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. In other words, the 2001 Focus that I purchased from Town & Country Ford, Inc. Only nine months ago is not drivable and it will cost at least $2,000 to replace the transmission. This is clearly a defect. It has to be! I cannot afford to repair this vehicle and make payments on it at the same time.

- Gastonia, NC, USA

I took my car to sequioa national forest on memorial day weekend. My car was acting great til I til the grapevine my car suddenly did not want to change gear it would get stuck making my RPM really high I was afraid I was going to burnout my engine after I got into into the mountains the car was fine again maybe cause I was driving under 30 mph but as soon as I got into the highway again I was fine as long as kept the same pace of the car which was 80 mph as soon as I got like 85 or lower to 65 mph it would get stuck. Unfortunetly all of this happen when my warranty expired by 1000 miles. I thought Ford would be understanding but unfortunetly they didnt give a rats behind. So now im stuck with a "dependable" car with a crapped out transmission. Thank you Ford you always make good cars (sarcasm by the way) next time ill get a real dependable car like Honda or Toyota. You suck Ford Motor Company.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

While merging onto the highway the car shifted into neutral and had no way to accelerate and causing a hazard by slowing traffic and having to go to the side of the highway.

- Wautoma, WI, USA

The engine missed usually mildly, but sometimes violently as to shake vehicle and sometimes stall, also the vehicle experienced a raw gas smell, suspension, brake, transmission and tire problems.. consumer also noted the rear hatch popped open by itself.

- Leesburg, FL, USA

The transmission and steering column failed at a low mileage.

- Lancaster, CA, USA

The transmission failed, before the first oil change was performed.

- Orleans, IN, USA

While driving vehicle stalled, resulting in loss of brake and steering functions. As a result, consumer collided with a truck.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

The consumer has experienced the following: The brakes has an abnormal noise, pulsation when moderate-hard braking, and grinding, the accelerator cable clip-broken, battery and case, belt assembly and idler seal, transmission/pan gasket leak, temp guage-found burnt resister/connector-goes hot and cools when A/C is on and the fan does not come on, the vehicle stalled at an intersection, the exhaust camshaft seal is leaking, the fuel sender works intermittently/inop, and the rear suspension-rear shocks-seemed weak and hears a noise in the rear end when going over a dip. Scc

- Newport Beach, CA, USA

No summary.

- Yucca Valley, CA, USA

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. And a recall notice should be issued. Thanks ray scott. Nlm

- Muskegon, MI, USA

Consumer states that the transmission slips, causing a delay in acceleration, the gear shift will stick without any pressure being applied.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

Was driving home from work last Thursday (10 minutes on the interstate, 97 degrees, full ac), when the car started to lose power followed by transmission lurching and engine trying to die. Pulled the remaining block into my apts and opened hood expecting to find overheated engine, and ended up see a bunch of flame and signing my thumb. Got fire extinguisher and put it out, and called fire dept. No work was done to engine other than a new air filter 4000 miles ago. So far the Ford dealer wants to write it off as complete loss and leave it to my insurance. Took out my air intake, melted battery, melted battery wires, ruined hood, scroched headlight, smoked interior, and who knows what got sucked into engine through the intake. Dealer wouldn't tow because "warranty tows have to be called in through Ford customer service". photos are up at www.geocities.com/archangel_jjn. contact me for more information.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Servere bucking/jolting a steady speeds, when A/C is turned on, when slowing down, when stopping, and when shifting gears. Radio turns off by itself, gets loud by itself, and sometimes, you can't turn it off. Popping noises when putting into gear.grinding noises and knocking noises when driving. Car vibrate uncontrolably at times. When increasing speeds, car wants to stall out and not shift gears. Almost lost control serval times because of jolting problem. Ford doesn't care, doesn't want to fix and has refused to contact us after 2 certified letters were sent.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

Consumer states when driving if vehicle hits a bump the rear end of vehicle goes from side to side like its loosing traction of the road. Cause is unknown. Jbconsumer further states the vehicle used to give them 300 miles when the fuel tank is full to empty. Now the vehicle gives them 180 miles. The vehicle also has trouble changing gears and has been stalling. The dealer says there is nothing wrong.

- Macon, GA, USA

Consumer states that the steering mechanism is getting looser the more consumer drives, the looser steering wheel gets. Consumer states there is a lot of play in steering and that makes it very hard to steer the vehicle. The vehicle's mileage is decreasing from 300 miles to 200 miles and then to 180 miles for a full tank of fuel. The vehicle also experiences stalling and changing gears has been difficult.

- Macon, GA, USA

Consumer states that the transmission fails to shift, causing hesitation, while traveling 40 mph and slowing to 20 mph, consumer attempted to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated badly and about 2-4 seconds later the vehicle finally took off. Problem has not been remedied.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

Car has been in the shop 37 days since bought new. Still having problems with brakes.

- Sparks, NV, USA

Transmission makes noise whether at idle or when shifting. The dealer checked out the problem several times and maintained that it was a normal function of the transmission to make noise or clatter.

- New Britain, CT, USA

Consumer states that the transmission fails to shift, causing hesitation, while traveling 40 mph and slowing to 20 mph, consumer attempted to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated badly and about 2-4 seconds later the vehicle finally took off. Problem has not been remedied.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

Consumer states that the vehicle, on numerous occasion has been stuck in park position that no matter how hard the consumer trys the vehicle will not move out of gear. Contacted dealer. Nlm

- Middlebury, IN, USA