2002 Ford Focus electrical system problems

Jan 21, 2023 · failed Jul 13, 2021 · SC

I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others. Do we have some manufacturer defects on this particular vehicle? Have other concerns which could be the result of vehicle wear and tear, or/and due to manufacturer defects as well. Inner tie rods need replaced as well as control arms/bushings, as reported to me by a mechanic. I have seen recall reports related to the 2002 Ford Focus in which there has been issues directly related to what I'm reporting, which is another reason I'm filing a report. Thank you. The contact wanted to add that the wipers are experiencing an electrical issue as well. When in use, the wipers cannot be switched off when it is at the highest position because it will not return in the downward position.

Feb 5, 2018 · failed Jan 8, 2015 · 125,000 miles · OK

Rear right passenger door will not unlock/open. When trying to unlock I don't hear the solenoid moving. When trying to open from either inside or out if feels like the handle isn't moving anything.

Dec 15, 2014 · failed Dec 13, 2014 · 167,511 miles · TX

Hatch switch failed .ghost electrical problem having wiper come on at times.wiring harness inside rubber boot located where hinges between hatch and vehicle body develope bare and broken wires. Found this after checking all fuses and switches. This is apparently common as seen on you tube and seems to have been previously reported. Please reply as to why there has been no recall. Surely dealers have encountered this defect. Like one individual said his dog could have flew out the rear going 70. Not to mention fire.mine blew no fuses. *tr

Oct 28, 2014 · failed Oct 24, 2014 · 34,000 miles · CA

Ever since I have had this car and since the warranty ran out in 2005, I have nothing but repairs. First, the radio needed to be replaces, then the brakes, then the locks on both doors and then the brakes again, high beam light never goes off, always on and now the radiator. This car is 12 years old, has less than 50,000 miles on it and it has been nothing but trouble. I live on a limited income and cannot afford all these repairs and ford could care less. If I ever buy another car, it will not be a ford. This is why the name stands for: fix or repair daily. I am not asking for money but if you want to throw some my way thanks and if not thanks. *tr

Oct 15, 2014 · failed Oct 14, 2014 · 90,000 miles · CA

Ignition cylinder in steering column is frozen. Key inserts but will not turn at all. Cannot start the car, shift into neutral, etc. *tr

Aug 28, 2014 · failed Nov 29, 2012 · AL

Alternator pulling to much fire from the battery. *tr

Jul 24, 2014 · failed Dec 5, 2013 · 189,000 miles · OH

Car when warmed up and during intercity driving will randomly cut out when the accelerator is not depressed. Car shuts off and becomes hard to steer and control. Have almost been hit and no one can figure out what's wrong. It does this intermittently. Also the car has the updated thermostat housing and the thermostat still tends to overheat. Have contacted ford and call center employee did not seem too enthusiastic to help. Offered to find me a ford dealer but not someone from their safety office. Also, car had old style ignition cylinder which locked back in february. This seems to be a common problem... Aftermarket have the same design. *tr

Feb 6, 2014 · failed Feb 4, 2014 · 80,000 miles · MN

Decklid wiring harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the hinge. Similar to NHTSA recall id# 00V411000. Consequences: this could result in either a loss of individual lamp functions, or in the case of a short of the broken wires that causes a fuse to open, in the loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function. Loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function could increase the risk of a crash. *tr

Dec 14, 2013 · failed Dec 6, 2013 · 60,000 miles · MD

Vehicle towed to ford dealer because it would not start. Upon inspection, dealership found front sub frame completely rusted through. Said it is "one pothole away from the engine falling out; totally unsafe to drive." rusting also caused corrosion in wires from ignition to starter, resulting in car not starting. This car was purchased brand new, has been garage kept, only driven 5,000 miles per year by elderly couple. Obviously the metal used in sub frame was not properly coated. Will cost thousands of dollars to fix, if it is deemed worth fixing! Someone could have been seriously hurt or killed if this engine had indeed fallen out while in motion! *tr

Sep 9, 2013 · failed Sep 26, 2012 · 132,000 miles · OR

While waiting at a construction site the engine died and would not start (the engine indicator lit). The brake lights, power windows, and rear hatch release also failed to function. The vehicle was towed and the personal mechanic reported the electrical harness to the rear hatch had failed where is passed between the body and the hatch door. The harness electrical insulation was cracked on the entire bundle of wires and shedding fragments causing some wires to short, the 15 amp fuse for the brake lights had evidence of heating, but did not blow, rather, wires leading to the brake pedal sensor, the 15 amp fuse, and along the harness back to the short in the rear wiring harness near the center brake light had discolored and were melted in some segments. Ford customer service said to consult a ford service center to determine if there was a manufacturing defect. The ford service representative said he had seen this before and said it was not a manufacturing defect, rather it was a design defect that occurs after 10 years or more. *tr

