2000 Ford Focus

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Electrical system is the leading concern among 3,738 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,738

Of the 2000 reports, 252 involved a crash and 127 involved a fire. 158 people were injured and 9 people died.

Primary concernElectrical system1,346 reports · 36% of complaints
Owner complaints3,738Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship18 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system1,346
  2. Engine and engine cooling470
  3. Service brakes414
  4. Fuel system413
  5. Hydraulic399
  6. Suspension386
  7. Gasoline363
  8. Power train220

Recalls and investigations

  1. EquipmentFeb 24, 2012

    RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

    IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.

    Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

    DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

    Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008

    K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

    Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

    CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

    Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

    CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

    Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 2005

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

    IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

    DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.

    THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

    THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 03V482000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Steering, linkagesNov 6, 2002

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

    LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 02V289000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 6, 2002

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.

    THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 02V288000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 29, 2001

    THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.

    THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

    Campaign 01I017000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 8, 2001

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

    LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 01V258000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Seats, front assembly, reclinerDec 14, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.

    IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.

    Campaign 00V418000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Electrical system, wiringDec 6, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DECKLID WIRE HARNESS CAN FATIGUE AND DEVELOP BROKEN WIRES IN THE BEND AREA OF THE WIRE HARNESS.

    THIS COULD RESULT IN EITHER A LOSS OF INDIVIDUAL LAMP FUNCTIONS, OR IN THE CASE OF A SHORT OF THE BROKEN WIRES THAT CAUSES A FUSE TO OPEN, IN THE LOSS OF STOP LAMP OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION. LOSS OF STOP LAMP OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DECKLID WIRE HARNESS.

    Campaign 00V411000 on NHTSA.gov

  15. Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsOct 12, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR WHEEL HUB RETAINING NUTS CAN LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

    THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND INSTALL A REAR WHEEL RETENTION CAP TO PREVENT LEFT REAR WHEEL SEPARATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 00V303000 on NHTSA.gov

  16. Vehicle speed control, cablesOct 12, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. A SPEED CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE A CORE WIRE THAT IS LONG ENOUGH TO CATCH ON THE SLEEVE AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE CABLE DURING WIDE-OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION.

    A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED VEHICLE CONTROL AND, POTENTIALLY, A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 00V302000 on NHTSA.gov

  17. Structure, frame and membersAug 11, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE RESULTANT HIC(D) VALUE AT ONE TARGET LOCATION AP1, LOCATED ON THE TRIM PANEL AT THE JUNCTURE OF THE A-PILLAR AND ROOF SIDE RAIL, MAY BE GREATER THAN DESIGN INTENT.

    IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT CONTACTING THAT LOCATION MAY NOT BE PROVIDED THE INTERIOR IMPACT PROTECTION INTENDED.

    DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE B-PILLAR AND A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS, REVISE THE HEADLINER EDGE NEAR THE TOPS OF THE A-PILLARS TO ACCEPT THE NEW A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS WITH THEIR ENERGY ABSORBING TUBES, AND INSTALL THE NEW A-PILLAR AND THE OLD B-PILLAR TRIM PANELS.

    Campaign 00V218000 on NHTSA.gov

  18. Vehicle speed controlDec 3, 1999

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE END FITTING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO ASSEMBLY. IF THIS OCCURS, CORROSION IN THE SERVO ASSEMBLY COULD DEVELOP AND CAUSE INTERMITTENT SPEED CONTROL OPERATION OR PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.

    A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE (WITH A NEW CABLE THAT INCORPORATES A GLASS-FILLED END CAP) AND INSPECT THE ASSEMBLY FOR INTERNAL CORROSION. SERVOS WITH EVIDENCE OF CORROSION WILL ALSO BE REPLACED. OWNERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE SPEED CONTROL UNTIL THE VEHICLES ARE REPAIRED.

    Campaign 99V346000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: electrical system

1,346 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Jun 12, 2002, fire

    WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY ANOTHER MOTORIST FLAGGED HIM DOWN TO INFORM THAT THERE WAS FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED OVER , LIFTED HOOD UP, AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.*AK

  2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Jun 12, 2002

    THIS CAR HAS HAD 4 RECALLS SO FAR. IN ADDITION TO THE RECALLS I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE THE GAS LIGHT FAILED TO TO WORK, THE IGNTION PART AFTER TURNING CAR OFF WOULD ACT LIKE THE KEY WAS STILL IN. THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT I HAVE IS THE BRAKES AT 9000 MILES I HAD IT IN TO CHECK THE BRAKES AND THEN 8000 MILES LATER MY ROTERS WENT BAD. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR AT ALL.*AK

