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, Jun 20, 2006

    THIS IS ABOUT MY 2000 FORD FOCUS. 1. KEY IS FITTED IN TO THE IGNITION BUT WILL NOT START THE CAR OR COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. 2. CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT I WAS STRANDED UNTIL THE TOW TRUCK CAME TO HAUL THE CAR AWAY. 3. I NEW IGNITION HAD TO BE INSTALLED FOR $400. *NM

  2. Electrical system, Jun 15, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION FAILED TO RELEASE THE KEY. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

  3. Electrical system, Jun 14, 2006

    FOR THE SECOND TIME MY WIFE HAS BEEN STRANDED BECAUSE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER ON OUR 2000 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN RESULTING IN THE CAR HAVING TO BE TOWED AND THE CYLINDER REPLACED AT A COST OF $349.00 TO ME. THE DEALER DENIES THAT ANY SERVICE BULLETIN WAS EVER ISSUED BY FORD CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM AND THAT IS NOT TRUE. *NM

  4. Steering, Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 14, 2006

    2000 BLACK FORD FOCUS ZX3 MY KEY (SAME KEY THAT CAME WITH THE CAR) WILL NOT START MY CAR. . . .IT WILL NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. AND ALSO I CAN'T GET MY STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK TO MAKE MATTERS WORST. THIS PROBLEM DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN BUT IT HAPPENS MORE THAN IT SHOULD, AND THIS TIME I CAN'T EVEN GET IT TO START AT ALL. IT HAPPENS ABOUT 3 TIMES A YEAR AND I CAN GET MY CAR GOING IN ABOUT AN HOUR. BUT, THIS TIME MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY FOR 3 DAYS NOW. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME SOMEONE GAVE ME ADVICE BUT, IT DIDN'T HELP. AND THE LAST 2 TIMES THEY HAVE FAILED TO CALL ME BACK! *NM

  5. Electrical system, Jun 13, 2006

    THE IGNITION LOCK CYL IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT TURN. *NM

  6. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jun 5, 2006

    I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ON MARCH 2, 2006 AFTER I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH IT STALLING AND THEN IT WAS HARD TO RESTART. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. THEN ON MAY 19, I TOOK THE CAR IN AGAIN TO HAVE A RECALL ON THE LOCKS FIXED AND TO ASSESS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. I WAS TOLD THAT THEIR WAS AN EVAP LEAK AT THE GAS CAP AND ONE WOULD BE ORDERED FOR ME. DURING THIS WAIT I EXPERIENCED A STRONG GAS SMELL SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE AND COMING UP THROUGH THE VENTS. THEN ON JUNE 4 (THE CAP STILL NOT REPLACED), I WAS GETTING POOR GAS MILEAGE. AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A STRING OF GAS. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I WAS LOSING GAS. I WENT FROM HALF A GALLON TO E IN LESS THAT 8 MIN. UNTIL I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND THE CAR DIED. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND ROLLED TO SAFETY. THEN I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO IS CURRENTLY ASSESSING THE SITUATION....PLEASE HELP!!! PREVIOUS PROBLEMS INCLUDES, BUT IT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS (CUTS OUT, DIES, HESITATES{COIL PACK REPLACED}, THE KEY NOT FITTING INTO THE IGNITION {JAMMED THE KEY IN & WD40}. *NM

  7. Electrical system, Jun 1, 2006

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS HAS LESS THAN 55 THOUSAND MILES WHICH I JUST PURCHASED 3 MONTHS AGO. MY IGNITION FROZE, KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THANK GOODNESS IT WAS HOME IN THE GARAGE. I COULD HAVE BEEN AT THE LAKE OR ANYWHERE AND BEEN STRANDED. THE TOW TRUCK JUST HAULED IT OFF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS I HAVE LEARNED. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL PROBLEM. THIS WILL BE MY LAST FORD. *JB

  8. Electrical system, May 24, 2006

    I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS. I INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I TRIED AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DID NOT WORK. HAD TO END UP GETTING THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. DID I MENTION THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS? I DID AN ONLINE SEARCH WITH THE WORDS FOCUS AND IGNITION AND GOT NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS. DO YOU EVEN READ THESE THINGS? HOW LONG DO YOU ALLOW A COMPANY TO GET AWAY WITH THIS TYPE OF THING? *JB

  9. Electrical system, May 23, 2006

    I CANNOT INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION OF 2000 FORD FOCUS. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE IT BEFORE. CALLED LOCKSMITH AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY MAKE/MODEL. TUMBLER HAS TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $150.*JB

