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: suspension
386 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, May 12, 2002
DESPITE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RECALLS, OUR LEFT REAR TIRES WARPED SO BADLY DUE TO THE BEARING DEFECT THAT WE WERE FORCED TO REPLACE THEM. THE FORD DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGED TIRES AND FIRESTONE SAID IT WAS THE VEHICLE DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE TIRE DAMAGE. WE REPLACED BOTH REAR TIRES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHICH MADE STEERING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. DESPITE THE NEW TIRES, THERE IS STILL FEAR IN DRIVING THE VEHICLE SINCE WE ARE NOT TOTALLY CONVINCED THAT THE BEARING RECALL HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE WITH NEW TIRES FOR SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS AND BALANCINGS AND YET WE STILL GET STRONG VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE WHOLE SITUATION IS CAUSING FEAR IN DRIVING THE VEHICLE SINCE OUR DEALER TELLS US THAT THE ONLY RECOURSE WE HAVE IS TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR CONSTANT ALIGNMENTS AND BALANCING TO AVOID THE VIBRATION AND EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE TIRES. THIS DOESN'T SEEM NORMAL FOR SIMILAR FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES SUCH AS THE HONDAS AND NISSANS.*AK
Suspension, May 7, 2002
BEARING FAILURE DAMAGED ABS SYSTEM. ONLY WARNING WAS ABS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, THEN RIGHT REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 75 MPH, CAUSING CAR TO SWERVE ACROSS TWO LANES OF HIGHWAY ONTO SHOULDER BEFORE CAR COULD BE CONTROLLED. PREVIOUSLY, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED AND WAS REPLACED AT 22,764 MILES. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT ATTACHED TO THAT FAILURE, AS WE COULD HEAR THE SLIGHT ROUGH OR GRINDING NOISE, AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR WARRANT SERVICE. THIS TIME THERE WAS NO WARNING, I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AT SPEED, AND COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.*AK
Suspension, May 2, 2002
VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS , REAR TIRES WEAR OUT WITHIN 2 WEEKS. THE REAR OF VEHICLE WILL SWERVE.*JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Apr 27, 2002
MOLDING ON RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR COMING OFF; DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN VEHICLE B/C OF ALL THE RECALLS AND CAN'T TAKE OFF WORK FOR ALL OF THESE RECALLS; THUMPING COMING FROM UNDER STEERING COLUMN, TOLD THAT IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR, BUT SOUNDS LIKE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS RECALLED IN REAR WHEEL BEARINGS; OVERDRIVE OFF BUTTON DOESN'T WORK; BRAKES SQUEAK AND WEAR DOWN TOO EASILY AND I HAD TO PAY TO GET THEM REPLACED;THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR B/C I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO GET MY OLD CAR FIXED ALL OF THE TIME. I THOUGHT BUYING A NEW CAR WOULD ELIMINATE THIS, BUT I TAKE THIS TO THE SHOP ALL THE TIME FOR RECALLS AND PROBLEMS. THIS IS INSANE! SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE!
Suspension, Apr 26, 2002
AFTER RECAL O1I700000 CONCERNING REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS DONE, THEY STARTED HAVING OTHER PROBLEMS. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2002
I HAVE HAD THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKES IN THE SHOP FOR 4 OR MORE TIMES COMBINED. HAVE HAD BEARINGS REPLACED ALSO 2X'S. *AK
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2002, fire
POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS BURNING OFF INSULATION.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS HAS GOTTEN SO HOT THAT IT HAS BURNED THE RED PLASTIC CABLE COVER BLACK AND HAS CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BULGE OUT AS IF IT COULD BURST, CONSUMER STATES THE POSITIVE WIRE WAS CUT FROM THE BATTERY PAST TERMINAL AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY PROBLEMS AS OF YET, ALSO TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING AT THE CASE HALF, ALSO THE FRONT STRUTS WERE REPLACED. *SLC
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 18, 2002
CONSUMER STATES ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. NLM DEALER REPLACED COIL PACK AND FUEL PUMP 6 TIMES. VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY HOWEVER WARRANTY IS NOT VALID. THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF. THE MAIN BELT BROKE. THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES BROKE. IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE REAR BRAKES SQUEAK ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE IS MOISTURE IN THE AIR. *TT
Suspension, Apr 18, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE VIBRATES AND SHAKES VIOLENTLY CAUSING THE DRIVING TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NLM
Suspension, Apr 17, 2002
CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING BEING SHUT. NLM
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2002
WAS TRAVELING 50MPH HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN TRUNK OF VEHICLE. SOUNDED LIKE GRINDING NOISES. STOPPED VEHICLE AND SMELLED SMOKE. ENGINE CHECK AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON . PARKED VEHICLE , THEN, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. WAS INFORMED WHEEL BEARINGS HAD BLOWN OUT. THIS CAUSED WHEELS TO GO BAD. *AK
Suspension, Apr 4, 2002
CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TS
