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, Equipment, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 30, 2008, crash

    THIS WILL BE OUR 5TH IGNITION REPLACEMENT SINCE PURCHASING THIS CAR NEW IN 2000. THE FIRST THREE WERE COVERED. SINCE WE HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER 500 FOR THIS ONE WE HAVE BEEN MAKING DUE BY LEAVING THE KEY IN AND NOT COMPLETELY TURNED OFF BY JUST A HAIR. OR ON THE OCCASION WE FORGET AND TAKE IT OUT WE HAVE TO BEAT IT WITH THE BACK OF A SCREWDRIVER TO GET IT TO ENGAGE. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO GET OUT AND LEAVE THE CAR IN DRIVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE I GOT USE TO PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY I CAN NO LONGER REMOVE THE KEY SO I AM DISTRACTED BY DIGGING OUT THE CLICKER SO I CAN GET BACK INTO MY CAR. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS! MY CAR ROLLED ACROSS THE LIBRARY PARKING LOT AND INTO ANOTHER CAR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A CHILD RUN OVER! ALL BECAUSE OF THIS IGNITION PROBLEM. I HAVE NEVER LEFT MY CAR IN DRIVE IN OVER 32 YEARS BEFORE THIS TROUBLE! I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN RELENTLESS HEAT WITH CHILDREN AND FREEZING TEMPS AGAIN WITH CHILDREN. THIS IS WITH OUT QUESTION A SITUATION THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO KEEP PAYING FOR A DESIGN FLAW. IT IS NOT FROM OVER USE OR HEAVY KEY CHAINS. THERE ARE MANY MANY DAYS I DON'T EVEN LEAVE THE HOUSE TO USE IT. I DON'T STOP AND START THE CAR A LOT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND WILL NOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY FORD. *TR

  2. Electrical system, Nov 30, 2008

    AFTER MONTHS OF ISSUES STARTING THE CAR AND THE KEY NOT TURNING, THE IGNITION NOW IS COMPLETELY LOCKED. THE KEY...BOTH KEYS PROVIDED BY THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE...WILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION. *TR

  3. Electrical system, Nov 28, 2008

    IN OUR 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3, THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME, WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO LEAVE MY WIFE OR I STRANDED OUT IN THE COLD. SO FAR, STRUGGLING/WRESTLING WITH THE KEY WILL EVENTUALLY WORK. IN READING ON THE WEB, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD FOCUS CARS, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. *TR

  4. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Nov 21, 2008

    I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO BUY GAS. AFTER FILLING THE TANK I GOT IN AND WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR IT WOULD NOT TURN. NOT EVEN TO THE ACC POSITION. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND THEY CAME AND GOT IT. I CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND ASKED THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY TOLD ME ITS BECOMING VERY COMMON FOR THIS TYPE OF CAR AND TO REPAIR IT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER AND HAVE IT PROGRAMMED... *TR

  5. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 6, 2008

    IGNITION BARREL AND STEERING COLUMN LOCKING MECHANISM. *TR

  6. Electrical system, Oct 26, 2008

    MY KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION, I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WON'T TURN. MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED ON MY CAR, SO I AM LEFT NOW WITH FINDING SOMEONE TO FIX IT. THIS CAUSED A HUGE PROBLEM FOR SINCE I WAS STRANDED WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN 3YEAR OLD AND 4 MONTH OLD! I AM NOT A HAPPY CONSUMER RIGHT NOW! *TR

  7. Electrical system, Oct 24, 2008

    APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS AGO, I HAD TO HAVE THE KEY PORT, TUMBLER AND THE ENTIRE KEY SYSTEM REPLACED ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER WORK. THE TUMBLER, APPARENTLY, BECAME JAMMED SOMEHOW. THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS $350. THE EXACT SAME MALFUNCTION OCCURRED YESTERDAY. THIS TIME AROUND, THE COST TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS $450. AFTER A LONG DISCUSSION WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED TO ME, WITH THE SAME CAR. A LITTLE RESEARCH REVELED THAT THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODE, JUST SEARCH THE INTERNET UNDER, ?2000 FORD FOCUS, KEY GOES IN IGNITION, BUT WON'T TURN?, AND YOU WILL SEE MANY INSTANCES OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM OTHER FOCUS OWNERS HAVE BEEN HAVING. AT THIS POINT, I AM SIMPLY SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT OF THE $450 THAT I HAD TO SPEND, AGAIN, TO CORRECT A PROBLEM FORD IS CLEARLY DENYING IS A RECALL ISSUE. *TR

