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, Aug 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SUSPENSION DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
Air bags, Aug 12, 2013, crash
I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS, I HIT A CAR FROM THE BACK, BECAUSE THEY SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. I WAS GOING 25-30 MPH. THE FRONT OF THE CAR IS TOTALLY TOTALED. BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS VISIBLE TO THE HUMAN EYE! I AM WONDERING WHY MY AIRBAG DO NOT DEPLOYED? AIRBAG DEFECTS? MY FACE SMASH THE STEERING WHEEL. ME AND MY PASSENGER HAVE NECK, BACK, SHOULDER CONTUSIONS. I HAVE SEVERE PAIN IN THOSE AREAS. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON WHY MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOYED BECAUSE IT DID NOT SEEM RIGHT TO ME. AND I DISCOVERED A CASE AND WHICH THE SAME CAR MODEL, MAKE AND YEAR, SIMILAR TO MINES WHICH STATED, "FORD ADMITTED THAT IT DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE ACTUAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD WHEN IT STARTED SELLING THESE CARS TO ITS CUSTOMERS! THEY LATER CHANGED THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DESIGN TO INCREASE THE THRESHOLD BEGINNING IN 2002, BUT THEY NEVER RECALLED THE 2000 AND 2001 FORD FOCUS CARS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM." *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Jul 14, 2013
I HAD TURNED ON MY VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. ORIGINALLY, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR IN THE MORNINGS AND THEN SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR A SHORT PERIOD. I HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT I HAVE USED FOR 8 YEARS INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND HE SUGGESTED I FILE A COMPLAINT, AS IT IS DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO PINPOINT THE FAULT FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. THIS VEHICLE HAS OVER A DOZEN RECALLS ON IT ALREADY THAT HAVE BEEN FIXED OVER THE YEARS. SOME OTHER ISSUES HAVE NOT BEEN ADDRESSED EVER, EXCEPT FOR THE SAME VEHICLE SOLD IN CANADA. ALSO, I NEVER RECEIVED COMPENSATION FOR THE BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT THAT HAD OCCURRED AFTER 22,000 MILES HAD BEEN ON THE VEHICLE. I NEVER HAD TO REPLACE DISC AT SUCH SHORT TIME OF DRIVING A VEHICLE. LASTLY, THE CENTER CONSOLE IS UNSTABLE AND DETACHED FROM THE REAR AT THE BASE OF THE ARM REST, WHICH WAS POORLY SECURED WITH THREE 1/4 INCH WELDS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY INCREASED ACCELERATION TO 90 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED WHEN SHIFTING INTO BOTH NEUTRAL AND PARK, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE DRIVEN CAUTIOUSLY TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS STUCK IN AN OPEN POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE WAS FRAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 00V302000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 99V346000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. UPDATED 07/16/13*LJ
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE BULB WAS CHANGED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS NOTIFIED BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 224,000.
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2013
VERY HARD TO PUT KEY INTO OR REMOVE FROM IGNITION, HAVE NOT REMOVED KEY IN 8 YEARS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 18, 2013
I WAS STARTING MY CAR, ON FIRST START DID NOT START WHEN RETRIED STARTING THERE WAS NOTHING TRIED AGAIN NOTHING OPENED HOOD AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM BATTERY COVER. REMOVED COVER AND BATTERY CABLES AND BATTERY WERE VERY HOT THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CABLES STARTED MELTING. WHEN HAD COOLED ENOUGH TO TOUCH REMOVED POSITIVE CABLE AND WHEN TRIED REPLACING CABLE THERE WAS A LOT OF SPARKING, CALLED MY MECHANIC WHO PICKED THE CAR UP INSPECTED CABLES FOUND THEM TO BE DEFECTIVE CONTACTED FORD AND THE SAID THEY KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE OF THE DATE AND MANUFACTURING PLACE OF THE CAR IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Dec 13, 2012, crash
