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.
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2004
RECALL 03V482000 CONCERNING INTERMITTENT STALLING. MANUFACTURER IS NOT ALLOWING THE DEALER TO HONOR THIS RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS A BRANDED TITLE.*AK
Air bags, Dec 15, 2004
THE LATEST IN A LONG LINE OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WAGON OCCURRED TODAY. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON YESTERDAY AND STAYED ON. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TODAY WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING AND MY AIRBAGS MAY NOT WORK AS A RESULT. THE COST OF REPAIR WILL BE $640. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, ROTORS, IGNITION SWITCH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ETC. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A CAR BEFORE. THE FORD FOCUS IS A LEMON AND IS UNSAFE. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 15, 2004
TRUNK LOCK MALFUNCTIONED, HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE LOCKING MECHANISM ($100) AFTER SEVERAL HOURS TRYING TO GAIN ACCESS INTO THE TRUNK, THIS PROBLEM IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, THOUGHT IT NEEDS TO BE REPORTED HERE. THE OLD PART IS AVAILABLE.*AK
Suspension, Dec 15, 2004
FORD EXTENDED THEIR WARRANTY ON REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE 2000 FORD FOCUS, BEACUSE OF PROBLEMS AND SAFETY ISSUES WHICH COULD LEAD TO BALL JOIONT SEPARATION WITH LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. MY VEHICLE IS NOW EXPERIENCING REAR WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS, BUT FORD REFUSES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED AT THEIR EXPENSE, BECAUSE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.*AK
Suspension, Dec 15, 2004
CONSUMER HAS CONTINUOUSLY REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS. TWICE ON THE REAR LEFT, AND THREE TIMES ON THE REAR RIGHT. THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ON A RECALL NUMBER 011017000 BEFORE. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *NM AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ALTHOUGH IT ONLY HAD 27,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE IS RARELY DRIVEN YET THE REAR BEARINGS WEAR OUT EVERY 3000-5000 MILES. *NM
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2004
THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *JB THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED. FORD SUGGESTED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS COVERED NOT THE IGNITION CYLINDER. *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE KEY CYLINDER FAILED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD TO GET A REFUND FROM JANUARY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THE REFUND WAS DENIED. THE VEHICLE PART WAS CHANGED AS A GOODWILL EFFORT BY FORD. *TC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THEN, VEHICLE STALLED, AND CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE HEAD GASKET VALVE FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2004, fire
THIS IS A 2000 FORD EXPEDITION. LAST YEAR THERE WAS A FIRE STRARTED BY A RELAY FAILURE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS REPAIR WAS $2300.00, $435.00 WAS NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED. IN THE PAST MONTH I HAVE NOTICED PAINT FAILURE LEADING TO RUST ON THE ROOF, AND LAST FRIDAY THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. FORD SAYS WE NEED A NEW ENGINE WHICH WILL COST $5,500.00. THE ENGINE HAS 71,000 MILES ON IT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 65,000. WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED, IT EFFECT THE BREAKING AND POWER STEERING. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES.*AK
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2004
THE KEY WOULD TURN TO THE OFF POSITION AND THE CAR WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER, BUT SINCE IT WAS FIXED IN FEBRUARY OF 2004 IT HAS SINCE DONE THE SAME THINGS 2 MORE TIMES. THESE 2 TIMES, HOWEVER, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF, BUT I COULDN'T GET THE KEY TO GO TO THE OFF POSITION AND I COULDN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES AFTER THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER (ONCE IN NOVEMBER 2004 AND ONCE IN DECEMBER 2004). THEY SAID THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WON'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHEN I HAVE IT AT THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER I DRIVE IT THERE THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION. IT WAS FINE ALL SUMMER, AND IT SEEMS TO JUST DO THIS IN COLD WEATHER. HOWEVER, I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THAT MY RADIO IS STAYING ON AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF, AND MY SEAT BELT LIGHT AND AND WARNING BUZZER ALSO DON'T WORK WHEN I HAVE THIS IGNITION PROBLEM.*AK
Steering, Dec 13, 2004
I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS THAT HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN TO IT AGAIN. APPROX. 2 YEARS AGO WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED BECAUSE THE MECHANISM HAD LOCKED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO TURN THE KEY. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO GET THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND WE THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OR SOMETHING DESIGNATED TO ASSIST WITH THIS PROBLEM. A 2000 MODEL SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH ITS STEERING MECHANISMS. INFO BELOW IS APPROPRIATE TO LATEST INCIDENT. *AK
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2004
I HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENTLY WAITING FOR FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THEIR IGNITION SYSTEM. IT IS VERY PATHETIC. BOTH OF MY FORD FOCUS VEHICLES HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. I USED THE CARS IN A NORMAL FASHION FOR OVER 4 YEARS. AT THE END OF YEAR 3 THE KEYS IN BOTH MY FOCUS CARS STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY LEAVING STRANDED AT WORK ONE TIME. I HAD TO CALL A LOCKSMITH WHO TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FOCUS AND THAT THE REPLACEMENT CYLINDER WILL LIKELY FAIL AGAIN AS IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE OVERALL DESIGN OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM FROM FORD. I PAID OVER $300 FOR THIS PROBLEM AND NOW AM EXPERIENCING THIS HELL AGAIN IN YEAR 4.5. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH FORD NOW AND HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY RECALL. BOTH MY CARS CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THESE KEY PROBLEMS AND ARE BECOMING ALMOST UNUSABLE AT THIS POINT. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2004
