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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 21, 2004
WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY 2000. IN JANUARY 2002 THE LOCK STUCK SEVERAL TIMES. IN SEPTEMBER 2003, THE LOCK BEGAN TO STICK AGAIN. WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OURSELVES BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (OVER 3 YEARS OLD BUT WITH ONLY ~26,000 MILES). WE ENDED UP PAYING ~$75. OCTOBER 16, 2004 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR NOW HAS 32,937 MILES ON IT. AFTER A CALL TO THE SAME DEALER WE ARE INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS ONLY WARRANTED FOR 12 MONTHS. IF ONLY THE PART HAD BROKEN A MONTH SOONER! WE ENDED UP CALLING A LOCKSMITH WHO DRILLED OUT THE LOCK AND REPLACED IT FOR $116. THE LOCKSMITH TOLD MY WIFE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS AND TWO OTHER FORD MODELS. THE LOCKSMITH REPAIRS ABOUT FOUR FORDS A MONTH. I DID SOME QUICK MATH ON THE PROBLEM. USING OUR COUNTY OF LANCASTER PA, I TOOK AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF 250,000. I NEXT ASSUMED ONE CAR FOR EVERY TWO PEOPLE. FINALLY, I GUESSED THAT 5% OF CARS SOLD ARE THESE FORD MODELS WITH IGNITION LOCK PROBLEMS. IF YOU ASSUME THERE ARE FOUR FORD DEALERSHIPS IN THE COUNTY, FOUR LOCKSMITHS IN THE COUNTY, AND FOUR INDEPENDENT GARAGES&AND ASSUME EACH BUSINESS REPAIRS FOUR CARS PER MONTH, YOU GET A FAILURE RATE OF OVER 9%. I FIND IT UNACCEPTABLE THAT I PAID FOR TWO REPAIRS FOR A PROBLEM THAT CLEARLY IS SPECIFIC TO THIS CAR AND LIKELY A RESULT OF FAULTY DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE , AND PULLED OVER. THE CONSUMER CLOSED THE DOOR AND THE DOOR OPENED ON ITS ON AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LOCKING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH REAR DOORS WERE INOPERATIVE. *JB
Suspension, Oct 18, 2004
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE WHICH SOUNDED AS IF IT CAME FROM REAR. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE LOOSE. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2004
PARKED MY 2000 FORD FOCUS, AND WENT TO A MEETING. WHEN I CAME BACK OUT, MY KEY WOULD ONLY GO HALF-WAY INTO THE IGNITION. AFTER TALKING WITH THE AAA TOW GUY, AND FORD SERVICE GUY, THIS SEEMS TO BE A RATHER COMMON OCCURANCE WITH THE FORD FOCUS. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT HAS BAD TUMBLERS. AM CURRENTLY RESEARCHING TO SEE WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2004
MY 2000 FORD FOCUS HAS HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED TWICE ALREDY BECAUSE THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE SWITCH AND THE CAR CANNOT BE TURNED OFF. IT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED BY THOUSANDS OF FOCUS PWNERS AS EVIDENCED BY THE MANY AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS THAT I HAVE VISITED LOOKING FOR INFO ON THIS PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECT THIS PROBLEM.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2004
IGNITION CYLINDER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. THIS IS THE THIRD REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION CYLINDER FOR THIS VEHICLE IN A 36 MONTH PERIOD. EVEN AFTER THE SECOND REPLACEMENT THE CYLINDER "CATCHES" WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED TO FIND NO PROBLEM WHEN RETURNED FOR CORRECTION. THIS LATEST FAILURE FORTUNATELY OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE STREET. FAILURES HAVE NOW OCCURRED AT MILAGES AND DATES OF: 4 OCTOBER 2001- 18990 MILES, 6 JANUARY 2004- 48926 MILES, AND 15 OCTOBER 2004- 61543 MILES. PART WAS RETAINED BY DEALERSHIP.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2004
UNABLE TO INSERT KEY INTO CYLINDER IGNITION SLOT OF MY 2000 FORD FOCUS. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2004