WAITING AT A LIGHT, DRUNK DRIVER ESCAPING POLICE REAR ENDS FORD FOCUS. FORD FOCUS HITS FIRE TRUCK. AT NO TIME DID THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BUT THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 01/09/13*LJ
Engine, Nov 13, 2012
UPON STARTING MOTOR, NOISE AS ROCKS IN A BLENDER AND ENGINE WOULD NOT RUN. I HAVE LEARNED THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR. VALVE SEAT IS DEFECTIVE AND VALVE FALLS INTO PISTON, RUINING ENGINE. FORD KNOWS OF THIS DEFECT, BUT IGNORES IT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Engine, Nov 2, 2012
GOT MY DAUGHTER HER FIRST USED CAR FROM A DEALER, WHICH I SHOULD HAD GONE WITH HER TO CHECK IT OUT FIRST SINCE AN 18 YEAR OLD WOULD MOST LIKELY NOT KNOW ANYTHING MUCH OF A CAR BESIDES DRIVING IT. YOU WOULD THINK BUYING FROM A USED DEALER IS SAFER THAN BUYING OUT IN THE STREET. SO WHEN WE TOOK IT OUT OF THE LOT NOTICED ENGINE TREMBLE AND SUSPENSION NOISE, (TOO BAD NO LEMON LAW ON USED DEALER SELLING THIS TYPE OF CARS). AFTER DIAGNOSE THE ENGINE PRODUCED A CATALYTIC CONVERT MALFUNCTION CODE. ALSO AFTER INSPECTION THE FOCUS NEEDS ALL FOUR SUSPENSION STRUTS. A MONTH LATER THAT OTHER SUSPENSION NOISE RESULTING ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT FROM A BACK WHEEL SHAKING WHICH CAME FROM A BACK WHEEL BEARING WHICH HUB NUT WAS JUST ABOUT OFF, WHICH WOULD HAD CAUSED THE WHEEL TO COME OFF. I DID A SEARCH AND THIS ARE ALL COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THE FOCUS AND I BELIEVE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A BACK WHEEL ISSUE. THE BAD NEWS IS THAT AFTER A WHILE OF THE RECALL BEING ISSUED IT IS VOIDED OR ONLY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS ARE CONSIDERED EFFECTED ????. THE LATEST ENCOUNTER IS THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING AND THE KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO UNLOCK IT. THE WORST PART IS THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD HAVE TO BE DRILLED OUT TO BE REPLACED (VERY INTERESTING SINCE IS THE FIRST TIME I SEEN THAT). I'M NOTICING FROM MY EXPERIENCE WITH FORD VEHICLES THAT ALTHOUGH IN MY OPINION THERE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ARE A BIT BETTER THAN MOST VEHICLE, IS THE LITTLE PARTS THAT ONE HAVE ISSUES WITH THAT ENDS UP COSTING THE MOST, JUST SAYING. SO WHY IS IT THAT WITH MANY COMPLAINTS AND KNOWN ISSUES FROM PREVIEWS MODEL YEARS FORD HAS NOT ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES. I BET THERE WOULD BE MANY OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE COMPLAINING IF ONLY THEY NEW THEY CAN COMPLAINT, THE QUESTION IS, IS ANYONE GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! *TR
Air bags, Sep 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 43 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT AN INSPECTOR WOULD BE SENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 4, 2012
THE VEHICLE WENT IN FOR AN INSPECTION BECAUSE THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER REAR OF THE CAR. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME AND RIGHT REAR SWAY BAR HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. THE AMOUNT OF RUST BY THE TECHNICIAN HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE EXORBITANT IN COMPARISON TO THE AMOUNT OF MILES IT WAS DRIVEN. THE TECH SUGGESTED THAT THE CAR WAS SUBMERGED, BUT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF IT BEING SO. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT, FOR THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE, FROM FORD FOCUSES FROM 2000 TO 2005. *TR
Air bags, Aug 24, 2012, crash
DRIVING TO WORK, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED QUICKLY, OUR CARS BARELY TOUCHED EACH OTHER, LESS THAN 3 MPH, NO OUT SIDE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO EITHER VEHICLE. BOTH OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BUSTED THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG BURNT MY RIGHT AIR AND HAS CAUSED NERVE DAMAGE IN THE AREA. *TR
Engine, Aug 19, 2012
WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STARTED STALLING/SPUTTERING. WE JUST PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A DEALER AND LESS THEN ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT WE PASSED WITH EXCELLENT EMISSIONS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT THE CYLINDERS WEREN'T WORKING PROPERLY AND CAUSED ONE OF THEM TO CRACK. 2 OF THE PARK PLUGS WEREN'T PROPERLY WORKING. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND WE ONLY DROVE THE CAR TO AND FROM WORK. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2012
