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, May 1, 2006

    THE IGNITION SWITCH/LOCK CYLINDER IS DIFFICULT TO TURN KEY. THERE IS A TSB LISTED WITH THIS COMPANY FOR AFTER THE SWITCH/CYLINDER LOCKS UP CREATING AN EXPENSIVE TOW ETC. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL WEB SITES LISTING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION LOCKING UP. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO TAKE CAR IN PRIOR TO TOTAL LOCKUP. APPARENTLY THE IGNITION SWITCH/LOCK CYLINDER IS FAULTY TO THE POINT OF EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE KEYS. I TRIED A DIFFERENT KEY AND IT WORKED BETTER. I BELIEVE AN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER SHOULD HAVE A LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY THAN A FEW YEARS. I HAVE SEEN POSTS FOR CARS AS NEW AS 2003 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THE CAR COMPANY HAS FINALLY BOUGHT A REVISED/IMPROVED LOCK CYLINDER. *JB

  2. Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Apr 25, 2006

    THE FUEL PUMP IN THE CONSUMER'S 2000 FORD FOCUS FAILED AT 39200 MILES. *NM THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER INFORMED OF A RECALL REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. *JB

  3. Electrical system, Apr 25, 2006

    I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS. I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION STICKING AND JUST TODAY IT COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I FOUND ON THE INTERNET WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE. IS THERE ANY INFO REGARDING A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM?*JB

  4. Electrical system, Apr 25, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN WITH THE KEY INSERTED. THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT TURN HOWEVER IF THE CONTACT WAITED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE IGNITION WOULD START. IN OCTOBER 2004 THE IGNITION LOCKED, A LOCK SMITH WAS CONTACTED WHO TEMPORARILY CORRECTED THE VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS IN NOVEMBER 2005 THE IGNITION LOCKED AGAIN WHERE IT HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO ALERT THE MANUFACTURER FOR RECALL INFORMATION. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS CONCERNING THE IGNITION.

  5. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Apr 24, 2006

    FOR ALMOST ONE MONTH, LOUD HUMMING IN FRONT RIGHT AND BOTH REAR WHEELS AND LOUD REAR SQUEAKING ON BRAKING REVEALED, AFTER 4/20/06 INSPECTION, FAILED WHEEL BEARINGS IN OUR FORD FOCUS SE 2000 IN RIGHT FRONT AND BOTH REAR WHEELS. BOTH REAR CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING FLUID AND RIGHT BRAKE DRUM WAS FAILING. MANY OF THE FORD FOCUS VINS ISSUED DURING 2000-2001 MANUFACTURING YEARS HAD WHEEL-BEARING FAILURE ISSUES AND CONSEQUENT RECALLS. WE WERE INFORMED BY "MARIA" AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY, TODAY THAT OUR VIN WAS NOT ONE THAT HAD A WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. HOW, THEN, COULD THREE OF OUR FOUR SETS OF WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL? ULTIMATELY, FAILED WHEEL BEARINGS CAN LEAD TO WHEEL FAILURE AND DETACHMENT LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH. WHY ISN'T THE NHTSA ADDRESSING THIS SERIOUS ISSUE WITH FORD, AS THE MANUFACTURER APPEARS TO BE SIDESTEPPING ITS ETHICAL AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS MATTER. WE SPENT OVER $1,000 ON THIS REPAIR. NINE MONTHS AGO, OUR FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILED, WHICH COULD ALSO HAVE LED TO A FATALITY. FORD ASSISTED US THEN, BUT IS DOING NOTHING TO HELP US NOW. PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE ON ONGOING TEAMSTERS STRIKE, MOST FORD DEALER SHOPS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO SERVICE CUSTOMER SERVICE OR SUPPLY NEEDS AT THE TIME WE SOUGHT SERVICE. WE SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR OF WHEEL BEARINGS, REAR DRUMS AND CYLINDERS/LINING. WHEEL BEARING SERVICE REIMBURSEMENT IS ESSENTIAL. *JB

  6. Electrical system, Apr 22, 2006

    WENT TO GET INTO MY CAR AFTER WORKING A NIGHT SHIFT AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY CAR. THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PAID TO HAVE THE IGNITION DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED. ALMOST EXACTLY A YEAR LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE IGNITION. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCKSMITH AND PAID HIM TO REPLACE THE IGNITION. HAVE HEARD OF A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS!!! *NM

  7. Electrical system, Apr 22, 2006

    IGNITION LOCK FAILS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE IGNITION KEY JUST WONT TURN AND THE LOCK HAS TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT THE FIRST TIME FOR NO CHARGE THE OTHER TWO REPAIRS WERE ON ME. THE PAPER WORK SAYS THAT THE IGNITION TUMBLER HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT AND THE NEW TUMBLER REKEYED AND INSTALLED. AT LEAST ONE OF THESE FAILURES OCCURRED LESS THAN A YEAR FROM A PREVIOUS FAILURE. *JB

