2002 Ford FOCUS SVT problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
32 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
26,375 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2002 model year. Data snapshot: . 26 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System:Horn is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 32 complaints (12.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 5 | 15.6% |
| Braking behavior | 4 | 12.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 9.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 9.4% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 9.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 3.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System:Horn | 4 |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 2 |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Tires:Sidewall | 2 |
Electrical System:Horn: 4; Air Bags:Side/Window: 2; Electrical System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe: 2; Power Train:Clutch Assembly: 2; Suspension: 2; Tires: 2; Tires:Sidewall: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 13 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 4 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 13; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2018 | 1 |
2002: 1; 2003: 7; 2004: 11; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2007: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 3; 2018: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System:Horn leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10025675 · 2003-07-08 (July 8, 2003)
CONTAMINATION IN FUEL TANK CAUSING ENGINE PULSING AND NEAR STALLING AT LOW SPEEDS IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. FUEL FROM FUEL FILTER TANK SIDE INTAKE IS BROWN, ALMOST THE COLOR OF TEA, FROM CONTAMINATION. DEALER MECHANIC, SERVICE TECH, AND SERVICE MANAGER CLAIM THE CONTAMINATION IN THE PLASTIC TANK IS FROM BAD GAS. I DISPUTED THIS CLAIM AND INFORMED THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I'VE BEEN HAVING THESE ENGINE PROBLEMS SINCE A MONTH OR SO AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE AND THEY'VE BECOME STEADILY WORSE.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10025675 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10055206 · 2004-01-29 (January 29, 2004)
CONTROL CABLE ON DUAL STAGE INTAKE MANIFOLD FRACTURED FROM HOUSING, RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL TO VARIABLE INTAKE RUNNERS. VEHICLE EXHIBITED INCREASED IDLE AND DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND STALLING.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 8,729 miles reported. Look up ODI 10055206 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10018886 · 2003-05-18 (May 18, 2003)
DEFECTIVE TIRE AND RIM 2 BAD CLUTCHES POOR BODY WORK(CROOKED HOOD) E BRAKE NOT ABLE TO HOLD ON A HILL!*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10018886 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10047064 · 2003-11-17 (November 17, 2003)
9 REPAIR ISSUES IN 8,000 MILES. 1. GRINDING BRAKES. 2. SUNROOF FAILED TO CLOSE. 3. ENGINE SENSOR FAILED. 4. TIRE DEVELOPED A BUBBLE. 5. INTAKE RUNNER FAILED. 6. STEREO JAMMED. 7. HORN FAILED. 8. DEFECTIVE CONTROL ASSEMBLY. 9. DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY. *LA
Owner-reported narrative. 9,371 miles reported. Look up ODI 10047064 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10082948 · 2004-07-29 (July 29, 2004)
WHEN SHIFTING MY SIX SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION INTO FIRST GEAR, IT OFTEN GOES INTO REVERSE. THIS TRANSMISSION DOESN'T HAVE A LOCKOUT, BUT IT HAS SOME KIND OF SPRING RESISTANCE THAT CONSTANTLY FAILS, WHICH CAUSES YOU TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO PUT IT INTO FIRST GEAR. THIS ACTION HAS ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS AT STOP LIGHTS.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 63,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10082948 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10185871 · 2007-03-21 (March 21, 2007)
1. THIS HAPPENED UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION TO GET ON THE FREEWAY AND WITH NO PRECURSORS OR INDICATORS. 2. THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POP. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE POP THE ENGINE STALLED, AND WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPON CLOSER EXAMINATION AFTER PUSHING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY IT WAS FOUND THE FACTORY FORD PRESSURE PLATE ASSEMBLY EXPLODED AND SHOT SHRAPNEL THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION AND RIPPED A HOLE THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINES. THE OIL AND COOLANT SPILLED ONTO THE HOT CLUTCH , LUCKILY AT THE SAME TIME, PREVENTING A F…
Owner-reported narrative. 52,151 miles reported. Look up ODI 10185871 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10381464 · 2011-02-10 (February 10, 2011)
TL*THE 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 THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY, AS A RESULT THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FALL OFF AND THE BOLT TO BE LOOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 77,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10381464 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10484670 · 2012-11-14 (November 14, 2012)
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 THIS CAR AND I GET NO HELP. I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS HAS BEEN ON A RECALL. I AM ON A VERY LIMITED INCOME AND CANNOT AFFORD THIS TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10484670 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10025869 · 2003-07-11 (July 11, 2003)
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 15-20 MPH AND FELT THE FRONT END DIPPED THEN THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED OUT OF MY HANDS AND THE CAR DROVE INTO A CURB CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 4,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10025869 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10055205 · 2004-01-29 (January 29, 2004)
FAILURE OF HIGH-PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF FLUID CAUSED BEARING IN POWER FLUID PUMP ASSEMBLY TO SEIZE RESULTING IN PULLEY SHEARING OFF AND EXITING VEHICLE FROM UNDER BODY. THE LOSS OF THE PULLEY CAUSED THE ACCESSORY SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT FAILURE, WHICH RESULTED IN ADDITIONAL LOSS OF THE WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, AND A/C COMPRESSOR. FLUID ALSO SOAKED ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. 3,168 miles reported. Look up ODI 10055205 at NHTSA ↗