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, Jul 6, 2011, fire
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE EXTENDING INTO PASSENGER AREA, FIRE HAD STARTED IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2011
I DROVE MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 TO WORK AND BACK WITH NO PROBLEM. I PARKED IT AT MY HOUSE AND LATER THAT NIGHT WHEN I WENT TO TAKE MY CAR OUT THE KEY WOULD NOT COMPLETELY FIT INTO THE IGNITION. THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED THE KEY IS ALMOST COMPLETELY IN AND I CANT GET IT IN ANY FARTHER. I'M EITHER GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER OR A LOCKSMITH MOST LIKELY. I'M LUCKY I WASN'T OUT LATE OR FAR FROM HOME. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 6, 2011
MY SIXTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAS BEEN STRANDED THREE TIMES BECAUSE HER KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION. THE FIRST TWO TIMES SHE WAS CLOSE TO HOME AND WAS WITH A FRIEND, SO SHE CALLED MY HUSBAND AND WE MET HER AND TOOK TURNS JIGGLING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE KEY UNTIL, FINALLY AFTER ABOUT TEN MINUTES, THE KEY TURNED, SO THE SECOND TIME, IT TOOK OVER AN HOUR, BUT DID NOT GIVE UP BECAUSE OF THE FIRST TIME. THE LAST TIME, MY DAUGHTER WAS ALONE,LATE AT NIGHT AND FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS ABLE TO CALL US ON HER CELL, BUT WE HAD TO GET UP OUT OF BED, TO RESCUE HER AND AFTER OVER TWO HOURS OF TRYING TO GET THAT KEY TO WORK, WE GAVE UP. WE HAD TO ABANDON THE CAR AND I GUESS WE WILL HAVE TO CALL A LOCKSMITH, BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY HAVE TO USE THE SAME IGNITION AND IT WILL MOST LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, May 25, 2011
IGNITION LOCKING MECHANISM NOT WORKING - CAN NOT START CAR. KEY WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS 2000 - 2003. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED, FORD SEEMS TO DENY THE PROBLEM AND IS LINING THEIR POCKETS STILL WITH THE REPAIR MONEY ($400 +). ONE DAY SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET STRANDED AND GET SERIOUSLY HURT. (THANK GOD FOR THAT CELL PHONE). IT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. CROOKED AMERICAN CAR COMPANIES - I DID NOT BUY THIS CAR IT WAS GIVEN TO US WITH ONLY 26,000 MILES ON IT AND IT ONLY PROVES I WOULD NOT BUY AMERICAN CARS. HOW SAD FOR ECONOMY AND LACK OF DOING THE RIGHT THING. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 21, 2011
THE KEY WOULD NOT FIT INTO THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT TURN MAKING THE CAR UNUSABLE AND STRANDING ME FOR 5 HOURS WHILE WAITING FOR A LOCKSMITH. THERE WAS NO WARNING THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THE IGNITION JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENT DEFECT IN FORD FOCUS MODELS. THE LOCKSMITH REPLACED THE IGNITION FOR $300. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO START HIS VEHICLE THE KEY WOULD BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND HE WOULD BE UNABLE TO RELEASE THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE TUMBLERS HAD COLLAPSED AND THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 102,000. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN UPDATED 06/23/11
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 4, 2011
I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WITHOUT WARNING, THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE USELESS THIS EVENING. IT APPEARS FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS VERY COMMON FAILURE ACCORDING TO MANY OWNERS (VIA ONLINE FORUMS) WITH THE SAME ISSUE. FORD DOESN'T CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE AND HENCE NOT RECALL WORTHY. CONSIDER THIS, WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED TO MY WIFE THIS EVENING AFTER WORK, IT WAS 6 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OUTSIDE AND DARK TOO (AND WELL INTO THE NEGATIVE DIGITS WITH THE WIND-CHILL). THIS CLEARLY SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE IN THIS REGARD FOR ANYONE...LUCKILY OUR 5 & 3 YEAR OLD CHILDREN WERE IN THE SAFETY OF INDOOR DAYCARE AT THE TIME (WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH TWO SMALL KIDS LATE AT NIGHT IN A PARKING LOT WITH SUB ZERO TEMPS?) ACCORDING TO A PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITH, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND HE FIXED THE SAME THING ON ANOTHER FOCUS THIS MORNING. HE WILL BE REPLACING THE IGNITION CYLINDER WITH A NON OEM CYLINDER WHICH WILL REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE OEM CYLINDER HAS KNOWN ISSUES. THE REPLACEMENT CYLINDER (MADE BY A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER DOES NOT) DOES NOT HAVE THE FAULTY MECHANISM THE OEM CYLINDER HAS. THE STEERING WHEEL IS ALSO "LOCKED" AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE TO THE IGNITION CYLINDER. I WOULD "HOPE" THAT THIS FAILURE WOULDN'T OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. CATASTROPHE COULD BE THE RESULT. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 30, 2010