THE BATTERY CABLE COMING FROM THE POSITIVE TERMINAL IS MELTED. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS WAS A RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN #02V288000. HOWEVER FORD IS CLAIMING THAT MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT IS SPECIFIC FOR MY MODEL AND YEAR, AND EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT ISSUE THAT THE RECALL IS FOR: FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING THAT CAN LEAD TO A FIRE. I HAVE NOT HAD A FIRE IN MY VEHICLE, BUT A MELTED CABLE IS CLOSE ENOUGH FOR MY LIKING. BATTERY TERMINAL CABLES SHOULD NOT BE MELTING, PERIOD. *TR
Visibility, Jul 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOWS COULD NOT BE CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE WINDOW ACTUATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,900.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER?S DOOR HANDLE WAS LOOSE AND ABOUT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. ....UPDATED 08-24-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE. UPDATED 08/30/2012 *JS
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2012
THE IGNITION SWITCH JAMMED AS I HEAR HAPPENS ALOT WITH THESE FORDS DUE TO INFERIOR PARTS . THE DEALER CHARGED ME WITH 3.5 HOURS SHOP TIME TO FIX THIS WHEN FORD HAS ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLITAN # 02-18-2 WHICH CALLS FOR 1.1 HOURS TO FIX AS WELL AS THE $135.05 LIST PRICE OF THE REPLACEMENT CYLINDER KIT. IF THIS IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM KNOWN TO FORD SHOULDN'T IT BE SUBJECT TO A NTSB RECALL? *TR
Structure, Wheels, May 31, 2012
THE 2000 FORD FOCUS STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE 3 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING IT. THE BACK RIDERS SIDE WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD. IT HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES IN LESS THAN 1 YEAR AND 6000 MILES! WE FOUND THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAME THING BACK IN 2001,AND WAS FIXED. SO ITS STILL GOING BAD AND FORD WONT STAND BEHIND IT! ALSO THE DOOR HANDLE WONT WORK AND THAT WAS A RECALL THAT WAS FIXED TOO, ALSO TO BAD SO SAD! FORD HAS TURNED INTO A VERY BAD COMPANY TO DO BUSINESS WITH!WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD FORDS,BUT THAT'S ABOUT TO CHANGE! *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED THE CONTACT ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V346000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHENEVER THE FUEL TANK WAS ONE QUARTER OF A TANK FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Steering, Apr 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 25, 2012, fire
PLASTIC INSULATION OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR THAT CONNECTS RIGHT HEADLIGHT BULB WITH WIRING OVERHEATED, MELTED AND CAUSED SMOLDERING FIRE THAT LED TO DAMAGING SMOKE DEPOSITS IN HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. FIRE STAYED CONTAINED TO HEADLIGHT HOUSING. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Feb 24, 2012, crash
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A HILL AT 10:30 P.M. I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL OF THE CAR NEAR THE CREST OF THIS HILL. THE CAR DRIFTED BACK ALMOST IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE BRAKES AND ENGINE WEREN'T WORKING AS THE CAR PICKED UP SPEED IN REVERSE UNDER ITS OWN POWER I.E., FROM THE SLOPE OF THE HILL. IT CONTINUED BACKWARD UNTIL COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP WITH SEVERE IMPACT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY A STORM SEWER CULVERT (DITCH) TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE LEFT REAR OF THE CAR AND UNDERCARRIAGE WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED I.E., CATALYTIC CONVERTER, MUFFLER, REAR AXLE, ETC. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED. THE CAR WAS DEEMED A COMPLETE LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I CAN PROVIDE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION INCLUDING A POLICE REPORT IF REQUESTED. *TR