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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,738

Of the 2000 reports, 252 involved a crash and 127 involved a fire. 158 people were injured and 9 people died.

Primary concernElectrical system1,346 reports · 36% of complaints
Owner complaints3,738Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship18 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system1,346
  2. Engine and engine cooling470
  3. Service brakes414
  4. Fuel system413
  5. Hydraulic399
  6. Suspension386
  7. Gasoline363
  8. Power train220

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  1. Electrical system, Oct 3, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WOULD NOT FIT INTO THE IGNITION. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT, AND THE ENGINE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. UPDATED 12/15/06. *JB

  2. Electrical system, Sep 25, 2006

    IGNITION LOCK IN 2000 FORD FOCUS FREEZES, EITHER LOCKING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OR REFUSING TO UNLOCK STEERING WHEEL, OR START CAR. *NM

  3. Electrical system, Sep 23, 2006, fire

    2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS, STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE FUSE BOX, WITHIN 3 MINUTES THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE AND CAR WAS TOTALLY IN FLAMES. NO WARNING SIGNS, NOTHING ODD ABOUT HOW THE CAR RAN. JUST RIDING ALONG AND SMOKE STARTS AND I PULLED OVER ASAP AND THE CAR WENT INTO FLAMES. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT WHAT EVER PROBLEM IT WAS...THE CAR IS DESTROYED. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE, THE SMOKE CAME FROM THE FUSE BOX ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE SMELL OF BURNT PLASTIC WAS SMELLED AND AS I STATED BEFORE THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. I HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND AWAY FROM IT. *NM

  4. Electrical system, Sep 19, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM (~48,000 MILES). FOR THE 2ND TIME SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR, THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS FAILED. THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED, WE COULD NOT TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR AND COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY. THIS TIME WHEN IT FAILED, THE SWITCH FROZE IN THE ON POSITION, AND WE WERE NOT ABLE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. SINCE IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WE WERE NOT EVEN ABLE TO "KILL" THE ENGINE. IT HAPPENED AT NIGHT, BUT FORTUNATELY, WE WERE ABLE TO FIND AN OPEN SERVICE STATION... THEY WERE ABLE STOP THE ENGINE BY PULLING SPARK PLUG WIRES. NOT BEING ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE SURE SEEMS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. I UNDERSTAND MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION SWITCHES ON FORD FOCUS MODELS. THIS SWITCH IS CURRENTLY BEING REPLACED AGAIN FOR A COST OF ~$300.00. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO FORCE FORD TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM? *NM

  5. Electrical system, Sep 18, 2006

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS HAS REPEATED EPISODES OF IGNITION KEY BEING UNABLE TO TURN IN THE SWITCH AND OCCASIONALLY NOT ABLE TO INSERT KEY INTO SWITCH. I HAVE HAD THE TUMBLER ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND AFTER EIGHT MONTHS THE NEW UNIT HAS FAILED. *JB

  6. Electrical system, Sep 16, 2006

    IGNITION LOCK FAILURE (KEY COULD NOT BE PUT INTO LOCK) DUE TO IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FAILURE. THIS LEFT CAR AND DRIVER IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO RETRIEVE BY TOW TRUCK (TURNED-OVER FRONT WHEELS LOCKED, NO STEERING POSSIBLE). REPAIR IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. FORD DECLINED PARTICIPATION IN REPAIR COST. MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET (FOR EXAMPLE, HTTP://CBS5.COM/INVESTIGATES/LOCAL_STORY_041015136.HTML, OR CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AT HTTP://WWW.FAZMICLAW.COM/FOCUS.HTML, OR EXCERPT "...FORD HAS CONCEDED THAT IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION LOCKS, BUT THE COMPANY HAS NOT ORDERED A RECALL."). *JB

  7. Electrical system, Sep 11, 2006

    KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION, STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. HAD TO HAVE IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2000 FOCUS - PERHAPS A REDESIGN OF THE CYLINDER IS REQUIRED. *JB

  8. Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Electrical system, Sep 11, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ALL FOUR POWER DOORS FAILED TO LOCK FROM THE INSIDE AND/OR OUTSIDE INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOWS ROLLED UP/DOWN INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DUST AROUND THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. UPDTED 09/22/06. *JB

  9. Electrical system, Sep 7, 2006

    BATTERY CABLE DAMAGE, VEHICLE FAILS TO START. *NM

  10. Electrical system, Sep 4, 2006

    KEY FAILS TO TURN IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. CANNOT START THE CAR. *JB

  11. Electrical system, Sep 3, 2006

    HELLO, WE HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS, AND HAVE HAD THE LOCK CYLINDER FREEZE UP FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS. FORD SAYS THIS IS A DEFECT, YET THERE IS NO RECALL. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE MANY, BUYERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. SHOULDN'T FORD BE FORCED TO RECALL A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT? I AM NOT SURE I HAVE THE CORRECT AGENCY, SO PLEASE TELL ME WHO I WOULD NEED TO CONTACT IF NOT. IF SO, WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS? SINCERELY,. *JB

  12. Electrical system, Sep 1, 2006, crash

    WHILE PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH VEHICLE LOCKED UP. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART IT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. CONSUMER INFORMED MECHANIC THAT IGNITION SWITCH HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NO OTHER INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED IN THE POLICE REPORT. UPDATED. *JB

