2002 Ford Focus Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 5%of 939 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2002 Ford Focus, 5% of the 939 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2002 Ford Focus se and for the past three weeks we've been forced to entice our key into the ignition and to turn in the ignition to start the car. Finally, today, 07/25/2010, we had to leave it while visiting a friend because it would not start, no matter what we did. We will be towing it and fixing the problem and, through research, we have came to the conclusion that it would cost $300+ to do so.”
NHTSA complaint #10345416, filed 2010-07, 67,500 miles“2002 Ford Focus ignition problem. I purchased this car two months ago and it works great. Problem is sometimes ignition switch get stuck and wont turn. Now my husband is stuck in another state and stranded due to this problem. Very disappointed with Ford.”
NHTSA complaint #10335473, filed 2010-06, 110,000 miles“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“Door lock self activation - while we were in the dealership, we were the third person of the day to complain about this problem. Since Ford put out the service bulletin on this problem in 2002, I would think they should pay the $184 for parts in addition to the $189 labor. This is an obvious defect in their manufacturing.”
NHTSA complaint #10064184, filed 2004-03, 40,000 miles“I have a Ford Focus 2002 zx5 and the key will not turn in the ignition. I am seeing that this is a very common problem, in fact california has started a class action lawsuit. Ford has not recalled this part.”
NHTSA complaint #10303972, filed 2010-02, 54,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V030000Feb 1, 2005Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine…Covers: Ford Focus 2000–2005
Related service bulletins
- 10183768Apr 21, 2016For 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…
- 10058099Sep 9, 2014Ford: 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…
- 10056643Aug 11, 2014Ford: 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…
- 10205032Jan 26, 2005Safety recall 05S27 - Rear door latch corrosion - requests for recall service action - built on or before 01/26/2005
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2014 | 47 | 2% |
| 2013 | 53 | 3% |
| 2012 | 134 | 4% |
| 2011 | 17 | 15% |
| 2010 | 31 | 11% |
| 2009 | 18 | 8% |
| 2008 | 25 | 10% |
| 2007 | 30 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 50 | 11% |
| 2004 | 28 | 7% |
| 2003 | 82 | 8% |
| 2002 | 45 | 5% |
| 2001 | 66 | 4% |
| 2000 | 201 | 5% |
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 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 29, 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