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 2002 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle slipped out of drive into neutral. The contact called fairway Ford (2761 e stone dr, kingsport, tn 37660), and informed the dealer of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that he had to pay a diagnostic fee. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer due to the diagnostic and repair costs. The contact also stated that the vehicle independently shifted to neutral while stopped. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not subjected to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Runaway auto throttle body sticking caused car to become a runaway auto with no control to stop. Exiting highway 80 at prnryn rd. Ext. Cruise control shut off auto speeded up enjine roared appliing brakes didn't stop auto. Went off road and struck a large oak tree. Vehicle overturned down an embankmend. Landed on roof of auto. Auto had 450 miles on it and was totally destroyed.
On Thursday 5/6/04 the 2002 Ford Focus was being driven when the clutch assembly broke off under the dash board, disabling the vehicle. The vehicle had to be coasted off the roadway, and towed to the dealership. The broken pin was found on the floor under the clutch pedal. It could easily be determined that the pin broke off some type of bracket. You could see the welding and what appeared to be part of the bracket. The piece was given to the dealer. The dealer was also informed not to discard any parts. The next day we were notified that this would not be covered under the warranty (unfortunately the vehicle was just over the allowed warranty mileage) however, I inquired as to how this could happen to a vehicle that is only two years old unless it was due to some manufacturers defect. They said they could not help me since there were no other reports or complaints about this. …
This car was purchased new by grandma. She sold it to her grandson this year. It is "like new" and was always kept in an enclosed garage. It has had dealer servicing. The last 10,000 miles it has intermittently failed to maintain an idle. When coming to a stop the car will often die. We took it to the dealer twice and an independent shop once - everyone thought it was the fueling/emission system but there were no error codes and it was difficult to diagnose but because it only happened on occasion. Then the overdrive solenoid failed and gave an error code. By replacing the solenoid the idle problems stopped. …
Engine stalled after I had driven two miles with no warning. I had just down-shifted into 2nd gear as I was slowing to make a turn and the car stalled across two traffic lanes and would not restart. The oil light, battery light, and one other light came on (alternator I think). The car was manually pushed out of traffic lanes in neutral gear by two motorists who stopped to help. They were also unable to restart the vehicle. After approximately 10 minutes the engine started. I had the car towed and after 5 days the dealership still cannot find anything wrong. Apparently the onboard computer did not capture the problem. I am extremely concerned because the car stalled without warning at approximately 25 miles an hour. …
The events leading up to the failure were daily use. The clutch master cylinder is located inside the vehicle. It is a very common failure for it to begin leaking, dripping on the carpet and eventually causing the rubber pad on the clutch pedal to fall off. This in itself is dangerous, but the hydraulic clutch utilizes the same fluid reservoir as the brake system, so the brakes could be affected by a leaking clutch. On my vehicle, I replaced the clutch master cylinder myself. When I was under the car, I noticed a drip from the drain hole in the bell housing- the slave cylinder is leaking, too. These are not "consumable" parts of a car. The simultaneous failure of both indicates that either they are woefully under-engineered, or the seals they used are not compatible with brake fluid. …
I own a 2002 Ford Focus with 54000 miles on it and just last week had a problem with the transmission. When the car acelerated to 30 MPH it would not engage into 3rd gear until you out more pressure on the gas. I took it to a Ford dealer and they had it for 1 1/2 days and came back with an " I think it's a ring in the transmission, but not for sure" they want to charge me over $400 to take the transmission out to see if it's this ring!! And if it's not this ring they think it is then I'm out $400+. I also found a website ( car complaints.com) and noticed that I'm not the only Focus owner with this problem. Other Focus owners on this website have had to replace their transmission 2-3 times between 60,000-100,000 miles because Ford continues to put the same transmission in all their Focus'. I would like to know why a recall hasn't been call out on this car with so many complaints. …
While driving at highway speeds engine lost power, nearly resulting in a rear end collision. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem. The tachometer would suddenly race up to 7000 and the wheels lost power. The vehicle felt as if it were in neutral, after 15-30 seconds or downshifted to 2nd gear, the vehicle re-engages and the wheel power was restored. This was an intermittent problem. Ford was unable to diagnose the problem. A flight recorder was installed twice. The engineers revealed that the problem could have been related to the speed sensors and input shaft sensors. The consumer's husband experienced a complete loss of power. The vehicle was unable to be moved because there was no power steering. The loss lasted 10 seconds, the gear was placed into 2nd gear, then back to drive and the power steering was back active. This problem returned two more times. …
Ford dealership in woodruff, wi replaced front right drive axle and seal 4 times before they got it right and the leak stopped. This initial leak was found by the owner after the car was taken in for a full check upon purchasing indicating the dealership did not inspect the car as they stated and were paid to do. The same day after getting the car back for the last time shifting problems began to occur and I had to replace the overdrive solenoid because the car would not shift into overdrive. This solved that problem but now the car shudders between 40-50 MPH as if it is shifting back and forth between gears. Nothing shows up on a diagnostic check, May be expensive torque converter problem. …
My 2002 Ford Focus wagon needed brakes because the front end would shake when I applied brakes. Also noticed a whirling noise from the back off car but did not mention that to my mechanic. He took it for a test drive and asked if I noticed the whirling noise too. He said he was concerned and checked that 1st. My right rear tire was frozen and not turning, that's where the noise was coming from. It had to be cut off in order to be replaced. He told me that the wheel could have broke off while driving and could have killed me, I had that repaired, along with front end brakes and replaced warped rotors. Then just 2 days later backed out of my driveway and broke a front right coil spring. A year later replaced the alternator. …
Transmission complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Ford Focus, 6% of the model year's 939 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Focus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 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.