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Ford Focus

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The Focus is a nice-looking little car. And it replaced the truly execrable Escort. There, we said something good about it. Unfortunately, for way too many owners, that about exhausts the list of compliments. The Focus has so far set a record for safety recalls (would you believe 10?) and it may just be getting started.

Ford Focus • Fires • Brakes • Ignition • Stalling, Sputtering • Transmission • Water Leaks • Everything! News • Another Recall: Back Door May Come Open • Ford To Replace Focus Fuel Modules • Feds Probe Focus Fires • Focus Setting Recall Record • Focus Recall (Oct. 2000)

It's unfortunate for everyone when an economy car has this many problems. It's especially rough on the poor customers, who presumably are on tight budgets and unable to pour time and money into keeping their supposed economy car running.

Here are a few of the more recent complaints:

Michael of San Diego, CA June 25, 2009

Ignition stuck. Key won't turn. This is the third time. The first time I was on a house hunting trip from Wyoming to San Diego, Ca when my ignition froze in Beaver, Utah. I had to be towed over an hour to a Ford dealership to have it replaced with another faulty ignition. The last 2 times where in San Diego.

This will be the last time I replace the garbage in my 2000 Ford Focus. This time instead of towing to Ford to get repaired I think I'll tow to wrecking yard where it belongs. Loss of more than 2000 in parts, repairs, towing, hotel, misery of being stuck in Beaver Utah.

Julie of Gaston, IN June 22, 2009

My daughter's '03 Ford Focus ignition has jammed and will be charged between 100 - 360 to fix it. I cannot beleive after reading many complaints, some on the same vehicle multiple times, that Ford Automotive Co. has not put out a recall.

paul of tamarac, FL June 21, 2009

I purchased this Focus SES new in 10/2007. The second week of ownership I noticed unusual engine vibration and hesitation with start up, sometimes it would stall. The dealership had the car a few days and tried to duplicate the problem but according to my service advisor they could not find anything wrong. A couple weeks went by then the car started doing it again but this time it stalled so I brought it back only this time it was towed in, they had the car for a week and they said we could not duplicate the problem but the car was a dead start and was towed in, anyway when I got the car back it went for an oil change and tire rotation but the car still vibrated and it needed a diagnostic because my airbag light was on for whatever reason, they fixed it and attempted to fix the engine by saying a motor mount cracked so they fixed that as well but of course the problem started up again but only this time the rear bumper skins clamps failed and the skin had to be replaced.

The reason was due to engine vibration, a bumper skin, as if this wasn’t enough. I contacted the Ford Customer Relation Department explained the issue and the rep gave me no resolution at all. The car has been in and out for either mechanical or electrical problems from the driver rear window not going up (happened once) the air bag computer issue (twice) and the vibration (6 times) + due to suspension issues with the front passenger side I had to buy 4 new tires.

In conclusion one of the engineers from ford came down to look my car over and with no surprise he found nothing, I never even received a report of what he did. Two weeks after that the engine started its routine again so I went to a different dealership and they replaced the mass flow sensor thinking that was the fix but the car is now starting up again. . I contacted the Ford Customer Relation Department (third time) about the airbag sensor on 06/19/2009 in addition to all the other issues but I must say I am afraid of this car, how can I trust the airbags when it seemed to fail twice along with the mechanical issues. I have lost valuable time and money because of these issues and now I have decided to execute the lemon law.

stephen of Miami, FL June 16, 2009

My ignition wont work. The key wont turn the ignition. I'm relying on public transportation while my car thats paid for in full is sitting parked in front of my house frustrated!

debra of orange , TX May 31, 2009

I bought a used 2000 ford focus. ignition locked up and had a locksmith replace it. 3 months later the car died and will not crank. We probably have to replace it again. We checked the timing, put new spark plugs, wires, new battery terminals, new grounding cables, checked fuel injectors, also coil pack. this is the only thing I can think of. We will be checking this out this weekend. Ford needs to stand by their products. If they would go ahead and recall this part, then all who are affected can get their vehicle fixed and maybe the complaints will subside.

Paula of Riverton, IL May 22, 2009

I owned 3 Ford Focus's I currently have a ZX4 There have been many recalled parts on this car as well as the others over the past several years. Usually the problem is solved with minimal cost and time lost. Yesterday the ignition locked up without prior warning and the key would not work at all and the key casing with the computer chip broke off in my hand when trying to start the car. I was stranded and had to have the car towed on a flat bed to the dealership today.

The Ford service manager at the dealership said that it was a faulty Ford part and this happens all the time. I asked if it was a recalled part and he said no not yet but charged me 500. for a new ignition switch +/labor and new programed key. I am very mad that Ford will not recall this part as I was told the new ignition switch that was put in my car will only last awhile until the tumblers lock up like the part he took out.

It is bad enough I have to replace the rotors and breaks on this car everyyear because Ford makes faulty parts and will not recall those parts or even improve them. I want Ford to recall these known bad parts and reimburse me, then improve their products. But since this will not happen I am complaining here today and will not buy another Ford product I will also tell everyone I know why I am frustrated with Ford and not to buy their cars.

Marisa of Cincinnati, OH May 21, 2009

I bought my 2000 Focus ZTS in December of 1999. I have a stack of service papers and recalls that have had to be fixed more than one time on most things that is about a foot in heighth layed out flat! This car has been a nightmare! To this day, I only have 74,000 miles on this car. The fuel system has been replaced 5 times and the coil springs on the front passenger side went out. I was told by a Ford mechanic that it was my driving that made it blow!

I was told by multiple other mechanics that i could drive this car off a cliff and the coil spring issue wouldn't have been my fault! I finally received an "Im Sorry for you inconvenience, but a recall was issued for this problem and here is your money back..." I would never recommend someone to buy a Ford Vehicle EVER again. The FOCUS is a JUNK vehicle and Ford should be ashamed of themselves!

Kelli of Bradenton, FL May 17, 2009

I have a 2001 Ford focus and have had so many problems with it. The most recent problem was the key would not turn in the ignition and left me stranded at night. I then got ripped off by a mobile mechanic who replaced the steering column, that was defective, which then I had to take it to the Ford place. Now the cruise contol doesn't work because the steering column was used and the coil was bad in it. I am so frustrated. It ended up costing me big time!

robert of methune, MA May 16, 2009

ford focus 2003 limited edtion at 32,000 miles the alternator caught on fire. cost 600.00 to fix. then came a motor mount. tossed it off to the way wife may drive. next rotted front routers. next cam senser. now 30,000 miles later the alternator caught on fire. again 600.00. i am all done with ford. if went down the tubes today i wouldnt cry

Cinthia of Reedley, CA May 13, 2009

I have had many problems with the key ignition on my 2003 ford focus ZTS. I don't have a warranty anymore and I don't have the money to change a faulty cylinder. I have had problems going to work and school. I don't have a reliable car and my grades have suffered. I am a substitute teacher and I have no way to get to work when I am needed.

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