Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 contacts son owns a 2001 Ford Focus. While driving 55 MPH, the contacts son noticed smoke rising from under the hood, followed by flames. Approximately one minute later, there was an explosion. The fire investigator stated that the fire May have been caused by the transmission. The fire destroyed the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 70,000. Updated 09/12/07
My car has been stalling now for about a year. I had it fixed at around 27,000 miles and I still had a factory warranty and I went to joe machens Ford in columbia, mo (where I bought the car in 10/01) and they said it was a wire on the transmission that was corroded. About 3 weeks ago, this happened again and again I took it to joe machens and they told me there was nothing wrong with it. I had asked them to check again because this had happened about a year ago and it was transmission problems. They replaced some seals. Repair work took about a week. On June 4, 2004, I was going down I 270 in st. Louis, mo and I was in the fast lane going 75mph when my car stalled. It would not go and I am glad that I was going to the speed I was because as it was dying I was able to maneuver over to the side of the road. Joe machens again fixed it and said that it was the fuel pump. …
I was stopped at a red light, when the light turned green and I engaged the gas pedal the car began to clank and jerk loudly and violently. I drove' the car about two feet before the steering seized up, the car could not be put into neutral, died completely, and had to be pushed to the side of the road. One of the pistons, cylinder # 1, was extensively damaged, due to the valve seat failure which shattered the piston, broke off pieces of the piston skirt, and bent the connecting rod. No damage was done to the cylinder wall, but pieces of the piston skirt were found in the oil pan, and pieces of the piston crown were found in the bottom of intake manifold. Valve seat breakage in the older model Focus, is so common that aera engine rebuilders association issued two bulletins (tb 1725 & tb 1939) to alert the industry to this issue. …
Saturday May 04/2013 my car killed over 30 times driving about 5 miles. This happened last year doing 60mph on the freeway. It is impossible to restart a manual transmission at this speed. In this case, I drove into the service department of Ford of bellevue and it continued to kill while there trying to move it. The service person blew me off wouldn't even take the time check it out or even listen. As I was driving out it killed too many times to count. The sales manager said to bring it in Monday. Sunday it stopped killing. When I brought it in Monday, I asked for the service manager, the service employee went to find him & it took about 10 minutes, that was curios as the place was deserted. When the service manager arrived, he refused to discuss the matter only saying we were busy. I had contacted Ford as well as the franchise holder auto nations previously but nothing was done. …
I am writing to you in regard to a host of problems I am currently experiencing with my 2001 Ford Focus zx3.these problems include, but are not limited to: (1) gears not shifting properly and signs of locking up during driving -- and brake grinding sounds; (2) continuous "flickering" of headlights and dashboard panel lights; (3) air conditioning and heating systems not functioning properly; (4) large pond of water (during heavy rains) in floor on front passenger side; (5) problems with fuel module and fuel monitor; and (6) transmission failure in progress. Transmission failure in progress -- ECM codes erased by dealership -- fuel monitor and bad running condition very evident. He further stated the fluid is burnt very badly , he cannot service the transmission at this point and that this vehicle is going to go downhill from here. …
I own a 2001 Ford Focus automatic transmission. I was parked on a flat surface, when someone backed up into my car, they only moved 3 feet didn't do any damage to teh bumpber, but from that slight hit it sent my car free wheeling in park 175 feet, across a road, and slamming into 3 trees totalling out the rear of the car. Luckily no one was hurt nor in the car at the time fo this accident. When I got into my car I expected to see the geer shifter broken but it wasn't it still worked. My car was the way I left it just 175 feet down teh road. This is not right! Two of teh main safety feature failed on this car. Ford sent out an investigartor who looked over the car, pushed on the car with their hands, but never took the transmission aprt to see if there was any damage. Now Ford said there is nothing wrong with my car and it is perfectly safe. …
When accelerating in various inclines or decline my car chokes and hesitates as if it has water in the gas line or the fuel filter is clogged. It starts to jerk and sputter and refuses to accelerate if I push on the pedal instead it chokes out. Either the car dies right there or I manage to pull it over and let it die on its own as soon as I come to a stop. Trouble restarting the car as if to much air intake to choke it out. Finally it starts and it runs after blowing the lines before putting it into drive it's good fro maybe another 10 15 miles and the again it starts puttering and wanted to die no choice but to let it die to restart. …
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. …
My car has 29,500 miles on it. I bought it used about 3 weeks ago. Following symptoms: 1 - car stumbles/hesitates/loses power at around 2-3K RPM...regardless of speed...but stumbling/hesitation is best felt on the freeway. 2 - car has had some type of recall work and dpfe sensor replaced at: 17500 miles. Not sure if fuel pump recall has been performed...Ford dealers have been very reluctant to tell me without making me spend $150+ on a stupid diagnosis...that's called good business. 3 - dpfe sensor replaced prior to me picking up the car at: 28440 miles. 4 - 1000 miles later...I have the stumbling. 5 - things I've done to the car: a - replaced air filter b - replaced fuel filter c - replaced pcv valve d - replaced plugs (using Bosch platinum 2) so far I've done all changes myself because no Ford dealership seems to care to offer advice or a helping hand. …
Vehicle sliped out of park and into drive, while car was running, I was out of the car aproxmently 15ft away checking in on the cookout that was going on at the shop.. At which time I heard like a shifting noise or loud click from the car, I look over at the car an noticed the vehicle started forward an crash into to corner of building causing some minor damage to the right front fender of the car nothing to building. When I got into the car the console gear selector was still in park. I notified great lakes Ford about what happen, I have to bring it in on 09/25/2002 to have the transmission look at. I just hope I dont get the run - around treatment.. I feel after reading other complaints on your web page of this type of car and year having simular problems Ford should be notified and a letter sent out to the customers notifing them of the possible problem with automatic transmission. …
Transmission complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 90 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Focus, 5% of the model year's 1,761 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (48 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford Focus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.