2001 Ford Focus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 243about this part
- Share
- 14%of 1,761 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,450miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 243 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Ford Focus, 14% of the 1,761 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,450 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The connecting rod broke in the engine. Our mechanic said that almost all 2001 Ford Focus has this problem. I know I have 130,000 miles on the vehicle but I kept up with all recalls and maintenance. Just lucky we made it home safe. If there is such a problem with most Focus why wasn't it fixed by Ford before a break down and lost of my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10278799, filed 2009-07, 130,000 miles“At seemingly random time my 2001 Ford Focus zx3 stalls. So far the stall has only happened when at a stop, but sputtering and loss of power randomly at highway speeds has me worried about an eminent stall. I have had the fuel filter changed as well as the EGR valve and EGR pressure flow sensor and nothing has solved this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10181915, filed 2007-02, 136,000 miles“I have had a Ford Focus 2001 for two years and in those years I have had to replace the engine and engine mounts. I have found out that this I common place in almost all Ford Focus's. I fear that this car might leave me anywhere, now one week ago the ignition cylinder has broken. This is not wear and tear. I demand that these cars of 1998 threw 2003 be labeled as lemons and have Ford issue a recall or reimbursements on them.”
NHTSA complaint #10328931, filed 2010-05, 70,000 miles“Cracked thermostat housing. I recently needed to have the plastic thermostat housing replaced on my Focus, as it was cracked and leaking. I have been researching on the web and found numerous other entries regarding the problem. I have not seen a recall or any info regarding if there is a systematic failure of the part. I have the part if needed for research.”
NHTSA complaint #10171102, filed 2006-10, 73,850 miles“I have a 2001 Ford Focus and there is an exhaust tube that runs off the right side (looking from the front) of the manifold which broke from rusting. I searched some forums online and found that many other people are having the same problem. My car only has 60000 miles on it so I don't believe it should of rusted and cracked like it did.”
NHTSA complaint #10137349, filed 2005-09, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026389May 16, 2008Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for…
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10012962Feb 1, 2005No crank on start charging system warning indicator on driveability concerns and or malfunction indicator lamp on.
- 10014082Dec 13, 2004Engine vibration at idle.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 124 | 15% |
| 2017 | 81 | 9% |
| 2016 | 50 | 4% |
| 2015 | 7 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 0% |
| 2013 | 14 | 1% |
| 2012 | 27 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 7 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 22 | 6% |
| 2003 | 60 | 6% |
| 2002 | 103 | 11% |
| 2001 | 243 | 14% |
| 2000 | 474 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 55% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Focus
496 complaintsFuel system
318 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