2000 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 3,738 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 252 involved a crash and 127 involved a fire. 158 people were injured and 9 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentFeb 24, 2012
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.
IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.
Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 2005
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V482000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkagesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 02V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 29, 2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.
THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Campaign 01I017000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.
Campaign 01V258000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerDec 14, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.
IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
Campaign 00V418000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 6, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DECKLID WIRE HARNESS CAN FATIGUE AND DEVELOP BROKEN WIRES IN THE BEND AREA OF THE WIRE HARNESS.
THIS COULD RESULT IN EITHER A LOSS OF INDIVIDUAL LAMP FUNCTIONS, OR IN THE CASE OF A SHORT OF THE BROKEN WIRES THAT CAUSES A FUSE TO OPEN, IN THE LOSS OF STOP LAMP OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION. LOSS OF STOP LAMP OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DECKLID WIRE HARNESS.
Campaign 00V411000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsOct 12, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR WHEEL HUB RETAINING NUTS CAN LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND INSTALL A REAR WHEEL RETENTION CAP TO PREVENT LEFT REAR WHEEL SEPARATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2000. 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 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 00V303000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesOct 12, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. A SPEED CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE A CORE WIRE THAT IS LONG ENOUGH TO CATCH ON THE SLEEVE AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE CABLE DURING WIDE-OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION.
A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED VEHICLE CONTROL AND, POTENTIALLY, A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2000. 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 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 00V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersAug 11, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE RESULTANT HIC(D) VALUE AT ONE TARGET LOCATION AP1, LOCATED ON THE TRIM PANEL AT THE JUNCTURE OF THE A-PILLAR AND ROOF SIDE RAIL, MAY BE GREATER THAN DESIGN INTENT.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT CONTACTING THAT LOCATION MAY NOT BE PROVIDED THE INTERIOR IMPACT PROTECTION INTENDED.
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE B-PILLAR AND A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS, REVISE THE HEADLINER EDGE NEAR THE TOPS OF THE A-PILLARS TO ACCEPT THE NEW A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS WITH THEIR ENERGY ABSORBING TUBES, AND INSTALL THE NEW A-PILLAR AND THE OLD B-PILLAR TRIM PANELS.
Campaign 00V218000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlDec 3, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE END FITTING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO ASSEMBLY. IF THIS OCCURS, CORROSION IN THE SERVO ASSEMBLY COULD DEVELOP AND CAUSE INTERMITTENT SPEED CONTROL OPERATION OR PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE (WITH A NEW CABLE THAT INCORPORATES A GLASS-FILLED END CAP) AND INSPECT THE ASSEMBLY FOR INTERNAL CORROSION. SERVOS WITH EVIDENCE OF CORROSION WILL ALSO BE REPLACED. OWNERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE SPEED CONTROL UNTIL THE VEHICLES ARE REPAIRED.
Campaign 99V346000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
1,346 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2007
FORD FOCUS WITH IGNITION LOCK UP PROBLEMS *WRITER PLEASE NOTE FOR CUSTOMER THAT COMPLAINT IS BEING FORWARDED TO FTC.* *CC *NM
Electrical system, Feb 22, 2007, fire
