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: service brakes

414 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Dec 17, 2001

    MY BRAKES HAS CONSISTANTLY HAD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALERSHIPS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS, I WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL. THE PROBLEM NOW IS THAT 22,000 MILES AND 1 YEAR LATER, I NEED NEW BRAKES. ALSO, THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR WHEEL BOLTS AND NUTS. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT PROBLEM. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES BECAUSE OF THE LOUD NOISE. MY BELIEF IS THAT THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE OR POORLY DESIGNED.*AK

  2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 13, 2001

    BRAKE SHOE WAS FOUND CRACKED AND ERODED IN MIDDLE. DEALER (LAWRENCE MARSHALL, HEMPSTEAD TX) INDICATES THAT EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM, NO RECOURSE FOR REPAIRS.*AK

  3. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 12, 2001, crash

    MY DAUGHTER WAS SO EXCITED TO BUY HER FIRST CAR. I'M NOT SURE WHY BUT SHE CHOSE A FORD FOCUS AND QUALIFIED FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER PROGRAM. AFTER A FEW MONTHS SHE STARTED HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS. IT GOT SO BAD SHE THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THE NOISE WAS NORMAL. LATER SHE TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD HER THE BRAKE PADS WERE WARPED BECAUSE SHE DROVE THROUGH WATER AND THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. NEXT TIME SHE WENT IN FOR WARRANTY SERVICE SHE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER SHE HAD A ONE-VEHICLE WRECK. SHE WAS NOT HURT BUT THE CAR WAS BADLY DAMAGED. AFTER THREE ESTIMATES WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP WITH A GOOD REPUTATION FOR QUALITY WORK. THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO THE LACK OF ADAQUATE BRAKES AT A STOP SIGN. AT A LITTLE OVER 20,000 MILES SHE BEGAN HAVING MORE SERIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS. AGAIN SHE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD HER THE BRAKE PADS WERE BAD AND THE ROTORS NEEDED REPLACING. (AT 20,000 MILES) THEY OFFERED TO DO THE $400+ JOB FOR A 12% DISCOUNT SINCE THE JOB WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SHE TOOK IT TO A BRAKE SPECIALIST WHO DID THE JOB FOR ABOUT $200. ADD ALL THE BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER DOOR THAT LEAKED (THEY "FIXED IT" SEVERAL TIMES. IT STILL LEAKS. ACTUALLY, THIS CUTE LITTLE BLUE FORD FOCUS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAINTED "LEMON YELLOW". ANOTHER THING - WHEN SHE TOOK THE CAR IN SHE TOOK A FRIEND WITH HER TO DRIVE HER TO WORK. DURING THE CONVERSATION WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT THE PROBLEMS HE, AND I QUOTE, "TOLD THEM TO SHUT UP - HE WOULD NOT BE DOUBLE TEAMED. THEY DO NOT TEACH THAT IN CUSTOMER RELATION SCHOOL, DO THEY? DO YOU THINK THIS SAME DEALER WOULD TAKE IT IN FOR A TRADE IN?*AK

  4. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Dec 11, 2001, crash

    CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 30MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND A TRUCK VEERED INTO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE DIRECTION. APPLIED HIS BRAKES, AND CRASHED INTO OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK FORD MOTOR COMPANY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO VERIFY ANY MANUFACTUER'S DEFECTS. *TT

  5. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2001

    AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE FOR ABOUT AN 1/2 HOUR CONSUMER PARKED AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES, CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE WHEN BRAKES LOCKED UP, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. *AK

  6. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Structure, Equipment, Oct 26, 2001

    DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTORS. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES THE WINDHSILED WIPERS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE STRIPING ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOOSE, ALSO RADIO BUTTONS WERE STUCK,DRIVERS DOORLOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK ALL THE TIME WITH REMOTE KEY.*JG

  7. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 2, 2001

    BRAKES MAKE A LOUD NOISE DUE TO WORN OUT BRAKE PADS. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 13000 MILES. *AK

  8. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 18, 2001

    WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDALWENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS NO CONNECTION. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

  9. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 16, 2001

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ROAD, WHEN A CAR SUDDENLY SWERVED IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ONLY DRIVING ABOUT 25-28MPH, YET THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP, THOUGH I PRESSED DOWN ON THEM. LUCKILY, THE DRIVER WHO HAD SWERVED IN FRONT OF ME, NOTICED THAT I WAS UNABLE TO STOP, SO SHE SPED UP CONSIDERABLY. IF IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN FOR THAT, I WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY CRASHED INTO HER. I HAVE REPORTED THIS BRAKE PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY TELL ME THAT THEIR "ALL POINTS CHECK" INDICATES THAT EVERYTHING IS OKAY. TWO WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR, IT BEGAN MAKING EXTREMELY LOUD SQUEAKING NOISES WHEN THE BRAKES WERE PRESSED. YET, NO ONE WANTS TO HELP ME. I TOLD THEM THAT I WANTED ANOTHER CAR, BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I'D HAVE TO PAY $3,000 TO BREAK MY LEASE. I EXPLAINED THAT IT IS NOT FOR LUXURY REASONS THAT I WANT MY VEHICLE REPLACED, BUT FOR SAFETY REASONS. THEY STILL CONTINUE TO BULLY ME AROUND, BECAUSE I'M A YOUNG, SINGLE FEMALE. THOUGH THIS CAR HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS, I SOMETIMES CHOOSE TO DISREGARD THEM, BECAUSE I WOULD PREFER TO AVOID ANY INTERACTION WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE SO MANIPULATIVE AND HEARTLESS. PLEASE DOCUMENT THIS, AS I HAVE COMPLAINED MANY TIMES, TO NO AVAIL. THANK YOU.*AK

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 14, 2001, crash

    BRAKES HAVE BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP NUMBEROUS TIMES. HOWEVER, WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES WHICH TEMPORARILY SLOWED DOWN VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THEN, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING FRONT END DAMAGE. ALSO, DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK/ HEAD INJURIES/ CRACKED RIBS, AND DISLOCATED SHOULDER. IN ADDITION, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, BUT SPEED OF IMPACT WAS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 12, 2001

    WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THERE WAS A SQUEAKING SOUND. DEALER REPLACED FRONT PADS, AND IT DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. ON 11 SEP 2001, WHILE APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. DEALER REPLACED FRONT AND REAR PADS AND ROTORS.*AK

  12. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 28, 2001

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

  13. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 22, 2001

    CONSUMER STATED THAT ROTORS AND BRAKES ARE CAUSING THE TIRES TO LOCK.