Aug 14, 2013 · failed Jan 1, 2013 · 100,000 miles · NV

The motor on the sun roof and all of my windows went out the handle on door for the front passenger fell off the ,rear door on the passenger side on the inside just fell apart sometimes you can't open the door from the inside or the outside its like they freeze up and a day later they open (this is a huge safety issue ) sometimes my car just dies out and all of the panel goes blank like it just shuts down. *tr

Apr 14, 2013 · failed Feb 3, 2010 · 45,000 miles · OH

Having interminent electrical issues. Would start up and run fine for a period of time, then the 2002 ford focus would just stop running. As time passed the issue grew worse, now the focus will not run at all. The dealership coud not duplicate the problem and could not fix it. *tr

Dec 31, 2012 · failed Dec 15, 2012 · 132,500 miles · MI

Vehicle runs fine when we go into school/business or what ever we park and come out and the vehicle does not start, after 1/2 hour to an hour the vehicle starts and no problems. It turns over but does not fire. New battery did not change it. Tune up by a certified mechanic did not fix issue, plug it into a test machine no codes given. This does not happen all the time, every once in a while. Issue is that a young lady drives the vehicle, if she is stuck in the wrong parking lot who knows what can happen. God forbid. *tr

Aug 1, 2012 · failed Jul 30, 2012 · TX · fire

Battery cables shorted out causing small fire on battery cables and melting on both battery cables. *tr

Jul 28, 2012 · failed Jul 22, 2012 · 135,000 miles · OH · fire

I drove my ford focus about 6 miles to a stop light. When it turned green, I pressed the gas. The car stalled like it was out of gas, regained partial power, and displayed the airbag light. It made it to the next stoplight, and I pulled it over to the side and turned it off and removed the key. At that point a plume of white smoke shot out of the driver's side hood. I told my son to get out because I knew the car was on fire. We walked away, and as we did, the amount of smoke increased exponentially. Within minutes, the front end of the car was totally engulfed in flames. The windshield shattered and melted, the hood was charred and black, the plastic parts of the fenders and bumpers melted away, and part of the body metal burned away on the hood and the fenders. Everything under the hood was melted, distorted, or otherwise destroyed. I kept the car very well maintained, making sure to fix everything that was ever wrong with it immediately upon discovery. I kept up on all oil changes. It is perplexing that a car which is so well kept would spontaneously self-ignite, however there have been accounts of fires in the ford focus since 2000, and many since. Now I have added one more. The car, obviously, is a total loss. *tr

Jun 19, 2012 · failed Dec 29, 2011 · 87,000 miles · NY

Key would not turn in the ignition lock cylinder. Ignition key could be inserted all the way into the lock cylinder, but key would not turn forwards or backwards to either engage the starter or turn on accessories. Tried moving the steering wheel to free up the cylinder and made sure the car was in park to try and turn the cylinder. Nothing. Was told by the aaa mechanic that this is a common issue with early model year ford focuses. The issue, per the aaa tow truck operator could be temporarily resolved by using some wd40 on the key and a couple of quick taps to the key while in the lock cylinder. This fix did not work at this time. Had to have my car towed to the dealer since this was not a fix I could make on my own (I could replace the cylinder myself, but the car's passive alarm would need to be re-set by the dealer). Resulting charge was $378.50 for a part I could have fixed for $60-70. My lock cylinder needed to be re-keyed by the local ford dealer. Safety issue: could have been stranded. Car failure occurred on very cold day. *js

Mar 20, 2012 · failed Mar 18, 2012 · 115,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact attempted to start the ignition numerous times however, the ignition key failed to turn in any direction. The key was eventually released from the ignition switch. The contact planned to have the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Mar 5, 2012 · failed Feb 27, 2012 · 130,852 miles · TX

I had my 81 yearold mother with me, I turned off the car and when I tried to start it the key would not turn. It was not until 5 days later that my mechanic son in law was able to look at it and tell me the problem and that a ford garage had to fixit. Their prices vary from 350.00 to 450.00 to replace my ignition switch assembly. It is a 48.00 part. Ford refuses to recall because they claim it is not a safety issue. It is if someone has a heart attack or a stroke because of the stress of being stranded in the middle of nowhere or because it is over 100 degrees and you can't walk to a phone or turn on the air conditioner. Not everyone has a cell phone. It is covered under warranty but the problem does not occur until it is out of warranty and it has to be repaired every time by ford. It is a safety hazard especially for the elderly. *tr

