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.

- Collinsville , IL, USA

Headlight lenses have turned opaque and make it very difficult to see at night. This could lead to an accident.

- Wilton Manors, FL, USA

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. There have been no repairs or corrections made other than the electrical tape that was placed on the exposed wires by the consumer.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

I purchased a 2001 Ford Focus in August 2001. In Sept. 2001 with only 2240 miles on the car transmission seemed to be slipping and the car failed to accelerate properly. Had it towed to the dealership and they said there was a leak in transmission line. This was repaired. In Oct. 2002 at 16416 miles headlights would not come on when I turned the switch. Switch was replaced. About this same time new brake pads were required. Nov. 2002 at 17871 miles the ignition cylinder locked up. Car was towed and ignition cylinder replaced. August 2003 at 26757 miles ignition cylinder locked up again. Once again the car was towed to the dealer and ignition cylinder was replaced. Now I have a bubble in one tire and my brakes are squealing. What's next" not once have I picked my car up from the dealer and it been washed or vacuumed out. I bought a new car because I needed reliable transportation. Now I feel like taking it back to the dealer and letting them keep it. I wonder how many Ford employees would buy a Focus".

- Hurst, TX, USA

While driving at night unable to see as a result of headlights not being bright enough, the consumer was told that the head light on this model vehicle cannot be adjusted, also the key cannot be removed from the ignition every time the vehicle is stopped, at times the vehicle has to be restarted before the key can be removed, intermittently the trunk will not open on the first attempt.

- Salem Springs, AK, USA