MY WIFE DROVE TO THE MOVIES. AFTER THE MOVIES SHE FOUND SHE COULDN'T TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. SHE JIGGLED IT AND TRIED FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE CALLING ME. THE CAR IS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND WERE STRANDED IN A BAD PART OF TOWN DUE TO A MALFUNCTION. WHEN I CALLED MY DAD ABOUT IT (HE IS A SERVICE MANAGER FOR A CHRYSLER/JEEP DEALERSHIP) HE TOLD ME IT'S A TERRIBLY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2000-2003 FOCUS. I CALLED FORD. THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. SAYS THE FIX THEM ALL THE TIME. I ASKED WHY IT WASN'T RECALLED SINCE MY WIFE WAS LEFT STRANDED AND THEY WOULDN'T ANSWER. I AM JUST GLAD THAT MY KIDS WEREN'T IN THE CAR. IT WAS ONLY 20 DEGREES OUTSIDE. FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS! *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 8, 2010
IGNITION SWITCH IN 2000 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS FAILURE WERE THAT I MISSED A VERY IMPORTANT DOCTORS APPOINTMENT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE THE $400.00 THE FORD PLACE SAID IT WOULD COST TO FIX IT. WHY HAS THIS PART NOT BEEN RECALLED? IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2010
IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN ON OUR 2000 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE LUBRICATED THE LOCK MECHANISM FOR SEVERAL YEARS AFTER LEARNING OF THIS PROBLEM, PRIOR TO HAVING MINE OCCUR. SOMETIMES KEY WILL INSERT BUT NOT TURN. OTHER TIMES KEY WILL NOT FULLY INSERT. IN BOTH CASES I AM LEFT STRANDED. KEY PROBLEM IS NOT AFFECTED BY POSITION OF STEERING WHEEL, SHIFT LEVER INTERLOCK POSITION, ETC. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WITHIN THE KEY-TUMBLER MECHANISM. WITH SUCH WIDE SPREAD KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM, WHY HASN'T FORD DONE A VOLUNTARY RECALL? THIS PROBLEM COULD OCCUR DURING A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION E.G. RUSH TO HOSPITAL., ROBBERY ATTEMPT, ETC. THE REPORTED FREQUENCY OF INCIDENTS, AS VIEWED ON INTERNET SITES, WOULD INDICATE A MAGNITUDE IN EXCESS OF FORD'S PREVIOUS SUV-TIRE FAILURE ROLLOVERS. THE KEY ISSUE IS MORE THAN AN INCONVENIENCE, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TRIES TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT WON'T TURN. SHE HAS TO HIT IT WITH A MALLET TO GET IT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT STATED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS ABOUT 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Sep 17, 2010
OEM IGNITION / TUMBLER MECHANISM LOCKED UP... PREVENTING ME FROM STARTING VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2010
I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND THE KEY WONT TURN IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE MET 50 MORE PEOPLE SINCE YESTERDAY WHO HAVE ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE AN IGNITION ESPECIALLY IF IT'S A FORD MISTAKE. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2010
I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS. AFTER DRIVING IT TO A GAS STATION I PUMPED MY GAS AND GOT BACK INTO THE CAR TO LEAVE. I PUT MY KEYS INTO THE IGNITION AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE WHEEL WAS LOCKED. I COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN AT ALL. SEVERAL PEOPLE TIRED TO GET IT TO TURN INCLUDING A TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND A MECHANIC. ALL SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD FOCUS'. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Aug 11, 2010
THE KEY HAS GOTTEN STUCK IN THE IGNITION THREE TIME NOW. THE FIRST TIME WE COULD NOT GET THE CAR STARTED IN A ROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD, AND HAD TO LEAVE IT OVER NIGHT. THE SECOND TIME I HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLE IN ORDER TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. THIS LAST TIME I ALSO HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2010
