Does the 2002 Ford Focus have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Ford Focus, the most recent reported on February 1, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 939 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (277 complaints), followed by suspension (109).

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

82 of 939 complaints report a crash and 20 a fire; 78 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Ford Focus recalls and problems

1 recall and 939 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Focus.

recalls

939

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 recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 05V030000 · reported February 1, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 589,932 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, a build-up of corrosion at the pawl pivot area of the rear door latch can cause a binding condition of the pawl that may affect proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. The occupant may experience difficulty opening or closing a rear door, and eventually the rear door may not latch properly.
The risk: If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
The fix: Dealers will have a lower rocker seal added to the door and have the rear door latches evaluated free of charge. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to the rear doors advising the owners to use the recommended lubricant. The recall began on march 9, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Most reported problems

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

Electrical system277
Suspension109
Engine and engine cooling103
Air bags72
Service brakes, hydraulic64
Tires62
Fuel system, gasoline58
Power train58
Steering53
Structure51

What owners report

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

Dec 26, 2024 · Service brakes
Break lights won't work and was almost hit by another car, changed break lights changed light break switch checked fuses and wiring everything is good

Apr 21, 2024 · Unknown or other
Sunroof Exploded. Empty Road, temp low 40s. No warning. I have owned the car since 2004. Though older car, <120,000 miles.

Jul 26, 2023 · Unknown or other
The drivers door will not open. It is stuck shut. Turning the key in the lock does not work. Broke outer handle trying to open door to assist elderly party out of drivers seat. Power lock fuse is fine. Took door panel off partly to expose cable, cannot push or pull cable to force open. Safety issue because owner is…

Jan 21, 2023 · Exterior lighting
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…

Sep 17, 2020 · Power train · 137,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT CALLED FAIRWAY FORD (2761 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37660), AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE VEHICLE…

Focus model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	11	3,685	248	118
2001	7	1,761	172	47
2002	1	939	82	20
2003	1	977	52	17
2004	1	387	34	13
2005	1	441	43	9

Across all years, the 2012 Focus has the most complaints (3,770). All Ford Focus years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford Focus have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Ford Focus, the most recent reported on February 1, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Focus?: Owners have filed 939 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (277 complaints), followed by suspension (109).
How many 2002 Ford Focus complaints mention a crash or fire?: 82 of 939 complaints report a crash and 20 a fire; 78 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 26, 2024.