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: engine and engine cooling
470 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND AFTER DRIVING TWO BLOCKS, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT A FIRE HAD STARTED NEAR THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000. A REPORT WAS TAKEN BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2011
DAUGHTER BOUGHT THE 2000 FORD FOCUS ON 03/01/2011 FROM A DEALERSHIP IN WICHITA, KANSAS. IN APRIL 2011 THE ROD WENT THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH 3 OTHER CARS ON THE HIGHWAY BETWEEN WICHITA AND TOWANDA, KANSAS. TOW TRUCK TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD WE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR 1/2 THE COST OF ANOTHER ENGINE AND LABOR, WHICH WAS OVER $4,000.00 (OUR SHARE WOULD BE OVER $2,000.00). STILL HAVING TO PAY THE LOAN ON A CAR THAT IS NOT RUNNING AND FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE, CAUSE THE CAR IS ON A LOAN THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP. I'VE CALLED A NUMBER OF TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH NO HELP. I'VE TRIED TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS ON THE RODS GOING THOUGH THE ENGINES ON THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF THIS CAR. NO LUCK. I LOOKED UP THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE OF THIS CAR, IN FAIR CONDITION IS ONLY: $1,375.00 FOR TRADE-IN-VALUE. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WERE FRACTURES IN THE HEAD GASKET AND THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,327.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHERE THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE BACK OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS CAUSES THE ENGINE TO LOCK -UP. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY ON THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY FOR THIS FAILURE. THEY OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,530 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. FORM RETURNED NO CHANGE
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2011, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE BEGAN TO RISE THROUGH THE VENTS WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE CONTACT'S HOME WHERE IT WAS CLASIFIED AS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2011, fire
TOTAL LOSS OF FORD FOCUS 2000 DUE TO THE CAR FIRE. NO SIGNALS OF OVERHEAT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, ALL FLUID LEVELS FINE. I WAS DRIVING FOR 30 MIN; WHEN RETURNED HOME AND STOPPED THE CAR, NOTICED A WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I DECIDED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENS BUT DID NOT HAVE TIME TO DO THAT - AFTER I LEFT THE CAR, IT WAS ALREADY ON FIRE. USED 1 FIRE DISPENSER ON IT, IT DID NOT HELP; CALLED 911, BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME (IN ABOUT 10 MIN), THE CAR WAS BURNED TO THE GROUND. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THERE WAS KNOCKING SOUND COMING IN THE ENGINE. THERE WAS ALSO HESITATION WHILE ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TWICE AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH; YET, THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Aug 19, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN AT ANY SPEED, IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR MOST OFTEN WHEN ATTEMPTING LEFT TURNS. ONCE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IT WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT WAS SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH, CAUSING THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER WINDOW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2010
ENGINE SOMETIMES STALLS WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY OR MAKING SHARP TURNS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE BATTERY CABLES ALSO GET HOT AND THE BATTERY GOES DEAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE ENGINE WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, May 30, 2010
I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD WITH MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET AND FORD NEEDS TO REIMBURSE ALL OWNERS... MY ENGINE IS NOW CUTTING OFF WITH NO WARNING AT ANY SPEED AND I AM AFRAID FOR NOT ONLY MY OWN LIFE BUT MY 7 YEAR OLD AND NEWBORN DAUGHTERS AS WELL.... CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND AFTER ALL THE PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS SUCH AS OVERHEATING, SMOKING ENGINE, FRIED FUEL SYSTEM, VALVES, SENSORS, RESISTORS, MOTORS, HOSES, WIRES, FUSES, COOLING/HEATING, DOOR LATCHES AND THIS CAR PRACTICALLY SPEEDING UP ON ITS OWN AND NOT STOPPING... I FEEL SOMEONE NEEDS TO HELP US ALL.... PLEASE... I AM BEGGING!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 28, 2010
ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER AND SURGING. I LOST POWER AND WAS ESCORTED OFF THE HIGHWAY BY A SHERIFF DEPUTY . *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2010
I WENT TO START MY 2000 FORD FOCUS AFTER THE BIG SNOW STORM TO BE SURE IT STARTED AND IT DID, I LET IT RUN FOR A WHILE AND WHEN I SHUT IT OFF AND TAKE THE KEY OUT IT WAS STUCK, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET BECAUSE FRANKLY I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP SINKING INTO THIS LOUSY CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2009
THE EARLY YEARS FORD FOCUS, 2000 - 2002 ARE EXPERIENCING A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE THAT CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME. THIS PROBLEM INVOLVES THE VALVE SEAT ON THE INTAKE VALVE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VALVE SEAT CRACKS, BREAKS APART AND FALLS INTO THE CYLINDER DESTROYING THE PISTON, HEAD AND BLOCK CYLINDER WALL ON THE SINGLE OVER HEAD CAM (SOHC) 2.0 LITER ENGINES - VIN 'P'. IT IS SUCH A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS RUNNING OUT OF PARTS. AUTO PART STORES KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM. PISTON RING MANUFACTURERS KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM. BOTH OF WHICH ARE SELLING PARTS AT VERY HIGH VOLUMES RELATED TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. MACHINE SHOPS ALL KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STATE THAT IT GOES FURTHER BACK TO THE FORD ESCORT MODEL ALSO. SALVAGE YARDS KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ARE GETTING 10 PHONE CALLS A DAY FOR USED SOHC ENGINES. SALVAGE YARDS ARE SELLING ANY AND ALL SOHC ENGINE AS SOON AS THEY GET THEM IN IN VEHICLES. OWNERS WHO CHOOSE TO REPLACE THEIR ENGINES WITH 'USED' SALVAGED ENGINES ARE ENCOUNTERING THE DROPPED VALVE SEAT PROBLEM AGAIN AS THE REPLACEMENT ENGINES FAIL AT APPROXIMATELY 100K MILES ALSO - JUST AS THE ORIGINAL HAD FAILED. FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND IS PROVIDING THE OPTION OF INSTALLING A SALVAGED ENGINE. COST FOR INSTALLING A SALVAGED ENGINE WITH UNVERIFIABLE MILES HAS BEEN QUOTED AT $1250 FOR THE ENGINE, $2500 TO $3000 TOTAL FOR INSTALLATION. THIS PROBLEM IS GREATER AND LARGER THAN THE 'FUEL PUMP' SAFETY ISSUE AND THE 'BRAKE' ISSUE. THE VALVE SEAT CAN AND DOES BREAK AT ANY TIME - THIS PROBLEM IS SHOWING UP IN LATER YEARS ALSO, 2003. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 18, 2009
2000 FORD FOCUS SE, PURCHASED NEW 04/2001 --- 06/02 - CAR DIED ON FATHERS DAY, REPLACED BATTERY WITH ONE FROM AUTO ZONE; ?/03 - AT SERVICE CALL FOR RECALL OF HARNESS WIRING, COMPLAINED ABOUT LED LIGHTS FLICKERING, NO PROBLEM FOUND; 10/05 - CAR DIED, TOWED TO FORD, BATTERY REPLACED; 12/06 - SERVICE AT FORD, COMPLAINED ABOUT LED LIGHTS FLICKERING AGAIN, NO REMEDY; 06/07 - CAR DIED, TOWED TO CHRYSLER DEALER (MY EMPLOYER), COULD NOT LOCATE PROB, CHARGED BATTERY, 06/07 CAR DIED, REPLACED BATTERY; 06/07 CAR DIED, TOWED TO CHRYSLER - REPLACED ALTERNATOR; 09/08, IGNITION LOCKED/REPLACED; 02/09 CAR DIED, TOWED TO FORD, REPLACED BATTERY; 06/09, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES AT 35-40 MPH. POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE INSULATION MELTED. SERVICE AT DODGE (EMPLOYER) - REROUTE POSITIVE CABLE DIRECTLY TO BOLT ON CONNECTOR TO BATTERY, PROBLEM CONTINUES - CARRIED TO FORD, THEY ADVISE ALTERNATOR IS BAD AND MUST BE REPLACED. ---- 9 YEARS, 5 BATTERIES, 3 ALTERNATORS, PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED. DEALER CONTINUES TO TREAT THE SYMPTOMS, NOT CURE THE DISEASE. SOMETHING IS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN CONTINUOUSLY. NUMEROUS FOCUS OWNERS AT LEAST THROUGH 2003 EXPERIENCE SAME ISSUES. SERVICE ADVISOR ADMITTED TO ME THAT THEY "REPLACE A LOT OF BATTERIES AND ALTERNATORS IN FOCUSES" AND THAT "IT SEEMS TO BE INORDINATELY HIGH NUMBERS". OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR INCLUDE 3 SETS OF INFERIOR BRAKE PADS (FINALLY HAD A GOOD SET INSTALLED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC) AND CRACKED MOTOR MOUNTS CAUSING INTENSE VIBRATION ESPECIALLY WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. SEEKING REMEDY FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES - CONSIDERING CONSULTING ATTORNEY TO START CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THIS CAR FOR PAST 2 YEARS, FINALLY KNUCKLED AND BOUGHT HER A GREAT CHRYSLER PT CRUISER FOR HER PERSONAL SAFETY. I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO ACQUIRE ANOTHER VEHICLE FOR MYSELF AND MUST CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE FOCUS UNTIL OTHERWISE CAPABLE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2009
I WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH WITH NO SIGNS THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO COAST SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER WHERE I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE NEVER RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, SO I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR WAS GIVEN A JUMP AND THE ENGINE STARTED, BUT SOMETHING DIDN'T SEEM RIGHT BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING MUCH LOUDER THAN USUAL. THE PROBLEM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING CORRECTED, IT WILL BE BROUGHT TO A MECHANIC TOMORROW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2009
CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF NHTSA IS STILL MONITORING THESE ISSUES WITH THE FORD FOCUS FIRES. *NJ
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. THE DEALER PERFORMED OVER $500 WORTH OF REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY PASSED IT FOR INSPECTION. THEY EVEN PLACED THEIR OWN INSPECTION STICKER ON THE VEHICLE. LESS THAN A WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. LATER, THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY DISCOVERED A HOLE IN THE ENGINE AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS TWISTED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, IT STALLED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE OVER 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 24, 2009
WHILE IDLING IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT NOTICE, THROUGH A ROD THROUGH THE BLOCK OF THE MOTOR CAUSING INSTANT AND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND OR INJURY. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH 2000 MODEL YEAR FOCUS AND HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. I PURCHASED AND INSTALLED A SALVAGE MOTOR FOR ALMOST $2000. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Mar 22, 2009
IT STARTED WITH A TICKING NOISE I COULD HEAR WHEN IT JUST IDLED, THEN I GOT HOME STARTED IT BACK UP AND IT MADE A LOUD NOISE LIKE SOMETHING HAD FALLEN INTO THE ENGINE. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN WE HAD SOMEBODY LOOK AT IT THEY SAID THERE WAS NO COMPRESSION IN THE # 4 PISTON. THEY HAD SAID SOMETHING HAD FALLEN OFF THE PISTON AND MADE A BUNCH OF DENTS AND DANGS SO NOW WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. IT IS IN MY DRIVEWAY NOW WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2009, fire
2000 FORD FOCUS ENGINE FIRE ON THE WAY TO WORK AT 4 AM. BY TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE IT WAS FULLY IN FLAMES. BURNT EVEY THING BUT THE TRUNK BEFORE IT WAS PUT OUT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2009
2000 FORD FOCUS STALLS ON RIGHT HAND TURNS ONLY THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME A PROBLEM NOW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 26, 2008, fire
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A 2000 FORD FOCUS FOR OUR 20 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN OCTOBER 2008, SO SHE WOULD HAVE A MEANS OF GETTING TO COLLEGE AND WORK. ON DECEMBER 22 2008 SHE WAS DRIVING WITH A FRIEND TO GO TO LUNCH WHEN SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND FLAMES SHOT OUT,BLOWING OUT THE WINDSHIELD AND MELTING THE TIRES ETC. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING CAUSING AN ENGINE FIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 24, 2008
I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE NEXT DAY. THE SHOP RESET THE CODE SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY TOLD ME THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD. THE CAR ONLY HAS 36000 MILES. THE DEALER SAID THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 5 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD THE MAINTENANCE DONE AND HAVE RECORDS STATING DATES AND MILES ON THE CAR. *TR