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, Nov 29, 2004
I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS LX AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITIONS SWITCH TWICE DUE TO MY IGNITION LOCKING AND MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO START MY CAR. ON SATURDAY,NOVMEBER 27,2004, I BEGAN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN, I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO MY HOME THAT EVENING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A LOCKSMITH, THE TOW GUY AND OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AND EVEN A PERSON WHO WORKS FOR FORD. *AK
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2004
I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE BUT I AM UNABLE TO START IT NOW. THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN AND IT IS LOCKED INTO ONE POSITION. I CANNOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE IGNITION IS LOCKED. I PLAN TO CALL THE LOCKSMITH AND/OR DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ON MONDAY. *AK
Electrical system, Nov 27, 2004
I RECENTLY ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH MY IGNITION. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO INSERT MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT INSERT ENTIRELY AND WOULD NOT TURN TO START THE CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED WHILE IN PARK. INITIALLY, I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN "EASY FIX", SO I TRIED TO JERK THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE EXTREME LEFT OR RIGHT, BUT IT REFUSED TO COOPERATE. AFTER OVER AN HOUR OF ATTEMPTING TO INSERT MY KEY WITH FAILURE, I CALLED A LOCKSMITH. THE LOCKSMITH TOLD ME "THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD FOCUSES". I'M CURIOUS AS TO WHY FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR MATTER. I'VE READ NUMEROUS STATEMENTS ONLINE FROM OTHER FORD FOCUS OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM (SEE HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/T158426.HTML AND HTTP://WWW.TALKABOUTAUTOS.COM/GROUP/ALT.AUTOS.FORD.FOCUS/MESSAGES/27215.HTML). THE LOCKSMITH HAD TO UNINSTALL THE OLD INGNITION SWITCH AND RECODE AND INSTALL A NEW IGNITION SWITCH FOR $190. SINCE MY PURCHASE, FORD FOCUS HAS ISSUED THREE RECALLS (UPCOMING FOURTH RECALL) AND I'M SURPRISED THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ONE OF THEM WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS. HOPEFULLY, FURTHER INVESTIGATION WILL TAKE PLACE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND NOT LEAVE ANY FUTURE OWNERS STRANDED WHEN THEY ATTEMPT TO START THEIR CAR.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2004
KEY NO LONGER TURNED IGNITION.. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2004
IT WAS A RATHER NORMAL DAY. I DROVE MY 2000 FORD FOCUS TO COLLEGE, THEN HOME. ON MY WAY TO A LOCAL RESTAURANT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. WHEN I WAS FINISHED, I PAID FOR MY MEAL AND EXITED THE ESTABLISHMENT. I STEPPED INTO MY CAR, CLOSED THE DOOR, AND PLACED MY KEY (WHICH WAS IN MINT CONDITION) IN THE IGNITION. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN EITHER WAY. I GIGGLED (CAREFULLY), BUT IT APPEARED TO BE STUCK. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED, FOR A FEE. THE CAR HAD TO BE FIXED, FOR A FEE ($300). I WAS STRANDED WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. WITH NO WAY TO SCHOOL OR WORK, IT WAS A MOST COMPROMISING SITUATION. THEY REPLACED THE METAL IGNITION SWITCH AFTER TEARING APART MY STEERING WHEEL. IT SEEMS TO WORK FINE NOW, HOWEVER; I BELIEVE THE FORD COMPANY SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. I HAVE RESEARCHED FOR A SPECIFIC RECALL, BUT I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. I FOUND MANY CONSUMERS THROUGH THE INTERNET WHO HAVE HAD TO UNFORTUNATELY DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM. COMPENSATION FOR THIS INCONVENIENCE IS SURELY DESIRED, AND TO MY OTHER FAITHFUL FORD CUSTOMERS (QUICKLY LOSING FAITH!) I WOULD SAY IT IS OWED TO US. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2004
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION. THIS WAS FIXED ONCE BEFORE UNDER WARRANTY IN 2001. BUT THE CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY NOW. *N M
Electrical system, Nov 22, 2004
THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE LIGHTS WERE TURNING ON AND OFF. THE CAUSE IS UNDETERMINED. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 22, 2004
