87 of the
524 complaints about the 2007 Ford Focus are about the
electrical system — 17% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
56,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the key ceased in the ignition when the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed nor repaired. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the ignition switch. The key fob was replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 226,000 milesWashington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I GOT MY VEHICLE FROM AN AUCTION SITE, SO I DO NOT HAVE ANY HISTORY ON IT BEFORE 2016. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF AT REGULAR INTERVALS, ESPECIALLY, WHEN THE CAR IS IN EXTREMELY COLD OR HOT TEMPERATURES. THE GAS PEDAL, ALSO, GETS STUCK, REGULARLY, I WOULD HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL WITH MY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL TO AVOID HITTING ANYTHING. I HAVE NOTICED THIS, OVER THE YEARS, WITH THE CAR IN STATIONARY MODE AND WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING BUT, ESPECIALLY, AFTER HAVING TO PERFORM A HARD BRAKE IN TRAFFIC. I WOULD HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING ON THE GAS PETAL TO GET IT TO RELEASE ITSELF FROM WHATEVER IT IS ALLOWING GETTING STUCK TO, THEN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR IS BETTER, UNTIL THE NEXT TIME OF IT HAVING TO BE UNSTUCK. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR THIS ISSUE BUT, THE MECHANICS DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM DESCRIBING. OF COURSE, WHEN THESE PERSONS TEST DRIVE MY CAR THEY DO NOT EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM, LIKE I DO, SO THERE IS NO DOCUMENTATION IN MY POSSESSION ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE KEY IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM, THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH COIL THINGY. I HAD TO GET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE OF AN ISSUE OF SOMETHING NEW HAPPENING WITH THE BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS BEING DRAINED BECAUSE OF THE KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO COME OUT OF THE COIL, AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME, AGAIN, IN HIGHWAY DRIVING SPEEDS OF 70 MILES PER HOUR. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I HAVE BEEN GOING TO HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME ANY FEEDBACK AS TO WHAT TO DO, OTHER THAN TO JUST SAY BUY A NEWER VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN HEARING A SOUND, RECENTLY, WHEN THE KEY IS ABOUT TO COME OUT OF THE SWITCH THAT SOUNDS LIKE A CLICKING RELEASE SYSTEM CLICK. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF A SPRING IS BAD IN THE SYSTEM. THESE ARE ALL UNKNOWN COMPONENTS PARTS, BY THE TECHNICAL NAME, HOWEVER, THE ISSUES ARE REAL IMPORTANT FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROADS THAT I DRIVE ON.
NHTSA complaint #11389516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsport, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LOVE MY FORD FOR THE MOST PART; HOWEVER, THERE SEEMS TO BE A MULTITUDE OF SENSOR PROBLEMS ... THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND HAS TO BE REST AGAIN AND AGAIN. THE "OPEN DOOR" LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE RUNNING. TRUNK OPENING BUTTON DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. THE WINDOW CLOSING BUTTON ONLY WORKS PART TIME ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE KNOBS FOR THE HEATING/AC NO LONGER WORK. THE AIR DIRECTIONAL BUTTON HAS ALSO STOPPED WORKING. RECENTLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE MOTOR IS STILL WORKING. I PURCHASED MY 2007 FF IN 2011, PAID IT OFF IN 2016. IT NOW HAS OVER 235K MILES ON IT. WHILE ALL THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN A NUISANCE TO CONTEND WITH IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TO OWN. I CURRENTLY AM WORKING ON GETTING THE GASKET CHANGED FOR A SECOND TIME, BUT THAT IS WORK MY SON TAKES CARE OF. I HAVE RELUCTANTLY BEGAN BEGAN LOOKING FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE, AS THIS ONE IS FINALLY WEARING OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11386313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesStamford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RIGHT TAIL LIGHT BURNED OUT, WHICH I NOTICED IN A WINDOW REFLECTION AS I DROVE AWAY FROM AN AUTO PARTS STORE. WHEN I OPENED THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO CHANGE THE BULB, I SAW THAT THE BULB AND ITS BASE AND SOCKET WERE SCORCHED BLACK, AND THE HOLE IN THE RED PLASTIC TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WHERE THE BULB HAS TO GO THROUGH WAS MELTED AND WARPED. THE RED PLASTIC HAD TO BE SCRAPED WITH A KNIFE TO OPEN THE HOLE ENOUGH FOR THE BULB TO GO THROUGH. I HAD TO GO TO MORE THAN ONE AUTO PARTS STORE TO BUY A NEW SOCKET. I HAD TO USE BLACK DUCT TAPE TO HOLD THE SOCKET IN PLACE. WHEN I CHECKED THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY, I SAW THAT IT HAD ALSO MELTED AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ALSO USED BLACK DUCT TAPE TO HOLD THE SOCKET IN PLACE. I READ ONLINE THAT FORD HAS SAID THE REASON FOR THE MELTING IS THAT THE DRIVER KEEPS HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TOO LONG. SINCE WHEN IS THERE A TIME LIMIT ON PUTTING YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS REQUIRED WHEN YOU ARE AT A RED LIGHT, AND OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN YOU STOP TO CONSULT DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND DON'T WANT TO PUT YOUR CAR IN PARK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON! WHAT IS THE TIME LIMIT? 30 SECONDS?
NHTSA complaint #11259095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plant City, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR IS NOT CHARGING. SMART CHARGE SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY
NHTSA complaint #11256986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesBenicia, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'VE HAD TO GET THE WHEEL BEARINGS FIXED 3 TIMES. THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON FOR EXAMPLE THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AND THE SAME WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT. ALSO THE SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT SENSES A PERSON OR A INANIMATE LOAD IS INCORRECT SOMETIMES. AND LAST, WHEN I PUNCH MY EXCELLORATOR TO GO ON THE FREEWAY, IT DOESN'T KICK INTO OVERDRIVE EVERY TIME. MORE TIMES IT DOESN'T THAN DOES.
NHTSA complaint #11179958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesLeesville, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER (J.D. BYRIDER LOCATED AT 1801 GORDON HWY, AUGUSTA, GA 30904; (706) 736-5543) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 803-359-4114 AND STATED THAT THERE MAY BE AN OPEN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CHECK FOR ANY RECALLS BEFORE THEY COULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11002492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesDenver, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD STAYS ON ALL OF THE TIME. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT COMES UNBUCKLED SOMETIMES FOR NO APPARENT REASON, AND HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I ACQUIRED THE CAR IN 2012.
NHTSA complaint #10956703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMadill, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG EVEN WHEN THERE'S A PASSENGER ON BOARD WILL INDICATE THE AIRBAG IS OFF. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS EVERYSINCE I GOT THE CAR 4 YEARS AGO. NOW I HAVE A CHILD AND PEOPLE WHO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND SAFETY HAS BECOME A HUGE CONCERN THERE ARE MANY REPORTS ONLINE OF THIS ISSUE INCLUDING ON HERE. MY FAMILY AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THIS OR FIX THIS OUR SELVES TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE ONLY AFTERMARKET PARTS ON MY CAR OUR THE TIRES AND ALL OF THE MOUNTS. FOR THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURED MOUNTS FAILED AND BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #10899309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,050 milesCatonsville, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN WHEN THE INTERNAL LIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE RADIO SHUTTING OFF, HEADLIGHTS DIMMING BEFORE TURNING OFF, AND WIPER BLADES FAILING. THIS WAS QUITE DANGEROUS AS IT WAS DARK OUT AND RAINING, AND I HAD NO WIPERS OR HEADLIGHTS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE ROAD BEFORE THE CAR FAILED ENTIRELY. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, AND I HAD TO GET TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY ALTERNATOR, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL. THE MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH COMPONENTS FOR $630.80.
NHTSA complaint #10810750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesShepherdsville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OUT OF NO WHERE MY BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED TO GET GAS AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE CAR CUT OFF AND THE CAR DIED. I HAD SOMEONE JUMP ME AND I MADE IT TO MY HOUSE AND IN THE PARKING SPOT AND AS SOON AS I PARKED MY CAR IT DIED AGAIN. I WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY ON 6/11/2015 TODAY IS 7/28/2015 AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN I HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED A SECOND TIME AND HAD THE CAR TESTED AND FOUND OUT THE ALTERNATOR IS FAILING. I HAVE FOUND MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ALTERNATOR FAILING AND BELIEVE THIS HAS BECOME A HUGE ISSUE. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. I WILL REPLACE THE UNIT BUT I HAVE SEEN WHERE MANY PEOPLE REPLACED IT MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN A 2 YEAR SPAN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10744435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPEA Ridge, ARFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON TO LEVELS 3 & 4 AND NOTICED THAT THE AIR WOULD NOT BLOW. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OTHER OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PIGTAIL AND THE SWITCH MELTED TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10735517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesSouth Portland, MECrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1) THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT SEVERAL YEARS AGO ( APPROX. DECEMBER, 2011 - MILEAGE WAS APPROX. 45,000) WHEN THE CAR COLLIDED WITH AN ONCOMING CAR AND WAS DAMAGED ON THE FRONT END AND DRIVER'S SIDE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. DURING THE PAST 2 OR 3 YEARS, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF FOR DAYS AT A TIME. IT SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED BY HEAT AND HUMIDITY. IT SEEMS TO GO ON WHEN THE WEATHER IS HUMID AND OFF WHEN THE AIR IS DRY, AT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR. I AM NOT SURE WHETHER THE AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY WHEN IT IS NECESSARY. 2) DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE POWER STEERING HAS MAKING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. A MECHANIC WHO WORKED ON IT SAID HE PUT A CLAMP ON IT AND REFILLED THE STEERING FLUID, WHICH HELPED FOR A FEW WEEKS, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. SO FAR THE STEERING HAS WORKED WELL, BUT I'M CONCERNED THAT POWER STEERING IS DEFECTIVE AND WEARING OUT TOO SOON.THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10722314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesOlathe, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHICH MAKES IT EASIER FOR CAR THEFT TO OCCUR. THERE IS NO WAY OF GETTING THE VEHICLE KEY OUT YOURSELF. THE VEHICLE STARTS, BUT WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF, THE KEY REMAINS STUCK IN THE VEHICLE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10671526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesWashington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REAR TAILLIGHT BULB BLOWS OUT AS IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN WIRING. BULB WILL LOOK BLACK, EVEN THE SOCKET HAS BLACK DISCOLORATION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM SINCE WE PURCHASED CAR IN 2009 WITH BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHTS. TO DATE I HAVE REPLACED ABOUT 15-20 BULBS TO THE EXTENT I PURCHASED TWO (2) BOXES OF BULBS A SOCKET WRENCH AND CORRECT SOCKET TO KEEP IN CAR TO REPLACE BULBS EACH TIME IT HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10659228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woods Hole, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WIRING INSIDE OF BOOT TO THE HATCHBACK (LIFTGATE), POWERING THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, LOCK FOR HATCHBACK, AND REAR WIPER IS BROKEN CAUSING SHORTS.
NHTSA complaint #10654735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ruther Glen, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DASHBOARD EXTREME HEAT. WIRING FOR AIRBAG SWITCH NO LONGER WORKS. AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. SWITCH ON DASH NO LONGER WORKS.
NHTSA complaint #10639495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLancaster, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY LIGHT LIGHTENED, ABS LIGHT CAME ON, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LINES WENT TO ZERO, CAR JERKED A FEW TIMES, THEN DIED. TRIED TO START IT AND JUST CLICKED, GOT A JUMP START AND GOT IT HOME. BROTHER CHECKED IT OUT, FIXED ALTERNATOR. NOW IT IS ALMOST A MONTH LATER AND SAME THING.
