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. Electrical system, Aug 18, 2006

    STEERING COLUMN WILL NOT UNLOCK. *JB

  2. Electrical system, Aug 16, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS KEY WOULD NOT TURN INTO LOCK POSITION. UPON INSPECTION MECHANIC DETERMINED THE LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCK CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *KB *NM***NAR***

  3. Electrical system, Aug 12, 2006

    MY FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH WONT TURN. I STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESSERT ABOUT 400 MILES FROM HOME TO FILL THE GAS. I HAD TO PAY $140 THE TOW TRUCK TO GET TO THE NEAREST VILLAGE, AND $400 FOR A NEW IGNITION SWITCH AND NIGHT AT A CHEAP HOTEL ($60) I HAVE READ A LOT ABOUT THESE KIND OF CRAPPY CARS HAVING THE EXACTLY SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE CALL IT A RECALL :(. *NM

  4. Electrical system, Aug 9, 2006

    IGNITION CYLINDER COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THAT A PROBLEM WAS IMMINENT. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. AFTER RESEARCHING, HAVE FOUND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2000 FOCUS. COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF CAR IS NEEDED IN AN EMERGENCY, OR LEAVES YOU STRANDED. *JB

  5. Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2006, crash

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARDS AND STRUCK A CONCRETE PILLAR IN A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WAS NOT CONTACTED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE REVVED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

  6. Electrical system, Aug 8, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS AND THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAS LOCKED UP 4 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS. *JB

  7. Electrical system, Aug 7, 2006

    THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS IS PERIODICALLY LOCKING UP. I'VE HAD IT HAPPEN WHERE YOU PUT THE KEY IN AND IT WON'T TURN. TONIGHT, THE KEY WOULDN'T EVEN GO IN ALL THE WAY, IT WOULD ONLY TAKE ABOUT 1/3 OF THE KEY AND NO MORE. IT EVENTUALLY TOOK THE KEY AFTER ABOUT A HALF HOUR OF TRYING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT, BUT ONE THAT FORD SO FAR HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON. *JB

  8. Suspension, Aug 6, 2006

    WHILE LEAVING A PARKING LOT, CROSSED A SPEED BUMP, AT 5 MPH, HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT EASILY MOVE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY ON A FLATBED. GARAGE DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND BOUND UP ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE LEFT FRONT SWAY LINK, WHICH WAS ALSO DAMAGED BY THE BROKEN SPRING. THE BROKEN SPRING IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB

  9. Electrical system, Aug 5, 2006

    IGNITION SWITCH ON 2000 FORD FOCUS LOCKED UP, ALMOST $600 TO REPLACE. *JB

  10. Suspension, Aug 4, 2006

    WHILE HAVING THE CAR SERVICED AT A 'BIG-BOX' SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON JULY 16,2006 ,IT WAS LOWERED TO THE FLOOR,WITH A LOUD BANG...THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED , WITH A PART WEDGING THE "NEW" FRONT TIRE AGAINST THE INNER PANEL..THE OTHER PART OF THE SPRING DAMAGED THE STRUT ASSEMBLY..THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME TO CONTACT A TOWING COMPANY --BECAUSE THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN.. WHEN MY TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAW THE CAR AND DRAGGED IT OFF THE LIFT ..HE REPLIED TO ME THAT I WAS LUCKY IT DID NOT HAPPEN AT 65 MPH OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN HISTORY.. NOW, EVEN WITH ALL--ALL NEW PARTS I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL EVER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT..*NM

  11. Electrical system, Aug 4, 2006

    TOWARD THE END OF JULY, 2006, I STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY BEING ABLE TO TURN MY KEY IN THE IGNITION. I WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE IT A LITTLE FOR IT TO TURN. ON AUGUST 1ST MY KEY WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR SINCE. *NM

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2006

    I WAS RETURNING TO FLORIDA FROM NEW ORLEANS IN MID FEBRUARY, 2006 WHEN MY CAR STALLED. IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT OUTSIDE AND THE ENGINE SEEMED EXTREMELY HOT, BUT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED NO PROBLEM. I WAITED A HALF HOUR AND THE CAR RESTARTED ONLY TO STALL AGAIN AFTER 20 MINUTES OR SO OF DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED THE WHOLE WAY DOWN TO FLORIDA. I SPENT 5 NIGHTS IN MOTELS AND HAD A FORD DEALER IN NORTH FLORIDA SUPPOSEDLY FIX THE PROBLEM FOR $200.00 ONLY TO HAVE IT STALL AGAIN ABOUT AN HOUR OR TWO FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I WAITED UNTIL NIGHTFALL WHEN IT WOULD BE COOLER AND MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO TAMPA BEFORE IT STALLED AGAIN. I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR LONG DISTANCES (100 MILES OR SO) IN THE FLORIDA SUMMER HEAT. *NM

  13. Electrical system, Aug 2, 2006

    I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY IGNITION SWITCH TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. AND NOW IT HAS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I THINK FORD SHOULD RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. THE COST OF REPAIRS IS APPROACHING $900. *JB

  14. Steering, Electrical system, Aug 1, 2006

    STEERING COLUMN LOCKED, KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION. *JB

  15. Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 1, 2006

    THE IGNITION OF MY 2000 FORD FOCUS I WAS STUCK AT DALLAS AIRPORT AFTER A JOB INTERVIEW FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS IN 90 DEGREE HEAT. IT WAS REPAIRED AND LOCKED UP AGAIN THIS TIME IN FRONT OF MY HOURS. *NM

  16. Electrical system, Aug 1, 2006

    BROKEN IGNITION-LOCK CYLINDER. *NM

  17. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 29, 2006

    WENT TO VETS, WHEN LEAVING MY FORD FOCUS STARTED ACTING UP. SEEMED LIKE GAS WAS NOT GETTING TO ENGINE, THEN IT QUIT. LEFT VETS TO COME HOME, DROVE ABOUT 5 BLOCKS AND CAR DID THE SAME THING. A HONDA DEALER WAS CLOSE BY SO WE LEFT CAR THERE AND RENTED A CAR TO GET HOME. PHONED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. HUSBAND WENT BACK TO PENTICTON TO GET MY CAR AND IT DID THE SAME THING ON THE WAY HOME, QUIT COMING HOME 3 TIMES. THE HONDA DEALER SAID IF IT DID IT AGAIN IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM PUMP, AND WE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT. WHEN I TALKED TO FORD THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT. *JB

  18. Suspension, Jul 27, 2006

    THE FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING ON MY CAR SNAPPED AND LODGED IN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL, CAUSING IT TO SEIZE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CAR CAME TO A RAPID HALT, AND IF I WASN'T IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, AN ACCIDENT MIGHT HAVE RESULTED. A FEW DAYS BEFORE, I HAD HEARD A SNAPPING SOUND FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR, BUT I NOTICED NO IMMEDIATE SYMPTOMS. FORD HAS DETERMINED THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED, BUT NO RECALL WAS PERFORMED. FORD'S RESPONSE (CAMPAIGN 03M02, IN RESPONSE TO INVESTIGATION EA 02-023) WAS NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: 1. FORD'S RESPONSE STATES THAT THE SPRING FAILURE WILL CAUSE "SUSPENSION NOISE, POSSIBLY ACCOMPANIED BY SAGGING OF ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE." CLEARLY, THE FAILURE THAT I EXPERIENCED WAS NOT CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING IF THE SITUATION WARRANTED A RECALL. 2. FORD DID NOT NOTIFY ME THAT IT KNEW THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THIS LEFT ME WITHOUT THE INFORMATION THAT I NEEDED TO RECOGNIZE THE FAILURE AND PREVENT FURTHER PROBLEMS. 3. THE SPRING WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER 7 MONTHS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, BUT THE CORROSION WAS NOT SPOTTED. THIS INDICATES THAT THE DEALERS WERE NOT MONITORING THE SPRING, DESPITE THE FACT THAT I LIVE IN A HIGH-CORROSION AREA. *JB

  19. Electrical system, Jul 26, 2006

    IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED, BATTERY LIGHT ON, DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP, PLUS ALL KINDS OF ISSUES FROM DAY ONE. TONS OF MANUFACTURER RECALLS. *NM

  20. Electrical system, Jul 25, 2006

    IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKS UP WHICH REQUIRES TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF ASSEMBLY. IT HAS HAPPENED THREE (3) VERY UNFORTUNATE TIMES, EACH REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE ASSEMBLY. IN THE RIGHT SITUATION IT COULD (AND ONE OF THOSE WAS) DANGEROUS. *NM

  21. Electrical system, Jul 20, 2006

    FOR THE SECOND TIME, WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH IN OUR 2000 FORD FOCUS. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT FORD MADE QUALITY CARS. EVIDENTLY THIS IS NOT THE CASE. *NM

  22. Electrical system, Jul 20, 2006

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IGNITION HAS LOCKED UP, AND I'M UNABLE TO TURN MY KEY AT ALL TO GET IT STARTED. ANOTHER FOCUS NIGHTMARE. MY CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS SINCE DAY ONE. I HAVE LORD KNOWS HOW MANY RECALLS, AND I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND HAVEN'T BEEN. I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE. NO ONE HAS MONEY TO WASTE ON A NEW CAR THAT GIVES THEM PROBLEMS. WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE PURCHASE? YOU LOSE OUT AS A CUSTOMER, DEALING WITH FORD VEHICLES. *NM

  23. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2006

    I WAS DRIVING MY FORD FOCUS & THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE FRONT END OF THE CAR COLLAPSED ON THE FRONT TIRE. I WAS DRIVING 65 MILES AND HOUR SECONDS BEFORE I FORTUNATELY SLOWED DOWN TO A STOP...NOTICED A NOISE LIKE A FLAT TIRE, SOMETHING DID NOT FEEL RIGHT JUST BEFORE IT COLLAPSED ON THE ROAD, I AGAIN THANK GOD, I DECIDED TO TURN AROUND TO GO BACK HOME & IMMEDIATELY UPON THAT TURN AROUND THE CAR COLLAPSED. THESE RECALLS SAFETY CAMPAIGNS ARE RISKING MY LIFE, BUT TERRIFIES ME FOR MY NEWLY DRIVING SON BEHIND THE WHEEL. AS IF THAT IS NOT BAD ENOUGH, I NOW HAVE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT ALSO. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION---UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY....CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE TOWED CAR LOCKED UP..STEERING EVERYTHING. COST OF REPAIR WAS QUOTED FROM $382.00 FROM FORD SERVICE DEALER...MEANWHILE THE HUGE INCONVENIENCE CAR PARKING FEES..FOR BEING IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT.

  24. Electrical system, Jul 19, 2006

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 IGNITION IS FAILING, AS HAVE MANY OTHERS FROM THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE. THE SAME COMPONENT IS FITTED INTO MY WIFE'S MAZDA TRIBUTE WHICH ALSO FAILED ON HER. FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS VERY POOR QUALITY ITEM. *NM

  25. Electrical system, Jul 18, 2006

    IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED SOLID. CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED. *NM