2002 Ford Focus Problems
- Complaints
- 939filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles, 602 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Ford Focus (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2002 Ford Focus most often describe a low-speed electrical fault in which the ignition key will not turn, often after the car has been parked for a short time; fixes range from a lockset replacement to towing. Door latches and lock assemblies that will not open or will not stay shut come up almost as often, along with front coil springs that break and tear into a tire. Many of these reports arrive well past 60,000 miles, though the jump-start and no-start complaints appear at much lower mileage.
- Electrical system
Ignition key will not turn / no start
- 210 complaints (22%)
- median 66,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (153 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $400 (median of 39 quotes)
- filed 2002–2023
Owners describe inserting the key and finding it will not turn in either direction, so the car cannot be started and sometimes the steering stays locked. Some report the car starting only after key jiggling, while others have it towed and pay for an ignition switch, cylinder or lock actuator. Several say the dealer had seen similar cases, and a few mention the switch being replaced more than once. Reported from roughly 27,000 to 125,000 miles, often after the car sat parked for a short while.
What to check: Try the key a few times, including after the car has sat for an hour, and ask whether the ignition switch or lock cylinder has been replaced. A spare key that also fails points to the cylinder rather than the key.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 01/10/06 the ignition of my Ford Focus zx3 (2002, 46000 miles)) locked up. I was unable to turn the key and start the car, blocking the entrance to a parking garage. An automotive technician was able to hot-wire the car so I could drive it to the closest dealership. I have contacted Ford over the phone because I did purchase the extended warranty with the car. Ford does not feel responsible for this incident and will not cover the repair cost under the extended warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10147338, filed 2006-01, 46,000 miles“Two nights ago I drove my 2002 Ford Focus zx3 to a nearby bank to use the walk-up atm. Since it was after business hours, I parked along a curb, but not in a parking space. I used the atm and upon returning to the car, my key refused to turn in the ignition cylinder. It was as if all of the sudden my key was the wrong key for the vehicle. Since I was not in a parking spot, I put on my hazard lights and ran a half mile to my home to retreive my spare key. Upon returning, I found that it did not work either. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390413, filed 2011-03, 125,540 miles - Engine cooling
Stalling, rough idle and engine cutout
- 193 complaints (21%)
- median 55,500 mi at 4.7 yrs old (142 state mileage)
- 17 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $750 (median of 22 quotes)
- filed 2002–2023
Complaints describe the engine stalling at speed or dying at idle, sometimes with the gauges going dead and the car failing to restart for minutes to hours. Owners report dealers replacing the alternator, battery cable or wiring, and in some cases finding no fault at all. A few say the engine had to be replaced after internal noise and seizure. Reported from around 40,000 to 137,000 miles, frequently as an intermittent fault that is hard to reproduce at the shop.
What to check: Ask whether the charging system, battery cables and wiring harness have been serviced, and take the car on a longer test drive that includes highway speed and idling in traffic.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine stalls then turns off. I give it gas and it seems to get worse. Idles down to zero and turns off. I have to wait a couple of minutes, then it will run. It usually will keep happening every few miles until I stop for several hours. I can no longer drive on the interstate/expressway, too dangerous when it stalls at 75mph.”