DRIVING HOME FROM FAMILY VACATION. IGNITION KEY/LOCK FAILED NOT LETTING US START OUT CAR AFTER STOPPING FOR A REST. LEAVING US STRANDED THREE HOURS FROM HOME ON A SUNDAY NIGHT. MASSIVE REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO THE FORD FOCUS 2000-2003 BUT WHY HAVEN'T THEY RECALLED IT? *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 25, 2010
MY YEAR 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING SOME IGNITION ISSUES. I COULD PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY THE CASE IF THE WHEEL WAS LOCKED. USUALLY AFTER SOME JIGGLING OF THE KEY IT WOULD TURN AND I COULD START THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS IN AUGUST OF 2004. IT BEGAN TO HAPPEN ABOUT TWICE A MONTH. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN FIX THE ISSUE, BY RE-MAKING THE KEY AND PROGRAMMING THE NOW THE KEY WON'T TURN AT ALL. IN SHOPPING AROUND DEALERSHIPS THEY BELIEVE THE PRICE WILL BE AROUND $300 IF THE CYLINDER IS NOT DAMAGED (BY THEIR OWN KEY?) FOR $500, PLUS THE COST TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THEM SO THEY CAN PROGRAM THE KEY. A LOCAL LOCKSMITH HAS TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS. IF SO, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED? *TR
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2010
2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION DOESN'T WORK. KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, May 26, 2010
THERE ARE NO INDICATORS THAT THE PROBLEM IS ABOUT TO OCCUR. KEY STUCK IN IGNITION OF 2000 FORD FOCUS. REPAIRED ONCE ALREADY. PROBLEM OCCURRING AGAIN. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME AFTER BEING STRANDED WHEN THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. INITIAL REPAIR BILL WAS AROUND $400. *TR
Electrical system, May 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS. IN 2003 WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T TURN THE KEY. THAT HAPPENED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHILE GETTING OTHER RECALLED PARTS REPLACED. YESTERDAY 5-25-10 AT 9:00PM I RETURNED TO MY CAR AND THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T TURN THE KEY. FORD REFUSES TO COVER IT AS DEFECT EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND IT LEFT ME STRANDED AT NIGHT TIME. *TR
Electrical system, May 3, 2010
I HAVE OWNED A 2000 FORD FOCUS FOR OVER 9 YEARS. I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITIONS INSTALLED IN THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT THE MECHANICS AWAITING A 4TH. AS A SINGLE WOMAN, I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I DON'T KNOW WHERE OR WHEN THIS IGNITION WILL LOCK UP AND LEAVE ME STRANDED. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AFTER INSERTED IN THE IGNITION. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK IF TURNED AND TOWTRUCK MUST BE CALLED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE. THE FIRST TIME WAS AT NIGHT AFTER A BABY SHOWER, LUCKILY FRIENDS WERE NEAR TO HELP ME. ANOTHER TIME IT WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AFTER WORK, I HAD TO WALK SEVERAL BLOCKS TO REACH A PHONE TO CALL FOR HELP. THE THIRD TIME WAS LATE AT NIGHT ON A CITY STREET...AGAIN I HAD TO WALK A COUPLE OF BLOCKS IN BELOW FREEZING WEATHER TO REACH A PHONE. AND NOW THIS TIME I RECOGNIZED THE "SYMPTOMS" AND WAS ABLE TO REACH A GARAGE BEFORE I WAS STRANDED. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WILL SHOW YOU THAT MANY FORD FOCUS OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED FORDS ALL MY LIFE, BUT THIS WILL BE MY LAST. I SHIVER TO THINK OF WHERE I MIGHT BE SOMEDAY WHEN IT DECIDES TO QUIT WORKING...AGAIN. I WILL LIST THE LAST INCIDENT DATE AT THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR SO FAR DATING BACK SIX YEARS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2010
2000 FORD FOCUS SE WAGON KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND DOES NOT TURN LEAVING THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGERS STRANDED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOCKED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ONE ADDITIONAL TIME FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 233,000.
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2010
FORD FOCUS 2000. 63,000 MILES. KEY WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY INTO IGNITION (ORIGINAL KEY) ALSO TRIED SECOND KEY (ORIGINAL KEY, NOT USED MUCH). FORTUNATELY, CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. IGNITION REPLACED. THERE HAD BEEN NO INDICATION OF A PENDING PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2010
THE IGNITION KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. TO START THE CAR. FORD FOCUS 2000. *TR