FORD 2000 EXPITITION CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED AND OCCURED IN MY DRIVEWAY AROUND 7AM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON AND THE LAST TIME USED AROUND 10:30 PM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2007
I PARKED MY CAR AND TOOK THE KEY OUT AS USUAL. WHEN I GOT BACK IN A FEW MINUTES LATER AND TRIED TO START IT THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS INEXPLICABLY SEIZED UP. THIS LEFT ME STRANDED, IN A SNOW STORM, SEVERAL MILES FROM MY HOME LATE AT NIGHT. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I'M SEEING IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY MODEL OF VEHICLE. IF I HAD BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AS AN OWNER, I COULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF IT HAPPENING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 11, 2007
RECENTLY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO IDLE ERRATICALLY SOMETIMES DYING, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE BOSCH PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS WERE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH FORD VEHICLES AND SOLD ME NEW SPARK PLUGS. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO GO AWAY BUT ABOUT 30 DAYS LATER IT STARTED AGAIN. FRUSTRATED WITH THE DEALERS PERFORMANCE I CHECKED THE VEHICLE MYSELF AND FOUND THAT THE CRANKCASE VENT BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FIREWALL HAD A RUBBER ELBOW AND HOSE THAT WERE COLLAPSING AFTER THE VEHICLE STARTED. I REMOVED THEM AND FOUND THE ELBOW HAD A HOLE AND THE HOSE SEEMED TO BE STRUCTURALLY WEAKENED. I REPLACED BOTH AND NO MORE PROBLEM. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 6, 2007
IGNITION CYLINDER ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS HAS BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE (APPROXIMATELY AUGUST, 2004, KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE LOCK. THIS REQUIRED TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT (FEBRUARY, 2007) THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH UNLESS THE TILT STEERING WAS BOUNCED FORWARD AND BACK FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 6, 2007
REVISED TO FIT WEB COMPLAINT FORM. WEBFORM REQUIRES MANUFACTURER OF IGNITION CYLINDER FROM FORD. CALLED FORD AT 1800-392-FORD AND SHAUN-CENTRAL FLORIDA STATES PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. FORD IS NOT A CHOICE IN THE DROP DOWN MENU AT HTTPS://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/IVOQ/EQUIPMENT.CFM?TOSTEP=4&CFID=1748899&CFTOKEN=17655993 GUESSED ON INFO TO TURN IN FOLLOWING COMPLAINT. IGNITION LOCKED UP ON FORD FOCUS. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. HAD TO TOW AIRLINE WRECKER, DUBS GARAGE AND LOCKSMITH TOLD ME EXTREMELY COMMON FOR FORD FOCUS. PETITION FOR IGNITION CYLINDER RECALL AT HTTP://WWW.PETITIONONLINE.COM/MOD_PERL/SIGNED.CGI?FOCUSIC EVEN WHEN THE PART IS REPLACED, IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I JUST PRAY NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS (AND FROM WHAT I'VE READ IT WILL) I AM IN A SAFE, WELL LIT AREA WHERE MY CELL PHONE CAN GET SERVICE; AND NOT THE BEACH OR SOMEWHERE THAT TOW TRUCKS CHARGE OVER $500. BUT MOSTLY I PRAY FORD IS FORCED TO FIX THIS KNOWN ISSUE AND STOP CREATING A FINANCIAL BURDEN ON PEOPLE JUST SO THEY CAN PROFIT FROM THEIR FAULTY IGNITION CYLINDERS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT FORD HAS NO INTENTIONS TO RESOLVE THEIR LOCKING IGNITION SINCE THE PART HAS TO BE ORDERED FROM THEM FOR AT LEAST $100 PER INCIDENT AND IF THE PERSON HAS THEIR VEHICLE FIXED AT FORD IT COULD COST UP TO $500. I HAVE CALLED FORD LOCALLY AND CORPORATE, THEY STATE THERE IS NO RECALL FOR AN IGNITION CYLINDER. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO DEALERSHIPS ACCOUNTABILITY THAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH SUCH AN ACTION FOR 7 YEARS? IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY ONLY WHEN THERE IS DEATH? IS THAT WHY FORD CONTINUES TO INSTALL AND SELL THE FAULTY IGNITION CYLINDER? WHAT'S TO STOP THEM FROM CONTINUING IF THEY PROFIT FROM THE PROBLEM? I THINK THAT PERSONNEL TAKING COMPLAINTS SHOULD GIVE THE 800 NUMBER AND/OR EXACT WEBSITE TO REGISTER COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA AND/OR LIST THIS INFO ON CAR DEALERS WEBSITES. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2007
FAILURE OF IGNITION KEY TO TURN IN IGNITION LOCK. LEFT ME STRANDED. CALLED LOCKSMITH TO HAVE WHOLE IGNITION DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED. LOCKSMITH INFORMED ME THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT HAS REFUSED TO RECALL THE DEFECTIVE PART. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2007
MY 2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND FROM WHAT I AM READING ON THE INTERNET THE FORD FOCUS IS KNOWN FOR THIS ISSUE, AND I AM LETTING RICART FORD KNOW THAT I WILL NOT PAY IN ANYWAY FOR THIS DEFECTED PART. IF I HAVE TO I WILL GET MY LAWYER INVOLVED. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2007
THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS, TEND TO STICK AND YOU CANNOT REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT JERKING HARD ON THE KEY TO REMOVE . NOW THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE SWITCH AND WILL NOT TURN ON. IT STRANDED ME 5 MILES FROM HOME. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2007
THE CAR WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING WE REPLACED THE BATTERY CHECKED THE CABLES HAD THE STARTER TESTED THE GUY SAID IT WAS THE NUETRALIZATION SWITCH. HE GOT BACK INTO START THE CAR AND IT LOCKED UP. IT IS NOW STILL SITTING THERE FOR THEM TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2007
IGNITION IS LOCKED UP AGAIN ON MY 200 FORD FOCUS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. IT HASN'T HAPPENED IN A COUPLE OF YEARS THOUGH. SUDDENLY, IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2007
WAS STRANDED WITH BABY WHEN UNABLE TO INSERT KEY INTO IGNITION AND START VEHICLE (2000 FORD FOCUS) WHICH LOCKSMITH TELLS ME IS COMMON DEFECT IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL. IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED WITH COST OF $180. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2007
KEY WON'T GO INTO IGNITION ALL THE WAY AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN MY CAR ON. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT IT IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD SO IT IS NOT UNDER A RECALL YET. SO I WILL NOW HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FIXED OUT OF MY POCKET. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 22, 2007
THIS PAST WEEKEND MY IGNITION CYLINDER FAILED IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS. RESEARCHING THE TOPIC ONLINE REVEALED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT FORD CHOOSES TO IGNORE, THEREFORE THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2007
THE CAR HAS 32000 MILES AFTER 6 YEARS. IN DECEMBER 2006 THE IGNITION FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. I COULD NOT INSERT THE KEY. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE TOWED AND THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I WAS ABLE THE RESTART THE CAR, BUT IT FAILED AGAIN ON DECEMBER 11, 2006, STRANDING ME. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON ON THIS MODEL, TO THE EXTEND THAT FORD KEEPS THE REQUISITE PARTS IN STOCK. HE ATTRIBUTED IT TO A DESIGN FAULT. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS PROBLEM INDEED IS COMMON A DRIVER COULD BE STRANDED AND HELPLESS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION, WITH SERIOUS RISK TO SAFETY AND POSSIBLY LIFE. IF THE MECHANIC'S OPINION THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FAULT IS CORRECT, FORD SHOULD RECALL THE CAR. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2007
KEY LOCKING UP IN IGNITION. CAR ONLY HAS 50,000 MILES. $500 REPAIR BILL PLUS TOWING CHARGE AND LEFT ME STRANDED IN SNOW STORM. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 14, 2007
2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKS, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM BEING STARTED. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2007
1) I PARKED IN A REDZONE TO LET MY FRIEND OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN I LOADED SOMETHING INTO MY CAR. 2) I WENT TO RESTART MY VEHICLE AND THE IGNITION MECHANISM FAILED- COULDN'T INSERT THE KEY PROPERLY AND WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR. SO IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE MY CAR TO A SAFER LOCATION. LUCKILY I HAD AAA IN ADDITION TO TWO GENEROUS FRIENDS WHO WERE ABLE TO HELP ME WITH THE COST- $265!!! BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE MAN UP FRONT. OTHERWISE MY CAR WOULD'VE BEEN TICKETED AND TOWED. 3) HE DRILLED OUT THE OLD IGNITION MECHANISM AND REPLACED IT. 2 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $265 LATER!! *NM
Electrical system, Jan 6, 2007
