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: power train

220 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2002

    CAR STALLED ALONG SIDE A ROAD SEEMED LIKE "VAPOR LOCK" WOULD NOT START, HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DEALER, HE CHECKED IT OUT AND REPORTED FOUND NOTHING WRONG, CAR STARTED, COMPUTED CHECKED OUT OK. IT TOOK DEALER TWO DAYS TO CHECK OUT CAR DID NOT GET A WRITE UP FROM THE DEALER CONCERNING THIS CHECK OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAS BEEN THROUGH 4 SETS OF REAR TIRES PLUS ONE SET OF SNOW TIRE IN LESS THAN 55,000 MILES ALL REAR TIRES SHOW THE SAME PATTERN CUPPED AND BALD WITHIN 5-8 THOUSAND MILES DEALER HAS PROVIDED 3 SETS OF TIRES WE HAVE PROVIDED 2 REAR END ALLIGNMENT HAS BEEN DONE TWICE. THIS CAR WAS ALSO PART OF REAR AXEL RECALL TIRES SLIDE SIDEWAYS. DT

  2. Power train, Oct 10, 2002, crash

    CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO GET CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

  3. Power train, Oct 8, 2002

    WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE TRANSMISSION START SLIPPING AND DOWNSHIFTING. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR

  4. Power train, Sep 29, 2002

    THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR INTERMITTENTLY. ON 01/16/01 THE BOOT AROUND THE SHIFTER WAS TORN AND THE DEALER HAD ORDERED A NEW REPLACEMENT BOOT COVER. *YH

  5. Steering, Power train, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Sep 25, 2002

    I PURCHSED THIS CAR NEW AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I KEPT TELLING THE SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING FUNNY AND THEY TREATED ME LIKE I WAS STUPID. EVENTUALLY, WHEN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WENT OUT THEY REALIZED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE HAD THE RUBBER REPLACED. THE WIPER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE CAR STARTED HESITATING AND I FOUND THE PVC HOSE WAS MELTED AND THEY COULDNT SEEM TO FIND A REPLACEMENT PART UNTIL I GOT REALLY ANGRY. THE CAR KEPT HESITATING AND IT GOT WORSE. I TRIED EVERYTHING.. REPLACED THE PLUGS, FUEL FILTER. AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND HE PUT IT ON THE MACHINE AND 2 CYLINDERS WERE STUCK. AFTER CHECKING FURTHER, HE DISCOVERD THE PLUG WIRES WERE MELTED! THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES AT TIMES BUT THE SERVICE PEOPLE SAY THEY CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, IT MUST JUST BE THE WAY I DRIVE. THE FORD FOCUS IS A LEMON AND FORD NEEDS TO MAKE IT RIGHT WITH ALL THE CONSUMERS. NLM

  6. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Equipment, Sep 24, 2002

    7/00- TAPE WAS STUCK IN STEREO, HAD TO REPLACE STEREO. 3/01- HAD TO REPLACE FRONT BRACK PADS AT 11000 MILES. 11/01- IGNITION LOCKED ON VEHICLE. HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION. 3/02- TRANSMISSION WAS NEUTRALIZING WHEN DRIVING. HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. 5/02- CAR WAS STALLING. FORD UNABLE TO DETECT PROBLEM. 9/02- CAR WAS NOT ACCELERATING AND STALLING SUDDENLY- HAD TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP. 9/02- HAD TO REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND BACK BRAKE SHOES AT 34000 MILES.

  7. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Sep 10, 2002

    MULTIPLE PROBLEMS: REPLACED CD PLAYER ONCE, THREE BRAKE JOBS, MULTIPLE TRUNK LATCH REPAIRS, REPLACED TRANSMISSION AT 40000, 3 RECALLS, IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP. THE 2000 FOCUS IS CLEARLY A LEMON! *AK

  8. Power train, Sep 10, 2002

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

  9. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Structure, Sep 8, 2002

    SUB FRAME BOLTS LOOSE FROM FACTORY, TRANSMISION SLIPS, BRAKE ROTORS WARPED AND REPLACED 3 TIMES, DLR ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THIS VEH IS BUILT IN GERMANY ITS A HIGH PERFORMANCE VEH AND THE BRAKES WILL NOT LAST MORE THAN 12,000 MILES WITHOUT HAVING TO DO A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB, FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS AND HAVE REPEATDLY DENIED THAT THEY HAVE ANY BRAKE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. *AK

  10. Power train, Sep 7, 2002

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

  11. Power train, Aug 30, 2002

    CONSUMER HAVING SAME PROBLEM WITH POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AS LISTED IN RECALL 00 F 001 000. *AK

  12. Power train, Aug 27, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING 45MPH FRONT AXLE CRACKED.*AK

  13. Power train, Aug 19, 2002

    MY CAR HAS STALLED ON ME THREE TIMES. 30-40% OF THE TIME WHEN DRIVING, IT WON'T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR UNLESS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS THEN START TO GO AGAIN. ALSO, THERE IS A TAPPING NOISE COMING THE ENGINE WHEN IN IDLE.*AK,

  14. Power train, Aug 13, 2002

    WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND REAR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

  15. Power train, Aug 2, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AXLE HAD BROKEN.*AK

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 24, 2002

    ENGINE STALLING - MAY BE SAME AS NHTSA ACTION # PE02040 (VEHICLE HAS BASE 2.0 LITER ENGINE AND 5-MANUAL), VEHICLE STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN CLUTCH WAS IN, RESTARTED WHEN CLUTCH RELEASED.*AK

  17. Power train, Jun 18, 2002, fire

    AXLE ASSEMBLY FAILURE. *AK

  18. Power train, Jun 18, 2002

    TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES ALREADY DUE TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND MAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER CANNOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM.*AK