  3. Electrical system, Jun 11, 2002

    IGNITION FREEZES AFTER INSERTING KEY; AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT TURNS OVER. *AK

  4. Electrical system, Jun 8, 2002

    KEY IGNITION WOULD NOT START CAR.*AK

  5. Electrical system, Interior lighting, Jun 7, 2002

    I WANT TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH MY FOCUS. MY CAR SEEMS TO HAVE A PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO PINPOINT. WHENEVER I HAVE MY LIGHTS ON AT NIGHT I HAVE A BAD POBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING ALONG WITH MY DASH LIGHTS. THE DEALER SAYS IT CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I TURN THE LIGHTS ON. MY NIECE ALSO HAS A 2000 FOCUS AND IT DOES THE SAME THING. I THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS CAR ALONG WITH THE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. HAVE YOU GOTTEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE. IT SEEMS TO BE A GROUND PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED IT ON THE ROAD WITH OTHER FOCUSES THAT I SEE DRIVING AT NIGHT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THANK YOU HOWARD K. LAMB. *AK

  6. Electrical system, Jun 7, 2002

    ON TWO OCASIONS THE CAR STALLED WHILE STOPPED AT INTERSECTION. CAR THEN RESTARTED AND CONTINUED ON. BOTH CAME WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER. REPORTING BECAUSE OF ARTICLE I SAW IN USA TODAY DATED 6-7-2002.*AK

  7. Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Structure, Jun 7, 2002

    CAR STALLED. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP (APPLE FORD), REPLACED FUSE. STALLED AGAIN. THIS TIME ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM REPLACED. GAS GUAGE READ INACURATE. ANOTHER NEW FUEL SYSTEM. STILL READ INACURRATE. A NEW CONSOLE. STILL READS INACCURATE TO THIS DAY. JUST GAVE UP TRYING TO GET IT FIXED. *AK

  8. Electrical system, Jun 2, 2002

    TONIGHT MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING FROM OUR HOME TO PICK UP OUR SON IN SOUTH JERSEY. HE WAS IN 3RD GEAR AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH CAR JUST DIED. A TOW TRUCK CAME. CAR UNABLE TO START. THANKFULLY NOONE WAS WITH HIM AND IT WAS AT NIGHT BECAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. I SEE THAT 72 INCIDENTS OF SIMILAR FOCUS CARS DYING HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA. I WOULD LIKE MY CAR ADDED AS THE 73RD INCIDENT. ODDLY IT WAS AT 30,000 MILES LIKE IT HAS BEEN REPORTED HAPPENING TO THE OTHER FOCUS CARS.*AK

  9. Electrical system, May 28, 2002

    WHILE ENTERING KEY INTO IGNITION SWITCH THE KEY WOULD NOT ENTER ALL THE WAY THROUGH. HAD A LOCKSMITH FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK

  10. Electrical system, May 28, 2002

    WHILE TRYING TO PARK IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED AND PREVENTED FROM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK

  11. Electrical system, May 13, 2002

    IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE . SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED ON VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS DURING THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS VEHICLE IS ONE OF FOUR 2000 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACKS THAT OUR COMPANY OWNS. THEY HAVE ALL HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE AND THERE IS ANOTHER ONE THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THIS WAS THE FIRST ONE THAT WASN'T UNDER 36,000 MILES WHEN IT WAS REPLACED. AFTER POINTING THIS OUT TO FORD THEY INFORMED US THAT THEY ARE NOT HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM. I CHECKED THE NHTSA SITE FOR COMPLAINTS ON THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT WE ARE HAVING .*AK

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 10, 2002

    ENGINE STALLED AT 30 TO 35 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY. CONSUMER STATED THAT PROBLEM STILL OCCURING.

  13. Electrical system, May 10, 2002

    WHEN PLACING KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH KEY WILL NOT GO ALL THE WAY IN THE IGNITION SO THAT THE VEHICLE CAN START, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

  14. Electrical system, Apr 30, 2002, fire

    VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IDLING AT A STOPLIGHT, FORD CONSUMER AFFAIRS STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE WIRING HARNESS THAT TOUCHED THE ENGINE, MELTED THE INSULATION, CAUSING CURRENT TO FLOW THROUGH THE GROUND WIRE, AND AN IMBALANCE SHORTED THE BATTERY CABLE. *SLC

  15. Electrical system, Apr 26, 2002, fire

    WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE DIED, CONSUMER NOTICED FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM BATTERY, FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT WIRE GROUNDED WITH THE BATTERY STARTED THE FIRE. *TT

  16. Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2002, fire

    POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS BURNING OFF INSULATION.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS HAS GOTTEN SO HOT THAT IT HAS BURNED THE RED PLASTIC CABLE COVER BLACK AND HAS CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BULGE OUT AS IF IT COULD BURST, CONSUMER STATES THE POSITIVE WIRE WAS CUT FROM THE BATTERY PAST TERMINAL AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY PROBLEMS AS OF YET, ALSO TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING AT THE CASE HALF, ALSO THE FRONT STRUTS WERE REPLACED. *SLC

