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, Mar 29, 2005

    IGNITION CYLINDER SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, CAR HAS 78,000 MILES AND I FEEL THAT THIS IS A POOR DESIGN. COST OF REPAIRS WAS $185.00 AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION KEY AS WELL. I HAVE OLD PART FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED.

  2. Electrical system, Mar 28, 2005

    'RECALL CAMPAIGN' FORD FOCUS 2000, HAS HAD 6 RECALLS. *BF THE TUMBLER IN THE IGNITION FAILED. *JB

  3. Steering, Electrical system, Mar 25, 2005

    THE IGNITION ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS IS LOCKING UP TO THE POINT WHERE I CANNOT TURN MY KEY. THE CAR HAS 47,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS STRANDED FOR 20 MINS THE OTHER NIGHT TRYING TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. SPEND UP TO 1 TO 2 MINUTES NOW EACH TIME I GET IN MY CAR REINSERTING THE KEY UNTIL IT FINALLY TURNS. I HAVE ALSO TRIED MY SPARE KEY, WHICH IS BRAND NEW, WITH SAME RESULTS. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND PROBABLY ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL I HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK

  4. Electrical system, Mar 24, 2005

    VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START WHEN THE CONSUMER PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS IF THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY , AND VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START.*AK

  5. Electrical system, Mar 24, 2005

    IGNITION IN 2000 FORD FOCUS HAS FAILED. WE STARTED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH TURN THE KEY--WE OFTEN EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH TURNING THE KEY TO ON POSITION. THE PROBLEM HAS NOW PROGRESSED AND WE ARE UNABLE TO EVEN TURN THE CAR ON AT ALL. WE ARE TOLD THAT THE IGNITION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND WE WERE TOLD BY THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURING MORE AND MORE, AND THEY HAVE ALREADY HAD SEVERAL CARS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL COME IN WITH THIS PROBLEM. WE WERE ALSO TOLD THAT IT WILL COST ALMOST $400.00 TO REPLACE THIS PART. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM, AND IT SEEMS THERE ARE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE US WHO ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. I CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTLY AND THEY WERE OF NO ASSISTANCE.

  6. Electrical system, Mar 24, 2005

    I WENT SHOPPING AT WAL-MART AND WHEN I CAME OUT, MY IGNITION WAS LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING AND CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO TOW IT IN AND FIX IT. I WAS CHARGED FOR ALL PARTS, LABOR, AND TOW BILL. WHEN I REASEARCHED THIS ONLINE, I FOUND SEVERAL OTHERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCES THIS HAPPENS OVER AND OVER. FORD WOULD ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY AND WOULD NOT LOOK INTO A RECALL. MY CAR IS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. INCIDINTE DATE IS A GUESS.

  7. Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 20, 2005

    IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE 3 TIMES AT MILEAGES 41097, 60405, 75504. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED EACH TIME. IGNITION SWITCH WAS DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED EACH TIME. IGNITION SWITCH BOUND UP AND WOULD NOT TURN WITH KEY INSERTED. *AK

  8. Electrical system, Mar 18, 2005

    FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCKS FAIL AT VERY HIGH RATES. OUR'S FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME THIS WEEK, STRANDING US AND REQUIRING A TOW. OUR FORD DEALER AGAIN CHARGED US MORE THAN $300.*AK THE WEB IS FULL OF REPORTS OF THESE FAILURES. SEARCH GOOGLE: FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCK

  9. Electrical system, Mar 18, 2005

    IGNITION LOCK HAS FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME, THIS TIME AT APPROXIMATELY 65000 MILES. I AM WITHOUT A CAR, AND MY WIFE IS 36 WEEKS PREGNANT.*AK

  10. Electrical system, Mar 17, 2005

    IGNITION KEY SWITCH WILL SOMETIMES FAIL TO TURN AFTER THE KEY IS INSERTED. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WILL GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND THAT THAT HE HAS HAD MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE TOWED BECAUSE OF THIS. HE ALSO SAID THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT IS NOT REPAIRING THEM AND THAT IT IS A $250 REPAIR. HE STATED IT COULD HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AND THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT, OR COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION NOT TO WORK AT ALL. I'VE OWNED MANY CARS. I'VE NEVER HAD THE IGITION KEY CYLINDER "WEAR OUT". *AK

