The contact owns a 2001 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 25 mph and approaching a traffic light, the battery light illuminated. The contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and then flames appeared. She stopped and exited the vehicle when it became completely engulfed in flames. The police and fire departments arrived and a report was filed. The VIN, engine size, and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 52,899. Updated 04/11/08 the dealer stated consumer had vehicle in a pinch bolt torqued and a zetec engine cable routing. The dealer also replaced both front coil springs. Updated 04/11/08

- Jaffrey , NH, USA

I have a 2001 Ford Focus. For the past 3 years now I have had a problem with the battery discharging. I have had the battery replaced more than once and this is not the problem. Recently, my car did not start 12/22 and again on 12/26, 12/27 and now today, 12/30/07. I had to have someone jumpstart my car each time except this morning. No one is available this early in the morning. I am tired of Ford saying they cannot find the problem. I know there are hundreds of people out there having this problem. We need Ford to come forward and admit ownership of this problem and either fix our cars at no charge or issue a blanket recall or something. I cannot afford the towing charges, the days off work while the car is in the shop etc. This will go on for a couple of weeks and then I can go 3 months, maybe 6 months with no problems. I have tried not using my dome light and keeping it in the off position. I manually turn off my radio and headlights before leaving the car in case that was what was draining the battery, but that was not the problem. I do notice that a couple of days before the battery goes dead the car will start lunging a couple of days in advance but only about one time per day.

- Lansing, IL, USA

Brakes failed twice since 2001. Brakes were replaced in 2001 and 2002. Kept repairing the vehicle. The water pump/battery, and tires malfunctioned. On June 11 2005 while driving the car stopped. The car made a popping sound and started smoking. There was a warning, the battery light was on. The engine lights came on right before. Car didnt start back up after several attempts. Car was towed to home. Dealer reported no problem with the vehicle. Car was regularly serviced.

- Mattapan, MA, USA

I would like to know how many recalls can a car have before it is a lemon! my 2001 Ford Focus has had every problem out there and more than half of them, I have had to pay for. In the 4 years I"ve owned this car, I have had the battery replaced at my cost due to stalling, which turned out to be the faulty fuel pump?S fault, so that was replaced; the struts replaced at my cost after they caused my front tire to explode on the freeway; the bushings worked on 3 times yet the suspension still makes a very frightening noise every time I drive. Imagine my surprise (or should I truthfully say, lack of") when I received yet another recall notice in the mail.

- Forest Park, IL, USA

Vehicle hesitated upon starting. Consumer replaced the battery. But, vehicle would not start. Finally, dealer stated that fuel pump needed to be replaced. This vehicle was not included in the NHTSA recall 03V482000 due to VIN.

- Glenside, PA, USA

I have had numerous problems with my Focus. About 3mo after I bought it, the transmission began to feel like it was slipping, and making a noise. I took it to the purchasing dealership, and a mechanic told me it was the torque converter. They didn't have a loaner car for me, so I made an an appointment for the following week. The next day on my way home from work, the car shut down. I called a tow truck, they took it to the closest dealership. When I called the dealership the next day, they said the fuel pump went out. They told me that the stutter I was feeling in my car was probably that. A few days later, the same problem. Took it back to the selling dealership, and the shop supervisor went out with me. He said I was driving the car out of context. What he meant by that, he wouldn't elaborate, but said there is nothing wrong with my car. I have been driving it since, and the computer will fade in and out, but I won't lose engine power. My car has to have new brake pads every couple of months, new tires, and other maintenance things. At less than 40000 miles, it needed new spark plugs, and wires, which I happily bought. The dealership wanted $300, because the plugs were in the back of the motor. I went to my car, popped the hood, four spark plugs lined the top of the head cover. There was no further explanation of the attempted over charge. My car has several other problems. The positive cable on the battery, has melted back, there is a loud roar in the cab of the car, and three of the four lug nuts on the right rear tire has snapped off. The explanation for the lug nuts, was that the tire was loose, not fastened properly. But this problem occurred 3-4 mo after I bought it. The tires had not been taken off. I am to the point where I hate Ford for selling me this car. I will ever buy Ford again, but I love the concept of the car

- Weavervlle, NC, USA

Engine light on. Jerky gear engaging. Choppy acceleration. 8/02 replaced alternator 8/02 replaced V belt 10/02 blinkers out & electric windows broke 10/02 battery light on "corrosion on wires" 1/03 wouldn't start, battery light on, "wire fell off alternator" airbag light on then off

- Ridgewood, NJ, USA

Consumer reported battery failure. On another occasion the brakes failed.

- Houston, TX, USA

Consumer stated the battery light indicator illuminated, just as stated under recall#02V288000, however dealer would not repair because the VIN was not included. Ts. consumer stated the dealer did fix the battery indicator problem at no charge, also the brakes and rotors was replaced.

- Indian Trail, NC, USA