  8. Electrical system, Oct 15, 2008

    FORD FOCUS KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. *TR

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2008

    00 FORD FOCUS TAILLIGHTS NOT WORKING. FOUND THAT FORD HAS A RECALL FOR THE WIRE HARNESS DECKLID. TOOK VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I'VE NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE ALREADY. VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. WAS TOLD BY FORD DEALERSHIP THAT NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR, COST ME $800. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE IT WAS STILL OVERHEATING, COME TO FIND OUT I ONLY NEEDED A NEW WATER PUMP. *TR

  10. Electrical system, Oct 5, 2008

    TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT. TO WHERE IT HAS TAKEN UP TO A HALF AN HOUR TO ACTUALLY GET IT TO TURN. IT IS MOST CERTAINLY A SAFETY CONCERN WHERE IN THERE IS THE POSSIBLY OF BECOMING STRANDED SOMEWHERE. *TR

  11. Electrical system, Sep 29, 2008

    FOR THE FIRST TIME (AT 100K MILES), MY WIFE'S 2000 FORD FOCUS' IGNITION LOCK HAS FAILED. LUCKILY, IT HAPPENS AT HOME, BUT I HAVE READ MANY HORROR STORIES OF OTHERS WHO WERE NOT SO FORTUNATE. EVIDENTLY, THIS IS ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT ONE THAT FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS. NHTSA SHOULD SURELY INITIATE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2008, fire

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD, BUT DID NOT FIND ANY SMOKE. IN ADDITION, THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE WAS FINE; HOWEVER, HE FELT IS WAS EXTREMELY HOT UNDER THE HOOD. HE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES) FOR THE SAME SYMPTOMS HE WAS EXPERIENCING IN HIS VEHICLE. HE HAD ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER AND HESITATION IN THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. HE DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V030000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED SINCE HE IS EXPERIENCING IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,450.

  13. Electrical system, Aug 29, 2008

    2000 FORD FOCUS, IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKS UP AND CANNOT TURN KEY TO TURN ON CAR. I SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THE SAME. *TR

  14. Electrical system, Aug 26, 2008

    2000 FORD FOCUS WAGON. COMPLAINT: KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION. HAD IT REPAIRED BY SV. STATION COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO (STILL GIVING ME PROBLEMS) MY SON BROUGHT A FOCUS AT THE SAME TIME I DID AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM NOT TOO LONG AFTER HE PURCHASED HIS. MY DAUGHTER CALLED ME TODAY AND SAID "GUESS WHAT. HER FATHER IN LAW WENT TO START MY GRANDSONS CAR AND THE KEY WON'T TURN" YOU GUESSED IT, A 2000 FOCUS. I STARTED RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND COULDN'T BELIEVE ALL THE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. EVERYBODY THAT BROUGHT IT TO THE FORD DEALERS FOR REPAIR WERE SHELLING OUT $500.00. OUTRAGED, THAT IS WHAT PROMPTED ME TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THIS IS AS CLOSE TO A SCAM AS YOU CAN GET. WHAT A GRAND DESIGN FOR AN EASY PROFIT! THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE SCREAMING RECALL AND FORD SITS BACK AND DOES NOTHING! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

  15. Electrical system, Aug 21, 2008, fire

    2000 FORD FOCUS THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND HAD JUST PULLED INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN THE AC FAN STOPPED RUNNING AND I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SMOKE. THE CAR WAS PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND TURNED OFF. SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH BOARD AND BURST INTO FLAMES. 911 WAS CALLED THE FIRE TRUCKS CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR IS GONE WHILE THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN ARE FINE. THE CAR IS TOTALED. *TR

  16. Electrical system, Aug 15, 2008

    IGNITION PROBLEM, KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN IGNITION AT ALL, REPLACING AND WILL NEED TO DRILL TO PULL OUT OLD IGNITION. SHODDY PARTS QUALITY IS LIKELY TO BLAME. *TR

  17. Electrical system, Aug 14, 2008

    HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WAGON, AND FOUND OUT IT IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND PROBLEM WHICH WILL CONTINUE. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD DOESN'T RECALL THE PART AND HAVE IT FIXED FOR THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. WHAT A SHAME! THIS PROBLEM LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED OVER 25 MILES FROM HOME. *TR

  18. Electrical system, Aug 14, 2008

    2000 FORD FOCUS KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. *TR

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 5, 2008

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WILL IDLE ROUGHLY OR FAST AND HAS TO BE SHUT OFF IN ORDER FOR THE IDLING TO STOP. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V302000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

  20. Electrical system, Aug 4, 2008

    THE KEY WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY INTO THE IGNITION. A LOCKSMITH CAME AND FIXED IT, BUT NOW I CAN'T GET THE KEY OUT AT ALL AND HAVE TO LEAVE IT IN THE IGNITION ALL THE TIME. *TR

