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Research · Compact Cars

2002 Ford FocusRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 1,014 owner complaints for the 2002 Ford Focus. Most complaints involve electrical system (285) and suspension (122). The EPA rates it 20–28 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
20–28mpg
EPA · 9 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Feb 2012
Owner complaints
1,014
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment

Free remedy

RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

EquipmentReported Feb 24, 2012NHTSA 12E007000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Exterior lightingReported May 11, 2009NHTSA 09E025000

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Exterior lightingReported Apr 7, 2009NHTSA 09E012000
See all 8 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,014 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2001 – Dec 2024
  1. Electrical system285
  2. Suspension122
  3. Engine and engine cooling108
  4. Air bags78
  5. Tires75
  6. Power train73
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic67
  8. Fuel system, gasoline62
  9. Steering56

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Focus model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20003,738
20011,790
20021,014
20031,017
2004387
2005441
2006205
2007391
2008250
2009229
2010287
2011113
20123,803
20132,181
20142,584
20151,034
20161,194
2017906
2018837
Crashes reported
85
Fires reported
24
Injuries reported
81
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

285 reports4 crashes12 fires
“I drive a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan. My engine light is on, warning light for trunk door ajar light is on (even though the trunk is securely locked, my front headlights due not work consistently (sometimes work, sometimes don't). My trunk does not always latch secure after I close it as well. I took my car to Advanced Auto Parts and had my engine light diagnosed. Engine codes that resulted were: B1318, B1881, C1947, B2438, B2434, P0457. The representative tested my battery and found that the voltage was slightly lower than it should be. My concern is for my safety as well as the safety of others. Do we have some manufacturer defects on this particular vehicle? Have other concerns which could be the result of vehicle wear and tear, or/and due to manufacturer defects as well. Inner tie rods need replaced as well as control arms/bushings, as reported to me by a mechanic. I have seen recall reports related to the 2002 Ford Focus in which there has been issues directly related to what I'm reporting, which is another reason I'm filing a report. Thank you. The contact wanted to add that the wipers are experiencing an electrical issue as well. When in use, the wipers…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 21, 2023Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11502938

Suspension

122 reports12 crashes
“VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 108,000 MILES. I DID REPLACE THE TIE RODS CONTROL ARMS AND SWAY BAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE SUBFRAME IS VERY RUSTED AND THE ENGINE COULD FALL OF IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I BOUGHT THE CAR AROUND 90,000 MILES AND HAVE ALREADY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND OTHER PARTS UNDER THE CAR.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 10, 2019SuspensionODI 11279301

Engine and engine cooling

108 reports2 crashes3 fires
“CYLINDER HEAD VALVE SEAT FAILURE. APPROX 1/2 OF THE VALVE SEAT FELL INTO COMBUSTION CHAMER (BETWEEN PISTON AND HEAD).. THIS CAUSED PISTON TO BREAK AND ROD TO GO THROUGH CYLINDER WALL BUT NOT THROUGH BLOCK OUTER WALL AND CAUSING COOLANT TO GET INTO OIL. BEING A FORD TECH, I HAVE SEEN DAMAGE CAUSED BY VALVE SEATS IN CYLINDERS 1,2,&4. IT'S ALWAYS A INTAKE VALVE SEAT. ALSO ALWAYS AND ONLY ON SOHC MOTOR. HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN AND AS EARLY AS 60K MILES. *TT”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2012Engine and engine coolingODI 10444515
All 2002 Focus problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

9 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars, Midsize Station Wagons
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Focus
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 2-Valve · Front-Wheel Drive
253228$2,200317
Focus Station Wagon
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253228$2,200317
Focus
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve · Front-Wheel Drive
232925$2,500355
Focus
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232925$2,500355
Focus
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$2,500355
Focus Station Wagon
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve · Front-Wheel Drive
232925$2,500355
Focus Station Wagon
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232925$2,500355
Focus Station Wagon
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$2,500355
Focus
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 2.0Z · Front-Wheel Drive
182320$3,850444
  • Focus
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 2-Valve
    25 city · 32 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Focus Station Wagon
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    25 city · 32 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Focus
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve
    23 city · 29 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Focus
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 29 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Focus
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Focus Station Wagon
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve
    23 city · 29 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Focus Station Wagon
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 29 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Focus Station Wagon
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 4-Valve
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Focus
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, 2.0Z
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Ford Focus as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 4589Vehicle 4504Vehicle 4494
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2002 Focus questions

How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Focus have?

8 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2002 Ford Focus problems?

Owners filed 1,014 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (285), suspension (122), engine and engine cooling (108). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2002 Ford Focus get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Ford Focus at 20–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026