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

3,738 reports, newest first.

  1. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 2, 2002

    BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING AND GRINDING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD BRAKES REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

  2. 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

  3. Air bags, Apr 2, 2002, crash

    CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 35 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES, DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $4100. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE THE BUMPER WAS NOT COMPRESSED AS IT WENT UNDER THE REAR BUMPER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. *JG *AK

  4. Air bags, Apr 2, 2002, crash

    VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A DRIVER'S SIDE/OFF CENTER FRONTAL COLLISION. DRIVER AND PASSENGER RECEIVED SEVERE INJURIES FROM AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. *AKPASSENGER SUFFERED MASSIVE FACIAL ABRASIONS AND SEVERE TRAUMA TO HER LEFT EYE AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT. DRIVER SUFFERED SEVERE BURNS TO THE HANDS, AIR BAG SPEED CAUSED A DEVIATED SEPTUM AND PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE. *JG

  5. Power train, Apr 2, 2002

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

  6. Air bags, Apr 2, 2002, crash

    DRIVER RECEIVED SECOND DEGREE CHEMICAL BURNS TO RIGHT ARM AND HAND WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED.*AK

  7. Suspension, Apr 2, 2002

    CORRECTED COPY. MAJOR ASSEMBLY LISTED WRONG IN ORGINIAL REPORT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

  8. 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

  9. Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Apr 2, 2002

    MY WHOLE IS MY PROBLEM. I LEASE THIS CAR FOR THREE YEARS AND THEY COULD NOT TELL WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I SPEND MORE TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP THEN I DID ON MY JOB. I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS AND THEY STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ADAMSON FORD IS VERY POOR . THIS WHERE MY FIRST TIME DRIVING A AMERICAN CAR. THEY DID NOT WANT TO GET ME OUT OF THE CAR AND THEN I CALL THE OWNER OF ADAMSON FORD HE DID NOT CALL ME BACK AT ALL THE ONLY THING I COULD TRY TO DO IS FILE LEMON LAW BUT IT WILL TAKE SO LONG FOR IT TO TAKE ACTION I DROP THE CASE. THIS SHOULD BE TAKING OFF THE MARKET AND PEOPLE SHOULD GET THERE MONEY BACK. BECAUSE I ALMOST GOT HIT TWO TIME BY 18 WHEELER WITH MY BABY GIRL IN THE BACK IN A CAR SEAT THEY DON'T GIVE A [XXX] ABOUT THAT AT ALL. THIS CAR IS HAVING PROBLEMS RIGHT AS I TYPE YOU THIS LETTER. I AM VERY UP SET ON THIS CAR I HAVE 12 MONTHS LEFT AND THEY STILL WILL HAVE PROBLEM WHEN I FINISH WITH IT. I HAVE MANY MORE PROBLEMS BUT I AM AT WORK AND IT WILL HAVE TO TYPE THEM LATER TODAY. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE IT IS TO LATE AND SOMEONE WILL GET KILL INJURED REALLY BAD. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 2, 2002

    BRAKES HAVE NOT BEEN RIGHT SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF DELIVERY. *AK

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Apr 2, 2002, crash

    WHILE DRIVING THE 2000 FORD FOCUS DOWN A 35 MPH ROAD I PROCEEDED TO BRAKE TO A STOP WHEN FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COLLAPSED, CAUSING CAR TO SKID OUT OF CONTROL. IT CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING A PARKED CAR.*AK