NHTSA complaint #10633420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesWest Middlesex, PA1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A FORD FOCUS 2007 CAR WHICH IS A LEMON BUT DIDN'T FALL UNDER THE ORIGINAL LEMON LAW DUE TO THE FIRST TRANSMISSION NOT GOING UNTIL 16 MONTHS. THIS CAR CURRENTLY HAS HAD A TOTAL OF 5 TRANSMISSIONS PUT IN WITH THE LAST ONE IN OCT 2013. WITH THE ONE TRANSMISSION- FLUID LEAKED ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK HOME FROM THE SHOP APRIL 11, 2011. THE NEXT MORNING I TOOK GARBAGE DOWN- DIDN'T SEE IT, FELL & BROKE MY WRIST TFCF TEAR, SUBSEQUENTLY RESULTING IN SURGERY & THE LOSS OF MY JOB AS WELL AS MUCH PAIN WHEN I NEVER HAD AN ARM ISSUE IN MY LIFE. ONE TRANSMISSION ONLY LASTED 6 WEEKS TOTAL. THE FIRST TRANSMISSION WAS AT AROUND 20-22,000 MILES. THIS BRAND NEW CAR DID NOT PASS MY FIRST PA INSPECTION-WHAT NEW CAR DOESN'T PASS AN INSPECTION? CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW & ONLY HAS 137,000 MILES CURRENTLY AFTER 7 YEARS. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE SEATBELTS WILL JAM OR COME UNDONE & OFF FOR NO REASON, HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON & OFF AT TIMES, THE LIGHTER SWITCH ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHEN THE CAR BATTERY WAS JUMPED IT MELTED SOME PLASTIC ON THE CAR, THE AIR BAGS SHOW AS BEING OFF ALL THE TIME AND NUMEROUS SAFETY ISSUES. WE HAVE CALLED FORD SO MANY TIMES INCLUDING AT THE VERY BEGINNING WHEN ALL THE PROBLEMS BEGAN & THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR HELP US. THEY (FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE) HAVE BEEN TERRIBLE TO WORK WITH-LACKING CARE/COMPASSION IN REGARDS TO OUR VEHICLE & SITUATION. WE WERE FORCED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE SINCE WE TOOK OUT A LOAN ON IT. I PAID $18,000 FOR THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE. THIS VEHICLE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN & A HEALTH HAZARD. SOMEONE BESIDES MYSELF IS GOING TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO THE SAFETY. I WILL NOT BUY A FORD EVER AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10617473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 989,887 milesGlendale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS LEAVING THE STORE WHEN I FELT MY CAR SLIP A LITTLE BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT. THEN A FEW MOMENTS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE OVER DRIVE STARTED BLINKING OFF AND THE CAR WENT TO REDUCED POWER MODE. I TOOK IT TO O'REILLY'S THEY PLUGGED IT IN AND SAID IT WAS THE SHIFT SOLENOID E. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER PLACE AND THEY TALKED ABOUT JUST REPLACING THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION!! THE CAR ONLY COST ME $5400 WHY WOULD I PAY 4K FOR A TRANSMISSION!! WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS YET I HAVE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE SAY THE SAME THING WITH NEW CARS AND LESS MILES THEN MINE, WHAT IS FORD DOING???......NOTHING!! BUILT FORD TOUGH MY [XXX]!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10597585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesNorth Port, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN I FIRST NOTICED, IT WAS AROUND THE 45 MPH WHEN I FELT THE JERKING OF THE VEHICLE. AS TIME WENT ON IT STARTED TO DO THAT AT 35 AND (SOMETIMES OR) 45 MPH. THIS PAST TUESDAY 3RD OF JUNE 2014 IT STARTED TO DO THIS AT 15, 25, 35, AND 45 MPH FROM SITTING AT THE RED LIGHT AND MOVING FORWARD. AFTER GETTING A TUNE-UP.. IT IS A LITTLE BETTER BUT IT STILL DOES THAT AT 35 AND SOME TIMES AT 45.