  19. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jun 17, 2002

    GAS MILEAGE IS POOR ON THIS SIZE VEH--MOTOR KICKS INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM/CANNOT DUPLICATE, 4 INCIDENTS, THIS IS VERY FREIGHTING. ESPECIALLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC & CANNOT GET OFF THE ROAD FAST. BRAKES WEAR BETWEEN 16000 AND 18000 MILES WITH NORMAL DRIVING. THE MOTOR BELT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 22000 MILES. THIS NEVER HAPPENED SO SOON WITH ANY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. REPAIRS AND SERVICES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, MANY SAFETY RECALLS AND PRODUCT WARNINGS THAT TAKE TIME TO REPAIR. THE DEALER HAS A PROBLEM MAKING SURE THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE WHEN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. THE WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND SOUND LIKE THEY MAY BE GOING BAD AGAIN! I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. WHAT IF SOMETHING FAILS WHILE MYSELF OR MY FAMILY ARE IN THIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS DEPRECIATED AT SUCH A DRASTIC RATE, THAT I WOULD BE WISE TO TRADE IT FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. I FEEL IT IS IN DIRECT RELATION TO ALL THE SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. *PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**763169

  20. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Structure, Jun 15, 2002

    I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES AT 3000 MILES - TOLD NO PROBLEMS THE BRAKES JUST DO THAT - AT 11993 MILES BRAKES INSPECTED 50 - 60 % LEFT - AT 15561 BRAKES INSPECTED 65 - 75 % LEFT - NOW SOME HOW ONLY 4000 MILES LATER ONLY 10% OF BRAKES LEFT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A TOTAL OF 19,992 MILES - ALSO TOOK CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR DYING WHILE DRIVING AND TOLD NO PROBLEM - THEN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CLUTCH CYLINDER AND THEY SAID THAT WAS PROBABLY THE PROBLEM SO THEY REPLACED THAT - STILL HAD THE PROBLEM - THEY HINTED THAT IT WAS ME BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM - THEN FINALLY WHEN MY RADIO WOULD GO ON AND OFF IN THEIR PRESNCE THEY INSPECTED FURTHER AND DISCOVERED MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD WIREING WAS MELTED AND IT IS A WONDER MY CAR DIDN'T CATCH ON FIRE. THEY RE-WIRED THE ENTIRE CAR AND REPLACED MY RADIO AND HAD MY CAR FOR OVER A WEEK - WITHIN A MONTH THE RADIO WASN'T WORKING AGAIN AND THEY REPLACED IT FOR THE SECOND TIME - THEN 3 MONTHS LATER MY ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED - AND BY THE WAY MY RADIO HAS GONE OUT 2 TIMES SINCE THE LAST REPLACEMENT AND THEY SAID IT WAS PROBABLY JUST LOOSE OR SOMETHING AND NOT TOO CONCERNED AND NOW THE BRAKES ALL THIS AT 19,000 MILES.*AK

  21. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 8, 2002

    SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY FORD FOCUS 2000, IT HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO RECALLS FOR WHEEL BEARINGS, PANELING, AND THE MASTER CYLINDER. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRUNK LATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE COMPUTER REPROGRAMMED. SINCE LATE SEPT. 2000, THE ENGINE DIES AT APPROX. 45/MPH WHEN I PRESS THE CLUTCH TO DOWNSHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR, SLOWING FROM A HIGHER SPEED. ON AUG. 21, 2001, I TOOK THE THE CAR TO MAROONE FORD IN MARGATE, FLORIDA BECAUSE IT HAD STALL (DIED) TWICE IN ONE DAY. THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND SAID THAT I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IT PROPERLY. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD AND THEY CAME OUT AND DROVE WITH ME. THE CAR DID NOT STALL AT THAT TIME, AND HE ADVISED ME THAT I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THE CAR! I BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN LIED TO BY FORD AND BY THEIR REPRESENTATIVE, MAROONE FORD, MARGATE. I HAVE COPIES OF LETTERS THAT I SENT TO MAROONE FORD, AND TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT MAROONE FORD AS WELL AS A COPY OF THE INITIAL DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD APPLICATION. I HAVE COMPLAINED OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY, AND THAT I WANT FORD TO EITHER FIX MY VEHICLE OR GIVE ME A SAFE CAR. I WAS A FULL-TIME NURSING STUDENT AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY IN BOCA RATON, FLORIDA WHEN THIS STARTED, I AM NOW A REGISTERED NURSE STILL DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP.*AK

  22. Power train, Jun 7, 2002

    I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THEM AT LEAST 3 TIMES BECAUSE WHEN IM DRIVING SOMETIMES I HAVE TO PUT MY FOOT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT BE MOVING AND THE CAR JUST DON'T HAVE NO POWER AT ALL. THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THEY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.

  23. Suspension, Power train, Visibility, Jun 7, 2002

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

  24. Steering, Power train, Jun 7, 2002

    WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN HALF FULL AND I AM TURNING RIGHT, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, IF IT DOES NOT STALL, IT WILL JERK INTO DIFFERENT GEARS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL. ONE TIME IT STALLED WHILE I WAS ON A SHARP CURVE AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CURVE AND ALMOST HIT SOMEONE.*AK

  25. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jun 5, 2002

    C V JOINT AND SHAFT FELL APART WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT IN REVERSE LEAVING DRIVEWAY. PIECES THROW EVERYWHERE.WHEEL BEARINGS MELTING TO REAR DRUMS . BACK DRUMS REPLACED AND ALL 4 WHEEL BEARINGS. DOOR LOCK SYSTEM REPLCED AFTER STOP WORKING. *AK