  12. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 2, 2002

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

  13. 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

  14. Structure, Mar 29, 2002

    ON 3-22-02 AT NIGHT, PARKED, I TRIED TO UNLOCK THE RIGHT REAR DOOR AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE MADE A CRACKING NOISE AND THE DOOR HANDLE APEARED TO BE LOOSER THAN BEFORE WITHOUT THE TIGHT RETURN TO ORIGINAL POSITION. THE DOOR OPENED AND CLOSED PROPERLY. I DID NOT THINK THIS WAS A PRIORITY REPAIR SO WAITED UNTIL MY SPRING BREAK THE NEXT WEEK. ON 3-27-02 I HAD THE REAR RIGHT DOOR OPENED, I CLOSED IT AND DROVE OFF. WITHIN HALF A BLOCK THE DOOR SWUNG OPENED AT A STOP LIGHT AND A PASSING MOTORIST TOLD ME ABOUT IT BEFORE I DROVE OFF. I CLOSED THE DOOR AND PROCEEDED DOWN THE HILL, WITHIN 3 BLOCKS THE DOOR SWUNG OPENED AGAIN. I CHECKED THE HANDLE AND FOUND IT POPPED OUT INTO AN OPEN POSITION. I FORCED IT BACK INTO PLACE, THERE WAS A SIMILAR CRACKING NOISE TO THAT MADE WHEN THE ORIGINAL DAMAGE WAS CAUSED. I DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR 3-29-02. I DID NOT CARRY ANYONE IN THE BACK SEAT UNTIL THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE SERVICE ORDER DESCRIBED THE REPAIR AS, "REMOVED RIGHT REAR DOOR PANEL-REPLACED INNER HANDLE-BROKEN & OUT OF POSITION IN RATCHET ASSEMBLY-RETEST-OK. THE DEALERSHIP TREATED THIS AS A WARRANTY REPAIR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS NOT A FLUKE ACCIDENT, AS THE LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO GEAR, AND UNLOCKING THE REAR DOOR AT NIGHT WOULD BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE. PASSANGERS COULD BE AT RISK, ESPECIALLY SMALL CHILDREN. *AK

  15. Power train, Mar 28, 2002

    WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND APPLYING THE BRAKES SUDDENLY, THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED UNDER THE CAR DUE TO THE AXLE BREAKING. DRIVER HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. NLM

  16. Air bags, Mar 27, 2002, crash

    WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE HITTING GUARD RAIL AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE TOTALED AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER INJURED. NLM

  17. Structure, Mar 27, 2002

    CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS WATER LEAKING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD THAT WILL FLOW INTO THE VEHICLE AND GET THE INTERIOR WET AND PRODUCES MILDEW. THIS IS THE SECOND. DEALER UNABLE TO FIX PROBLEM. NLM *TT

  18. Wheels, Mar 27, 2002

    THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS COMPLETELY SHOT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ONLY HAS 46000 MILES WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT A CAR WITH THAT FEW MILES COULD HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT IT BEING A DEFECT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY IT WOULD COST ME $780 TO REPAIR. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER CARE DEPT. AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE I HAD NOT HAD MY OIL CHANGES DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP I HAD NO LOYALTY TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME OUT. NLM

  19. Steering, Air bags, Mar 27, 2002, crash

    AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON ENTERING DRIVEWAY, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. NLM

  20. Steering, Mar 26, 2002

    WHILE PARKING ON THE STREET WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN TURN TO THE RIGHT OUT OF CONTROLAND THE VEHICLE HIT THE CURB, THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NLM

  21. Electrical system, Mar 25, 2002, fire

    CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LEAKED, AND BURNED THE WIRING FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE.*JB

  22. Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 24, 2002, crash

    IN JAN 2002 FORD WANTED TO BUY CAR BACK BUT SAID THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD SO IT WAS ONLY WORTH HALF OF ITS VALUE DUE TO THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO GO TO AN AUCTION CAR WAS IN SHOP 77 DAYS THEN RELEASED AND 4 DAYS LATER PARTS WENT UP AGAIN AND CAR LOST STEERING AND BRAKES AND HAD ACCIDENT THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED BY THIS PROBLEM FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT SEEMS THEY DONT CARE. *AK

  23. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Air bags, Structure, Mar 22, 2002, crash

    VEHICLE HAS BEEN GIVEN CONSUMER TROUBLE SINCE PURCHASING IT. 2ND DAY AFTER PURCHASE VEHICLE WAS IN DEALER'S SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS. WHEN PUTTING ON BRAKES VEHICLE SHAKES. ALSO, DRIVER CANNOT SEE TO MAKE TURNS BECAUSE TRUCK IS VERY HIGH.*AK WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER AND HIS DAUGHTER WERE HURT DUE TO BRAKES AND WIPERS FAILED IN THE RAIN. THE REAR WINDOW IS VERY HIGH AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SEE VEHICLES FROM BEHIND. BRAKES FAILED MORE THAN THREE TIMES, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR THERE WERE 2 INJURIES, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THE AIRBAGS FAILED. *YH

  24. 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

  25. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 18, 2002

    FRONT PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT 29000 MILES. *AK