  17. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Seat belts, Apr 24, 2002

    MANY SAFETY RECALLS FOR THIS CAR. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED. *AK

  18. Electrical system, Apr 23, 2002

    IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN PLACED INTO THE IGNITION. DEALER IS CURRENTLY REPLACING IGNITION SWITCH AND IGNITION COLUMN. FORD WAS CONTACTED AND HAS DENIED ANY KNOWEDGE OF PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. *AK

  19. Electrical system, Apr 22, 2002

    UNABLE TO START VEHICLE , COULDN'T PUT KEYS INTO THE IGNITION. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED.DEALERSHIP REPLACED IGINTION CYLINDER 2 TWICE.*AK

  20. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 18, 2002

    CONSUMER STATES ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. NLM DEALER REPLACED COIL PACK AND FUEL PUMP 6 TIMES. VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY HOWEVER WARRANTY IS NOT VALID. THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF. THE MAIN BELT BROKE. THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES BROKE. IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE REAR BRAKES SQUEAK ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE IS MOISTURE IN THE AIR. *TT

  21. Electrical system, Apr 17, 2002

    CONSUMER STATES UNABLE TO START VEHICLE DUE TO FACT THAT YOU CANNOT PUT KEY IN THE INGNITION. DEALER REPLACED PART. NLM

  22. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2002

    FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS: WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS, OR DRIVING AROUND EXTENDED RIGHT HAND CURVES (LIKE FREEWAY ON- AND OFF-RAMPS [AKA CLOVERLEAFS]), THE CAR NEARLY STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE TURN. WHEN CONSUMER STEPS ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO STOP RUNNING. WHEN CONSUMER LETS OFF THE PEDAL, THE ENGINE RUNS AGAIN AND ONCE THE CAR HAS ROLLED IN A STRAIGHT LINE FOR A SHORT DISTANCE, (50-100 FT.), CONSUMER IS ABLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS PROBLEM BEGINS TO SHOW UP WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN FULL. AT THAT POINT, THE STALLING PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS AFTER MAKING A HARD TURN. THE STALLING PROBLEM IS EASIER TO REPLICATE AS THE AMOUNT OF FUEL INDICATED BY THE FUEL GAUGE DROPS BELOW 3/8 OF A TANK. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT OCCURRED WHEN MAKING ANY LEFT HAND TURNS. REAR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS UP UNTIL ABOUT 38,000 MILES, THESE PROBLEMS WERE INTERMITTENT, AND WERENOT EVIDENT MOST OF THE TIME. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED AT A DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOCATE (OR EVEN REPRODUCE) THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY, THE PROBLEMS BEGAN TO REOCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY, UNTIL NOW, THEY ARE PRESENT VIRTUALLY ALL THE TIME. THE PROBLEMS OCCUR TOGETHER. IF ONE PART OF THE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE OTHER PARTS ARE FUNCTIONING AS WELL. THE PROBLEMS ARE, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNALS FLASH QUICKLY. THE RIGHT TURN SIGNALS FLASH QUICKLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. IF THE TURN SIGNAL IS ON WITHOUT THE BRAKES (AS IN APPROACHING A TURN OR SIGNALING A LANE CHANGE), THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHES NORMALLY. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS NEVER AFFECTED. THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK. THE LIGHT ON THE SWITCH ILLUMINATES WHEN PRESSED ON BUT THE WINDOW DOES NOT CLEAR SO THERE SEEMS TO BE NO POWER GOING TO THE WIRES OF THE DEFROSTER. TAILLIGHTS AND BACK-UP LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. WHEN THE SWITCH OF THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER IS ON (AND THE DEFROSTER IS NOT WORKING) THE TAILLIGHTS AND BACK-UP LIGHTS ILLUMINATE.*JB

  23. Electrical system, Apr 13, 2002

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

  24. Electrical system, Apr 12, 2002

    FORD 2000 FOCUS IGNITION LOCK FAILURE - LOCKSMITH WEBSITES TALK ABOUT THIS AND OFFER SPECIAL PARTS TO FIX IT - WHY DOESN'T FORD TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS LATENT DEFECT THAT IS RUINING QUALITY. THIS IS JUST THE ICING ON THE CAKE OF THE 2000 FOCUS AND ITS LAUNDRY LIST OF RECALLS (4 MORE IN THE WORKS AS I UNDERSTAND IT). THIS IS A PREVALENT MECHANICAL FAILURE AND IS ACTIONABLE. IF THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT ON THIS CONTACT ME TO JOIN.*AK

  25. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 10, 2002

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK