Engine stalls then turns off. I give it gas and it seems to get worse. Idles down to zero and turns off. I have to wait a couple of minutes, then it will run. It usually will keep happening every few miles until I stop for several hours. I can no longer drive on the interstate/expressway, too dangerous when it stalls at 75mph.

- Lafayette, LA, USA

I was driving down the pa turnpike going 60 mph in my 2002 Ford Focus. I had just passed a cop and have witnesses that I was not speeding or driving erratically. It was 8:30 in the morning and my car suddenly lost all power. My RPM's dropped and I was loosing my speed. (this happened one month prior and I took it to Ford. They replaced the fuel pump and two other parts on warranty) I had to get to the right shoulder, which had a wall right after it, because I was in the left lane where there was a wall directly to my left. In trying to cross the car lost traction on the road and shot me head first into the wall. Head first at 55 mph and my airbags did not deploy. The car has been deemed a total loss and for the past ten days I have been in unbelievable pain, to the er 3 times. Now I have physical therapy for about a month before hopefully everything is better. I am a 19 year old female and I don't want to see anybody else hurt in this sort of accident. I have an attorney and I suggest anyone with a Focus have one on hand. I want everyone to read this before they buy one! my next step is to contact magazines and television shows. I had a guardian angel with me, someone may not be so lucky!

- Luxor, PA, USA

At least twice a week my car takes 2-5 tries to start. After it starts, it runs very rough and feels like it's going to stall...sometimes it does if I'm at a light. I have a stick shift and there's no indication on the idle that it's running low. My car has been in the shop more than I've had it for the last six months. Ford tells me they haven't received any complaints like this and the dealership has told Ford they can't replicate the problem...even though they've told me on a couple of occasions that they have. Usually they don't replace anything but so far they've replaced my egr valve, fuel pump, and gas tank. The dealership has been inconsistent on how they document the time my car's been in the shop and with a one year old and a four year old...I can no longer take time to go to the shop...not to mention lossed time at work. I actually like my car but I need it to start and they obviously can't fix it. This has been a frustrating experience and we will no longer purchase Ford vehicles because of the lack of cooperation from both the dealership and Ford. We've bought an F-150, Explorer, and the Focus from the same dealership...I guess our money was just a drop in the bucket for them and in the long run customer don't really matter. I don't know what to do about the car except to try for the lemon law...but since the dealership has chosen to lie and say they can't replicate the problem, who knows how that will turn out.

- Vadnais Heights, MN, USA

I'm continually experiencing a burning smell (as if something is getting very hot) coming from within the vehicle's engine compartment. This has been an ongoing problem since I purchased the vehicle 'new' approximately six months ago. I've notified the Ford dealership (seller) and return the vehicle back to them regarding this problem. However, they claim that they can't find anything to be concerned about. I advised them about news reports which indicated that others with similar circumstances eventually experienced a vehicle fire in the engine compartment. The dealer then claims that nothing can be done until Ford Motor Company decides to initiate a recall notice.

- Palm Desert, CA, USA

Just completed 3 hour trip in heavy rain. Had driven through area of road with several inches of water. While vehicle approached from opposite direction the resulting splash caused the engine to fail. Towed car to a local Ford dealer and they said the cause of the engine failure was due to too much water in the engine. We also found out that the air intake valve is located near the bottom of the front bumper. This has caused us to need a new engine on a car that we haven't even had for three months. Ford refuses to pay for a new engine and insists it isn't a design flaw. The insurance adjuster stated that it is odd that the engine would fail due to water intake.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Sessler does not seem to care I am not satisfied with their decision to replace the engine. My faith is shaken in the Focus completely.

