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
3,738 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Mar 17, 2008
WENT TO BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND HEARD LOUD SCRAPING NOISE. FOUND FRONT COIL SPRING BROKEN AND PROTRUDING INTO TOP OF TIRE. ALSO, FOUND A LOT OF RUST UNDER CAR BY FRONT TIRE. SEVERELY GOUGED TIRE IN JUST SHORT DISTANCE IN DRIVEWAY. *TR CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AT THIS TIME. PRESENTLY CAR HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WE WOULD PROBABLY BE DEAD!
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2008
I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AT WALGREENS. 10 MIN LATER I TRIED TO PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION. IT WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY IN. I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT SLID IN BUN MY CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON. IT COST ME 200 TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH COME OUT AND REPLACE THE IGNITION. APPARENTLY IT IS A COMMON DEFECT WITH THE 2000 FORD FOCUS. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2008
KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO IGNITION SWITCH. CALLED FORD DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION SWITCHES BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. HAD TO PAY $65 TO HAVE CAR TOWED AND $314 FOR IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2008
KEY IS HARD TO GET INTO IGNITION. THEN, IT WON'T TURN. AFTER TAPPING, I WAS ABLE TO TURN IT ON BUT I DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY OF HOPING THE CAR WILL WORK OR NOT. WHAT IF I'M LATE TO WORK? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE RPM WOULD SPORADICALLY INCREASE UP TO 3,000 AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXCESSIVELY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO DOWNSHIFT THE GEARS IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED. THE SPEED WAS NOT A DETERMINING FACTOR WITH THE FAILURE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,288. UPDATED 04/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 04/11/08 *TR
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2008
I WAS LEFT STRANDED AT NIGHT WHEN MY KEY WOULD NO LONGER FIT ALL THE WAY INTO MY IGNITION, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO START MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A FLAT PARKING LOT. THE KEY WAS NOT EXCESSIVELY WORN NOR WAS IT BENT. THE VEHICLE STARTED FINE ONLY AN HOUR BEFORE. LUCKILY, I WAS IN AN URBAN AREA WITH CELLULAR SERVICE AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTACT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO LOAD THE CAR ON THE FLATBED BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE TURNED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. SINCE I COULD NOT INSERT THE KEY ALL THE WAY, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK ALLOWING THE WHEELS TO STRAIGHTEN. I THEN HAD TO CONTACT A LOCKSMITH WHO ADVISED HE COULD REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER. HE ADVISED THAT HE WOULD REPLACE THE PART WITH A DIFFERENT MODEL THAN THE OEM BECAUSE IF THE OEM MODEL WAS INSTALLED, IT COULD FAIL AGAIN. THANK GOODNESS MY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PLAN COVERED MOST OF THE COST FOR THE FAILED TOW ATTEMPT AND THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AFFECTING THOUSANDS OF CARS OF THIS YEAR AND MODEL TYPE. THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS RETURNED IN MY SEARCH RESULTS. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! I DO LOTS OF STATE TO STATE TRAVELING AND I COULD HAVE BEEN ABANDONED IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION WITH NO CELLULAR SERVICE IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS! WHAT IF I HAVE CHILDREN OR ELDERLY PASSENGERS IN THE CAR??? THIS IS EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE TO HAVE A KNOWN PROBLEM GO UNCOMMUNICATIVE TO FORD OWNERS. PEOPLE RELY ON THEIR VEHICLES TO START AND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD FAIL WITHOUT WARNING IS SCARY. I CAN THINK OF A DOZEN OF "WHAT IF" SCENARIOS THAT COULD PUT DRIVERS IN DANGER. THIS PART CAN BE REPLACED QUICKLY AND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVELY (UNLESS YOU GO THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP IT SEEMS) WITH A DIFFERENT MODEL IGNITION SWITCH TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING IF FORD WOULD JUST COMMUNICATE THIS KNOWN PROBLEM TO ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR
Suspension, Mar 8, 2008
NO SPECIAL EVENTS TOOK PLACE TO CAUSE DAMAGE. I AM AT 75K MILES. BOTH RIGHT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE GONE BAD (BOTH FRONT AND REAR) AND REQUIRES THE ENTIRE HUB TO BE REPLACED AT $350 EACH. REAR HUB ALMOST CAUSED TIRE TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE AND ABS FAILURE. ALSO REQUIRED REAR BRAKES AND ABS CHIP TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2008