  8. Electrical system, Apr 21, 2006

    ON 2/27/06 I TRAVELED 35 MILES FROM TUCSON TO GREEN VALLEY. THERE I STOPPED TO GET COFFEE. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE FOCUS, I COULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION KEY. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTACT A LOCKSMITH BECAUSE IT WAS A SUNDAY. I HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN GREEN VALLEY. ON THE 27TH I GOT A LOCKSMITH WHO WORKED ON THE IGNITION AND COULD NOT GET IT TO UN-LOCK. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO JIM CLICK FORD IN GREEN VALLEY. AS I WAS DISCUSSING THE IGNITION PROBLEM WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ANOTHER FOCUS OWNER SHOWED UP COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. MY PROBLEM WAS SOLVED BY THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY. THE TOTAL BILL FOR THE TOWING AND REPAIR WAS $346.93. *JB

  9. Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2006, crash

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED THROUGH LANDSCAPING WOOD AND SUSTAINED MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. NO INJURIES WERE INCURRED AND THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED.

  10. Suspension, Apr 12, 2006

    MY CAR A 2000 FORD FOCUS HAD A FRONT SPRING BREAK IN (2) PLACES CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE STRUT AND THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GOODYEAR STORE AND HAD BOTH SPRINGS AND STRUTS REPLACED ALONG WITH A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE COST WAS $800 FOR ALL. I HAVE SAVED THE SPRINGS TO RETURN FOR EXAMINATION. BOTH SPRINGS HAVE A SLEEVE ON THEM ABOUT (6)INCHES AT THE TOP AND BOTTOM. THE AREA AROUND THE SLEEVE HAS COLLECTED DIRT AND CAUSED CORROSION (RUST) TO EAT THROUGH THE SPRING TO THE POINT IT BREAKS. THIS COULD VERY WELL BE A SAFETY ISSUE DEPENDING ON HOW FAST YOU WERE DRIVING WHEN IT OCCURS. I WAS GOING 25 IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHEN IT BROKE. I WOULD LOG TO LOG THIS COMPLAINT AS I AM SURE FROM LOOKING AT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT OTHERS WILL ALSO BE EXPERIENCING THE SAME DAMAGE. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I SHOULD PROCEED. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF DESIRED. REGARDS GARY YOUNG

  11. Electrical system, Apr 12, 2006

    I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS. FOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A FUSE BLOWING WHICH RUNS MY BRAKE LIGHTS. I CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE FUSE, BUT NOW IT WON'T HOLD ANYMORE. THERE IS A RECALL #02313: DECK LID WIRE HARNESS FATIGUE, BUT MY VIN DIDN'T GET RECALLED. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THESE RECALL 'SYMPTOMS' AND SHOULD BE COVERED! *JB

  12. Wheels, Apr 12, 2006

    THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FIRST TWO WERE RECALLS AND PAID FOR BY FORD. THIS TIME THEY REFUSED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A BILL OF $270. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT A KNOWN DEFECT SHOULD HAVE REPAIR COVERAGE FOREVER, AND THAT A WHEEL BEARING SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY 40,000 MILES. *JB

  13. Electrical system, Apr 11, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY; THE IGNITION TUMBLER FRACTURED WHICH PREVENTED THE ENGINE FROM BEING STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION. AFTERWARDS, THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN FOR ANOTHER IGNITION REPLACEMENT.

  14. Electrical system, Apr 7, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE IGNITION CYLINDER AND LOCK, A NEW KEY WAS PROVIDED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED.

  15. Electrical system, Apr 7, 2006

    I COULD NOT INSERT MY KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. I ALSO COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR MOVE THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL GEAR. THE SERVICE TECH AT FORD SAID "IT WAS A VERY COMMON AND WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS AND THAT THEY REPAIR MANY MORE FORD FOCUS IGNITIONS THAN ANY OTHER MODEL OF FORD CARS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL REPAIR AND THE OWNER OF THE FORD FOCUS (I) SHOULD NOT BE FINANCIALLY LIABLE FOR THE REPAIR. I WOULD LIKE FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR $269.32 AND THE FEE I PAID TO THE TOWING COMPANY $35.00 A TOTAL OF THE TWO IS $304.32. *JB

  16. Suspension, Apr 3, 2006

    EXITING THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A LOUD POP FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL. BELIEVED I HAD HIT SOMETHING BUT THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE MIRROR. SOUND CONTINUED WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED FROM HARD LEFT TO HARD RIGHT. JACKED CAR TO SEE IF SOMETHING WAS STUCK BEHIND TIRE AND WHEN WEIGHT WAS LIFTED FROM SUSPENSION SPRING WHICH WAS BROKEN SHIFTED AND MADE CONTACT WITH TIRE. IF I HAD HIT A BUMP WHEN/OR AFTER SPRING BROKE IT WOULD HAVE PUNCTURED TIRE CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL. *NM

  17. Suspension, Apr 3, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IN REVERSE COMING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT 1MPH A NOISE WAS HEARD RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. THE PART WITH THE RUBBER SEAL IN THE COIL SPRING RUSTED CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SUGGESTED CONTACTING THE NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.