  10. Electrical system, Air bags, May 20, 2006, crash

    I PURCHASED A FORD FOCUS 2003, THE CAR HAD 18,000 MILES. I PAID PACIFIC COAST FORD SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS CASH FOR THE CAR, TWO DAY LATER I BROUGHT IT BACK BECAUSE THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. THEY RAN TESTS TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER IT WAS BACK FOR THE SAME REASON. ULTIMATELY I HAD TO BRING IT TO LAKEWOOD TRANSMISSION WHERE AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS IT WAS FINALLY FIXED IT. I'VE HAD TO GET MY IGNITION DONE TWO TIMES AND IS READY FOR A THIRD. MALLIONN FORD FIXED THAT FOR ME. NOW THREE WEEKS AGO I ROLL INTO A LADY DOING 5-10 MILES AN HOUR. THE POLICE ARE CALLED BUT SINCE THERE IS NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO EITHER PARTIES THE POLICE SAY THEY WON'T COME. NO POLICE REPORT. IM DRIVING HOME AND MY AIR BAGS DEPLOY SMASHING OUT MY WINDSHIELD . A LITTLE ATE YOU THINK. I CUT ONE AIR BAG OUT AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE HOME. MY CAR NEVER SHUT DOWN, THE ONLY THING THAT HAPPENED IS THE SEAT BELT LOCKED. I CAME HOME AND TOOK PIC OF THE CAR NOT A SCRATCH ON MY CAR ONE AIR BAG STILL DEPLOYED THE OTHER YOU CAN SEE I CUT IT OUT AND OF COARSE THE SMASHED WINDSHIELD . I CONTACTED FORD THEY SAID IT WAS AN INSURANCE PROBLEM NOT THEIRS, HOW COULD IT BE THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT MY CAR MALFUNCTIONED. *NM

  11. Electrical system, May 19, 2006

    IGNITION SWITCH FAILED, COULD NOT TURN KEY TO START VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I'M THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CYLINDER THE FIRST TIME WITH OEM STOCK. FIRST TIME WAS $250. THIS TIME IS $283. FORD OWNS THIS PROBLEM. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD, AND NEITHER WILL ANYONE IN MY FAMILY, UNTIL THIS IS REIMBURSED. *NM

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Equipment, May 19, 2006

    I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS AND AMONG ALL THE RECALLED PARTS I'VE FIXED THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. THE CAR JUMPS EITHER WHEN I PRESS THE GAS OR IF THE CAR IS IN IDLE. I'VE BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY THOUGHT IT HAD TO DO WITH THE OIL LEAKING IN MY SPARK PLUGS WHICH THEY FIXED AND GAVE ME A TUNE UP WITH ALL FORD PARTS. OF COURSE NOW THEY SUGGEST BRINGING IT TO THE DEALER AND HAVE FORD RUN TESTS. I'VE PROBABLY HAVE GOTTEN SOMETHING FIXED ON MY CAR EVERY 6 MONTHS FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. ALSO I'VE HAD TO REPLACE 3 WINDOWS DUE TO THE DEVICE THAT PULLS IT UP AND DOWN BROKE. AND NOW MY KEY WON'T START THE CAR. I CAN'T START MY IGNITION BECAUSE OF THE KEY LOCK/PIN IS DEFECTIVE. WHAT MORE DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH FOR FORD TO RECALL OR FIX THIS CAR, GET IN AN ACCIDENT AND GET HURT MYSELF. *NM

  13. Electrical system, May 10, 2006

    IGNITION LOCK FAILURE: HAD PROBLEMS INSERTING THE KEY INTO IGNITION AND TURNING. PROBLEM WORSENED QUICKLY SO THAT THE KEY COULD BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION BUT WOULD NOT TURN. IGNITION COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. COULD NOT START THE CAR AND WAS STRANDED. TOW REQUIRED FOR REPAIR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3. THE FIRST TIME FORD REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH SIMILARLY INFERIOR PARTS. *NM

  14. Electrical system, May 9, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS EXHIBITING PROBLEMS SINCE OCTOBER 2005. TWO MECHANICS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM. IN MAY THE CAR STALLED WHILE CRUISING AND WAS UNABLE TO START. IT WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED STARTER SWITCH, WHICH HAD BEEN REPLACED OVER A YEAR BEFORE. IF THIS INCIDENT HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSIER ROAD IT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *NM

