2002 Ford Focus SVT Problems
- Complaints
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,375miles, 26 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT. The part named most often is electrical system, with 6 complaints (19% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (5) and tires (4). 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 62% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,375 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system6 19%
- Tires4 13%
- Engine cooling3 9.4%
- Fuel system3 9.4%
- Suspension3 9.4%
- Air bags2 6.3%
- Brakes2 6.3%
Also reported: Seat belts (2), Steering (2), Body and structure (2), Electronic stability control (1), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Car periodicualy looses all power to dash baterry everything completly I've replace battery altinator cluster light it seems if I use my light it happens more or anytime I stop or slow dow it stalls and will not start without a jump then it will be great again sometimes for a day sometes a week it s very irradicul and throtle gets stuck reving up high then other tests idles way too low and does”
NHTSA complaint #11118189, filed 2018-08, 135,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Intermitent clutch noise & slip. Clutch started slipping severly on out of town trip in busy traffic lost power almost got rear ended, had to tow my own car back just went out of waranty. Went on internet to find prices on parts found Ford has redesigned clutch components twice. Ford also issued TSB for clutch they found parts are not properly installed and not properly tightened at time of manufacture causing noise & wear. Dealer advise me to take vehicle in for diagnosis & replacement of parts that are bad with unrevised parts that I would pay for. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091384, filed 2004-09, 37,700 milesTires: “Possible defect in continental's contisport contact oem tires (size 215/45zr17) that came with my new Ford Focus Svt. I recently had a severe blow out on a highway I-90. Luckily for me, it didn't result in any death, injury or destruction of the property but still there is no excuse for the ultra performance tire to fail in such a short period of time (under 6000 miles.) after further inspection I also discovered that one more tire developed sidewall crack and would have to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10016191, filed 2003-04, 6,000 milesEngine cooling: “This first incident was rather benign. I noticed my 2002 Ford Focus Svt, at 2400 miles, would not produce sustained heat. After repair, on 12-8-02, the vehicle, with 2800 miles, would not start. It left me stranded and had to be towed. I am told the vehicle requires a new intake for repair and was probably the cause of the initial problem. Though the incidents are rather simple, I find it rediculous for a vehicle which was made less than 6 months ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10000038, filed 2002-12, 2,400 milesMileage when problems were reported
62% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,000 and 74,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V117000Apr 18, 2002Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford Focus SVT 2002
On certain passenger vehicles built with manual transaxles, there is the potential for the speed control cable to hang up at the throttle body bracket during high, wide open throttle operation, preventing the throttle from returning to the closed position…
Recall details for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT.
Other model years of the Ford Focus SVT
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 32 | 26,375 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford Focus SVT model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Ford Focus SVT have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Ford Focus SVT is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 6 complaints (19% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 5.
Has the 2002 Ford Focus SVT been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Ford Focus SVT reported?
Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,375 miles and the middle half falls between 8,000 and 74,000 miles; 62% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.