  18. Electrical system, Mar 31, 2006

    I TRY TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WILL NOT TURN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS. I ALSO HAD TO GET IT TOWED ALL 3 TIMES TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. I HAVE SPENT A LITTLE OVER $500 FOR THESE REPAIRS. *NM

  19. Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 30, 2006

    I WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH, WHILE THE ENGINE OF MY CAR STARTED LOOSING POWER AND RPMS. I IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR, BUT IT WAS RUNNING PRETTY BAD, ALMOST AS IF NOT ENOUGH FUEL WAS GOING TO THE ENGINE. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR 5 MINUTES. I RESTARTED AGAIN AND IT WORKED OK FOR ANOTHER 10 MINUTES, WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS IS HAPPENING, USUALLY IT HAPPENS WHEN IT'S A WARM (NOT HOT) DAY, AND WITH HALF TANK OR LESS. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE, SO IT HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF THE FUEL LEVEL. THE FUEL PUMP SEEMS TO OVERHEAT. *NM

  20. Electrical system, Mar 30, 2006

    AFTER FINISHING WORK, I WENT OUT TO MY CAR AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. I TRIED FOR AN HOUR TO GET THE KEY TO TURN BUT IT NEVER DID. SINCE I AM NEW TO THE AREA, AND I DO NOT KNOW ANYONE, I ENDED UP HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED. I WAS BILLED $325. *NM

  21. Electrical system, Mar 24, 2006

    I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. I'VE HAD MOST (8 OF 12) OF THE RECALL SERVICES DONE TO THE CAR. NOW THE KEY WON'T TURN BECAUSE THE IGNITION IS JAMMED. I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF POSTS ON WEBSITES REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ALL YEARS OF THE FORD FOCUS. ON MANY SITES, PEOPLE ARE DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE IGNITION PROBLEM AND PAYING $350+ AT THE DEALERS TO GET IT FIXED. THESE SAME SITES HAVE MANY PEOPLE HOPING THAT NHTSA WILL FORCE FORD TO DO A RECALL ON THE IGNITION. IT IS A DEFECT WHEN IT'S THIS COMMON. PEOPLE DESCRIBE TOW TRUCK OPERATORS SAYING THEY TOW A NUMBER OF FORD FOCUS TO THE DEALER FOR THE IGNITION PROBLEM EACH MONTH. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!! *JB

  22. Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 24, 2006

    I HAD MY IGNITION SWITCH REPLACE ONCE ALREADY, HAVING TO PAY 300.00 THE FIRST TIME, AND KNOW JUST THE OTHER DAY I WENT TO VISIT MY BROTHER, AND WHEN I GOT READY TO LEAVE, MY KEY WOULD NOT START, MY BROTHER HAD LEFT BEFORE ME, SO I WAS STRANDED, ME AND MY BOYS FOR 45 MINUTES IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER, I WAS SO UPSET, I CAN NOT BELIEVE FORD IS NOT DOING A RECALL, IM SELLING THIS PIECE A CRAP OF A CAR, AND WILL NEVER AGAIN BY A FORD CAR, AND IM GOING TO SPREAD THE WORD ON HOW HORRIBLE THERE SERVICE AND CARS ARE. *JB

  23. Electrical system, Mar 24, 2006

    KEY AND IGNITION CYLINDER ON STEERING COLUMN GETTING HOT. IGNITION LOCKED UP FOR THE SECOND TIME. REPAIRED 1ST TIME WITH MOTORCRAFT PART. ALSO MAYBE NOT RELEVANT BUT IT'S LIKE THERE IS NO BRAKING SYSTEM WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. UPON LOADING CAR ONTO TRAILER, FOOT ON BRAKE TOOK KEY OUT OF IGNITION BRIEFLY AND CAR ROLLED BACK MISSING RAMPS FALLING ON END OF TRAILER AND DAMAGED FRONT BUMPER. *JB

  24. Electrical system, Mar 24, 2006

    I DROVE HOME FROM SCHOOL PARKED MY 2000 FORD FOCUS LX IN THE DRIVEWAY AND ON MY WAY OUT TO WORK FOUND THAT MY IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN AND MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED INTO PLACE. AFTER 2 DAYS OF HAVING TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO WORK I CALLED A LOCKSMITH WHO SAID THEY HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING A WEEK AND TO LIGHTLY TAP ON THE KEY WHILE IT IS IN THE IGNITION, AFTER TRYING THAT I FOUND IT WORKS BUT HAS TO BE DONE EVERYTIME I WANT TO START THE CAR. *JB

  25. Electrical system, Mar 23, 2006

    1) IGNITION STUCK, AND CAN'T START VEHICLE. 2) STEPDAUGHTER WAS STRANDED, BY SIDE OF ROAD. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED HOME, AND THEN DEALER. 3) DRILLED IGNITION TUMBLER FROM AND RE-KEYED. RE-KEYED NEW IGNITION CYLINDER. *JB