  14. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2001

    FRONT BRAKE PADS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

  15. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 15, 2001

    NOISY BRAKES- MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES. TWICE THE ROTORS AND PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT STILL NOISE BRAKES. DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE IS NO RESOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THE CAR WAS CREATED IN EUROPE. SO WHY DID YOU PUT YOUR NAME ON IT AND WHY DIDN'T YOU DISCLOSE THE NOISY BRAKES TO ME AT TIME OF PURCHASE? IN GENERAL I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH MY CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE IT AS A TRADE IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK

  16. Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2001

    WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE WHILE BRAKING. DEALER EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT LEFT FRONT BRAKE PAD WAS LOOSE. SINCE THAT TIME, CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR EXAMINED BECAUSE LEFT SIDE PAD SUPPORT KNUCKLE: SPINDLE ARM WAS BENT, AND CAUSING BRAKE PAD TO WEAR. DEALERSHIP WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN REPAIRS OF BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

  17. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2001

    BRAKES NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AT 15K MILES DUE TO SQUEAKING PROBLEM. PER DEALER, BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY WORN DOWN AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED.. *AK

  18. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 5, 2001

    BRAKENOISE CONTINUES EVEN AFTER DEALER REPLACED REAR BRAKE SHOES. CONDITION PLACES DRIVER AT RISK AS IT IS HARD TO DETERMINE IF BRAKES ARE FAILING DUE TO WEAR.*AK

  19. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 2, 2001

    FORD HAS REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER TWICE AND ALL ROTORS AND PADS. STILL NO BRAKES WHEN FIRST USED AFTER SETTING. *AK

  20. Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 25, 2001

    ENGINE JUST STALLS EVERY 3 MONTHS WHILE DRIVING. HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN 4 TIMES! THE LAST TIME I WASNT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT COST ME 500+...THEY REPLACED MANY THINGS BUT IT STILL CONTINUES. ALSO AFTER ONLY 23000 MILES MY LEFT CALIPER SLIPPED CAUSING EXTREME WEAR AND TEAR ON THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. COST 300 TO FIX THAT. *AK

  21. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 25, 2001

    THE FRONT DISK BRAKES WERE WORN OUT TO THE ROTORS AFTER ONLY 25,000 MILES BECAUSE THEY OVER HEAT AND THE PADS WEAROUT QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON EXPRESSWAY 80% OF THE TIME. THE FRONT WHEELS BECOME EXTREMELY DIRTY DUE TO QUICKLY WEARING OUT BRAKE PADS. WHEN THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE NOTICE OF THE DEALER ABOUT 8 MONTHS BACK HE SAID THE DIRT IS DUE TO THE WHEEL DESIGN, BUT THE REAR WHEELS DO NOT GET DIRTY SINCE THEY DO NOT OVERHEAT AND WEAR OUT AS QUICKLY. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER SAY IT IS NORMAL TO WEAROUT FRONT BREAKS ANY TIME AFTER 9,000 MILES AND REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. THIS IS ABNORMAL, MY BRAKES ALWAYS LAST OVER 55,000 MILES.*AK

  22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 23, 2001

    I ASKED FORD TO LOOK AT MY BRAKES AT 12, 541 MILES BECAUSE THEY WERE SQUEALING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL, SO NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. NOW, AT 24, 643 MILES, MY BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE COMPLETELY WORN, AND FORD WILL NOT TAKE ANY ACTION TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. *AK

  23. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jul 13, 2001

    AT 45MPH WHILE GOING UP HILL BRAKES AND CLUTCH WENT TO FLOOR, CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

  24. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Seat belts, Structure, Seats, Jul 12, 2001

    WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. WHEELS HAD FELT WOBBLELY AND LOOSE. HAD TO SWERVE TO MISS SEVERAL VEHICLES. MANAGED TO GET OFF FREEWAY AND STOPPED VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT. DEALERSHIP HAS TO ORDER PARTS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY UNDER RECALL.*AK SCREWS KEEP FALLING OUT OF SEAT BELT AND HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT LEVER KEEPS BREAKING AND HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WHILE DRIVING DURING A HEAVY RAIN STORM, RECEIVED RECALL TWO WEEKS LATER, 01V258, DEALER REPLACED WIPER MOTOR. TURN SIGNAL FAILED, DEALER REPLACED BULB. PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES, REAR DRUM ASSEMBLY BEARING WORE INTO WHEEL SPINDLE, FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED, FRONT ROTORS RESURFACED. CONSUMER FEELS EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD. BEARINGS HAVE FAILED TWICE. SIDE MIRROR BROKE. A-PILLAR TRIM COMING LOOSE AFTER RECALL REPAIR 00S20. *SLC

  25. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Jul 6, 2001, crash

    WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP BRAKES AND EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN. CONSUMER IMPACTED A VEHICLE IN FRONT, AND SUFFERED A BLOODY NOSE WHEN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK