2002 Ford Focus Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 1%of 939 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Ford Focus, 1% of the 939 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car stalled when driving anywher from 20 - 70mph. The gauges go haywire the light cut off and on , the clock resets, the speedometer goes crazy, and I have a young daughter that rides in this car. This started in october and is still going on to date. My car is still under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10113959, filed 2005-03, 2,000 miles“There is a line that went straight into the engine's intake that has been leaking fluid since 2,000 miles and was inspected by deler who told to me that it was nothing. But the engine case should not have a large leak of fluid that soon. Finally now, they have done something on this and replaced the hose, as it was seen once more and knows of all the times reported. I hope this is just not a easy fix or this now hasn't caused any damange to the inside of the engine itself, as the engine has been in the shop for riding rough. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071080, filed 2004-01, 2,000 miles“Tail light connection melts due to bulb getting too hot. Impossible to remove connector to replace bulb. Have to replace entire lens. Many, many reports online of this happening. Ford denies and refuses to replace. Expensive remedies for customers. This happens on Focus wagons and many other fords.”
NHTSA complaint #10927017, filed 2016-11, 64,000 miles“While waiting at a construction site the engine died and would not start (the engine indicator lit). The brake lights, power windows, and rear hatch release also failed to function. The vehicle was towed and the personal mechanic reported the electrical harness to the rear hatch had failed where is passed between the body and the hatch door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10542669, filed 2013-09, 132,000 miles“Transmission went out 2 times in 1 year. Driver airbag shifted on its own. Rear passenger door does not unlock/open. Front ball joint cracked. Gas cover/door fell off. The smell of gas inside car at all times. Blinker would not turn off by itself. Key chime goes off when the key is out.”
NHTSA complaint #10088734, filed 2004-08, 25,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 9 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% |
| 2014 | 10 | 0% |
| 2013 | 14 | 1% |
| 2012 | 26 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 14 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 20 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 1% |
| 2001 | 32 | 2% |
| 2000 | 60 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Focus
277 complaintsSuspension
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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