Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
I took my vehicle to the Ford dealership in December of 2003 for the so called "recall" of the fuel delivery module because my vehicle was experiencing the listed symptoms among other issues. The dealership kept my car for 2 days and drove it less than a mile and determined that my vehicle was not affected by the fuel pump problem and charged me for a diagnostic test. Since that time I have had several other repairs due to exhaust problems and fuel problems. Now my vehicle will not start due to a faulty fuel pump which should have been replaced when I requested it to be done. Now I have to get my car towed to the dealership to benefit from the 10 year warranty that they put on the fuel system. My vehicle would sometimes have small surges. On July 15, 2005 it surged while at a red light and caused me to hit another vehicle from behind. Now my insurance May increase. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. She had her vehicle repaired according to recall# 03V482000 ( fuel system, gasoline). After the repair while at a local gas station she saw a puddle of gasoline from under the fuel tank. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and an updated version of the component was installed. Years later, while driving the driver-side head light failed. She pulled over to a local store and turned the vehicle off. Minutes later smoke engulfed the front-end of the vehicle, and then flames erupted. The fire department extinguished the flames and cut the battery cables. A fire fighter speculated that the battery caused the fire. The manufacturer was contacted in reference to recall #: 02V288000 (electrical system:battery:cables). Upon contact she was advised that her vehicle identification number was excluded from the VIN range. …
I am the owner of a 2001 Ford Focus that suffers from a clogged fuel pump. Because of this issue, my vehicle was rear ended when I lost power and stalled making a right hand turn. This clog is the result of some material used in the fuel tanks of '99, '00 and '01 Ford Focus. Ford is aware of the problem and the stalling symptom in an ssb issued to all Ford dealers service centers. The repair is to replace the fuel pump and clean the tank at an expense of $500-$1000+ to the owners. This matter has been an issue and discussed by thousands of Focus owners around the country on such sites as http://www.focaljet.com and Focus forums on http://www.yahoo.com. Since Ford only issued an ssb and not a recall, we feel this is of great safety concerns as it can and has resulted in accidents.
On 7/27/2012, the car caught on fire while being driven. The smoke started coming into the interior through the vents. When attempting to pull over,there was no brake (my guess is that the brake line had melted.). My husband used the e brake and park to stop and someone yelled...get out of the car.my husband and son jumped out and the car became engulfed. There is nothing left. He told me that just before that it started hesitating some,like it was going to cut off, but didn't. For a more detailed statement please contact him. I am so thankful that they got out... Thank you,
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. While idling at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled and the battery and oil warning indicators flashed on and off. The vehicle was pushed by a bystander to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a unknown local Ford dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.
Had good tune up,car was doing good and now just as I have read problems with the fuel system,is exactly what happened out of nowhere starts giving me issues starting and staying running.after testing I have 90%of fuel pressure which should only be 40-45 max????was checked in shop over a week and looking through recalls I believe it is a defect in the fuel system the fuel is going somewhere but not allowing car to run.to take off there is no taking off ,like the oedal does nothing just for looks.would like to hear back.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus se. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate and loose power while driving. The failure occurred without warning. The dealer replaced the fuel filter, but the failure persists. The contact stated that the failure has been ongoing and resulted in a vehicle crash. The manufacturer stated that her vehicle was not included as part of any recalls. A valid VIN, the engine size, and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage is 110,000 and failure mileage was 90,000.
This car has electrical issues,the dash and tag lights flicker,the car has been turning off while I'm driving with my son in the car over 3 times now,on the highway and on main street,its so scary I've had panic attacks and got a stress rash on my face. Im so scared that I can't drive it,I've had the fuel pump replaced,spark plugs,motor filter.I just try to keep getting it repaired costing me my bills money being a single parent. I'm overwhelmed and don't know what to do.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled sporadically at various speeds. The failure occurred when making a right turn or when low on fuel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
When vehicle has ideled or traveled at slow speeds for a long period, the vehicle will not accelerate. It will also stall has lost fuel efficiency and driver can smell fuel. Mechanic states the fuel rail pressor sensor is leaking. Mechanic states part is on national back order. One can only assume that back order is caused by same or simillar malfunction.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
Remedy: 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…
NHTSA investigations
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 through a right hand turn such as merging into freeway traffic when the fuel level in the fuel tank…
Fuel System complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 318 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Ford Focus, 18% of the model year's 1,761 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (152 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Focus fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-482 (fuel system, gasoline, Nov 19, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Focus fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 3 fires and 11 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.