NHTSA complaint #10596683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,001 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA 10023297 CONTENTS RE: NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE CORROSION, SUBSEQUENT HEAVIER GAUGE REF. P/N 14300 / 14301 OEM HISTORY OF ALTERNATOR/BATTERY REPLACEMENT BEYOND NORMAL DUE TO CORROSION OF CABLING FOIA THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, OR FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552, AS AMENDED), GENERALLY PROVIDES ANY PERSON WITH THE STATUTORY RIGHT, ENFORCEABLE IN COURT, TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION IN EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCY RECORDS. THIS RIGHT TO ACCESS IS LIMITED WHEN INFORMATION IS PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY ONE OF FOIA?S NINE STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS. FEDERAL REGISTER PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE FEDERALREGISTER.GOV WEBSITE AND THE VARIOUS EDITIONS OF THE DAILY FEDERAL REGISTER, THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR), FEDERAL REGISTER/CFR INDEXES, AND THE PUBLIC LAWS POSTED ON THE FEDERAL DIGITAL SYSTEM (FDSYS.GOV) ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE REQUEST FOR RECORDS PROVISIONS OF THE FOIA. UNDER THE FOIA, OUR PUBLICATIONS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH NUMEROUS SOURCES, INCLUDING THIS WEBSITE, GPO?S FDSYS.GOV WEBSITE, THE GPO BOOK SALES PROGRAM, AND NEARLY 1,250 GOVERNMENT DEPOSITORY LIBRARIES LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE NATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REFERENCE GUIDE. THIS GUIDE PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING INFORMATION FROM US (FOR BOTH OPERATIONAL AND HISTORICAL RECORDS) USING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FOIA REGULATIONS (36 CFR 1250). READ THE TEXT OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (5 U.S.C. 552).
NHTSA complaint #10594425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,844 milesSantee, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 FORD FOCUS, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS MAKING UNUSUAL NOISES BUT DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL THE NOISES GREW PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND MORE ALARMING. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THAT I WAS PERHAPS IN THE WRONG GEAR SO WHEN I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT, I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF, THEN BACK ON AGAIN. THAT SEEMED TO ALLEVIATE THE SOUNDS MOMENTARILY AND I DROVE A DISTANCE BEFORE THE SOUNDS STARTED TO OCCUR AGAIN. AS I STARTED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THESE NOISES, I NOTICED THAT THE GAS PEDAL WAS TREMBLING SO I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND CONTACTED MY UNCLE, WHO IS A FISHERMAN BY TRADE. HE HAS DONE A LOT OF MECHANICAL WORK ON THE ENGINES INSIDE OF HIS 32-FOOT, COMMERCIAL-SIZED FISHING BOAT, SO I FRANTICALLY ASKED HIM WHAT I SHOULD DO. HE HAD ME DO A SERIES OF CHECKS INCLUDING CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS, THE COLOR, AND THE ODOR. I REPORTED TO HIM THAT THE FLUID LEVELS SEEMED ADEQUATE AND THE COLOR NORMAL BUT THERE WAS PERHAPS A SLIGHT BURNT SMELL. THE ?OD IS OFF? LIGHT WAS ALSO FLASHING AND SO HE THOUGHT IT WAS MOST LIKELY A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BUT THAT IT COULD BE A BELT ISSUE AS WELL. HE SAID THAT IT WOULD BE SAFEST TO GET BACK INTO THE CAR AND OFF THE FREEWAY, ONTO SURFACE STREETS AND RETURN HOME UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IF THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HE THOUGHT IT WAS QUITE STRANGE THAT I WAS HAVING THESE ISSUES AND I WAS ONLY AT 86,000 MILES. I CAUTIOUSLY DROVE THE WHOLE WAY HOME, NOT QUITE SURE IF I WAS GOING TO MAKE IT BACK. I THEN ARRANGED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED AAA.
