VehicleVerdict

2001 Ford Focus fuel system problems

The 2001 Ford Focus has 337 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

337

Fuel System complaints

14%

Share of year

7

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

Related recalls

03V482000Fuel SystemNovember 19, 2003 · 671,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.

Consequence

THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

What owners report

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S WIFE MADE A LEFT TURN AND FRONT WHEELS LOCKED. THEN, VEHICLE DRIFTED AND HIT THE CURB AND A POLE. BOTH, CONSUMER AND WIFE HAD THEIR SEAT BELTS ON, BUT SUSTAINED BACK AND LEG INJURIES. ALSO, A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE FUEL LINES. INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED, AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 3, 2004 · crash

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2001 Ford Focus have?

NHTSA has 337 complaints about the 2001 Ford Focus fuel system — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2001 Ford Focus fuel system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the fuel system: 03V482000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.