Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others. Do we have some manufacturer defects on this particular vehicle? Have other concerns which could be the result of vehicle wear and tear, or/and due to manufacturer defects as well. Inner tie rods need replaced as well as control arms/bushings, as reported to me by a mechanic. …
At speed of 40+MPH and uneven highway or when encountering a manhole cover the rear of the car sways and shimmies left to right in an extreme manner. Noticed much worse with new tires that grip well. Have had it inspected by a professional who says all vital parts look okay. 4 wheel alignment did not remedy. I see references to a design issue with the upper control members that make it impossible to reach a correct camber setting. I don't trust much on the internet though, and would like NHTSA guidance or further information. Thanks for any help you can provide, I appreciate it.
OK so I've had my Ford Focus for about 3 months now I fell in love with this little thing recently got struts changed in front and ball joints bushings and tires so I knew it would need an alignment so got that done now at speeds from 50-60 MPH this car starts fishtailing out of control I dont have alot of money I am not workin at present so I cant afford to take my used car to dealer much less to another auto shop. I travel 50 -70 miles each day to work and I'm scared its gonna fishtail me into a wreck. Mileage 134000 applke valley calif.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. While driving 50 to 60 MPH, the suspension spring on the front driver side snapped in half. The failure caused a sharp point and shredded the front driver side tire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The tire and spring were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 120. Updated 08/17/16 the consumer has since sold the vehicle. Updated 08/22/16.
Vehicle has about 108,000 miles. I did replace the tie rods control arms and sway bar of the front subframe. The mechanic said that the subframe is very rusted and the engine could fall of if the vehicle is not serviced immediately. I bought the car around 90,000 miles and have already replaced fuel pump and other parts under the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. While the vehicle was being serviced, the technician informed the contact that the rear coil spring was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
My Ford Focus left tire fell off because of the wheel bearing breaking. With no warning or noise my tire detached during driving. My tire was found 40 yards away with the lugs nuts still attached to the outside of the drum brake. Police report was filed.
The front coil spring broke while doing 70 MPH on the highway and the coil spring dug into front tire. Locking of front tire forced me off the road. Thankfully, I was able to come to a rest in the borrow pit.
My father owns this vehicle, but he bought it for me for safety reasons, I am a 16 year old female. Traveling at normal highway speed on a dry, two lane highway with no traffic at night my 2002 Ford Focus lost control due to the front control arm fracturing. My right front tire ended up totally unattached to the control arm and only staying attached to the vehicle by the hold of the tie rod. My vehicle swerved into the median and into the oncoming traffic (thankfully no traffic was around). Being by myself with no cell phone I waited until someone stopped on the side of the road. A police man, officer strom from the titusville police dep't stopped and noticed the skid marks and verified the front wheel had in fact come loose of the control arm and caused the accident. The tow truck operator, herb daniel's also verified the fracture in the control arm. …
My 2002 Ford Focus se wagon has had innumerable problems. Firstly..melting battery cables due to poor and faulty wiring that could have caused an explosion of the battery had I not had to pay to get it fixed along with purchase of two new batteries thanks to the melting battery cables causing a short in the system. It subsequently killed the alternator which had to be replaced. It also subsequently killed the thermostat and the solenoid switch which caused overheating and dying problems with the car while driving. Most recently the passenger side wheel bearing went out and was causing driving problems unable to control car. Now more recently, it had to have a faulty tie rod placed which nearly caused me to have an accident. …
NHTSA investigations
Front suspension lower control arm
There is no summary currently available
Front susp collapse/wheel separation
See attached report.
Suspension complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2002 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 109 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Ford Focus, 12% of the model year's 939 complaints. The component named most often is rear (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Focus suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2002 Ford Focus, though it has 1 recall 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 2002 Ford Focus suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to suspension 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.