  11. Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 14, 2005

    1/25/04 PARKED AT METER IN STAMFORD CT, KEY WOULDN'T COME OUT OF IGNITION. GOT IT OUT, THEN WOULDN'T GO BACK IN. 20 MINUTES OF SWEATING/SWEARING, GOT KEY BACK IN. HAD TO LEAVE IT IN THE IGNITION (DANGEROUS) UNTIL 2/12/04. CAR TO DILLON FORD, WHO REPLACED KEY CYLINDER FOR $210. MILEAGE 76,489. I SAVED BROKEN IGNITION SWITCH, IF YOU WANT IT. REPLACEMENT WAS A FORD MOTORCRAFTCO. IGNITION SWITCH SW-5997 XS4Z-11582-AA. JANUARY 2005 BROKE AGAIN! BROADWAY AUTO REPLACED KEY IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AGAIN FOR $250.00. MILEAGE 96,000. THEY GAVE ME A COPY OF "IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER: ALL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, INTERIOR- IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HARD TO TURN. POSTED 09/16/02. ARTICLE NO. 02-18-2 2000 FORD FOCUS L4-121 2.0L SOHC VIN P SFI COPYRIGHT 2004 ALLDATA 8.30 "USE LOCK CYLINDER REPAIR KIT (XS4Z-11582-AA)" THIS IS THE SAME CYLINDER THAT BROKE IN MY FIRST REPLACEMENT. I SAVED BROKEN CYLINDER. BOTH CYLINDERS HAVE THE CODE S 38 KB ON BARREL. FORD'S AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, I.E., TECHNICAL BULLETIN. FORD'S USING THE SAME INFERIOR PART TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE KEY CYLINDER, MAKING OVER $200 EACH TIME. NHTS COMPLAINT SITE HAS 291 COMPLAINTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH; 277 COMPLAINTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,IGNITION; 4 COMPLAINTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER; 2 COMPLAINTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: STARTER ASSEMBY. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS "AUTOMOTIVE TALK.NET" 114 COMPLAINTS TOPIC: 2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. THIS IS DANGEROUS, HIGHLY PROIFTABLE FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY. FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE FOR THE OVER $500 SPENT SO FAR ON THIS PROBLEM.*AK

  12. Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 14, 2005

    THE IGNITION CYLINDER ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IS A SOURCE OF CONSTANT HEADACHES. THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM TO ME...I'VE HAD MY IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED 4 TIMES IN 4 YEARS ON MY CAR. IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME PROBLEM, AND FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY WITH THIS PART....I AM NOT THE ONLY FOCUS OWNER WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.*AK

  13. Electrical system, Mar 14, 2005

    THE FAILURE ACCURRED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH THUS NOT ALLOWING US TO START THE CAR IT HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. *AK

  14. Electrical system, Mar 12, 2005

    VEHICLE: FORD FOCUS ZX3. MY: 2000, PURCHASED IN: SAN GABRIEL, CA CURRENTLY IN: DUBLIN, OH. EVENTS: I WENT TO MY CAR ONE EVENING, SAT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, PULLED MY KEY OUT AND IT WOULD NOT GO IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. IT WAS IF SOMETHING WERE STUCK IN IT AND THE TIP OF THE KEY WAS THE ONLY PART THAT WOULD GO IN. NO AMOUNT OF PUSHING SEEMED TO HELP. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND I EVEN ATTEMPTED TO TURN IT TO SEE IF IT WOULD FREE WHATEVER WAS STOPPING THE KEY FROM GOING IN.*AK CONSEQUENCES: I WAS STRANDED. THE TIRES WERE TURNED TO THE LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. TO HAVE IT LOADED ONTO A FLATBED TOW TRUCK WAS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT CAUSING MORE DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE CAR OR WHEELS. IT TOOK OVER AN HOUR TO GET IT LOADED ON A TOW TRUCK. CORRECTION: I TOOK THE CAR TO GERMAIN FORD FOR SERVICE AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS ON OTHER FORD FOCUS. OTHER COMMENTS: I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE SOME AND OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE.

  15. Electrical system, Mar 10, 2005

    THE IGNITION TUMBLER FAILED. FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ASCERTAIN, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT AND HAS CHOSEN NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE FACT THAT VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED ALMOST 12 TIMES SHOULD INDICATE THAT THERE IS MASSIVE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR.*AK

  16. Electrical system, Mar 9, 2005

    WITHOUT WARNING OR PRIOR PROBLEMS AND WHILE PARKED, THE IGNITION AND STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE KEY NOR THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL ATTEMPTS TO DO SO FAILED. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THE OLD IGNITION WAS DRILLED AND A NEW ONE ISNTALLED. THE SERVICE MANAGER COMFIRMED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS.*AK

  17. Electrical system, Mar 7, 2005

    I PARKED MY CAR ONE NIGHT, NOTHING UNUSUAL, NO PREVIOUS DIFFICULTIES WITH THE IGNITION. THE NEXT DAY I GET IN AND CAN NOT INSERT KEY FULLY INTO THE IGNITION. AFTER JIGGLING IT AROUND, I COULD FINALLY FULLY INSERT KEY BUT AM UNABLE TO TURN IT TO START THE VEHICLE. *AK ALTHOUGH NO INJURY OCCURED, THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR (OVER $300 IN ADDITION TO THE TOWING FEES). I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND IN MY DISCUSSION WITH OTHER FOCUS OWNERS; AND THINK FORD IS TO BLAME. I ONLY HAVE 2 KEYS ON MY KEY RING ALONG WITH THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY; THEREFORE, THIS WAS NOTHING I'VE DONE TO IMPAIR THE DAILY PERFORMANCE.

