2002 Ford Focus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 277about this part
- Share
- 30%of 939 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,488miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 277 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Ford Focus, 30% of the 939 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,488 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“The motor on the sun roof and all of my windows went out the handle on door for the front passenger fell off the ,rear door on the passenger side on the inside just fell apart sometimes you can't open the door from the inside or the outside its like they freeze up and a day later they open (this is a huge safety issue ) sometimes my car just dies out and all of the panel goes blank like it just shuts down.”
NHTSA complaint #10535425, filed 2013-08, 100,000 miles“The key would not turn in the ignition. I had to hit the side of the steering column then try and turn the key again. This no longer works and I have to hit the key in to the ignition further for it to turn. I am going to Ford this week to get it fixed if it does not cost a fortune, but had to wait to get it fixed until my break from school.”
NHTSA complaint #10253420, filed 2008-12, 136,000 miles“I was stranded when my key was inserted into the ignition and it would not turn. This was a serious incident because I needed to be home to get my 6 year old off the bus and let him in the house. I was unable to do so and my son was extremely distraught. And then I find out this is not an isolated incident but this vehicle has a history of this. Very disappointing.”
NHTSA complaint #10246604, filed 2008-10, 121,000 miles“2002 Ford Focus battery cables was burning I was smelling a burning scent when I stated the vehicle an well when I drove the car. I had to take it to the shop who informed me that the battery harness in this car frayed and it had to be replaced as well as the alternator. Ford said this was not a recall part.”
NHTSA complaint #10294962, filed 2009-12, 20,000 milesRelated 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 2002 Ford Focus
109 complaintsEngine cooling
103 complaintsAir bags
72 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsFuel system
67 complaintsTires
62 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
58 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsBody and structure
51 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
45 complaintsWheels
36 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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