Dec 14, 2011 · failed Jan 4, 2008 · 80,000 miles · NV

The motor on the sun roof went out while the vehicle was still under warranty I had it fixed then after the warranty expired it went out again and I couldn't afford to get it fixed, the motor for the rear windows went out (both passenger sides) the front passenger door does not lock because the motor went out, and know the drivers side window is starting to make a noise like it going to go out also and the door lock is making noise like its going to go out. This is a huge safety issue first of all when carrying small children in the back and another safety issue with the doors not locking makes it much easier for someone to car jack you. I have never had a vehicle that the electric windows and doors and the moon roof went out this has to be a defect I have gone to the dealership to complain after the warranty had expired and I was told that there are no recalls and they can't help me unless I pay. I can't even lock the door using a key because it doesn't work. *tr

Dec 13, 2011 · failed Dec 9, 2011 · 96,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. While parked, the vehicle ignited into flames. The fire department extinguished the massive flames and informed the contact that the fire originated within the battery. The vehicle was declared as destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

Sep 21, 2011 · failed Sep 19, 2011 · RI

Key will not turn in the ignition, thereby preventing the car from starting. *tr

Aug 8, 2011 · failed Aug 3, 2011 · KY

Vehicle failed to start after completing a 30 minute drive and being turned off for about 5 minutes. Clicking noises like starter failing to engage or low battery ensued. When hood was lifted and battery cover removed and cables and connections were inspected, it was observed that the positive cable off the back of the positive battery harness was exposed, the insulation being almost completely melted. The exposed wires showed signs of fraying and burning. After attempting to jump start the vehicle about 3 times and waiting about 20 minutes, the vehicle started. The vehicle was driven about 20 miles to a service station and inspected by their mechanics. It was decided for safety reasons(fire hazard) to leave vehicle. In 45 years I have never known a battery cable to melt even though I have had bad connections, corroded terminals and harness to the battery and even bad starters. All of the above reasons were the only solutions offered to me.

Jun 10, 2011 · failed Jun 9, 2011 · MI

Went to leave work yesterday and the key won't turn at all in my 2002 ford focus. After a quick internet search, it seems to be a huge problem and consistent failure on fords part...but they refuse to issue a recall. From what I've read, the dealership charges $350-450 to replace this part, and they replace it with the same faulty designed part that was causing the problem in the first place! *tr

Apr 12, 2011 · failed Apr 12, 2011 · 170,000 miles · WV

I have had my 2002 ford focus for 2 months. The key has always gave me problems with not wanting to turn. Today though I went to go to my college classes and the key will not turn at all. I have tried to get it to turn for 2 hours. Untill I said [xxx] it before I break the key and that I had already missed my class that I couldn't miss because of a test. Now I get a zero. I like ford vehicles but if they cant even fix a small igntion defect for thier customers[xxx] ford. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Apr 10, 2011 · failed Jan 8, 2010 · 69,411 miles · OK

At 69,411 miles my 2002 ford focus battery cable was defective and had to be replaced. There were battery cable recalls on other ford focuses for this problem that caused fires. Of course ford would not pay for mine. *tr

Feb 9, 2011 · failed Feb 8, 2011 · 59,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but the key would not turn within the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The authorized dealer was notified and they informed that the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000.

Dec 5, 2010 · failed Nov 26, 2010 · 80,000 miles · OR

Complete ignition lock failure. Can not turn key in ignition to start the car. *tr

Dec 1, 2010 · failed Nov 12, 2010 · 82,000 miles · CA

On nov 12, 2010 my car would not start. I had to have my vehicle towed on nov 13,2010. Per the tow truck driver the reason why my vehicle would not start was because of a defective ignition part. Later that night on nov 13, 2010 my vehicle once again began to work. I called the local ford dealership service department to inquire if the was any recalls pertaining to this part. They told me no. Again on nov 17, 2010 the problem began again. I did not drive the car for several days until nov 20, 2010. Today dec 1, 2010 I was left stranded due to my car not starting again. This is a safety concern for me because I have spoken with several mechanics as well as tow truck drivers who all have informed me that recently many ford focus vehicles they have either worked on or towed have all had the same problem as mine. As of now I will have to pay all costs out of pocket for these repairs for a well known defective part that the ford company refuses to put a recall on the vehicles that are affected by this problem. This company needs to own up to this problem that is a huge safety concern!!! *tr

