalling in these vehicles IS most likely to occur when accelerating through a right hand turn such as merging into freeway traffic when the fuel level in the fuel tank IS less than 1/4 full.more than 90% of the stalling complaints pertain to the original design fdm installed in my 2000 and 2001 (partial year) focus vehicles. Ford has decided to conduct a campaign (03v-482) to address stallingin these vehicles.the smaller number and rate of complaints associated with the interim and current fdm designs indicate improvement but also reflect a shorter time in service for these designs. Accordingly, odi will monitor the stalling performance of my 2001 - 2002 focus vehicles equipped with interim and current design fdms.
- Front susp collapse/wheel separation
See attached report.
- Engine compartment fires
There is no summary currently available
- Front suspension lower control arm
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10205032Safety recall 05S27 - Rear door latch corrosion - requests for recall service action - built on or before 01/26/2005
- 10183768For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear door latches may experience corrosion in the pawl pivot area preventing proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. Initially, customers may experience difficulty closing the rear door that may eventually progress to a point where the rear door may not latch properly. If not latched properly, the door may open while driving.
- 10058100Ford: due to high corrosion areas, where vehicles are operated for extended periods, lower control arm (lca) can separate from forward attachment of subframe. Model 2001-04 escape.
- 10058099Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10056643Ford: on some vehicles, operating for an extended time in high corrosion area, a safety recall 05s27 was issued, where rear door latches experience corrosion in pawl pivot area preventing proper engagement of pawl into catch. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10019375Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing.
- 10019076Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0L zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10017934Rear brake squeal.
- 10017923Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017922Difficult or unable to shift into 5TH gear.
- 10017884Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10014667Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014656Vent leak.
- 10014622Air bag light in with all or any combination of dtc b1881 b2434 b2438 and or c1947.
- 10014596Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014082Engine vibration at idle.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013416A/c condenastion leak.
- 10013391Transaxle noise at idle in neutral with clutch pedal released premature clutch.
- 10013367Difficulty changing gears - unable to engage gears.
- 10013318Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013070Discoloration of the yellow-colored, extended-life, factory-fill coolant.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10012971Unable to remove ignition key - service tip.
- 10012969Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0133, p1131 or p2195.
- 10012962No crank on start charging system warning indicator on driveability concerns and or malfunction indicator lamp on.
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011148Loss of intermittent wiper or wiper park function.
- 10009335Inoperative speed control system.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008591Trim-ignition lock cylinder difficult to turn, unable to remove sticking ignition key-ignition lock cylinder removal procedure.
- 10008565Grinding when shifting into third gear.
- 10008553Loss of power, hesitation and/or misfire after cold start.
- 10008541Fuel delivery module (fdm) replacement procedure.
- 10008540Turn signal cancel concern.
- 10008358High decklid closing effort.
- 10008354Noise (whine/moan, whistling, humming, drumming or rattling) from the drivetrain which appears to be emanating from the transmission.
Every Ford Focus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.