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START MY 2000 FORD FOCUS THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. INITIALLY THINKING IT WAS A KEY ISSUE I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO FIND NUMEROUS ISSUES SURROUNDING THE 2000 FORD FOCUS AND POOR QUALITY OF THE TUMBLER ASSEMBLY LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED AND/OR KEYS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. FORD HAS ALSO ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN TO THEIR DEALERS IN REGARD TO THIS ISSUE. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND ALSO DEALT WITH FORD CORPORATE LOOKING FOR A SOLUTION. THEY SAY THERE ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY ISSUED THE SERVICE BULLETIN. AT THIS TIME MY ONLY SOLUTION TO HAVE FORD REPLACE TO PREVENT MY FAMILY FROM BEING STRANDED. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2007
THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS, FIRST THE KEY DID NOT GO IN ALL THE WAY AND WHEN IT DID, THE SWITCH DID NO TURN. THE REPAID COSTS 400.00. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2007
I PARKED MY FORD FOCUS IN A PARKING SPACE AT A TACO BELL. THE WHEELS WERE SLIGHTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS IN THE IGNITION SO I BEGAN WIGGLING THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH, CONTINUING TO TRY THE KEY. EVENTUALLY, I'D TURNED THE WHEEL SO FAR THAT IT STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION, CRANKED TO ONE DIRECTION. NOTHING WORKED. A HALF HOUR PASSED. I ASSUMED THAT THE DIRECTION OF WHEELS AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEING TURNED LIKE IT WAS HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE IGNITION NOT WORKING. SO I JACKED UP THE FRONT END OF THE CAR TO TRY TO STRAIGHTEN MY WHEELS OUT BY HAND BUT THEY TOO WERE LOCKED AND WERE NOT GOING TO BUDGE. I CONTINUED TO TRY DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF APPLYING THE BRAKE, TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, ADJUSTING THE TILT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, AND TRYING TO TURN THE KEY. I CALLED A TAXI CAB TO TAKE ME BACK TO WORK, 25 MINUTES LATE, MINUS 7 DOLLARS. AT WORK, I BEGAN TO RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND WEBSITES, SUCH AS CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/FORD_FOCUS, WHERE I BEGAN TO LEARN TIPS TO GET THE KEY TO TURN AND SUGGESTIONS FOR REPAIR. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A TOW TRUCK FEE BY USING ONE OF THE SUGGESTED QUICK FIXES, WHICH BASICALLY CONSISTS OF POUNDING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION WITH A HAMMER, PREFERABLY A RUMMER MALLOT. FROM THAT SAME SITE, I LEARNED THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN PINPOINTED TO THE GERMAN-MADE HUF LOCK THAT FORD PUTS IN THE FORD FOCUS. THE BEST SUGGESTION IS TO HAVE AN AUTOMOTIVE LOCKSMITH REPLACE IT WITH A NON-FORD OR NON-HUF PART. GOING TO A FORD DEALER IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. THE PART HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED SO IT COSTS THE CONSUMER. FOR ME, AROUND $400. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2006
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. KEY WILL NOT TURN WHEN FULLY INSERTED IN IGNITION SWITCH. *NM
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 27, 2006
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WON'T TURN,FRONT TIRES LOCKED, CAR HAD TO BE TOWED IN. DEALERSHIP HAD TO PUT THE CAR ON A JACK TO GET IT INTO THE SHOP, REMOVED STEERING COLUMN TRIM, HAD TO DRILL OUT BROKEN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLY, HAD TO SET UP NEW LOCK CYLINDER SO THE SAME KEYS WOULD WORK. SO NOT ONLY AM I STUCK WITHOUT A VEHICLE TILL AFTER CHRISTMAS, I HAD TO PAY A TOWING CHARGE, PLUS THE COST TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED. BACK CAR DOOR LATCH ON PASSENGER SIDE CONTINUALLY STUCK AND DOES NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THAT SIDE. RATTLING NOISE UNDER THE CARRIAGE IS UNEXPLAINABLE - WHAT IS NEXT? *NM
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2006
KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN PUT IN IGNITION. HAVE READ THAT 100'S OF PEOPLE WITH MY VEHICLE ARE EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM, BUT FORD WILL NOT ADMIT WRONGDOING. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2006
FORD FOCUS 2000 IGNITION BROKE CAUSING MY KEY NOT TO GO IN RIGHT AND NOT TO TURN. I WAS FORCED TO CALL A LOCK SMITH AND HAVE THE LOCK REPLACED.