THE IGNITION KEY LOCK CYLINDER IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE KEY CYLINDER DOES NOT TURN PROPERLY WHEN THE FACTORY KEY IS PROPERLY INSERTED. I HAVE TWO SETS OF KEYS, THEY ARE NOT TERRIBLY WORN AND THE CYLINDER WORKS THE SAME WAY WITH BOTH KEYS. I HAVE TO WIGGLE THE KEY, TAKE IT OUT AND FLIP IT OVER, WIGGLE THE KEY SOME MORE AND IT STILL MAY NOT WORK. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES, WHERE I WAS LEFT STRANDED, BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET THE IGNITION CYLINDER TO WORK. IT IS ALWAYS A GAMBLE AS TO WHETHER THE KEY IS GOING TO WORK IN THE CAR OR NOT. I'VE BEEN INFORMED BY THE LOCAL LOCKSMITH THAT HE HAS NOTICED THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS MODEL CARS. HE HAS HAD TO FIX QUITE A FEW WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IF THIS IS THE CASE, I FEEL THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT THIS MAY BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND ALL CUSTOMERS NEEDS TO BE MADE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. I'D ALSO LIKE TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE FUNDS I HAD TO SHELL OUT, BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2008
2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WITH IGNITION PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. SHE SAYS THAT THE DEALER CHARGED HER FOR THE REPAIR. SHE BELIEVES THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *KB THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2008
ONE DAY I GOT INTO MY 2000 FORD FOCUS AND HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. ONCE IT WAS IN THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. IT TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR OF TURNING THE WHEEL, JIGGLING THE KEY, AND TAPPING ON THE KEY TO GET IT TO ENGAGE THE LOCK CYLINDER AND START THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I LEFT THE KEY IN LONG ENOUGH TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE IS PERVASIVE ON THIS MODEL AND COST ABOUT $400 TO FIX. A SIMPLE SEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS WITH 2000 FORD FOCUSES THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE IT IS A FAILURE SUITABLE FOR RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2008, fire
SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM VEHICLE AND UPON EXITING VEHICLE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE UNDERNEATH OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2008
2000 FORD FOCUS WITH IGNITION FAILURE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. WHEN THE DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM SHE ENDED UP PAYING FOR THE REPAIR. AND THEN THE PROBLEM RECURRED 6 WEEKS LATER. *KB
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2008
THE KEY SUDDENLY WON'T FIT INTO THE IGNITION. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2000 FORD FOCUS AND IT COST CLOSE TO $500 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER. FORD SHOULD DO A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE SINCE I FOUND OUT A LOT OF CONSUMERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 26, 2008
A MAJOR COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 2000 FORD FOCUS. THIS WAS MY FIRST REAL CAR AND I WAS EXCITED. I HAD THE CAR FOR A COUPLE MONTHS WHEN IT STATED WHINING NOISES. I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING. IT HAPPEN I TOOK IT BACK. THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION FIXED A WEEK LATER THE CAR STARTED SHUTTING OFF ON ITS OWN. IT WOULD STALL AND STOP AS I WAS DRIVING. I SAID THE CAR IS STILL GIVING ME PROBLEMS AND TOOK IT BACK THEY INSISTED THAT THE CAR WAS OK. I TALK TO A FORD DEALER SAID THE FUEL PUMP. IT HAPPEN AGAIN TOLD BRING THE CAR IN FRIDAY THEN I WAS RIDING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY IN BUFFALO NY WITH MY CHILDREN THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN NO BRAKES NO EXCEL NOTHING WE WERE ALMOST KILLED IN THAT CAR I SCRAMBLED TO GET TO AN EXIT WHERE THE CAR STOPPED ON ITS OWN ON THE SHOULDER NEAR THE END OF THE EXIT. I CALLED THEM SCREAMING CRYING SCARED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED DO YOU KNOW THEY SAID SORRY CAN YOU TOW IT IN. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE BEEN SO UNHAPPY. I TOWED THE CAR IN AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD KEEP THE CAR. IT STARTED UP AND EVERYTHING AND THEY STILL WOULD NOT BELIEVE ME. UNTIL ONE OF THE MECHANIC SAID HE WOULD DRIVE THE CAR HOME. IT SHUT DOWN ON HIM AS HE DROVE HOME. THE MECHANIC BROUGHT IT BACK FIXED AND IT AND TOLD ME I HAD TO PAY FOR IT I COULD COME AND GET IT. I WAS SO SO SO ANGRY I TOLD THEM I WOULD NOT PAY ANOTHER DIME FOR THAT CAR BUT WHAT I OWED TO THE TIME THAT CAR ALMOST TOOK MY LIFE. THEY SAID FINE AND PUT A JUDGMENT ON ME FOR 4,000. I TOOK IT TO A ATTORNEY TO FIGHT IT I WAS SOLD A BAD CAR AND WAS VERY RUDE AND NOT CARE ABOUT MY LIFE OR MY CHILDREN'S. NOW, 7YRS LATER I LOOK AT MY TRW TO FIND NOT ONLY DID YOU GIVE ME A BAD CAR, TELL ME I HAVE TO KEEP IT BUT YOU PUT 2 JUDGMENTS ON ME AND IT IS STILL RUINING MY LIFE. BUT NO MORE I AM ASKING THAT ASKING THAT YOUR COMPANY PLEASE HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION AND STOP THIS TEARING DOWN OF MY LIFE. IT HAS WENT FROM ONE BAD ORDEAL TO A LIFE TIME OF MISERY. MY FINAL INCIDENT DATE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2008
