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, Feb 8, 2005
IN 2000 I BROUGHT MY FORD FOCUS 2000 IN FOR A RECALL ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING. THE DEALER SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE PROBLEM. IN 2001, MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM MY VEHICLE, AND THE CAR FISHTAILED WHEN DRIVEN. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO A FORD DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD BEARING IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL. THEY REPLACED THE BEARING, ABS SENSOR, AND SPINDLE UNDER WARRANTY. ON FEB 3, 2005, MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY LOUD METALLIC POPPING AND GRINDING NOISES WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING. THE CAR DID NOT SEEM SAFE TO DRIVE, SO I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS AGAIN DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY BEARING IN THE LEFT REAR WHEEL, THE VERY SAME THAT WAS REPLACED IN 2000. THIS CAUSED THE ABS SENSOR TO GO BAD AND NOTCHED LARGE CHUNKS OF METAL OUT OF THE SPINDLE, AND POTENTIALLY COULD HAVE CAUSED FAILURE OF THE BREAKS OR COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OR THE BEARINGS BEING PUT IN, AND IT WAS JUST COINCIDENCE THAT I HAD TO BRING IT IN 3 TIMES FOR PROBLEMS WITH 3 IDENTICAL BEARINGS. THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVE NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM IDENTIFIED IN THE 2000 RECALL, BUT HAVE GOTTEN AROUND IT WITH 12 MONTH WARRANTY PERIODS, FORCING CUSTOMERS TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS SPENDING OVER $650 A POP EVERY YEAR OR SO.*AK
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2005
ON OCCASION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO INSERT INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEN ONE NIGHT THE KEY SIMPLY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION AND WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE IGNITION SWITCH. THEY INDICATED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THEY HAVE SEEN FREQUENTLY IN THESE CARS. I ALSO HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND SHE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 8, 2005
1- THIS SPECIFIC FAILURE, THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO IT, IT JUST HAPPENED. THE IGNITION SWITCH JUST LOCKED. PREVIOUSLY THERE WERE LITTLE EVENTS WITH THE CAR LEADING UP TO ITS FAILURE. 2- IT STALLED AND WOULDN'T START, FUEL WASN'T GETTING TO THE ENGINE AND WOULD LEAD TO POWER FAILURE. 3- AFTER REPEATED TRIPS TO THE GARAGE AND TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY DID REPLACE THE PLUGS AND WIRES AND FUEL PUMP AGAIN. NOW THE PROBLEM IS THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2005
2000 FORD FOCUS SE WHEEL LOCKED UP.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR DEALERSHIPS WANTS TO CHARGE CONSUMER $350 FOR A NEW CYLINDER. CONSUMER FEELS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TT *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 7, 2005
2000 FORD FOCUS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BACK DOOR.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE BACK DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE ENTIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS FAILURE MAY BE PART OF A LATCH RECALL. *TT *NM
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH. MY COMPLAINT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS 10100616. A FAILED IGNITION SWITCH THAT WOULD NOT TURN. CORRECTED BY DRILLING OUT CYLINDER, AND REPLACING. CERTIFIED LOCK SMITH PRICE WAS $298.00. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER QUOTED PRICE WAS $400.00 LOCK SMITH SAID THEY HAVE 1 - 2 OF THESE WITH THE FOCUS EVERY WEEK.*JB
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2005
ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO I PURCHASED A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THIS PAST WEEKEND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULDN'T EVEN GET THE KEY ALL THE WAY INTO THE IGNITION. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO START THE CAR TO NO AVAIL. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER TECHNIQUES I COULD TRY AND CAME ACROSS SEVERAL WEBSITES WITH DISGRUNTLED CONSUMERS WHO ARE ALSO OWNERS OF THE FORD FOCUS. THEY ALL ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND LOCKSMITH THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE TUMBLERS AND A FAILED CYLINDER DUE TO FORD. APPARENTLY FORD USED A SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURED CYLINDER WHICH RAPIDLY DETERIORATES WITH USE AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURES THUS LOCKING THE WHEEL. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE CLOSE TO $400 SO I OPTED INSTEAD TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH COME OUT. THAT COST ME $60. I'M TOLD THOUGH THAT IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND EVEN A NEW CYLINDER WILL NOT PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN BECAUSE THE PART ITSELF IS DEFECTIVE. APPARENTLY FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT DO A RECALL WHICH I FIND ABSURD. THIS IS NOT ONLY AN ANNOYING SITUATION BUT ALSO A DANGEROUS ONE. I'VE HAD OTHER FORD OWNERS TELL ME THAT THEY'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN TO THEM WHILE DRIVING, AT STOP LIGHTS, IN A PARKING LOT ETC. THAT IS DANGEROUS AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. I AM WRITING A PERSONAL LETTER TO FORD...AND I PLAN TO TAKE THIS AS FAR AS I POSSIBLY CAN LEGALLY. THANK YOU. AMY KENNEDY WINSTON SALEM, NC *JB
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2005
(1) I PARKED MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ON A HILL WITH THE WHEELS TURNED (2) THE KEY IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN EVEN AFTER PLAYING AROUND WITH IT FOR 4 HOURS! I HAD TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE BEHIND. THERE WAS NO ADVANCE SIGNS THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS ABOUT TO OCCUR. WHILE THIS IS NOT A MOVING SAFETY ISSUE, THIS CAN BE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM SINCE IT CAN STRAND YOU WITHOUT ANY WARNING IN AN UNSAFE AREA. (I CARRY SPARE GAS, JUMPER CABLES, CAR JACKS, ANTIFREEZE, EXTRA OIL ETC.. I EVEN HAD ENOUGH TOOLS TO TAKE APART THE STEERING COLUMN AND TRY HOT WIRING THE CAR, BUT TO NO AVAIL.) THIS IS A SERIOUS MECHANICAL DEFECT. (3) I LATER BOUGHT AN OWNERS MANUAL TO TRY FIXING THE PROBLEM MYSELF. BUT THE FIRST STEP TO REMOVING THE BROKEN IGNITION CYLINDER IS TO TURN THE KEY!! A CATCH 22. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 7, 2005
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER, STALLED. AND SOMETIMES CUT COMPLETELY OFF. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM SINCE AUGUST 2004. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2004, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING UP A HILL. *SC
Structure, Feb 6, 2005
WATER ENTERING PASSENGER FLOOR. CARPET PAD SOAKED MOLD SMELL IN CAR.HAD IT IN DEALER SHOP AT 4500 MILES 16000 MILES THEY REPLACED CARPET AND OBVIOUSLY TEMPORARILY FIXED THE LEAK. NOW THE WARRANTY IS UP AND THE DEALER WANTS ME TO PAY TO HAVE THE LEAK FIXED. I ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR IT MYSELF BUT CANT STOP THE LEAK. FORD HAS SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT THIS WATER LEAK BUT APPARENTLY THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE LEAK EITHER.NOW I AM STUCK WITH A MOLDED SMELLING CAR AND A WET CARPET. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 6, 2005
2000 FORD FOCUS - REAR DOOR LATCH ISSUE. DOOR CAME OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NO LONGER CLOSE. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED IT YET. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 6, 2005
CAR IS A LEMON. RADIO HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. DOOR LOCKS AND IGNITION LOCK HAVE FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. CURRENT PROBLEM IS CAR STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS. EMISSION LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. DEAL CAN NOT FIX.*JB I CONSIDER THE STALLING AT INTERSECTIONS TO BE VERY DANGEROUS. IF SOMEONE IS MOVING FORWARD ASSUMING THE CAR WILL MOVE, AND IT DOES NOT BECAUSE OF THE STALL, A CRASH MAY RESULT.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2005
2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION PROBLEM.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT WORK. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. *TT *NM
Steering, Feb 4, 2005
FOR THE PAST WEEK, I HAVE HAD TROUBLE TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. IT'S AS IF THE IGNITION IS LOCKED, ALONG WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE KEY BACK AND FORTH AND HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING THE KEY TO TURN (ACTUALLY TURN SO THE CAR COULD START). TODAY, HOWEVER, NO AMOUNT OF 'JIMMYING' DID THE TRICK. THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED AND THE KEY WOULD SIMPLY NOT TURN - AT ALL (EVEN AFTER I TAPPED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION WITH MY PALM AS I TURNED THE KEY AS RECOMMENDED BY A FORD SERVICE MECHANIC). SUBSEQUENTLY, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD IN PORTLAND, OR SO THEY COULD REPLACE THE ENTIRE IGNITION CYLINDER. THIS IS COSTING ME AROUND $290!. I HAVE READ OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER - WHO ALSO OWNS A FORD FOCUS ZX3 - HAS BEEN HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. DESPITE THIS, FORD HAS NOT 'RECALLED' THIS FAULTY IGNITION CYLINDER AND I FEEL THIS REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND, AT THE LEAST, COMPENSATION BY FORD. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2005