I PURCHASED A FORD FOCUS WAGON (2000) FROM ROWAN LINCOLN MERCURY IN WINTER HAVEN FLORIDA IN NOVEMBER 2003. SINCE THAT TIME THIS "CHECKED OUT" VEHICLE HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: A NEW IGNITION LOCK (TWICE), A NEW BATTERY, NEW SPARK PLUGS & WIRES, NEW VACUUM HOSE, AND NEW ALTERNATOR. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT ON THE VEHICLE. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE AGAINST THE DEALERSHIP FOR SELLING ME AN OBVIOUSLY MESSED UP VEHICLE? MY CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNANSWERED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 36,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT. EVERYONE THAT TOUCHES THE CAR TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NO GOOD REASON FOR THE NEED OF ANY OF THE REPAIRS EXCEPT THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES AND BATTERY. ANY ADVICE AS I AM NOW FACING ANOTHER REPAIR BILL IN EXCESS OF $1,000 FOR A CAR THAT IS TOUTED AS BEING ONE OF THE MOST RELIABLE ON THE ROAD? *JB
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2004
I OWN 2 FORD FOCUS CARS. EACH HAS HAD THE IGINITION SWITCH LOCK UP. IGNITION KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED WITHOUT FORCE AND EVEN THEN COULD NOT BE TURNED TO UNLOCK STEERING WHEEL OR PROVIDE POWER. STARTING ENGINE WAS NOT POSSIBLE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED USING CAR JACKS .... A TOWING SURCHARGE. THIS DEFECT IS NOT CONSIDERED A WARRANTY ITEM AND COST WAS SEVERAL HUNDERED DOLLARS TO REPAIR.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2004
I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS. EARLY THIS YEAR THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION, NOT THAT IT WOULDN'T START, BUT THAT I COULD ONLY GET THE KEY HALFWAY INTO THE LOCKING MECHANISM IN THE IGNITION ITSELF. I MISSED WORK THAT DAY BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO START MY OWN CAR. CALLED THE LOCKSMITH AND HE TOLD ME THAT WAS HIS THIRD CASE IN TWO WEEKS--SAME CAR, ABOUT THE SAME YEAR. HE FIXED IT BUT SAID THAT IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN, IT WOULD NEED REPLACING. WELL IT DID HAPPEN AGAIN--NOV. 12TH TO BE EXACT. AGAIN, THE KEY WOULD NOT GO IN THE MECHANISM, EVEN AFTER FOLLOWING THE DEALERSHIP'S ADVICE TO TAP IT IN WITH A HAMMER. HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED. TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT WAS HIS FOURTH FOCUS BEING TOWED THAT WEEK AND GUESSED THE PROBLEM BEFORE I EVEN TOLD HIM WHAT IT WAS! WHEN WE GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP I ASKED HOW MANY CARS HAD BEEN AFFECTED. 20% WAS THE ANSWER--20% OF THE FOCUS MODELS FROM 2000-2003. WOULD THERE BE A RECALL I ASKED? NO, HE ANSWERED FLATLY. I HAD TO PAY NEARLY $300 IN REPAIRS FROM THEM HAVING TO DRILL IN AND REPLACE IGNITION, LOCK, AND KEYS, ALL FOR A DEFECT THAT AFFECTS 20% OF CARS BUILT IN THREE YEARS. FRANKLY I FIND THAT RIDICULOUS THAT THEY WON'T RECALL THESE CARS, AND I WANT OTHER FOCUS OWNERS TO BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE FORD DOESN'T SEEM IT NECESSARY TO TELL THEM ABOUT THIS ISSUE.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2004
UPON TRYING TO START THE VEHILCE THE KEY STICKS AND WILL NOT TURN EITHER WAY. IT IS SOMETIMES HARD FOR THE KEY TO GO INTO THE IGNITION. *AK
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2004
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, THE NIGHT BEFORE MY CAR WAS FINE. I WENT TO GO TO WORK AND TRIED TO PUT MY KEY IN THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T GO IN. I TRIED THE SPARE KEY. I TRIED TO WIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL. EVERYTHING WAS LOCKED. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL, THEY SAID NO. WHEN I CALLED AAA TO HAVE THEM TOW ME, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAVE TOWED ABOUT 40 IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS JUST IN OUR SMALL AREA ALONE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD STATES THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT WITH THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN PARKING LOTS. IT'S A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK FOR A HIGH COSTS AND RECOGNIZED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 11, 2004
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE SITUATION, ONE DAY THE KEYS WOULD SIMPLY NOT WORK IN THE IGNITION. NEITHER OUR EVERYDAY KEY OR OUR SPARE KEY CAN EVEN BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THUS, WE CAN NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 11, 2004
