2001 Ford Focus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 496about this part
- Share
- 28%of 1,761 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 496 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Ford Focus, 28% of the 1,761 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,500 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 29 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Went to start my car this morning and the key would not turn in the ignition. After doing some google research, found that this is a very common issue with the Focus, and has to do with parts in the ignition switch becoming stuck. I was able to get the key to turn eventually by banging on it, and have now left the key in the ignition to avoid the problem occurring again.”
NHTSA complaint #10456652, filed 2012-04, 148,218 miles“This car has electrical issues,the dash and tag lights flicker,the car has been turning off while I'm driving with my son in the car over 3 times now,on the highway and on main street,its so scary I've had panic attacks and got a stress rash on my face. Im so scared that I can't drive it,I've had the fuel pump replaced,spark plugs,motor filter.I just try to keep getting it repaired costing me my bills money being a single parent. I'm overwhelmed and don't know what to do.”
NHTSA complaint #11064238, filed 2018-01, 147,725 miles“Ignition switch on the vehicle is completely locked up and will not turn. My wife is a diabetic and has numerous health complications due to her diabetes. If we were out and became stranded it could have cost us her life. I am disappointed with Ford for not fixing this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10558413, filed 2014-01, 150,000 miles“My key gets stuck in ignition and won't turn on the car. Already got stuck and had to keep messing with it for an hour until I was able to jiggle it and unlock the steering wheel to start the car. There is definitely a problem with the ignition switch. I don't want to end up stranded somewhere and not be able to get my car started due to this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10283351, filed 2009-09, 73,100 miles“There are numerous electrical problems with my rear lights. My license plate lights will not work at anytime and sometimes none of the rear lights work at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11343641, filed 2020-08, 68,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V288000Nov 6, 2002Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.Covers: Ford Focus 2000–2001
Related service bulletins
- 10017923Jun 1, 2005Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017884Apr 1, 2005Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10012971Feb 1, 2005Unable to remove ignition key - service tip.
- 10012969Feb 1, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0133, p1131 or p2195.
- 10013318Jan 1, 2005Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 49 | 6% |
| 2017 | 36 | 4% |
| 2016 | 82 | 7% |
| 2015 | 64 | 6% |
| 2014 | 245 | 9% |
| 2013 | 276 | 13% |
| 2012 | 352 | 9% |
| 2011 | 25 | 22% |
| 2010 | 43 | 15% |
| 2009 | 45 | 20% |
| 2008 | 57 | 23% |
| 2007 | 85 | 22% |
| 2006 | 47 | 23% |
| 2005 | 113 | 26% |
| 2004 | 183 | 47% |
| 2003 | 522 | 53% |
| 2002 | 277 | 30% |
| 2001 | 496 | 28% |
| 2000 | 1,343 | 36% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Focus
318 complaintsEngine cooling
243 complaintsBrakes
199 complaintsSuspension
150 complaintsAir bags
147 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
90 complaintsSteering
86 complaintsTires
74 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
66 complaintsVehicle speed control
66 complaintsBody and structure
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
59 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology