Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. While driving various speeds at night, the low and high beam headlights failed to illuminate brightly. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to metro Ford of madison (5422 wayne terrace, madison, wi 53718, [phone]), but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Headlight failure. With engine running, when the headlight switch is turned on, the headlights (both) do not always go on. Also, after being on for a while (often within 10 minutes, almost always within 20 minutes), both headlights will suddenly turn off on their own. When headlights go off, dashboard lights, and other outside lights, remain on. When the switch is on, but headlights have gone off, if the high beams are toggled on and then off, the headlights will go on (for a while). This sequence occurs repeatedly. Unless it is dark (e.g. If in twilight or in daytime rain), or unless I can see the headlight reflections, I have no way of knowing the status of my headlights. Dealership initially replaced a relay, without solving problem. Dealership then replaced the "multi-function switch" controlling turn signals and high beams, with seeming success. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the side view mirror on the vehicle was repaired and the transmission also slipped. After the repairs were complete, the vehicle did not drive the same. The dealer stated that the parts needed were not in stock and they kept the vehicle for one month. In addition, whenever the left turn signal was activated, the vehicle would shut off entirely. The lights were replaced; however, the vehicle continued to lose power whenever the signal lights, hazard lights, or air conditioning were activated. The headlights continued to short and, while driving at night, the high beams had to be activated. The seat belt in the rear driver's seat was inoperable and the driver's seat continued to move backwards from the steering wheel. …
Dt: the rear tail lights do not come on when lights are turned on. The dash panel lights also do not come on when headlamps are on. The turn signals work, and rear tail lights do work when brake pressure is applied. The consumer replaced a fuse several times, and it continued to blow out, indicating a short in the electrical system. Between the hatch and the body there is wiring harness, and inspection of that wiring harness discovered that the shielding of the wiring separated or cracked, indicating the wires are stressed. The consumer feels this is a problem indicated on a recall for prior model years. The consumer contacted Ford, who said this was not covered under warranty, and was not involved in a recall. The consumer has not taken vehicle to a dealer at this time. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that she experienced numerous issues with the vehicle which included the passenger side struts which had to be replaced twice. The vehicle would sit sideways when parked. The back of the front passenger seat would not lock into place, so it slid forward while the vehicle was in motion. The headlights were too dim and did not provide adequate lighting on the road. The front driver's side seat belt alarm would ring although the seat belt was engaged and the latch would also pop open suddenly at times. The vehicle stalled while the contact was driving and would accelerate suddenly. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the repairs would have to be performed at the contact's expense. The current and failure mileages were approximately 107,000.
I have had more repairs incidences with 2001 Ford Focus than is normal on any car. If most of the repairs had been in the first 18 months I could have easily declared a lemon. Unfortunatley they have been since that time. Most recently I have had the rear wheel bearings replaced for the second time on a 3 year old car and am in the process of having the steering column replaced for the second time. I went through over 3 full sets of tire in less than a year and a half. And less than a year ago I got pulled over by the police because I had absolutely no lights in the back of my vehicle. Ford dealer charged me to replace the rear light housing and some wire that had shorted out.
2001 Ford Focus sw right rear brake light quit working. Tried to follow the procedure in the owner's manual to replace bulb. Took the opportunity to try to replace left bulb. Neither bulb socket would come out of their respective lamp assemblies. Accidently broke-off the bulb holder from the left socket. The bulb and its holder fell into the lamp assembly. This exposed the lamp assembly fitting to view. It was melted. Therefore, it is impossible to change a burnt bulb because the lamp assembly was too distorted from melting to free the socket. The lights were subject to normal use. The terms socket and lamp assembly are as used in the owner's manual.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, he heard noises. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who stated that the left rear coil springs had fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that there was a problem with the headlight lenses which became foggy over time. The dealer stated that they had changed headlight manufacturers because of the problem. The failure mileage was approximately 81,800. Updated 1/19/2010 updated 03/25/11
The plastic sockets in the rear taillight lens assembly melted. (these sockets hold the taillight bulbs in place.) the taillight lens assembly was obviously made from inferior plastic material, because even the back-up light socket; which isn't used very often; was also melted. The Ford dealership wanted to charge $89.00 just to look at the taillights, and just automatically stated that they weren't under warranty and that it would be around $250 for new lens assemblies, and another $45 to install them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford taurus. After starting the ignition, the gear shifter level could only be placed in drive, after shifting from neutral. Also the rear exterior brake lights failed to function. His vehicle identification number was excluded from recall campaign id number 04V106000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 102,000. The current mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
Headlight complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2001 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the lights of the 2001 Ford Focus, 2% of the model year's 1,761 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Focus headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 9% 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.