  18. Electrical system, Mar 6, 2005

    I WAS LEAVING WORK LATE THE OTHER NIGHT AND MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER IN ORDER TO START MY CAR. I HAD A FRIEND PICK ME UP AND I CALLED A LOCKSMITH THE NEXT DAY. I HAD MY IGNITION REPLACED, THEN THREE DAYS LATER I COULD NOT TAKE MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I ONCE AGAIN CALLED THE LOCKSMITH HE CAME BACK OUT AND REPLACED MY IGNITION ONCE AGAIN, YET THE KEY GOT STUCK AGAIN. THE THIRD TIME I CALLED HIM HE TOLD ME THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH FOCOUS AND IT WAS GOING TO COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $250. TO FIX, ON TOP OF THE $190. I HAD ALREADY SPENT TO REPLACE THE IGNITION.*AK

  19. Electrical system, Mar 3, 2005

    I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS. THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FAILED. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR IN THE MORNING AND PARKING IT IN A PARKING SPOT I CAME OUT AND WAS UNABLE TO INSERT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION. I WAS UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FROZEN IN PLACE. AFTER TRYING REPEATEDLY TO GET THE KEY IN OR JIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. I NEEDED A NEW STEERING COLUMN, IGNITION, LOCK CY, AND REKEY LOCK CYLINDER. THERE HAS BEEN A VEHICLE: ALL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WHICH IS A PLASTIC SWITCH IN THE IGNITION THAT BREAKS AND THEN CAUSES THE PROBLEMS. I HOPE THERE IS NO CAR FIRE OR DEATHS AS A RESULT OF FORD NOT FIXING THIS PROBLEM. *JB

  20. Electrical system, Mar 2, 2005

    VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURN THE VEHICLE ON. OWNER HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND HAD THE REPAIRS DONE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE FEELS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND HE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. *TC

  21. Electrical system, Feb 28, 2005

    TURNING THE KEY BECAME PROGRESSIVELY HARDER, AND FINALLY THE CYLINDER LOCKED COMPLETELY. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, IT COST ME $450.

  22. Electrical system, Feb 27, 2005

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WAS WORKING FINE. ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE CAR, I RETURNED TO THE CAR TO START IT UP, AND MY KEY, WHICH HAD JUST WORKED FINE, WOULD NOT START THE CAR. THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE IGNITION WERE LOCKED. MY KEY WOULD NO LONGER GO ALL THE WAY INTO THE IGNITION CYLINDER, WHICH SEEMED TO BE JAMMED IN SOME WAY. I CALLED AAA, WHO SAID THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME IN THE FORD FOCUS. THEY BANGED ON THE COLUMN TRYING TO RELEASE THE CYLINDER, BUT TO NO AVAIL. STRANDED, I TOOK A $35 CAB RIDE HOME AND HAVE TO RETURN TODAY TO HAVE IT TOWED OFF A DOWNTOWN STREET TO THE DEALERS SERVICE CENTER, WHICH IS CLOSED ON SUNDAY AND HAS NO EMERGENCY NUMBER...I GUESS I JUST LEAVE IT THERE WITH THE HOPES THAT THEY WILL LOOK AT IT TOMORROW. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW I'LL GET TO WORK TOMORROW, HOW LONG THIS WILL TAKE TO FIX, NOR HOW MUCH IT WILL COST--- BUT I'VE READ OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS THAT THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER DUE TO WEAK METALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THIS IS NOT DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THIS IS A FAULTY PART AND SHOULD BE RECALLED! *JB

  23. Electrical system, Feb 24, 2005

    IGNITION RANDOMLY LOCKED UP. I HAD SOME PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING. AFTER I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE CAR, REMOVED THE KEY, I COULD NO LONGER TURN THE IGNITION CYLINDER WITH THE KEY. HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION CYLINDER AND KEY FOR A COST OF $350. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF SIMILAR HAPPENINGS BY OTHER FOCUS OWNERS. ALSO RECEIVED ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE FROM TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND MECHANIC OF FREQUENCY OF THIS OCCURRING WITH FORD FOCUSES. *NM

  24. Electrical system, Feb 23, 2005

    I COULD NOT INSERT MY KEY MORE THAN HALF WAY INTO THE IGNITION TO START MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3. I HAD IT TOWED THROUGH FORD TO A DEALERSHIP AND EXPECTED THE IGNITION PROBLEM TO BE FULLY COVERED UNDER WARRANTY (I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH ITS FAILURE).THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT WOULD COST $585 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION AND RE-KEY THE CAR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY MODEL/YEAR.*AK

  25. Electrical system, Feb 21, 2005

    KEY GOES IN IGNITION, BUT WON'T TURN. REQUIRES WIGGLING AND MULTIPLE TRIES TO GET CAR TO TURN OVER AND START. COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD FOCUSES. MAKING APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IGNITION REPLACED.