The 2001 Ford Focus has 3 recalls, the most serious being a front seat recliner defect where a damaged spring can cause the seat back to suddenly fall backward while driving, potentially causing the driver to lose control.
Both the driver and front passenger seats are affected. The recliner locking mechanism may not hold the seat back in position, and occupants may notice a looseness or chucking sensation in the seat before it gives way. There is also a label recall covering vehicles sold in Canada where the French-language airbag warning on the sun visor may not stay attached, leaving French-speaking occupants without the printed safety guidance.
At a glance
What can fail
French-language airbag warning labels on the sun visor may not stay permanently attached and could detach and be lost, preventing French-speaking occupants from seeing required airbag safety warnings.
What the fix does
New labels will be supplied to replace the original ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A damaged spring in the seat recliner handle can lose tension, preventing the handle from locking the seat back firmly. This could cause the front seat backs to unexpectedly recline while driving, risking driver control loss.
What the fix does
The recliner handle spring will be replaced on both front outboard seats to restore proper locking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring in the front seat recliner handle may have been damaged during manufacturing testing, causing the seat back to feel loose, make clicking sounds, or recline unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat back recliner handle spring in both the driver and front passenger seats at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