NHTSA complaint #10593929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesStamford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OF A LOW BATTERY, THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE ELECTRICAL POWER WHILE DRIVING. AT FIRST, I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN I NOTICED MY RADIO STOPPED PLAYING. UPON LOOKING AT MY RADIO, I REALIZED THE LIGHTS WERE COMPLETELY OFF, INCLUDING THE CLOCK--WHICH STAYS ON EVEN IF I TURN THE RADIO OFF. I NOTICED I WAS VERY COLD, AND MY DEFROST HAD STOPPED WORKING. THINKING IT WAS HOPEFULLY JUST A BLOWN FUSE, I CONTINUED ON MY WAY TO WORK, DRIVING CAUTIOUSLY. MY CAR DID SOUND LIKE IT WAS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AS MUCH AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I MADE IT TO WORK FINE, AND EVEN CHECKED ON IT DURING MY LUNCH HOUR--IT STARTED UP FINE, LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING WAS WORKING, WITH NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATING ON THE DASH. THINKING IT WAS FINE, I DROVE HOME THAT NIGHT WITH THE INTENTION OF BRINGING IT TO THE SHOP TO CHECK THE BATTERY OVER THE WEEKEND. WHILE DRIVING HOME (IN THE DARK) THAT EVENING, I MADE IT ALMOST TO MY APARTMENT. I NOTICED AGAIN THAT MY RADIO SUDDENLY STOPPED PLAYING. I LOOKED AT THE RADIO, AT WHICH POINT I SAW THE TEXT DISPLAY "LOW BATTERY." I BEGAN TO NOTICE EVERYTHING DIMMING--THE DASHBOARD, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND EVEN MY HEADLIGHTS. I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO GET TO MY APARTMENT OK. THE NEXT MORNING I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO GET TO THE SHOP. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR DRIVERS OF 2007 FORD FOCUSES HAVING IDENTICAL ISSUES, I WAS NERVOUS ABOUT DRIVING TO THE SHOP. NOT KNOWING IF MY CAR WOULD SUDDENLY DIE ON ME, AND IF I WOULD BE ABLE TO USE MY HAZARD LIGHTS, OR TURN SIGNALS TO INDICATE TO OTHER DRIVERS IF MY BATTERY STARTED TO GO AGAIN. LUCKILY MY CAR MADE IT THE 3.1 MILES TO THE SHOP, BEFORE GIVING OUT. SAME THING--NO EARLIER INDICATIONS THAT THE BATTERY WAS LOW, THE POWER JUST STARTS SHUTTING DOWN. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS, AND I WAS LUCKY THAT I READ UP ON THE ISSUE AND WAS ONLY DRIVING LOCALLY, AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10560939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,720 milesGlen Mills, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALTERNATOR SUDDENLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR WHILE IN TRAFFIC INCLUDING THE STEERING. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS LATER ON JULY 2, 2012, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. SUDDEN ALTERNATOR FAILURE WHILE DRIVING WITH NO ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD A TOTAL FAILURE I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE, TURN ON THE HAZARD FLASHERS, OR SIGNAL THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME THAT I WAS SLOWING DOWN BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD NOT FUNCTION. TERRIBLY DANGEROUS. ON JULY 6, 2013, ALTERNATOR #3 FAILED AND BURNED OUT THE BATTERY AS WELL. FORD MOTOR COMPANY APOLOGIZED FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND SAID IT WAS MY PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. INCONVENIENCE? THAT TAKES THE CAKE. I DON'T KNOW WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS DEFECT AND IT IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. SUDDEN ELECTRICAL FAILURE ON A HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED WITH NO WAY TO STEER THE CAR OR WARN OTHER DRIVERS MERITS A RECALL. THE WEB IS AWASH WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT SUDDEN AND REPEATED FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE 2007 FORD FOCUS.
