Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ignition will not turn without large amounts of spray lubricant and pummeling the key while in the ignition to cause the tumblers in the cylinder to fall into place. This is a major safety issue, because it happens without warning, and right now, during these epic blizzards we are experiencing, it has caused me to be in danger. This problem is common among owners of this vehicle. Many people have developed ways to temporarily fix it since they don't have money available fix this unexpected safety issue, which is not part of preventative maintenance of an automobile.... While others have opted to just get the car towed to a dealership, which replaces the ignition assembly with the same faulty parts, and then charges up to $500. This ignition needs to be recalled by Ford, and it needs to be replaced free of charge with a reliable ignition assembly. …
Poorly designed ignition cylinders. This causes the tumblers to fail resulting in a lock-up of the ignition. The owner cannot turn the key to start the car and as a result, has to be towed. I was told that the ignition cylinders in the 2000 and 2001 Focus were the european design. I have had to replace my cylinder twice. Once it was covered under warranty, the second time it was not and I had to pay $200. There are other Focus owners who have this problem. See the websites below. Http://www.autowhiz.com/messageboards/message.php?id=1784 http://consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_focus_ignition.html http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.eea6dd2/286 among many others I was told that they put an engineer in the position to specifically re-design the ignition cylinder. So while Ford continually claims to not know about the problem, it is apparent that they did. …
My security system basically went nutty...it even sounded funny when the horn sounded, the cruise would also stick or not work at all when it should have been turned on. I have had the hego sensor or the front oxygen sensor replaced 3 times, one at my own cost...I had a huge bulge pop out on my tire early on, Firestone replaced it at no cost...the brakes have intermittantly squealed since the vehicle had few miles on it, when I took it in to get it fixed, it basically felt like they had loosened them because you had to press on the pedal harder to stop, soon after they started squealing again, all Ford will tell me is that I need new brake pads at my cost because it is road hazard...should a car with 40,000 miles need brake pads? I think not. …
The driver side front tire had blown out. The passenger side tire was found worn on the inside along with an exposed wire. (these two tires were not of the same manufacturer) other problem were as followed: the button on the cassette player had broken, the adjuster button for the side view mirror on the passenger side had popped off, while driving the over drive light flashed and the vehicle jumped in/out of over drive (transmission problem-per mechanic), the battery light came on, there were no fuses in the wires under the passenger seat, trunk lock popped off, A/C button light on the dash came on when the heat was on, the brakes squealed(since purchase), there was a blind spot on the passenger side mirror, and when the headlights were on, the driver was unable to see other vehicle's due to the seats being too high. Mr scc
I have replaced my rotors and brakes 3 times already and now they are starting to make that sound again where it starts to drag. I just replaced my brakes in May of 2004 and I have only driven it 8,000 miles. I still have 4,000 miles left on the warranty. I took it in to bill pierre Ford and they told me it was normal to have this niose and that there is plenty of brake left. I am thinking that they are wanting me to drive it until the warranty is up so I will have to replace the rotors and brake pads and pay out of my pocket instead of just replaceing them now! I am very irritated now cause I can not get any help and it is going to cost me another $600.00 dollars!! I have already replaced them 3 times out of my pocket . What the hell is going on with Ford how can they get away with this!
2001 Ford Focus has failed twice during long trips. Vehicle stutters, struggles and will maintain a speed of only 35-40 MPH during these episodes. Stopping, restarting will reset and allow another 5-10 miles of proper operation and then in happens again. During both instances it was hot and humid. Was able to continue trip both times, but this is a scary situation on the interstate!!!!! Suspecting fuel control module, but everything tests fine at the shop and unable to recreate symptoms for mechanic. Online Ford database says this vehicle is not included on the recall for fuel system malfunction, but the sysmptoms are exactly as described in the complaint.
Radio/cd/clock unit appears to short out at various unpredictable times. The cd or radio will act as if the unit is turned off; however the clock display also disappears from the panel. After 10 minutes or longer the clock display will return to the screen - with the correct time and the radio/cd portion can be turned back on as if was turned off. During these "shutdowns" I can not do anything to make the unit work. This includes using the on off buttons and any and all of the other control option/buttons. This has happened three times that I am aware of since I have been driving this 01 Focus 4 door model. Starting in April of this year 2006.
Turned off my 2001 Ford Focus (with only 36,320 miles on it) as usual and when I returned to car and attempted to start it up, the key would not turn in the ignition. Had to have it towed to the dealership where they had to drilled out the tab, and build and install new key cylinder for a total of $427.84. They did not offer the old part to me and I didn't think to ask for it. Thankfully, it happened during the day while I was at my dentist's, and not at night after work. Have since found out that a class action law suit has been filed in california. There should be a recall of these cars.
This came out of nowhere. One day the key would not turn over. It was as if the steering column was locked. We googled the problem and found that it is very common in Ford Focus's built between 2000-2003. The quick fix was to carry a hammer around and give it a hit when the key gets stuck. This has worked pretty well until this morning. It took me 15 minutes to start the car.
2001 Ford Focus se 4 door sedan. 67,140 miles. Turn signal will not turn off automatically once turn is completed either turning left or right. Have to now turn off the signal manually. Happened on my way home from work on 7-19-2011. Nothing yet has been done to correct the failure other than an internet search to determine what might be wrong.
Equipment complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are equipment problems on the 2001 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the equipment & accessories of the 2001 Ford Focus, 1% of the model year's 1,761 complaints. The component named most often is electrical (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Focus equipment problems?
No. NHTSA lists no equipment & accessories recall for the 2001 Ford Focus, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Focus equipment problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.