2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION SWITCH IS STUCK. CANNOT START CAR. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS: SEE(HTTP://WWW.AUTOWHIZ.COM/MESSAGEBOARDS/MESSAGE.PHP?ID=1784&PAGE=12), DUE IN MY OPINION TO POOR MANUFACTURING. IT IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. APPARENTLY FORD DENIES THE PROBLEM, BUT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON BULLETIN BOARDS TO DOCUMENT THIS SITUATION. PLEASE HELP US FIX THIS SITUATION. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD/COULD COME UNDER A RECALL NOTICE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. THANK YOU, BOB LAMBERT *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 2, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE STALLS. DEALER STATES THE FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 2, 2005
ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH, MY BACK DOOR OPENED. THIS SITUATION PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE, AND STARTED OCCURING MORE OFTEN, AND NOW WITH BOTH DOORS. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER, WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM THAT FORD WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND SUGGESTED THAT I SPEND ALMOST $1000 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. I ALSO CONTACTED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANIES 800 NUMBER, AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BACK DOOR LOCKS. I CAN CLOSE THE DOORS, ALTHOUGH THEY WILL NOT STAY CLOSED, NOR LOCK. *AK
Air bags, Feb 2, 2005, crash
MY GIRLFRIENDS MOTHER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH IN HER 2000 FORD ESCAPE, AND HIT AN ELK. LUCKELY NO HARM WAS DONE TO HER, BUT HER AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. MY CONCERN IS THAT MAYBE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE ESCAPES, AND WOULDN'T WANT SOMEONE ELSE TO BE INJURED OR KILLED FROM THE PROBLEM. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF SOMEONE COULD CONTACT ME IN SOMEWAY SO THAT WE COULD TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS ABOUT 5,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE, AND IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CRUSHED LIKE AN ACC. *AK
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2005
STEERING WHEEL IGNITION LOCKS AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO TURN AND START THE CAR. *AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Jan 31, 2005
THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY THREE MONTHS. *NM THE REAR END WAS UNABLE TO BE LINED UP, IF SO, THE VEHICLE WOULD FISHTAIL BACK AND FORTH AND THE CONSUMER WOULD UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE TIRES WERE OUT OF ROUND AND THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN ROUGH, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING UP HILLS. *SC *JB
Suspension, Jan 31, 2005
VEHICLE IS LOSING ITS FRONT BEARINGS. THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THIS DEFECT. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND DEALERSHIP IS ASKING FOR $700.00 TO DO REPAIRS.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2005
KEY WILL NOT TURN THE INGINTION SWITCH ON, AND SOMETIMES CAN BARELY BE REMOVED FROM SWITCH.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2005
HTTP://WWW.AUTOWHIZ.COM/MESSAGEBOARDS/MESSAGE.PHP?ID=1784&PAGE=1 HAS MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING TROUBLES WITH THEIR IGNITION SWITCHES ON 2000 AND 2001 FORD FOCUS FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT UNWILLING TO MAKE IT RIGHT. I HOPE YOU CAN ASSIST US IN THIS MATTER MORE THAN FORD IS..IN FACT WHEN I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY THEY SENT ME AN AUTOMATED EMAIL ON RECALLS ON VEHICLES THAT I DO NOT EVEN OWN THAT DID NOT ADDRESS MY COMPLAINT OR THE COMPLAINT OF MANY OTHERS. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2005, fire
(1) MY WIFE DROVE OUR 2000 FORD EXPEDITION TO THE GROCERY STORE ON JANUARY 5TH, 2005. WHEN SHE CAME OUT, ABOUT 25 MINUTES LATER, THE FIRE ENGINE HAD ARRIVED AND WAS TRYING TO PUT OUT THE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TO GET TO TO THE HOOD RELEASE. 2) HE INSURANCE FIRE INVESTIGATOR CLAIMED FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ALTERNATOR ELECTRICAL SHORT. BUT AS WE NOW KNOW FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH OVERHEATING AND CAUSING FIRES. 3) WE BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH PROBLEM FORD FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED HAVING. *AK
Suspension, Jan 27, 2005
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED,RESULTING IN REAR WHELL WOBBLE. *AK. THIS FAILURE MAD EIT HARD TO CONTROL VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFIED MANUFACTURER. *AK