ON TUESDAY EVENING, AFTER A MEETING, I GOT IN MY CAR TO DRIVE HOME. THE KEY WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY IN; I THOUGHT THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED (WHICH IT WAS) BUT I COULD NOT GET IT UNLOCKED. I TRIED ROLLING MY CAR OFF TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND TUGGING HARD ON THE WHEEL TO NO AVAIL. I CALLED AAA FOR A LOCKSMITH SERVICE BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET MY KEY INTO MY IGNITION. THE LOCKSMITH THAT SHOWED UP TOLD ME WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING THAT I HAD A 2000 FORD FOCUS AND THAT HE HAS THIS PROBLEM ALL THE TIME. WITHOUT EVEN ME HAVING TO TELL HIM WHAT WAS GOING ON, HE INSTANTLY KNEW THE PROBLEM. THE CYLINDER IN MY IGNITION HAD A BROKEN TUMBLER RESULTING IN MY KEY NOT GOING IN. I HAD TO TOW MY CAR HOME COSTING ME 25.00 BECAUSE THE LOCKSMITH TOLD ME THAT HE COULD NOT PERFORM THE MECHANICS IN THE DARK. HE QUOTED ME A PRICE OF 225 TO REPLACE THE PART, THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WANTED 350. MY FATHER PURCHASED THE PART FOR ABOUT 70 DOLLARS FORM A FORD DEALER, HE PURCHASED A NEW KEY CYLINDER TO INSTALL INTO THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS WAS ALL THAT COULD BE DONE IN ORDER THAT MY CAR WOULD START. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2004
THE KEYS FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION, AND WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Nov 7, 2004
FIRST PROBLEM STARTED WITH VEHICLE STALLING- FOUND OUT THAT FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY. PUMP WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF RECALL. SECOND PROBLEM STARTED WITH NO WARNING- REMOTE FOR DOOR LOCKS/HATCH BACK/ANTI-THEFT STOPPED WORKING AND AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ALSO STOPPED WORKING. EVEN AFTER REPLACING BATTERY IN BOTH REMOTES STILL DOES NOT WORK. AT THE SAME TIME KEYLESS ENTRY STOPPED WORKING I NOTICED THAT WHEN I TURN ON MY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER THE REAR HATCH OPENS. I FEAR THAT THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF DRIVING DURING RAIN CAN'T USE REAR WIPER OR HATCH CAN OPEN AND ANYTHING IN REAR OF VEHICLE COULD FALL OUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF THIS IS A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY IT. *JB
Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Nov 6, 2004
MANY PROBLEMS, THE RADIO STARTED SHORTING OUT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE TO REPLACE MY TIRES AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR (10,000 MILES.) AT 37000 MILES AFTER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER RAN OUT, MY AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER FAN ONLY WORKED ON 4, 1, 2, AND 3 DID NOT. I TOOK IT TO FORD, THE DIAGNOSIS WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT WHICH COST ME $409.00. ( I THINK I WAS RIPPED OFF) LAST MONTH I TOOK A ROAD TRIP AND WHENEVER I WOULD CLIMB STEEP INCLINES THE CAR SPUTTERED AND EVENTUALLY DIED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF MY CAR OVERHEATING. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OR SO THE CAR WOULD START AND CONTINUE TO SPUTTER UP THE HILL. THIS MADE IT EXTREMELY UNSAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY RESULTING IN A NEAR COLLISION WITH A TRUCK. THIS WEEK, MY CAR WOULDN'T START AT ALL, THERE WAS SOME CORROSION ON THE BATTERY TERMINALS SO I CLEANED THEM W/A WIRE BRUSH. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CABLES LOOKED BURNED. THE CAR STARTED AFTER WE JUMPED IT, BUT DIED AFTER REMOVING THE CABLES. I HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY ON THIS CAR THAN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. MY LAST CAR WAS A FORD ESCORT, I STILL HAVE IT, IT IS 10 YEARS OLD AND HAS WELL OVER 100000 MILES ON IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. I HAVE 9 PAYMENTS LEFT ON MY FOCUS AND WILL BE SELLING IT AFTER THAT. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2004
I ATTEMPTED TO TURN MY KEY TO THE "ON" POSITION WHEN THE KEY REFUSED TO TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK WAS ENGAGED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN MY KEY TO DISENGAGE IT. IT TOOK ROUGHLY AN HOUR OF TWISTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALL SORTS OF TROUBLE TO FINALLY GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK AND ALLOW TO THE KEY TO TURN. THIS WAS THE SIXTH TIME THIS HAD OCCURED, BUT THE MOST SEVERE INCIDENT TO DATE.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 3, 2004
