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 19, 2004

    KEY WILL NOT TURN INSIDE IGNITION. COMPLETELY LOCKED. CAR WILL NOT START.*AK

  2. Electrical system, Mar 18, 2004

    IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT START MY VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE GARAGE TO HAVE IT REPLACED. IT LOCKED UP ONE OTHER TIME BUT BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL A LITTLE IT CAME UNLOCKED BY ITSELF. THAT WAS NOT THE CASE THIS TIME. *AK

  3. Electrical system, Mar 17, 2004

    THE KEY WILL NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE IGNITION TUMBLER IS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. OUR EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT 5000 MILES AGO AND FORD WILL NOT PAY THE COSTS TO REPAIR THE IGNITION. FORD SAID THERE IS NO RECALL RIGHT NOW, BUT KEEP THE RECEIPTS IN THE EVENT THERE IS ONE. WHY NOT JUST VOLUNTARILY RECALL THE FOCUS? WHY WAIT TO BE ORDERED TO DO SO? THE ESTIMATE IS $350 TO FIX THE IGNITION. THEY CAN'T REPLACE THE RECALLED FUEL PUMP UNTIL THEY FIX THE IGNITION EITHER. WE ONLY KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP BECAUSE MY HUSBAND'S FOCUS HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE FOLKS AT FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTIFYING OWNERS ABOUT A RECALL DID NOT HAVE OUR NEW ADDRESS, DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE SEND FORD TWO CAR PAYMENTS EVERY MONTH. WE JUST REPLACED SOME $300 PART TO KEEP OUR WINDOW ON ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF. *NM

  4. Electrical system, Mar 17, 2004

    THE COMPLETE IGNITION MODULE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT ON MY CAR. I WAS TOLD BY A FORD MOTOR CO CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD AND WOULD PROBABLY BE COVERED BY THE COMPANY. I WAS TOLD TODAY THAT ALTHOUGH THERE ARE QUITE A NUMBER OF INCIDENTS WITH THIS PARTICULAR PART IT IS NOT YET A RECALL AND THEREFORE WE MUST PAY APPROXIMATELY $400 TO REPAIR IT. I DO NOT FEEL THIS IS FAIR. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IT IS NOT THE CORRECT LEVEL OF COVERAGE AND WOULD ALSO NOT BE COVERED. *NM

  5. Electrical system, Mar 16, 2004

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT START. IT HAS 34,000 MILES ON IT. THE KEY WILL GO INTO THE IGNITION, BUT WILL NOT TURN THE CYLINDER. I HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT KEYS AND THE SAME HAPPENS. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE KEYS, THE IGNITION DOES NOT RELEASE THEM WITHOUT FORCE. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF SEARCHING ONLINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A LARGE ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE FORD HAS INTRODUCED THE FOCUS. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND WHY DOES FORD ESCAPE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCING SUCH A LEMON VEHICLE WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS. AS CONSUMER, WE BUY VEHICLES WITH THE GOOD FAITH THAT THE VEHICLE WILL LAST FOR DECADES. WHY IS FORD ALOUD TO GO WITHOUT FIXING EVERY DEFECT THEY HAVE DESIGNED IN THE FOCUS? *JB YOUR JOB SHOULD BE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS THAT ANY VEHICLE LIKE THE FOCUS LEMON WILL NOT BE TOLERATED BY THE AMERICAN PUBLIC AND THAT MANUFACTURERS CANNOT HIDE THE DEFECTS IN VEHICLES. *JB

  6. Steering, Electrical system, Mar 12, 2004

    RETURNED TO CAR AFTER 1 HOUR OF NOT DRIVING, THE KEY WOULD ONLY GO ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY INTO THE IGNITION. I TRIED ALL THREE KEYS THAT THE DEALER HAD GIVEN ME, AND NONE OF THEM WOULD GO INTO THE IGNITION. CALLED AAA, PAID $175 TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH REPLACE THE SPRINGS IN MY IGNITION WHERE THE KEY GOES, SAID THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, AND IN THAT CASE, THE ENTIRE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AAA COVERED $50 OF THE COST. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS? THIS IS NOT THE FIRST COMPLAINT OF THE SAME TYPE ON THIS SITE! WHAT IS FORD DOING TO HELP THIS? I REFUSE TO CONTINUE TO PAY $125 EVERY TIME MY KEY WON'T GO INTO THE IGNITION. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE HOME WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BUT WHAT IF I WASN'T?*AK

  7. Electrical system, Mar 11, 2004

    CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. DEALERSHIP INDICATED IGNITION SWITCH WA SDEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACCED. *AK

  8. Electrical system, Mar 9, 2004

    SPEED CONTROL SWITCH FOR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING FAN BROKE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

  9. Electrical system, Mar 9, 2004

    IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN. I CAN INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT THE LOCK WILL NOT TURN. THE ENTIRE IGINITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED AND RE-KEYED.

