2002 Ford Focus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 103about this part
- Share
- 11%of 939 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 103 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford Focus, 11% of the 939 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Without warning the engine blew! I service my auto like I'm suppose to and this happens. By looking online I see I'm not the only one. Try finding a engine for this car is so expensive that it's ridiculous! That let me know I'm not alone! I can't believe the going rate for this car's engine is $1700! So now I'm stuck with a piece of junk costing me $3500 to get it fixed only to wait until the next shoe falls!!”
NHTSA complaint #10435259, filed 2011-11, 130,000 miles“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“The car is a 2002 svt Focus. The engine has a severe miss/surge under normal driving conditions. The last ticket on the vehicle states that there is no fix at this time. October 27, 2003 update: thank you for your help on this matter. Ford purchased the vehicle back, refunded all of the payments made, and compensated me for any aftermarket parts I had the receipt for. Ford went out of its way to make me happy. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10070153, filed 2004-01, 2,630 miles“In the last 5 years I have replaced a air conditioning hose 3 times ! My mechanic claims it to be a bad design and he sees it often with this model and year Ford Focus 2002.”
NHTSA complaint #10236887, filed 2008-08, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019375Jan 1, 2006Manifold or catalytic converter heat shields loose/missing.
- 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.
- 10013070Oct 1, 2002Discoloration of the yellow-colored, extended-life, factory-fill coolant.
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 2002 Ford Focus
277 complaintsSuspension
109 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