- Mundelein, IL, USA

This is the third occasion that this particular problem has happened. Neither the Ford Motor Company or my Ford dealer are able to explain or offer any rectification of this particulary dangerous problem.no safety defect listed for above vehicle.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

Within the first month of ownership while driving vehicle shudders and went into a stall. I though I did something wrong and didn't report it. At 1800 miles I drove home from work made a brief stop and when I tried to restart my car nothing worked. The dashboard when blank. Veh had to be towed & was kept for 5 days a fuel pump was put in. At 2874 miles a month later I stopped for gas and vehicle again wouldn't start dash board went blank. Veh taken back to dealership & kept 3 days. A new starter was put in. July 15 engine light & gas light wouldn't go off (was told nothing to worry about keep on dirivng) took veh for repair light went off. 8/2/02 while driving home from work, rush hour on interstate 295 at 60 mph. Dash board went dead engine light came on & veh lost all power. I was able to get to the side of the road and wait and few minutes. Had no cell phone & was in a dangerous on ramp I was able to get the veh moving. Again after a short distance everything when dead. I waited and again attempted to make it home. I was able to get home and call dealership. I attemped to get veh to dealership, but vehicle again died in the road. All lights came on the veh would start. After waiting I was evenutally able to get car to dealers. I am afraid to drive this car. I feel I am putting my life and others at risk with this car on the road. I am handycapped and purchased this vehicle for safety reasons. It has been a nightmare. How can I get rid of this vehicle and get it replaced" I am truely concerned for my life in the car. The vehicle has been repaired, but I feel they just fix things but don't actually know what is wrong. Where do I go for help"

- Pittsgrove, NJ, USA

Consumer states while driving from 35 or more mph the vehicle would intermittently cut off without warning, the vehicle has been to the dealer on three occasions and they were unable to duplicate the problem, the consumer feels excessive heat on his feet while driving, the dealer indicated that all shields are in place, sunroof button is ionperative.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Consumer states while driving vehicle will just stall without any warning, will start back up after sitting for about half an hour. Contacted dealer. Cannot fix problem. Consumer stated that all electrical parts fail to operate when the vehicle stall. The dealer replaced many parts but the problem was not solved.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

At approx three hours after purchasing our new Focus, we where driving on the freeway. The vehicle began to jerk, and the speedometer went from 60 to 140, and returned to zero. The vehicle then came to a stall. We then noticed that the check engine light came on, the fuel cap, and the engine services soon. We were able to restart the vehicle, but approx 5 minutes later, the engine shut off. We then return the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The services department stated that the causes was a loose grounds, and incomplete cir. The services department corrections were diag. Led to loose ground connections near battery. A few days later the vehicle did not want to start, and it took 2 attempt's to start the vehicle.

- La Puente, CA, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

Vehicle would stall while making turns. Dealer was notified, and vehicle was returned back to dealer. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Estes Park, CO, USA

Driving down freeway at 70, engine cut out completely. Was able to restart briefly, but engine died after idling for 20 seconds. All other electrical systems work. Engine turns over, but will not fire. Not a problem with fuel cap, no fuel or fuel shutoff valve.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

While driving at a low speed vehicle will stall without warning. Dealer has been notified. Mechanic has serviced vehicle several times; however, cannot seem to find or correct the problem.

- Cleavland, OH, USA

Vehicle will vibrate, and stall while driving. Dealer contacted, cannot fix problem.

- Plantation, FL, USA

2002 Ford Focus completely shutdown while driving 40 mph and did not start up. Towed to albion Ford for repairs. Albion Ford "repaired" it. (two weeks at the dealer). Picked up car on Friday (5/2/02) and shutdown again on Sunday (5/5/02). Towed to jackson Ford. Currently at jackson Ford for same problem.

- Jackson, MI, USA

While driving 45mph, in the snow vehcle suddenly lost all power, including electrical. Vehicle was able to be restarted. Took to dealer, and vehicle was placed on both the diagnostic and data recorder machine, nothing was found to cause power lost after one week.

- Delevan, NY, USA

While driving, it becomes very unstable when moving over bumpy roads, manholes. It also becomes very erratic when roads are wet. Took to dealer several times. The problem has not been resolved. Nlm vehicle starts and then stalls in am. Dealer could not duplicate customer concern.

- Lunapier, MI, USA