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 3, 2004

    IT WAS HARD TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. *NM

  11. Electrical system, Mar 2, 2004

    KEYS DO NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. SHIFTER ALSO MOVES WHEN CAR IS SUPPOSED TO BE IN PARK. CAR WILL LOCK UP ON YOU BEFORE YOU CAN GET YOUR CHILDREN OUT FROM BACK DUE TO KEYS NOT COMING OUT OF IGNITION. WAS IN SHOP FOR REPAIR FOR MATTER WAS NOT REMEDIED. BROUGHT BACK FOR AN ESTIMATE FOR SECOND REPAIR AND WAS TOLD TO REPLACE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. *AK

  12. Electrical system, Mar 1, 2004

    IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT OPERATE, LEAVING ME STRANDED. THERE WAS NO WAY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ON SITE, SO IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. TOTAL COST TO REPAIR WAS $214.02 PLUS $45.50 FOR TOWING. *AK

  13. Electrical system, Feb 27, 2004

    WHEN THE KEYS ARE OUT OF THE IGNITION DRIVER IS ABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. SOMETIMES THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. *AK

  14. Electrical system, Feb 24, 2004

    FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCK. THREE TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS THE IGNITION LOCK HAS JAMMED ON OUR 3 YR. OLD FOCUS WITH 60,000 PLUS MILES. THE LAST TIME WAS DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY. EVENTUALLY WE HAVE ALWAYS MANAGED TO START THE CAR, BUT ONLY AFTER MANY, MANY MINUTES. ONCE MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED AT WORK ALONE AFTER AN EVENING SHIFT, AND ONCE WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO HAVE OUR SON DRIVE 150 MILES TO GET US. OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE BEING STRANDED WOULD BE DANGEROUS AS WELL AS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT. WE ARE NOW HAVING THE IGNITION LOCK REPLACED AT A COST OF WELL OVER $200. FROM LOOKING AT THE INTERNET, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO CORRECT IT.*AK

  15. Electrical system, Feb 24, 2004

    THE FACTORY POWER ENTRY REMOTE FAILED TO OPEN THE DOORS AND THE TRUNK. THE BATTERIES HAVE BEEN CHANGED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE DEALERSHIP FEELS THAT THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE FUSE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FUSE. THE FUSE SHOULD BE LOCATED BEHIND THE MAIN FUSE IN THE VEHICLE PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM *MR

  16. Electrical system, Feb 23, 2004

    VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP AFTER RECENTLY BEING PURCHASED FOR IGNITION REPAIRS. *LA *MR

  17. Electrical system, Feb 23, 2004

    THIS IS ERGENT!!! ON 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS MODELS HAVE A TERRIBLE FAULTY IGNITION. WHEN I INSERT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION IT DOES NOT TURN AND MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED..I THINK THIS IS WORTHY ENOUGH TO BE A RECALL MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION. THERE HAVE BEEN DEATHS DUE TO THIS FAULTY IGNITIONS ON FORD FOCUS CARS..CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TAKE ACTION ON THIS PROBLEM MANY PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE OF THIS IGNITION FAILURE. *AK

  18. Electrical system, Feb 21, 2004

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT PERMIT ME TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS FREQUENTLY ON THE 2000 AND 2001 FOCUS, AS NOTED AT: HTTP://WWW.AUTOWHIZ.COM/NETSCAPE/BOARDS/SHOWMESSAGES.PHP?ID=1275. SINCE THESE CARS ARE WIDELY PURCHASED FOR YOUNG ADULTS TO USE, FORD SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THESE CYLINDERS. *JB

  19. Electrical system, Feb 20, 2004

    CONSUMER STATED IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED ONCE. WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED NOTHING HAPPENED. *AK

  20. Steering, Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 19, 2004

    IGNITION DOESN'T WORK, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND IGNITION CYLINDER OCCASIONALLY COMES OUT. ALSO WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL FELL OFF. *LA THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHEN THE AIR CONDITION WAS TURNED ON, THE DEALER REPLACED A PINCHED WIRE BEHIND THE DASH, THE AIR CONDITION WAS NOT COOL ENOUGH, THE EVAPORATOR CORE HAD A LEAK. *JB

  21. Electrical system, Feb 19, 2004

    IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED AND MALFUNCTIONED. *AK *MR

  22. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 19, 2004

    BATTERY CABLE SHORTED OUT. ALSO, THERE WERE SOME BROKEN WIRES IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. RECALLS WERE ISSUED FOR BOTH OF THESE FAILURES. *AK THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS DUE TO VIN. THE THROTTLE BODY CABLE MALFUNTIONED. *NM

  23. Electrical system, Feb 16, 2004

    IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP & WON'T TURN. SEE MANY MORE COMPLAINTS ON IDENTICAL ISSUE WITH 2000 FORD FOCUS AT WW.AUTOMOTIVETALK.NET/SHOWMESSAGES.PHP?ID=1275. WE ALL CAN'T BE CRAZY AND WE'RE ALL GOING BROKE OVER THE SAME PROBLEM? SHOULDN'T FORD TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN DEFAULTS? HELP?*AK

  24. Electrical system, Feb 16, 2004

    JUNE 2003 & FEBRUARY 2004: IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN IGNITION CYLINDER NOR WOULD THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCK. FORD DEALER STATED THEY HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM OCCURING ALOT AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONCERNED AND WOULD NOT BE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. DEALERSHIP IS STANDING BEHIND INITIAL REPAIR IN 2003 AS STARTING DATE OF 1 YEAR WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THEY DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN IN 2004. IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN OUTSIDE OF THE 1 YEAR WARRANTY WITH THE INITIAL FIX, WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN. WE FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND SOME ACTION TAKEN.

  25. Electrical system, Feb 13, 2004

    WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK