Does the 2002 Ford Focus SVT have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT, the most recent reported on April 18, 2002 (Vehicle speed control: cruise control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Focus SVT?

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (6 complaints), followed by power train (5).

How many 2002 Ford Focus SVT complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 32 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Ford Focus SVT recalls and problems

1 recall and 32 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Ford Focus SVT recalls

Vehicle speed control: cruise control

NHTSA campaign 02V117000 · reported April 18, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 534 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles built with manual transaxles, there is the potential for the speed control cable to hang up at the throttle body bracket during high, wide open throttle operation, preventing the throttle from returning to the closed position when the accelerator is released.
The risk: If this condition were to occur, it may be necessary to depress the clutch and apply the brake to bring the vehicle to a stop.
The fix: Dealers will replace the throttle body and check for proper operation. Owner notification began april 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system6
Power train5
Tires4
Engine and engine cooling3
Suspension3
Visibility3
Air bags2
Fuel system, gasoline2
Latches/locks/linkages2
Seat belts2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 6, 2018 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 135,000 miles
CAR PERIODICUALY LOOSES ALL POWER TO DASH BATERRY EVERYTHING COMPLETLY I'VE REPLACE BATTERY ALTINATOR CLUSTER LIGHT IT SEEMS IF I USE MY LIGHT IT HAPPENS MORE OR ANYTIME I STOP OR SLOW DOW IT STALLS AND WILL NOT START WITHOUT A JUMP THEN IT WILL BE GREAT AGAIN SOMETIMES FOR A DAY SOMETES A WEEK IT S VERY IRRADICUL AND…

Dec 10, 2012 · Engine · 74,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE…

Nov 14, 2012 · Electrical system · 35,000 miles
NOTICED THAT MY DASH BOARD HIGH BEAM FOR MY HEADLIGHTS WAS STAYING ON. TOOK TO WHEEL WORKS AND THEY TOLD ME ITS THE WIRING HARNESS FOR MY HEADLIGHTS. THEY TOLD ME IT IS MELTING AND NEED TO TAKE TO THE DEALER. I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW AND PAID CASH FOR IT WITH EXTRAS ADDED ON TO IT. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH…

Sep 28, 2012 · Latches/locks/linkages · 155,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO CLOSE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR FAILED TO LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN…

Feb 10, 2011 · Steering · 77,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE BOLT LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE AIR BAG THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE DISENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST ALL STEERING CAPABILITIES BUT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…

Focus SVT model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2002	1	32	1	0

All Ford Focus SVT years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford Focus SVT have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Ford Focus SVT, the most recent reported on April 18, 2002 (Vehicle speed control: cruise control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Focus SVT?: Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (6 complaints), followed by power train (5).
How many 2002 Ford Focus SVT complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 32 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 6, 2018.