LAST FRIDAY MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO FORCE THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. WHEN THE KEY FINALLY WENT INTO THE IGNITION IT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME I HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO WORK AFTER AWHILE. *AKHOWEVER, AFTER 2 HOURS OF TRYING TO GET THE KEY TO TURN THIS TIME, I GAVE IN AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THEY ASKED ME IF I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. UNTIL NOW I HAD NOT CHECK THIS. TO MY SURPRISE THE CAR WOULD NOT BUDGE OUT OF PARK. IT WAS THEN TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. ON MONDAY, THE MECHANIC FOUND OUT THAT MY IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD. FORD ARE SET UP SO THAT TO REMOVE THE IGNITION YOU MUST TURN TO KEY A QUARTER OF A TURN. SINCE MY KEY WOULD NOT BUDGE THEY HAD TO DRILL OUT MY IGNITION. SINCE THE NEW PART CAME FROM FORD MY MECHANIC SAID THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. I HAD TO PAY $299.00 TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. AFTER THIS I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I EVEN SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE MECHANIC THERE TOLD ME HE HAS FIXED SEVERAL AND WAS SURPRISED IT HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED YET.
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2004
MY IGNITION SUDDENLY JAMMED, NOT ACCEPTING MY KEY WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE PLAYING. EVEN AFTER GETTING THE KEY IN, IT THEN WOULDN'T COME OUT WITHOUT JIGGLING AND FORCE. AFTER LUBRICATING THE LOCK I CAN GET THE KEY IN BUT THE IGNITION WILL NO LONGER TURN, WHICH LEFT ME STRANDED. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 2000 FORD FOCUS DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF THE IGNITION. I HAVE REMOVE THE TUMBLERS FROM THE LOCK SO I CAN CONTINUE USING THE CAR. 8JB
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2004
UPON PURCHASING MY VEHICLE USED 4 DAYS LATER I HAD TO HAVE MY IGNITION REPLACED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION, ONLY 2 MONTHS LATER I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALER I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM ONLY CARRIED A 45 DAY WARRANTY. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2004
KEY WON'T TURN, CAN'T START CAR.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2004
I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WHICH I BOUGHT NEW. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION TWICE AND THIS MORNING THE IGNITION FAILED AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I LAST REPLACED THE IGNITION NINE MONTHES AGO. THE CAR HAS ALSO STARTED TO STALL WHEN THERE IS A QUARTER TANK OF GAS OR LEFT IN THE TANK. IT RUNS ROUGH AT STOP LIGHTS, THEN WILL START SPUTTERING AND THEN STALL OUT. JUST BEFORE IT COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2004
1. NOTHING LEAD TO THE FAILURE, IT JUST HAPPENED. 2. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE KEY WON'T TURN. I CAN INSERT IT FINE, BUT IT WON'T TURN AT ALL. I EVEN TRIED ANOTHER SET OF KEYS. I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS AND I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP AND THE IGNITION KEY WON'T TURN. I TRIED JILTING THE WHEEL TO TRY TO GET IT TO UNLOCK, BUT NO LUCK. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. THIS SHOULD NEVER BE AN ISSUE. I THINK IT IS A DESIGN FLAW.*AK
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 22, 2004
THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FAILED IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3, LEADING TO INABILITY TO START THE CAR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN BUT UNACKNOWLEDGED ISSUE WITH THE FOCUS LINE. *AK EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: NORMAL USE OF THE IGNITION TO START AND STOP THE CAR. FAILURE: THE TUMBLERS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH BROKE OR JAMMED SUCH THAT I WAS UNABLE TO INSERT MY IGNITION KEY MORE THAN 50% INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THEREBY MAKING ME UNABLE TO START THE CAR OR EVEN UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY HOUSE IN ORDER TO GET IT OUT OF A SHOPPING MALL PARKING LOT. REMEDIATION OF FAILURE: I AM EITHER GOING TO REMOVE THE TUMBLERS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AS DETAILED IN HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/T158426.HTML OR I WILL HAVE TO PAY THE ~$300 COST TO GET A NEW ONE FROM A DEALER WHO WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A PROBLEM.