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Ford Focus Recalls and TSBs

160 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2012 at 10:11 AM

You are in the Ford Focus Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Focus, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 8 of 17

#67 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [pcleveland2] by grad

Jun 05, 2005 (11:15 am)

Replying to: pcleveland2 (Feb 16, 2001 7:09 pm)
I missed the original message concerning faulty ignition key. My 2001 Focus ignition key failed at 6 Pm in April of 2005 with 89,000 miles on car. 30,000 miles prior I had had a little trouble and went to the dealer who claimed they "knew about problem" but could not change it at that time. It was a nightmare being stuck for four hours in a parking lot because the wheels had been turned when I entered space and first tow truck (arrived 2 hours after called AAA) couldn't tow me-need a flat bed truck that arrived about a half hour later. It cost me $235.00 to get repaired.
I have since learned that dealer was advised by Ford in Feb 2005 of problems with ignition key but they never advised Ford owners. Ford's laxity cost me $235.00 and a very bad night. I'm considering suing them if they don't reimburse me.Anybody else out there with similar experience?

#68 of 160 Re: Ignition Switch [grad] by sleddawg

Jun 09, 2005 (5:58 am)

Replying to: grad (Jun 05, 2005 11:15 am)
Yes, I had this problem with a 2000 Focus wagon. Mine was worse. After 3 new tumbler assemblies my local mechanic and the dealer finally determined that the lock on my car was unlike any other installed in a Focus. In fact, the lock assembly did not match the combination of tumblers that is supposed to be in the car according to Ford’s own VIN computer records! The Focus lock is supposed to have 8 notches/tumblers – the one in my car had only 6! So, despite all my (excellent) mechanic’s attempts to install the proper Ford replacement part, IT WOULD NEVER WORK! So, he was forced to replace ALL the locks in the car, doors and ignition in order to make the car usable. Ford offered no help and, because I had the work done by someone other than the dealer (the dealer could not figure out the problem!) $500+ with no recourse or refund. Mine was an early production model (2000) so speculation was that they used a lock assembly from an Escort or something at the factory!
 
The dealer did not/could not figure this problem out. They told me that Focus locks wearing out/failing is a common problem, well known to Ford, and that they (dealer) had told them that there should be a recall. He was not holding his breath though... So, good luck!

#69 of 160 ford focus ignition key failure by focusowner

Jun 25, 2005 (8:33 pm)

coordinate our efforts!
 
I've registered the following address:
 
fordfocusignitionyahoo.com
 
I'd like to build a list of all disgruntled focus owners and target ford, the attorney general, the press and the NHTSA at once.
 
I believe a signed petition, email, and phone calls made by all involved at an organized time will have more impact on ford's willingness to replace the switch with something that works like the Strattec part number 707592 I've found mentioned on another forum by a number of locksmiths.
 
I believe ford should also pay qualified locksmiths to do this work since the best replacement park is coming from a third party.
 
For you locksmiths out there, feel free to share the email with your customers.
 
I agree that the inability to start a car can be a danger to the driver, especially if they are stranded for a long time in a deserted or unfamiliar area.
 
Please drop an email to fordfocusignitionyahoo.com and let's be heard with one voice.
 
If you know of any other focus owners who have had the same problem, please refer the email to them as well.
 
the thought of my girlfriend calling me again because she is stranded somewhere does not sit well with me.
 
thanks.

#70 of 160 Ignition Tumbler Replacement.. by chicobien

Jun 30, 2005 (8:08 am)

I'm placing a complaint to NHTSA, Office of Defects Investigation (https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Consumer.cfm) after having the same problem on my 2000 Focus ZTS about 2 weeks ago on Father's Day weekend..

#71 of 160 need some advice please!!! by moll

Aug 10, 2005 (10:48 pm)

I am looking at a base model 2001 focus sedan as a communter. I'll be averaging 350-400 miles a week (to and from college). But from reading some of these posts it sounds like there are a lot of big fixit issues with this car? Is this typical? Should I look at this car at all or what? I'm not rich and need a solid economical car. Thanks in advance for any help!

#72 of 160 Re: need some advice please!!! [moll] by creakid1

Aug 13, 2005 (4:14 am)

Replying to: moll (Aug 10, 2005 10:48 pm)
Consumer Reports gave the Focus an average reliability rating these days, but that's the combined score of the disastrous Ford-engine Focus (up to '03) & the very reliable Mazda-developed-engine Focus (starting late '03)!
 
So just look for a 2.3, or just any '05.

#73 of 160 Alignment by newdriver2

Aug 15, 2005 (1:37 pm)

I bought 4 new tires from Sears last month and have the Alignment on the same day. However, after the alignment, my car keep pull to the right on the highway. I drove to Sears to have them fix the alignment today. Unfortunately, after they redo the alignment, the car pull to the left instead right. I asked them what is going on to my car they told me that I may need the new Strut for the front. Does anyone know the strut could effect the alignment or they are just BullShiting. I don't want to pay for something that wasn't a problem.
Does anyone know why my car keep pull to one side? any information could help me. I love this car so much and I don't want anything happen to it.

#74 of 160 Re: Hot oil/rubber odors [reallybob] by dhays

Sep 17, 2005 (3:40 pm)

Replying to: reallybob (Mar 30, 2002 1:46 am)
I have been experiencing the smell of burning oil or rubber on my 2002 SE for the past few weeks. I just had an oil change at a quick lube shop and, while the clerk didn't mention it, I noticed on the paperwork that the technician had noted that the "motor was leaking at the oil pan". I'm wondering what that's about.

#75 of 160 Power Window Screeching/Poor Actuation by cindery

Sep 27, 2005 (6:24 pm)

Year: 2002
Model: Focus ZTS
Mileage: 37,000
 
Issue: Driver side door power window operates slowly, makes a loud screeching noise when moving up and down and makes noticable "clunking" noise when operating. Window also "shifts" slightly out of horizontal when opening.
 
Completed Actions: Windows and seals were carefully inspected, cleaned and found not to be causing the noises.
 
Anyone else experienced this issue?
 
Thanks

#76 of 160 Re: Alignment [newdriver2] by cmuniz

Sep 30, 2005 (3:02 am)

Replying to: newdriver2 (Aug 15, 2005 1:37 pm)
Unless you have prior experience with that Sears auto shop that proves otherwise, I would NOT trust a Sears auto shop's diagnosis without checking it out further. A strut is an expensive repair and it may not solve the problem. I would take it to a tire specialty shop or an alignment shop and tell them what has happenend. I would trust them more than Sears when it comes to auto stuff.

Messages Page 8 of 17

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