NHTSA complaint #10219356, filed 2008-02, 75,000 miles“Approximately 3 weeks ago, while driving on the interstate (~65 miles per hour), a cooling system light came on (2002 Ford Focus, manual transmission, 46,000 miles), and instantaneously, the car stalled. It almost threw me into the windshield. The car recovered and did not die, and I was able to get to where I was going. It happened again a few days later while making a right hand turn (~20 miles per hour). I brought it to pep boys, who could find nothing wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10220163, filed 2008-03, 45,900 miles - Electrical system
Rear door latch and power lock failures
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe rear doors that will not latch shut, will not unlock with the power switch or the manual lever, or that swing open while driving. Some owners report the door can only be opened after working the handle a certain way, and that the lock or latch module was replaced at the dealer. Several note the vehicle was not covered by the door-latch campaign. Mostly between about 35,000 and 136,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Open and close each rear door from outside and inside and check that it latches solidly and unlocks both ways. Ask whether the door latches were inspected or replaced under the door-latch campaign.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The rear passenger door sometimes will not latch shut. After looking at it, the catch just swings freely and doesn't grab the post. After repeated slamming of the door, it will work again for a short period. Opened once while driving. I keep a bunjie chord with me in case and I bungee it shut when it acts up. I don't have anyone sit in the rerar passengers seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10088695, filed 2004-08, 60,050 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the passenger side rear door latch malfunctioned and the door would not latch. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10524930, filed 2013-07, 110,000 miles - Suspension
Front coil spring breaks and damages the tire
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the front coil spring snapping, in some cases letting the spring rest on or shred the front tire and requiring strut or coil assembly replacement. One report describes the fracture happening while driving at highway speed, with the tire damaged by the broken end. Complaints note limited reimbursement help and a front-end clunk in other cases. Spread from very low mileage up to about 88,000 miles, with several reports on cars over 10 years old.
What to check: Have a shop inspect both front springs for cracks and heavy corrosion, especially at the lower seat, and check the front tires for sidewall damage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2002 Ford Focus has had a no start and stalling problem since 9-28-03.I have taken it to elite Ford in covina ca. Thirty times or more and they cant seem to diagnois the problem.I also have a problem with my front end making a clunking sound,they said it was a sway bar that was loose and they tightened it.that problem still exists also.”
NHTSA complaint #10058903, filed 2004-02, 25,267 miles“Ford Focus 2002 zx3 had to have the coil/spring assembly replaced due to the spring resting on the front right tire. From all the research that I have done on the web, this is a safety issue that needs to be investigated by the NHTSA. I found the information for the 2000 Ford Focus on the following website just to reference how many problems there are with these coil/spring assemblies. Before Ford has any other problems with deaths occurring with faulty problems, I would like to have it investigated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10245271, filed 2008-10, 69,390 miles - Brakes
Premature brake pad and rotor wear
- 103 complaints (11%)
- median 34,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (71 state mileage)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2002–2015
Owners report pads and rotors needing replacement well before they expected, sometimes with the work found during routine service and sometimes after a pedal that felt soft or noisy. One complaint describes the pedal going to the floor with no braking and a collision, after which the dealer could not reproduce the problem. Others mention a brake booster noise that was described as normal. Mostly between about 15,000 and 41,000 miles, so early in the vehicle's life.
What to check: Check pad and rotor thickness and look for a low or spongy pedal on the test drive; ask for service records showing when the brakes were last replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor and there were no brakes. As result, consumer's vehicle collided with a guard rail. Dealer could not duplicate or correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10046387, filed 2003-11, 23,000 miles“Dt: consumer complained about brake problems. Both front and rear brake were replaced in less than 3 years. The brake pedal was making a noise. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the proble was the brake booster and that it was a normal thing. This failure made it harder to stop the car. Manufacturer said to fix this problem would make this failure worse. Also, said this was not a safety issues. Manufacturer said do not worry about this. First happened about 8 months ago. Now it happenes everytime the car is used.”
NHTSA complaint #10125946, filed 2005-07, 41,000 miles
Buying note. These are older cars, so condition and service history matter more than any single fault: confirm the ignition switch works cold, that all four doors latch and unlock, and that the front springs are sound. A pre-purchase inspection covering brakes, charging system and hinges is worth the cost on this generation.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 939 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Focus. 602 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,000 miles. Of all complaints, 82 involved a crash, 20 a fire, 78 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 31 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 system277 30%
- Suspension109 12%
- Engine cooling103 11%
- Air bags72 7.7%
- Brakes72 7.7%
- Fuel system67 7.1%
- Tires62 6.6%
- Transmission and drivetrain58 6.2%
- Steering53 5.6%
- Body and structure51 5.4%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (45), Wheels (36), Other or unknown (30), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (28), Vehicle speed control (21), Equipment (18), Engine (16), Exterior lighting (12), Seat belts (10), Seats (5), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10304458, filed 2010-02, 67,000 milesSuspension: “Vehicle has about 108,000 miles. I did replace the tie rods control arms and sway bar of the front subframe. The mechanic said that the subframe is very rusted and the engine could fall of if the vehicle is not serviced immediately. I bought the car around 90,000 miles and have already replaced fuel pump and other parts under the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11279301, filed 2019-11, 108,000 milesEngine cooling: “While idling, my car is turning off. It also does so when attempting to accelerate after shifting the car from p to d. Initially the gas cap light on the dashboard signaled. I replaced the cap, and the check engine light was illuminated afterwards. Now, the car is turning off completely while idling and only the check engine light is lit.”