I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING TERRIBLE PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION. SEVERAL DOZEN TIMES I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START MY CAR OR IT HAS TAKEN ME A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME TO BE ABLE TO START THE CAR. I TOLD MY LOCAL FORD DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $300 TO FIX THE IGNITION. HOWEVER, HE TOLD ME THAT I WAS THE FOURTH PERSON THAT HAD CALLED HIM THAT VERY SPECIFIC DAY REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER FOCUS'. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE POSTING COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME FOR A RECALL. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2004
UPON PLACING KEY INTO IGNITION, THE CHAMBER FAILS TO TURN TO START AND TURN AT ALL. HAD TO CALL AAA TO GET VEHICLE TOWED. DRIVER OF TOW TRUCK WAS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SPECIFIC TO A FORD FOCUS. HE WAS ABLE TO TAP THE STEERING COLLAR AND THE LOCK UNBOUND. THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE WHEEL NEEDING A SLIGHT TURN. THE CYLINDER APPARENTLY OVER TIME WEARS CAUSING THE IGNITION LOCK TO BIND. HE SAID IT MIGHT HELP PUTTING SOME WD 40 ON THE KEY BUT THE LOCK WAS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM THAT WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE SEEN MANY INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM, IN THE HUNDREDS. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2004
CONSUMER PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE AND KEY WOULDN'T TURN. CONSUMER CALLED FORD, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION TUMBLER WAS BAD. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Dec 7, 2004
THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. IGNITION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED EACH TIME.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 7, 2004
CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS DUE TO VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE BEFORE RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE FROM MANUFACTURER. (NAR) *LA
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2004
2000 FORD FOCUS. IGNITION LOCKS, PUT KEY IN IGNITION BUT KEY WILL NOT TURN, NO MATTER WHAT IS DONE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH THIS SAME VEHICLE.*AK
Steering, Dec 6, 2004
STEERING COLUMN IGNITION LOCK. KEY INSERTED AND WON'T COME OUT, CAN'T TURN KEY - NO STEERING, NO POWER.*AK
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2004
IGNITION KEY FAILS TO TURN IN LOCK CYLINDER. STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE MOVED OR UNLOCKED WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN STRANDED AND TOWED TO FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR 3 TIMES ( AT 22000, 37254 & 43000 MILES) NOW. INOPERATIVE LOCK CYLINDER WAS DRILLED OUT AND REPLACED IN EACH CASE. I WAS CHARGED $287.00 FOR THE SECOND REPAIR (PLUS TOWING) BECAUSE IT "WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY".*AK
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2004
MY IGNITION LOCKED LEAVING ME STRANDED. I HAVE TOWED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON LOOKING THROUGH WEBSITES (WWW.EDMUNDS.COM, WWW.AUTOWHIZ.COM), I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE WERE OVER 200 RESPONSES WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. SOMEONE FROM A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP TRIED TO GET THE KEY TO TURN AND COULD NOT. HE SAID HE HAD WORKED FOR FORD FOR 38 YEARS AND BELIEVED THAT THE CYLINDER WAS THE PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE HAD SEEN A NUMBER OF EARLY FORD FOCUSES (MINE IS 2000) HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE FOCUS. THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN 12 RECALLS ON THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIPS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT UNCOOPERATIVE. I'VE FOUND THAT DEALERS DO NOT WANT TO HONOR THE RECALLS, ESPECIALLY IF A RENTAL CAR COMES WITH IT. THEY DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WHICH WAS RECALLED UNLESS I EXHIBITED PROBLEMS EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN RECALLED. FOCUS OWNERS ARE SPENDING UPWARDS OF $350 ON THE IGNITION REPAIR ALTHOUGH IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2004
I BROUGHT MY 2000 FOCUS BRAND NEW. YESTERDAY, WENT TO A MEETING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CITY. I WAS THE LAST TO LEAVE AND MY KEY WOULD ONLY GO HALF WAY INTO THE IGNITION. NO MATTER OF WIGGLING WOULD GET IT TO BUDGE. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION: TOTAL COST 394.41 WITH TOWING. LEARNED FROM A FRIEND THAT THERE HAS BEEN A TECHICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS FOR YEARS. OF COURSE MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRENTY. BUT I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD AND ASKING FOR A "GOOD WILL' REMBURSMENT TO COVER COSTS. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE MAJOR NETWORKS FOR INVESTIGATION. *AK
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2004
ONCE I PLACE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS IT DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN. I HAVE TO PLAY AROUND WITH IT FOR A MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE I GET IT TO TURN OVER AND START MY CAR. I FEAR SOON THAT IT WON'T WORK AT ALL AND I'LL BE STUCK SOME PLACE. I'VE KNOWN OF MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR FOCUS'S. PEOPLE HAVE HAD A DEALERSHIP FIX IT, ONLY TO HAVE IT START DOING IT AGAIN WITH IN A MONTH LATER AND SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS LESS.*AK
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2004
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN ON. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2004
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START. THE KEYS WOULDN'T TURN IN THE IGNITION, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. A LOCK SMITH INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLE, AND WAS CAUSED BY THE IGNITION CHIP FREEZING UP. HE REFUSED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION BECAUSE OF PAST EXPERIENCES. AFTER THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED THE PARTS FAILED AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE SAME FAILURE.*AK
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2004
IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP. *AK