Nov 15, 2010 · failed Nov 12, 2010 · 22,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact stated that when the key was in the ignition, it would not turn the engine on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the cylinder and the key switch at the contacts expense. The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance with the failure. The vehicle was being repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 1/21/11 *cn the key would not turn the ignition. The dealer replaced the ignition lock cylinder updated 04/18/11

Nov 15, 2010 · failed Nov 12, 2010 · 22,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact stated that when the key was in the ignition, it would not turn the engine on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the cylinder and the key switch at the contacts expense. The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance with the failure. The vehicle was being repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 1/21/11 *cn the key would not turn the ignition. The dealer replaced the ignition lock cylinder updated 04/18/11

Sep 22, 2010 · failed Aug 18, 2010 · 60,000 miles · CA

I own a 2002 ford focus zx5 wagon, the brake lights stay on constantly while I'm driving, regardless if I'm pressing on the brake or not. This is a huge safety problem as the brake lights are no longer functional if they are constantly on. There seems to be a recall on the 2000 ford focus on a decklid wire harness, however this should be expanded to cover all the ford focus hatchbacks/wagons as the problems are still evident beyond the 2000 year. I've had this problem since august 2010 and now september 2010 I've finally found the problem to be the exact problem as the recall in the year 2000 models. There should be an investigation on this issue, it's very dangerous to be driving with the brake lights on at all times. This defect needs to be recalled asap. *tr

Sep 13, 2010 · failed Sep 11, 2010 · KY

I have 2002 ford focus the ignition or starter is giving me problem the car want start at times I get stranded sometimes it takes over five minutes to get started. *tr

Aug 28, 2010 · failed Aug 28, 2010 · CA

Key won't turn in the ignition of my 2002 ford focus -- it's locked. *tr

Jul 27, 2010 · failed Jul 10, 2010 · 66,939 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. The contact stated the battery warning light and the entire dashboard lighting began to abnormally flicker on and off. The alternator warning light also illuminated and the vehicle then stalled. The contact believed there to be a short in the system but the vehicle was not taken in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 66,939.

Jul 26, 2010 · failed Jul 25, 2010 · 67,500 miles · UT

I own a 2002 ford focus se and for the past three weeks we've been forced to "entice" our key into the ignition and to turn in the ignition to start the car. Finally, today, 07/25/2010, we had to leave it while visiting a friend because it would not start, no matter what we did. We will be towing it and fixing the problem and, through research, we have came to the conclusion that it would cost $300+ to do so. *tr

Jun 13, 2010 · failed Jun 13, 2010 · 124,000 miles · VA

The ignition on my 2002 ford focus will not work and my understanding that this is happening to many people also. This issue will leave you stranded and unable to leave your current destination. In the event of an emergency it is unreliable. I work for a fire and rescue agency which requires me to make quick response and with this defect I cannot. Imagine if a female is in a domestic issue and need to get away or is out shopping late and need to leave the area she is left vulnerable and alone with no way of leaving. This defect need to be addressed asap. I have researched this issue and found that after replacing the defected part you still will have the same issue because of poor design. Your attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. *tr

Jun 10, 2010 · failed Jun 5, 2010 · 83,000 miles · MI · fire

Ford focus zx5 2002 power cut out completely while I sat in vehicle with air conditioning running; smoke billowed out from under the hood. I turned off the ignition immediately and pulled the key out of the ignition. The car ignition turned the vehicle back on all by itself. The car began to rumble and smoke spewed from under the hood everywhere. I jumped out of the vehicle and grabbed my two dogs from the back seat. I ran into the lawn care business and announced "my car is on fire -- call 911." two employees came out, one with a fire extinguisher; the other asked me for the ignition key who jumped in the vehicle and tried to turn the car ignition off--the car ignition went off but turned on again even after the key had been removed. He pulled the hood latch so the other employee with the extinguisher could use the fire extinguisher. When that person opened the hood, flames shot everywhere. The fire department and police came. The fire department said that the car would have exploded within 2 minutes had the employees not used the fire extinguisher. The fire department sprayed the vehicle with additional fire retardant and stated that the vehicle is "totaled." *tr

Jun 10, 2010 · failed Jun 9, 2010 · 130,000 miles · NY

Key is stuck in ignition, vehicle will not start. My son was stranded. *tr

Jun 9, 2010 · failed Jun 8, 2010 · 110,000 miles · TX

2002 ford focus ignition problem. I purchased this car two months ago and it works great. Problem is sometimes ignition switch get stuck and wont turn. Now my husband is stuck in another state and stranded due to this problem. Very disappointed with ford. *tr

Jun 9, 2010 · failed Jun 8, 2010 · 175,778 miles · PR · fire · 1 injured

Engine compartment fires on the driver's side in the area of the battery burning all the wires and the left headlight. *tr

Jun 5, 2010 · failed Jun 4, 2010 · 117,164 miles · VT

2002 ford focus se: the key will not come out of the ignition. *tr

May 31, 2010 · failed May 29, 2010 · 83,000 miles · IL

Key sticks in ignition. 2002 ford focus, 83,000 miles. We just purchased this car used on saturday and have already experienced this problem. *tr

May 12, 2010 · failed Mar 21, 2010 · 50,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. While driving at speeds of 30 MPH, the vehicle would not shift gears. The vehicle felt as if it was attempting to stall. In addition, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and advised there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by a second mechanic who advised replacing the alternator. The alternator was previously replaced a total of 3 times. There were no additional repairs made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 83,000. Updated 8/9/10 *cn updated 08/11/10.*jb

May 11, 2010 · failed Mar 9, 2010 · CA

We just recently bought this car (2002 ford focus) and so I do not know the history of it, however the car just started locking up out of nowhere. The first time it happened was with my husband and luckily he did not have any of our children with him. The ignition keeps locking and we have to keep on having it towed home. We have had this car for about 2 and 1/2 months and so far it has happened 4 times. So we have had to pay $160 in towing costs. We have a friend that somehow fixed it and my husband spends hours outside messing with it to get it working. This time is wont start at all and its the worst timing ever we have a premature baby and 4 other children that need to get to school and daycare. *tr

May 3, 2010 · failed May 2, 2010 · 49,000 miles · HI

I bought my 2002 ford focus just 5 months ago (december 2009). When trying to start my car at a restaurant the steering wheel was completely locked, and the key would not turn in the ignition. After a full hour of trying to fix it, I had to have the car towed to a ford dealer, who replaced the ignition with a ford part that I fear has the same problem. The replacement ignition cost me over $400, and does not appear to be a long-term solution. According to many online complaints, the new ignition will fail to the same problem in time. I am limited by other options, as non-ford parts and locksmith work does not come with the 12 month-warranty that ford offers. My best option is to sell the car again before it happens, or before my warranty is up-- neither of which are a solution, but putting the problem onto someone else. This is a serious tragedy and in faulty design. I was lucky to have friends to help me in this situation, but the embarrassment and fear of it happening again are not worth it. This part needs to be recalled! *tr

Mar 14, 2010 · failed Jul 15, 2006 · TX

2002 zts had problems where ignition got stuck could not remove or start the car had to had the ignition replaced it cost me in excess of $300.00 evidently this is a major problem that ford is not dealing with. *tr

Mar 11, 2010 · failed Feb 12, 2010 · CO

Faulty ignition in 2002 ford focus was stranded for five hours have not yet fixed the problem due to fords high cost to fix there defect. *tr

Feb 27, 2010 · failed Feb 27, 2010 · 130,000 miles · NC

Ignition locks up, will not turn regardless of effort, pushing, pulling, beating, or twisting your tongue just the right way. However, one tap on the edge of the key while it is in the ignition works. No amount of wd-40 or parts cleaner fixes the problem though. *tr

Feb 9, 2010 · failed Jul 24, 2009 · WA

Ford focus 2002 zts key ignition failed at 80,000 miles for over a year before the total failure there were at least 12 times that the ignition failed but finally worked after a few tries. I was left stranded on more then on occasion due to this failure and last time had to have my car towed to the dealership. The problem was fixed at the ford deal ship and cost me 450.00. I had to get a new key and a new ignition. I can feel that once again the key is rubbing the ignition the way it was before this problem was fixed and am sure that in the future I will have to replace the part once again. I just hope this time I won't be stranded. *tr

Feb 3, 2010 · failed Feb 1, 2010 · 67,000 miles · PA

My 2002 ford focus key will not turn in the ignition! I see that this is an ongoing problem with thousands of people. It should be a recall as it could be a safety issue especially when you are stranded with young children in the car on a blustery winter day! I called ford motor company and they basically said it was my responsibility to fix it. *tr