NHTSA complaint #10437382, filed 2011-11, 160,000 milesAir bags: “Got in accident, air bag did not deploy. Got fixed??? Ford let me go back out on the road with a brand new safety device and it was not working properly. The time between the accident and the time I got it fixed Ford was very unconcerned and did not answer any of my concerns or questions. My safety was at risk and they did nothing about it.”
NHTSA complaint #10028756, filed 2003-07, 34,285 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 602 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 25,000 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Ford Focus. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Focus · sedan | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Focus · sedan | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Ford Focus version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Focus Station Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Focus Station Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Focus Station Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V030000Feb 1, 2005Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Ford Focus 2000–2005
Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio…
Recall details for the 2002 Ford Focus → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- AQ10001Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion AuditClosed · Nov 18, 2010
- EA02022Engine stallingClosed · Sep 9, 2002
- EA02023Front susp collapse/wheel separationClosed · Sep 9, 2002
- EA02014Engine compartment firesClosed · Jul 31, 2002
- PE02044Front suspension lower control armClosed · May 1, 2002
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 31 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10183768Apr 21, 2016Latches, locks and linkages. For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear door…
- 10058100Sep 9, 2014Body and structure, Suspension. Ford: due to high corrosion areas, where vehicles are operated for extended periods, lower control arm (lca) can separate from forward attachment of subframe. Model 2001-04 escape.
- 10058099Sep 9, 2014Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages. Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10056643Aug 11, 2014Latches, locks and linkages. Ford: on some vehicles, operating for an extended time in high corrosion area, a safety recall 05s27 was issued, where rear door latches experience corrosion in pawl pivot area preventing proper…
- 10019375Jan 1, 2006Engine cooling. Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing.
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Engine cooling. Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10017934Jun 7, 2005Brakes. Rear brake squeal.
- 10017922Jun 7, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Difficult or unable to shift into 5th gear.
- 10017923Jun 1, 2005Electrical system. Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017884Apr 1, 2005Electrical system. Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
Other model years of the Ford Focus
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 837 | 56,000 | 7 | 5 | 31 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 900 | 55,892 | 10 | 5 | 29 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 1,183 | 61,017 | 10 | 5 | 30 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 1,022 | 60,000 | 9 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 2,606 | 48,000 | 12 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 2,112 | 53,000 | 11 | 5 | 30 | 95 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 3,770 | 67,000 | 7 | 4 | 31 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 113 | 50,802 | 0 | — | 29 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 287 | 50,000 | 0 | — | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 229 | 45,690 | 0 | — | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 250 | 61,640 | 1 | — | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 391 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 205 | 59,914 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 441 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 387 | 53,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 977 | 56,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 939 | 53,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 1,761 | 58,000 | 7 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 3,686 | 61,000 | 11 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 11 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Focus model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Focus?
Owners of the 2002 Ford Focus most often describe a low-speed electrical fault in which the ignition key will not turn, often after the car has been parked for a short time; fixes range from a lockset replacement to towing. The issues reported most often: Ignition key will not turn / no start; Stalling, rough idle and engine cutout; Rear door latch and power lock failures.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA recorded 939 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Focus as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Ford Focus is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 277 complaints (30% of the total), followed by suspension with 109.
Has the 2002 Ford Focus been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Focus get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Ford Focus (Focus, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Ford Focus reported?
Among the 602 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,000 miles and the middle half falls between 25,000 and 83,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.