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT COME OUT. THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT,AND FORD REFUSES TO RECALL THE VEHICLE OR FIX IT UNLESS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT HAD IT FIXED AND I WILL HOTWIRE THE CAR BEFORE I PAY 400 DOLLARS FOR A PROBLEM THAT WILL NOT EXIST. *TR
Suspension, Feb 20, 2008
LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED AT 80,000 MILES AFTER THEY SAID IT WAS REPLACED BY RECALL AT 22,000 MILES. LEFT REAR WHEEL COMES LOOSE AND WOBBLES. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2008
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, WENT TO LEAVE AND KEY WILL GO IN IGNITION BUT WILL NOT TURN EITHER WAY. I WILL HAVE TO GET THIS REPLACED MYSELF EVEN THOUGH I FOUND 466 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL/ 20+% OF THE ENTIRE INVENTORY SO FAR HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I GUESS SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO BE KILLED IN ORDER TO GET A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, ANY VOLUNTEERS? *TR
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2008
IGNITION LOCK JAMMED. *TR
Suspension, Feb 14, 2008
REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN (RR). *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Wheels, Feb 11, 2008
TRUNK LATCH FAILS TO CATCH 95% OF THE TIME. TRUNK KEY FAILS TO TURN LOCK MOST OF THE TIME. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2000. THERE WAS NO EVENT LEADING TO THIS FAILURE. I BELIEVE THE TRUNK LOCK MATERIALS ARE CORRODING JUST LIKE THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS WHICH WERE RECALLED. THE TRUNK LOCK SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS PROBLEM IS CLEARLY THE RESULT OF FAULTY MANUFACTURING MATERIALS. I REQUESTED DEALERSHIPS PERFORM REPAIRS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT FORD HEADQUARTERS HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL . WHY? NHTSA SHOULD MAKE THIS HAPPEN. THE CONSEQUENCE OF A FAILED TRUNK LOCK/LATCH IS THAT THE TRUNK DOOR WILL POP OPEN -- ALLOWING THINGS TO FLY OUT OF THE TRUNK AND FLY INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC ENDANGERING OTHERS AS WELL AS BLOCK REAR WINDOW VISION. THIS COULD CAUSE FATALITIES TO BOTH THE VEHICLE DRIVER AND NEAR BY VEHICLES. . THE HUBCAPS HAVE CRACKED AND BROKEN OFF IN PIECES DURING COLD WEATHER WHILE PARKED (IE., THE HUBCAPS WERE NOT STRUCK BY EXOGENOUS ROCKS OR ANYTHING ELSE). THIS IS CLEARLY THE FAULT OF SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURING MATERIALS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY EMPLOYEES AT HEADQUARTERS HAVE STATED THIS TO ME. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE HUBCAPS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. EXOGENOUS MATERIALS CAN HIT THE UNPROTECTED TIRES, CAUSE A BLOW OUT. IT IS NOT RIGHT TO MAKE THE CUSTOMER PAY FOR SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS. I COULD TAKE A WILD GUESS THAT THE WHEEL WELLS -- ON MY CAR -- REPLACED DIRECTLY BY THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING FROM THE WARREN PLANT -- DID NOT LOOK AT THE STRESS AND HAIR LINE CRACKS HE FAULTY WHEEL WELLS PLACED ON THE ORIGINAL HUB CABS. IT'S TIME TO FINISH THE JOB! FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S EMPLOYEES HAVE STATED TO ME THAT THE 2000 YEAR MODEL (THE FIRST YEAR THIS VEHICLE WAS TRANSITIONED FROM EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS) MANUFACTURED IN THE WARREN PLANT DID NOT PERFORM THE NECESSARY QUALITY CONTROL TO ENSURE THAT THESE MATERIALS FUNCTIONED IN COLD WEATHER CLIMATES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 4, 2008
STALLING ON MY FORD FOCUS 2000 ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO STALL I ALMOST HAD A ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT SPEED UP. *TR
Suspension, Feb 3, 2008
MY CAR WAS PARKED AT THE AIRPORT. WHEN I RETURNED HOME AFTER MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR THREE DAYS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE REAR LEFT BALL BEARING WAS BROKEN AND I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT MY WHEEL COULD FALL OFF. I LATER REALIZED THAT THE SAME BALL BEARING WAS PREVIOUSLY FIXED UNDER RECALL 01B85. HOWEVER THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE EXPENSE AND I HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF. I LATER WROTE A LETTER TO FORD TO REQUEST A REFUND AND MY REQUEST WAS DENIED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 3, 2008
I PARKED MY CAR ONE NIGHT IN A PARKING LOT. THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR LESS THAN 10 MINUTES. WHEN I CAME BACK MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND I COULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR. THE LIGHTS AND RADIO WORK SO THE BATTERY IS NOT DEAD. TWO AAA ROADSIDE WORKERS TRIED TO TURN THE IGNITION AND IT DID NOT WORK. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2008
IGNITION LOCKED UP. *TR
Steering, Jan 27, 2008
ANTI-THEFT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND CAR WON'T START - 2ND TIME. *TR