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, Jan 31, 2006

    PUT KEY INTO IGNITION BUT KEY WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. *NM

  2. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 31, 2006

    THE DAY THE PROBLEM BEGAN MY CAR WAS IDLING VERY ODDLY. THE RPM'S WOULD RACE UP, LIKE I WAS ACCELERATING THEN THE NEXT SECOND IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO DIE. THE CAR HAD OVER A 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS IN IT. THEN THE CAR JUST QUIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TO FIND OUT IT WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH THE GAS GAGE READ 1/4. *NM

  3. Suspension, Jan 25, 2006

    ALWAYS NOTED A RATTLING, WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS A STRUT NOISE, BUT NOTHING WAS WRONG. TWO WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT SIDE STRUT SPRING BROKE AND NEARLY DESTROYED A TIRE. HAD TO BE TOWED, AND THEN HAD SPRING REPLACED. 10 DAYS LATER THE LEFT SIDE SPRING BROKE AS I ENTERED DRIVEWAY. MANY RELIABLE SOURCES HAVE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY A 2000 VEHICLE WITH 67,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. . BOTTOM LINE WAS THAT FORD USED EITHER INFERIOR OR DEFECTIVE SPRINGS ON A IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAR.*AK

  4. Air bags, Jan 24, 2006, crash

    MY FIANCE, PARENTS AND I WERE DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER AND GOT CAUGHT IN A SNOW STORM. KNOWING HOW BAD THE ROADS NEAR ME CAN GET I SLOWED DOWN TO 15 MPH WHEN I SAW THE ROADS WERE GETTING COVERED. WE CAME AROUND A CORNER AND CAUGHT A PATCH OF ICE AND THE CAR SLID INTO A CURB. UPON IMPACT OF THE CURB, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS SMASHED (FROM THE AIRBAG. WHEN WE EXITED THE VEHICLE WE EXPECTED TO SEE MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR. WE WENT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR TO FIND THAT THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS PUSHED BACK 3-6 INCHES AND THE FRONT RIGHT FENDER WAS SLIGHTLY BENT. ALL DAMAGE WAS FROM THE TIRE. I NEVER EXPECTED THAT MUCH DAMAGE FROM A 15 MPH COLLISION WITH A CURB. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER WHERE THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSORS ARE LOCATED. COST TO FIX TIRE AND FENDER = $1,200. COST TO FIX AIRBAGS/WINDSHIELD/DASH DAMAGE FROM AIRBAGS = $4,000. WITH LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

  5. Electrical system, Jan 20, 2006, fire

    DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH THE OCCUPANTS STARTED SMELLING ELECTRICAL SMOKE. THE OCCUPANTS REALIZED THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD; SMOKE WAS BILLOWING OUT OF DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND THE OCCUPANTS EXITED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXTINGUISHED, AND THEN TOWED TO THE CONSUMER HOME. THERE HAS BEEN NO INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. *JB

  6. Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seats, Jan 20, 2006

    DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES MAKE NOISES AND PULSATED WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND IGNITION CYLINDER SWITCHES WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO TURNED THE DRUMS, REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND RESURFACED THE FRONT ROTORS. THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END WHEN BRAKING. THE LOWER BALL JOINT, RIGHT WHEEL BEARINGS, RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINK, BONE SOCKET, STEERING RACK COLUMN AND TIE ROD ENDS WERE REPLACED IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE TAIL LIGHT COVERS RETAINED MOISTURE AND CONDENSATION BUILT UP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT COVERS AND FUSES THAT WERE BLOWN DUE TO THE MOISTURE. LASTLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR SEAT WAS LOOSE AND UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER DISCOVERED AN ANCHOR AND HINGE PROBLEM. THE BACK HINGE AND PILLAR WERE REPLACED. *JB

  7. Electrical system, Jan 19, 2006

    THE IGNITION LOCK SET FOR MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT COST $315. *NM

  8. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jan 17, 2006

    IGNITION CYLINDER FROZE ON 2000 FORD FOCUS SE REQUIRING CAR TO BE TOWED TO DEALER TO HAVE LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED AS THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE LOCK. THIS WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY AT THE TIME. IN DECEMBER 2005, IGNITION WOULD PERIODICALLY FREEZE WITH KEY INSERTED REQUIRING SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR. CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON JANUARY 17, 2006 AND CYLINDER HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT A COST OF $453 SINCE THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. I'VE NOTED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT OTHER FORD FOCUS OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN NOTE THE COMPLAINT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE LOCK FAILS WHEN THE CAR IS NEEDED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. SINCE THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, WHY HAS FORD NOT BEEN REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM? *NM

  9. Electrical system, Jan 12, 2006

    IGNITION LOCK FAILURE. THE FIRST ISSUE IS THAT I TRIED TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE ENTIRE IGNITION CYLINDER CAME OUT ON THE KEY. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES RANDOMLY. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THE FAILURE FOR THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. IT WAS INITIALLY AN INCONSISTENT PROBLEM THAT STEADILY GOT WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL FINALLY IT JUST BECAME A MATTER OF CHANCE AND A BATTLE OF PATIENCE TO GET IT STARTED. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AT 40K MILES WHICH IS RIDICULOUS. THE WORST CASE TOOK 30 MINUTES OF TWISTING, JINGLING, TURNING THE WHEEL, PUSHING THE KEY IN AND OUT AND FIDDLING WITH IT UNTIL IT FINALLY TURNED. I HAVE SINCE HAD THE CYLINDER REPLACED AND A NEW KEY MADE FOR ABOUT $250 OUT OF MY POCKET. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH I REALIZED THAT I AM ONE OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT FORD APPARENTLY FEELS THE PROBLEM DOESN'T EXIST. FORD SHOULD MAKE EACH ONE OF THEIR ENGINEERS DRIVE A FOCUS AND COUNT THE NUMBER OF DAYS THEY COME IN LATE OR MISS WORK. *JB