  21. Electrical system, Aug 1, 2008

    KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Jul 19, 2008

    2000 FORD FOCUS: IGNITION SEIZED UP AND KEY WOULD NOT TURN. AAA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE BANGED AND JIGGLED TO FREE IT UP BUT IT SEIZED THREE TIMES AGAIN -- EVERY TIME TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, IT WON'T TURN AGAIN. I'VE READ MANY DESCRIPTIONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME OCCURRENCE; PLAN TO FOLLOW ADVISE OF GOING TO LOCKSMITH FOR REPLACEMENT IGNITION CYLINDER BECAUSE APPARENTLY FORD IS USING SAME PROBLEMATIC CYLINDER FOR REPLACEMENTS. *TR

  23. Electrical system, Jul 17, 2008

    BEGINNING IN DECEMBER 2005 I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION ON MY FORD FOCUS. AT FIRST IT BEGAN WITH THE KEY NOT TURNING IN THE IGNITION. IT HAS GOTTEN INCREASINGLY WORSE OVER THE LAST 21/2 YEARS. ABOUT A MONTH AGO I COULD NOT EVEN GET THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. ONCE THE KEY WAS INSERTED I DID NOT REMOVE IT AGAIN FOR FEAR I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AT ALL. NOW THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN EVEN WITH THE KEY IN IT. NO ONE IS ABLE TO REPAIR THE IGNITION, AND THERE ARE APPARENTLY NO AFTER MARKET PARTS.... SO I HAVE TO GO TO A FORD DEALER AND PAY ALMOST $400 TO FIX THE IGNITION ON A CAR THAT IS 9 YEARS OLD. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND I KNOW THAT THERE A LOT OF OTHER DRIVERS/OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION. AT LEAST 2 OF MY CLOSE FRIENDS ALSO OWN A FOCUS (BOY ARE THEY MAD I SUGGESTED GETTING ONE NOW) AND THEY HAVE BOTH HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION REPLACED. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS PROVES IT IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, AND I SHOULD THEREFORE BE ABLE TO GET THE CAR FIXED FREE OF CHARGE, OF COURSE THE WARRANTY IS UP, SO BASICALLY I'M SCREWED. I HOPE YOU WILL ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS, BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT, AND I NEED IT TO GET TO WORK, OR LOSE MY JOB IN AN EVER WORSENING ECONOMY. THANKS *TR

  24. Electrical system, Jun 30, 2008

    2000 FOR FOCUS IGNITION LOCK. I AM ABOUT TO REPLACE MY IGNITION LOCK FOR THE 3RD TIME. EACH TIME, I HAVE GONE TO MY CAR IN THE EVENING ONLY TO FIND THE KEY WON'T GO INTO THE LOCK, IT WON'T TURN, ETC. I HAVE NOW BEEN STRANDED APPROXIMATELY 9 TIMES IN SOMETIMES ROUGH AREAS. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

  25. Electrical system, Jun 22, 2008

    I AM EXPERIENCING WHAT THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE 2000 FORD FOCUS. FOR THE PAST YEAR, WE HAVE INTERMITTENTLY HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK UP, UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY AND START THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED MANY TIMES. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS A OVERWHELMINGLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2000 FOCUS AND SUGGESTED TAPPING AND BANGING ON THE IGNITION SWITCH TO GET IT TO TURN. THIS WORKED FOR ABOUT A YEAR, HOWEVER, AS I AM FINDING OUT BY READING THESE COMPLAINTS, IT FINALLY HAS FROZEN AND WILL NOT TURN. FORD WANTS TO CHARGE PEOPLE FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE SWITCH, ONLY TO REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE SWITCH,WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY NEED REPLACING , YET ANOTHER $450.. MY HUSBAND PURCHASED AN IGNITION SWITCH FROM AN AUTO PARTS STORE, ONLY TO HAVE TO TAKE IT TO FORD ANYWAY TO INSTALL BECAUSE THEY GET YOU BY CHARGING $150. TO "REPROGRAM THE PATS SYSTEM ON THE KEY. AT WHAT POINT AND HOW MANY VEHICLES HAVE TO BE REPORTED TO BE DEFECTIVE , HOW MANY OWNERS HAVE TO BE CHARGED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS AND FORD ALLOWED TO KEEP CHARGING AND RECHARGING US TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM RATHER THAN BEING ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PROBLEM AND RECALLING THE PART?? WHY AREN'T CONSUMER'S PROTECTED AGAINST THIS? *TR