  13. Electrical system, Aug 29, 2006

    THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP THIS WEEK, PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING THE KEY. I COULD INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT IT REFUSED TO TURN. AFTER TRYING FOR THE BETTER PART OF AN HOUR, I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. FORD PUT IN A NEW IGNITION THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHICH IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MECHANISM FROM THE PREVIOUS ONE. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY FOUND THE ORIGINAL PART WAS FLAWED, AND ARE NOW USING AN UPGRADED IGNITION SWITCH TO REPLACE THE ONES THAT FAIL. IT COST ME $403.38 TO HAVE THE NEW ONE PUT IN. SO FAR, FORD HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PART. *JB *NM

  14. Electrical system, Aug 25, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS LX. *JB

  15. Electrical system, Aug 21, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THE KEYS WOULD NOT FIT INTO THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE IGNITION MODULE NEEDED REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

  16. Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2006

    EARLY ON I HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING BUT JUST THOUGHT IT TO BE WEIRD FOR THE CAR WOULD TURN BACK ON..WOULD POWER DOWN WHILE DRIVING THEN I COULD START IT OVER AGAIN. WASN'T UNTIL RECENTLY IT BECAME AN ISSUE THAT WORRIED ME WHEN I WAS ON A TRIP AND IT DID IT 3 TIMES IN A ROW AND IT WOULDN'T START ON THE SECOND TIME BUT THEN DID ON THE THIRD TRY. I HAD BEEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN CAR JUST DIED.. EVERYTHING WENT DEAD. TONIGHT MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I STARTED SEARCHING THE NET LOOKING FOR REASONS WHY WHEN I CAME ACROSS THE STALLING ISSUES WITH THE FORD FOCUS 2000. I HAVE ALSO ENCOUNTERED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR OVER THE YEARS AND UNTIL RECENTLY HAVE STAYED UNDER 50,000 MILES. I ALSO HAD THE LOCKING OF THE IGNITION WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALING BUT LAST TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE REAR BEARINGS THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NOT ONE OF THE 21 STATES IT HAD ISSUES WITH. I SEE THEY HAVE NOW INCLUDED THAT TO GO INTO ALL 50 STATES. AT THIS POINT I AM REALLY SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE AND WAS JUST GETTING READY TO DO AN OUT OF STATE DRIVE WHICH I AM PUTTING ON HOLD. I'VE HAD OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO THE CAR STALLING OUT IN TRAFFIC.. IT JUST STOPS.. STEERING FREEZES BRAKES LOCK.. ITS A MESS AND A DANGER TO MY CHILD'S LIFE AND MINE. THE LATEST PROBLEM OF STALLING PLUS THE GAS PRESSURE SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE.. I PRESS ON THE GAS AND IT SEEMS TO SPUTTER AS IF THE CAR WASN'T GETTING ENOUGH GAS AND ALMOST DIES.. I THOUGHT MAYBE MY CLUTCH WAS GOING OUT BUT THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE THE CASE. IT HAS NOT BEEN A CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT THANK GOODNESS BUT HAVE COME VERY CLOSE. THIS IS A DANGER TO OTHER DRIVERS AND TO MYSELF. *JB

  17. Electrical system, Aug 18, 2006

    STEERING COLUMN WILL NOT UNLOCK. *JB

  18. Electrical system, Aug 16, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS KEY WOULD NOT TURN INTO LOCK POSITION. UPON INSPECTION MECHANIC DETERMINED THE LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCK CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *KB *NM***NAR***

  19. Electrical system, Aug 12, 2006

    MY FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH WONT TURN. I STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESSERT ABOUT 400 MILES FROM HOME TO FILL THE GAS. I HAD TO PAY $140 THE TOW TRUCK TO GET TO THE NEAREST VILLAGE, AND $400 FOR A NEW IGNITION SWITCH AND NIGHT AT A CHEAP HOTEL ($60) I HAVE READ A LOT ABOUT THESE KIND OF CRAPPY CARS HAVING THE EXACTLY SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE CALL IT A RECALL :(. *NM

  20. Electrical system, Aug 9, 2006

    IGNITION CYLINDER COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THAT A PROBLEM WAS IMMINENT. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. AFTER RESEARCHING, HAVE FOUND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2000 FOCUS. COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF CAR IS NEEDED IN AN EMERGENCY, OR LEAVES YOU STRANDED. *JB

  21. Electrical system, Aug 8, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS AND THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAS LOCKED UP 4 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS. *JB

  22. Electrical system, Aug 7, 2006

    THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS IS PERIODICALLY LOCKING UP. I'VE HAD IT HAPPEN WHERE YOU PUT THE KEY IN AND IT WON'T TURN. TONIGHT, THE KEY WOULDN'T EVEN GO IN ALL THE WAY, IT WOULD ONLY TAKE ABOUT 1/3 OF THE KEY AND NO MORE. IT EVENTUALLY TOOK THE KEY AFTER ABOUT A HALF HOUR OF TRYING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT, BUT ONE THAT FORD SO FAR HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON. *JB

  23. Electrical system, Aug 5, 2006

    IGNITION SWITCH ON 2000 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP, ALMOST $600 TO REPLACE. *JB

  24. Electrical system, Aug 4, 2006

    TOWARD THE END OF JULY, 2006, I STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY BEING ABLE TO TURN MY KEY IN THE IGNITION. I WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE IT A LITTLE FOR IT TO TURN. ON AUGUST 1ST MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR SINCE. *NM

  25. Electrical system, Aug 2, 2006

    I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY IGNITION SWITCH TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. AND NOW IT HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I THINK FORD SHOULD RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. THE COST OF REPAIRS IS APPROACHING $900. *JB