  10. Electrical system, Jan 11, 2006

    DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DECK LID WIRING HARNESS WIRES OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FATIGUED AND BROKE. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V411000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING. THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER, AND THE DECK LID WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED. *AK FORD WAS UNWILLING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT AGREED THAT IT WAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE OTHER 2000 FORD, FOCUS, BUT THEY WOULD NOT COMPLY AS IT WAS MADE SHORTLY AFTER THEY ENDED THE RECALL DATE FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. *AK

  11. Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 8, 2006

    THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE. I FIRMLY BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *JB

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2006

    THERE IS A LEAK IN THE RESEVOIR FOR THE RADIATOR, ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE RADIO. THE RADIO KEEPS LOSING POWER WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THE MASTER SWITCH FOR THE PASSENGER WINDOW DOES NOT WORK, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW ASSEMBLY IS BROKE LEAVING THE WINDOW NOT ABLE TO STAY UP. THERE IS A FUNNY NOISE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT SOUNDS LIKE A CRACKLY NOISE. HALF OF THE TIME THE HEAT WILL NOT WORK. *JB

  13. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2006

    (1) NOTHING REMARKABLE HAPPENED LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE TRUCK WAS IDLING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. (2) THE FAILURE WAS THE #3 SPARK PLUG BLOWING OUT OF THE HEAD WHICH ALSO DAMAGED THE COIL IN MY 2000 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4L ENGINE, WHICH HAD 82000 MILES. (3) THE HEAD WAS REPAIRED WITH AN AFTERMARKET KIT THAT ALLOWED A NEW SPARK PLUG TO BE INSTALLED. OLD SPARK PLUG HAS BEEN DISCARDED. *JB

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS SUFFERS FROM DEFECTIVE MOTOR MOUNTS THAT COULD CAUSE DRIVE SHAFT DAMAGE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN SOME AREAS ACCORDING TO MY FORD DEALER, MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT TO DOCUMENT THAT MY CAR AND OTHERS FALLING IN THAT PARAMETER SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR RIGHT MOTOR MOUNT. *NM

  15. Electrical system, Jan 5, 2006

    DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION LOCKED UP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO A DESIGNATION THE LOCKSMITH REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL OTHER YEAR MODEL VEHICLES WITH IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. *AK. *AK

  16. Suspension, Jan 3, 2006

    MY 2000 FORD FOCUS BEGAN MAKING A VERY LOUD RUMBLING NOISE ALONG WITH A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I TOOK IT INTO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE TOTALLY SHOT AND THE REAR WHEELS OF THE CAR WERE ABOUT TO FALL OFF. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WERE WILLING TO DO. THIS WAS IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING SAFETY DEFECT. *JB

  17. Electrical system, Jan 2, 2006

    FOCUS IGNITION LOCKS UP, CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM AND THEY INFORMED ME THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT BUT IT IS NOT A RECALL ITEM. IF FORD IS AWARE OF A DEFECT WHY IS THERE NO RECALL!! *JB

  18. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 2, 2006

    2000 FORD FOCUS SE, ENGINE WILL STALL WITH NO WARNING CAUSING A COMPLETE STOP OF THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SINCE THE PROBLEM DIDN'T SHOW ANY PRIOR SYMPTOMS I CONSIDER THIS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO THAT WHEN IT HAPPENED TO ME IN A 5 LINE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC ONLY LUCK HELPED ME AVOIDING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD BACK ON 2004 RELATED TO A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM AND A REPLACEMENT PROGRAM TO VEHICLES HAVING SYMPTOMS LISTED ON THE LETTER. AT THAT TIME MY VEHICLE WAS WORKING FINE SO I FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED ACTION THAT WAS TO TAKE NO ACTION AND SAFE THE LETTER IN CASE OF SOMETHING HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE. HOW GOOD IS THE LETTER IF THIS PROBLEM NO GIVE ANY WARNING SIGNS IT HAPPEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME. PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS PROBLEM THAT HAD BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS. *JB

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 30, 2005

    CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FOR 2000 FOCUS FUEL PUMP AND WAS REFUSED SERVICE. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS FROM THE DEALER, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED ANOTHER LETTER WHICH STATED THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN RE-DESIGNED AND IT WOULD BE REPLACED WITHOUT ANY CHARGE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP STATING IT WAS FOR SOME MODELS NOT ALL, EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS AT THAT TIME. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE 3RD CYLINDER IN THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

  20. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Seat belts, Dec 29, 2005, crash

    DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF PUT ON THE BRAKES, THIS IN TURN CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO REAR END THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. SHE HIT HER CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CHECKED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.*AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS ALSO FAULTY. *NM

  21. Suspension, Dec 28, 2005

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 TO 75 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY. WHEN HE CHECKED THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG HE FOUND THE REAR WHEEL WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THE REAR WHEEL BEARING AND WHEEL SHAFT WORE OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V303000 IN 2003 CONCERNING THE REAR WHEEL BEARING, AND THE REMEDY REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

  22. Electrical system, Dec 23, 2005

    IGNITION SWITCH DEFECTIVE. THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN INTO THE IGNITION LOCK. *NM

  23. Electrical system, Dec 23, 2005

    DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THE IGNITION WAS WORN OUT. THEY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

  24. Electrical system, Dec 22, 2005

    2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SEIZED. *TS *JB

  25. Air bags, Dec 22, 2005

    DT: CONTACT STATED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE ON DECEMBER 19, 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHOM COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO OTHER SYMPTOMS OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE.*AK