  15. Electrical system, May 2, 2006

    IGNITION SWITCH FAILED, COULD NOT TURN KEY TO START VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. *NM

  16. Electrical system, May 1, 2006

    THE IGNITION SWITCH/LOCK CYLINDER IS DIFFICULT TO TURN KEY. THERE IS A TSB LISTED WITH THIS COMPANY FOR AFTER THE SWITCH/CYLINDER LOCKS UP CREATING AN EXPENSIVE TOW ETC. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL WEB SITES LISTING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION LOCKING UP. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO TAKE CAR IN PRIOR TO TOTAL LOCKUP. APPARENTLY THE IGNITION SWITCH/LOCK CYLINDER IS FAULTY TO THE POINT OF EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE KEYS. I TRIED A DIFFERENT KEY AND IT WORKED BETTER. I BELIEVE AN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER SHOULD HAVE A LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY THAN A FEW YEARS. I HAVE SEEN POSTS FOR CARS AS NEW AS 2003 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THE CAR COMPANY HAS FINALLY BOUGHT A REVISED/IMPROVED LOCK CYLINDER. *JB

  17. Electrical system, Apr 25, 2006

    I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION STICKING AND JUST TODAY IT COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I FOUND ON THE INTERNET WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE. IS THERE ANY INFO REGARDING A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM?*JB

  18. Electrical system, Apr 25, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN WITH THE KEY INSERTED. THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT TURN HOWEVER IF THE CONTACT WAITED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE IGNITION WOULD START. IN OCTOBER 2004 THE IGNITION LOCKED, A LOCK SMITH WAS CONTACTED WHO TEMPORARILY CORRECTED THE VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS IN NOVEMBER 2005 THE IGNITION LOCKED AGAIN WHERE IT HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO ALERT THE MANUFACTURER FOR RECALL INFORMATION. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS CONCERNING THE IGNITION.

  19. Electrical system, Apr 22, 2006

    WENT TO GET INTO MY CAR AFTER WORKING A NIGHT SHIFT AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY CAR. THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PAID TO HAVE THE IGNITION DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED. ALMOST EXACTLY A YEAR LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE IGNITION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCKSMITH AND PAID HIM TO REPLACE THE IGNITION. HAVE HEARD OF A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS!!! *NM

  20. Electrical system, Apr 22, 2006

    IGNITION LOCK FAILS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE IGNITION KEY JUST WONT TURN AND THE LOCK HAS TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT THE FIRST TIME FOR NO CHARGE THE OTHER TWO REPAIRS WERE ON ME. THE PAPER WORK SAYS THAT THE IGNITION TUMBLER HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT AND THE NEW TUMBLER REKEYED AND INSTALLED. AT LEAST ONE OF THESE FAILURES OCCURRED LESS THAN A YEAR FROM A PREVIOUS FAILURE. *JB

  21. Electrical system, Apr 21, 2006

    ON 2/27/06 I TRAVELED 35 MILES FROM TUCSON TO GREEN VALLEY. THERE I STOPPED TO GET COFFEE. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE FOCUS, I COULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION KEY. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTACT A LOCKSMITH BECAUSE IT WAS A SUNDAY. I HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN GREEN VALLEY. ON THE 27TH I GOT A LOCKSMITH WHO WORKED ON THE IGNITION AND COULD NOT GET IT TO UN-LOCK. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO JIM CLICK FORD IN GREEN VALLEY. AS I WAS DISCUSSING THE IGNITION PROBLEM WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ANOTHER FOCUS OWNER SHOWED UP COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. MY PROBLEM WAS SOLVED BY THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY. THE TOTAL BILL FOR THE TOWING AND REPAIR WAS $346.93. *JB

  22. Electrical system, Apr 12, 2006

    I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS. FOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A FUSE BLOWING WHICH RUNS MY BRAKE LIGHTS. I CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE FUSE, BUT NOW IT WON'T HOLD ANYMORE. THERE IS A RECALL #02313: DECK LID WIRE HARNESS FATIGUE, BUT MY VIN DIDN'T GET RECALLED. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THESE RECALL 'SYMPTOMS' AND SHOULD BE COVERED! *JB

  23. Electrical system, Apr 11, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY; THE IGNITION TUMBLER FRACTURED WHICH PREVENTED THE ENGINE FROM BEING STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION. AFTERWARDS, THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN FOR ANOTHER IGNITION REPLACEMENT.

  24. Electrical system, Apr 7, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE IGNITION CYLINDER AND LOCK, A NEW KEY WAS PROVIDED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED.

  25. Electrical system, Apr 7, 2006

    I COULD NOT INSERT MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. I ALSO COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR MOVE THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL GEAR. THE SERVICE TECH AT FORD SAID "IT WAS A VERY COMMON AND WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS AND THAT THEY REPAIR MANY MORE FORD FOCUS IGNITIONS THAN ANY OTHER MODEL OF FORD CARS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL REPAIR AND THE OWNER OF THE FORD FOCUS (I) SHOULD NOT BE FINANCIALLY LIABLE FOR THE REPAIR. I WOULD LIKE FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR $269.32 AND THE FEE I PAID TO THE TOWING COMPANY $35.00 A TOTAL OF THE TWO IS $304.32. *JB