NHTSA complaint #10524739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesFarmington Hills, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE HAD ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE 'SURGING' ON ITS OWN FOR A FEW OF WEEKS. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR BRAKING FOR A TURN. A VISIT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER DID NOT FIND A SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY WHILE ON THE FREEWAY THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS RACING TO OVER 65 MPH WITHOUT ACCELERATING AND THEN IT DIED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY NOISE CAPACITOR. THEY DID FIX THE PROBLEM BUT IT IS TWO YEARS LATER AND IT IS ALSO EXHIBITING THE SAME 'SURGING' ISSUES AGAIN. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED AND THIS CAN'T BE A NORMAL THING. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10510731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesMesa, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE LOCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK. DOESN'T LOCK WITH THE REST OF THE DOORS AND I CANNOT LOCK MANUALLY. ANYONE COULD COME OPEN IT AT ANY TIME AND TAKE WHATEVER THEY WANT. IT IS NOT SAFE. I AM AFRAID IF SOMEONE RIDES BACK THERE IT WILL POP OPEN IF THEY LEAN ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10509794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pevely, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
2007 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT WOULD COST $547.00 TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER PANEL. PLUS, THE COST FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THAT WAS ALSO ON.
NHTSA complaint #10509049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED TO A GARAGE TO PARK IT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE IGNITION TRANSFORMER CAPACITOR AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10496838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,460 milesAnchorage, AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DASHBOARD AND RUNNING LIGHTS GOING OUT. REPLACED BLOWN FUSE AND THEN FUSE BLOWS AGAIN. OPENING AND CLOSING THE HATCHBACK THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN AND THE REPLACED FUSE WAS BLOWN. LOCATED A BUNDLE OF WIRES WITHIN A RUBBER HOSE THAT RUNS FROM THE INTERIOR ROOF HEADLINE OUTER RIM OF THE VEHICLE ACROSS TO THE INTERIOR TOP OF THE HATCHBACK. WE PULLED DOWN THIS RUBBER PROTECTOR TO FIND TO OUR COMPLETE AMAZEMENT THAT THE BUNDLE OF WIRES THAT RUN TO THE HATCHBACK BRAKE LIGHT AND THE HATCHBACK WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS BROKEN AND BURNT. THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBLE LOOSE CONNECTION THAT JUST NEEDED TO BE SNAPPED BACK TOGETHER, BUT ONLY TO FIND A BUNDLE OF BROKEN AND BURNT WIRES WRAPPED TIGHTLY TOGETHER, PLUS THERE WAS NO BLACK WIRING TAPE AROUND THE WIRES FOR EXTRA PROTECTION. JUST THE WIRES TIGHTLY BOUND TOGETHER. LITTLE TO NONE FLEXIBILITY FOR THE BENDING OR MOVEMENT FOR THESE WIRES. THESE WIRES ARE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE THERE WOULD BE MOVEMENT DUE TO OPENING AND CLOSING THE HATCHBACK. CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE STATED THAT THE WIRE BUNDLE HAVE BEEN MADE SHORT IN SOME VEHICLES. OUR CONCERN:POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND STILL MAYBE UNTIL FIXED; CONCERN ARE FOR OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY OWN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE THAT MAY BE TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS (TO INCLUDE CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS) IN THE BACK SEAT (WHICH THERE IS NO BACK SIDE PASSENGER DOORS) THAT COULD HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME EXITING THIS VEHICLE SHOULD IT GO ON FIRE DUE TO THESE BUNDLE OF WIRES POSSIBLY CATCHING ON FIRE AND IGNITING THE INTERIOR ROOF HEADLINER OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE NOT TAKEN OUR VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AS WE ARE WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. ADDITIONALLY, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY A PORTION TO REPAIR (WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN AND DEFECT) TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. PICTURES AVAILABLE. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##
NHTSA complaint #10490976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.