Suspension, Apr 3, 2002
I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE BRAKES SQUEAKING A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT. OF 2000. IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLME . MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER A NUMBER OF TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE A ROARING NOISE COMING FROM SOMEWHERE. THIS PROBLEM WAS NEVER ADDRESSED. THE NOISE HAD RECENTLY GOTTEN UNBEARBABLE. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO INDEPENDENT CAR SHOPS AND THEY BOTH AGRRED THAT BEARINGS ARE GONE AND THAT THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM THIS SOON. ONE OF THE CAR SHOPS EVEN CONTACTED A FORD DEALER TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH TIME IT WILL TAKE ACCORDING TO THEIR BOOK TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID KNOW BECAUSE THEY HAVE NEVER REPLACED ANY BEARINGS ON THESE CARS BEFORE. I AM VEYR DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAVE HAD TO GO TO GREAT LENGHTS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND IT STILL HAVE NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
Suspension, Apr 3, 2002
THE MAIN FOCUS OF THIS COMPLAINT IS THE FACT THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES IN THE APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS OLD. THE SECOND TIME CAME WITHOUT WARNING WHILE VACATIONING IN VERMONT WITH YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WAS NEAR FALLING OFF. THE FINAL TIME THE REAR BEARINGS FAILED, THEY WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A SECOND RECALL ON THE REAR BEARINGS. IN ADDITION, MY FORD FOCUS HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS REPLACEMENT , AND DECKLID WIRE HARNESS RREPLACEMENT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I HAVE SPENT MORE TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP GETTING REPAIRS ON THIS CAR, THAN I HAVE SPENT COLLECTIVELY ON ALL OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED.*AK
Suspension, Apr 2, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 70MPH VEHICLE STARTS TO VIBRATE. ADMISSION LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
Suspension, Apr 2, 2002
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED DUE TO VIBRATION AND NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE, DEALER STATED BEARINGS WERE WORN OUT PREMATURELY. *AK
Suspension, Apr 2, 2002
CORRECTED COPY. MAJOR ASSEMBLY LISTED WRONG IN ORGINIAL REPORT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Suspension, Apr 2, 2002
BOTH ORIGINAL (AROUND 20,000 MILES) AND REPLACEMENT (AT 44402 MILES) R/R WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. BOTH WERE NOTED DUE TO GRINDING NOISE NOTED WHILE DRIVING BOTH HIGHWAY AND CITY ROADS. GRINDING NOISE WOULD COME AND GO IN CURVES. ORGINIAL WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE REPLACEMENT WAS REPLACED UNDER DEALER PARTICIPATION(?) FOR A TOTAL CHARGE OF $26.00. MASTEL FORD PERSONNEL WERE VERY HELPFUL DURING BOTH INCIDENTS. I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE CURRENT RECALL (11/01) CONCERNING WHEEL BEARNING CORROSION.*AK
Suspension, Mar 29, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 50 TO 55 MPH VEHICLE STARTS TO JERK. VEHICLE PULLS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN RAINING BACK OF VEHICLE SLIDES. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2002
AT ANY SPEED THERE'S A ROARING NOISE COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD, AND THEY STATED THAT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. CONSUMER FEELS IT IS THE WHEEL BEARING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Mar 12, 2002
BRAKES HAVE SQUEALED FRON ABOUT 1500 MILES. HAVE HAD PADS REPLACED, BUT SQUEALS DID NOT GO AWAY. FRONT BRAKES GRIND, AT SHOP NOW. IN NOVEMBER 2001 HAD TO HAVE STRUTS REPLACED WHILE HAVING RECALL WORK DONE. STRUTS LITTLE OVER A YEAR OLD. ENGINE MAKES A CHIRPING NOISE AT ABOUT 1000-2500 RPM, BUT DEALER UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. ALSO SQUEALS OR WHINES WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHEN A SMALL STONE HIT IT. WILL HAVE INSURANCE REPLACE. OVERALL, NOT HAPPY WITH CAR. BEEN IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR!!
Suspension, Tires, Mar 4, 2002
WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO HAVE HER 30,000 MAINTENANCE SERVICE PERFORMED, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE WOBBLING NOSIE THAT WAS FELT AND HEARD IN THE REAR WHEEL, CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT NEW TIRES ARE POSSIBLY NEEDED DUE TO A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THE REAR AXLE, SECONDLY WHEN CONSUMER BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR TIRE ROTATION SHE COULD NEVER GET DOCUMENTATION STATING THAT THE WORK WAS PERFORMED, CONSUMER NOW HAS DOUBTS THAT THE TIRE ROTATION WAS EVER DONE.*JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Tires, Mar 2, 2002
TIRES/ SHOCKS/ WHEEL BEARINGS/ TRANSMISSION STRUTS, AND ROTORS ALL BAD AND WORN OUT. DEALER UNRESPONSIVE AND SO IS FORD LONG FILE ON THIS CAR. DEALER REFUSES TO LEMON THE CAR OUT. TOTALLY FRUSTRATED BY LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH DEALER AND FORD AM CONSIDERING LAW SUIT AGAINST BOTH (TIRESIZE: 195R7015)
Suspension, Mar 1, 2002
FRONT END BOUNCES AND MAKES NOISES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED BEARINGS/ CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Suspension, Feb 27, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING 30MPH ON HIGHWAY THERE IS A JERKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD AREA.*AK