1ST INCIDENT:STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN , THE CAR WAS TOWED . AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS COMPLETELY REPLACED. 6 MONTHS LATER (TODAY), THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. AFTER 3 HOURS OF POKING AND PRODDING , MY BROTHER FINALLY GOT IT RELEASED. 2N INCIDENT: WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD , THE CAR SEEMED TO STALL WHILE DRIVING , IT WA SORT OF SPUTTERING , THEN IT WAS GOING IN AND OUT , I HAD MY FOOT PRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 35 MI PER HOUR. WE THOUGHT IT COULD HAVE BEEN BAD GA , SO WE BOUGHT A CLEANER , AND IT SEEMED TO WORK BETTER , WE EVENTUALLY BOUGHT A NEW FUEL FILTER, WE WEREN'T AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP. 3RD INCIDENT : BREAKS , VIBRATING , SCREECHING, GRINDING , HAD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED . 400.00 THE CAR HAS TOO MANY PROBLEMS, AND WITH ALL THE RECALLS , I AM NOT SURE WHY IT HASN'T BEEN PULLED OFF THE MARKET , WHEN A BABY TOY IS DEEMED DANGEROUS ,IT IS RECALLED ALL TOGETHER , I WOULD THINK THAT A DEFECTED @ 3000.00 POUND VEHICLE TRAVELING 65 MI PER HOUR , WOULD BE MORE DANGEROUS TO NOT ONLY THE BUYER , BUT INNOCENT BYSTANDERS. THEY NEED TO RECALL THE WHOLE CAR, I AM SO ANGRY OVER THE UNDUE STRESS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THIS VEHICLE!!!! *JB
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2004
I HAVE HAD MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WITHOUT MANY PROBLEMS. I JUST ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, TURNED OFF MY CAR, AND THEN TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN AND COULD NOT GET THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE WHEEL WAS ALSO LOCKED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT WOULD COST $375. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 15, 2004
THREE TIMES ON MY TRIP CROSS-COUNTRY THE IGNITION LOCKED ON MY FOCUS, REFUSING TO ALLOW THE KEY TO TURN TO START THE ENGINE AS WELL AS DISABLING THE STEERING. A HELPFUL AAA SERVICER GOT MY CAR STARTED IN RURAL WYOMING AFTER ALLOWING IT TO ROLL DOWN A HILL, BUT THE SAME TACTIC ON SUBSEQUENT EFFORTS FAILED TO PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULT, AND I ENDED BY HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG "FOCI," ALTHOUGH FORD HAS DECLINED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE IGNITION, WHICH EMPLOYS TUMBLERS THAT ROUTINELY SLIP INSIDE THE IGNITION, STRANDING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS ROADSIDE, SOMETIMES FOR HOURS. FORD HAS APPARENTLY DECLINED TO ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS NOT A "SAFETY ISSUE." I BEG TO DIFFER THAT STRANDING MOTORISTS IS INDEED AN UNSAFE PRACTICE.MY IGNITION IS CURRENTLY BEING REPLACED AND REKEYED AT A COST EXCEEDING $300, AND I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT I WILL EVENTUALLY BE STUCK WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO THE FAULTY DESIGN OF THE IGNITION. I HAVE ALSO BEEN WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION ON THREE OCCASIONS AND EXPERIENCED COSTLY DELAYS IN MY CROSS COUNTRY TRIP.*AK
Suspension, Oct 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IT WAS DISCOVERED THE SUSPENSION WAS DEFECTIVE. THE WHEEL BEARING HAD FAILED. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2004
IGNITION-THE KEY WILL NOT TURN WHEN ENTERED INTO THE IGNITION THE CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD SERVICE DEPARMENT I WAS ADVISED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE CARS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY DENIES TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS RECALL WHICH I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD SINCE THEY ARE HAVING SO MANY OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR.*AK
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2004
AT 77,230 THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS WORN AND ABOUT TO BREAK. ALSO A WEEK OR TWO LATER AT 77,300 MILES THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP THINKS THAT A HOUSING RING CAME LOOSE AND WELDED ON THE CYLINDER. THE ENGINE WAS INSTALLED, BUT DID RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHIPPED TO THE FACTORY FOR FURTHER SERVICE. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2004
UPON TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. IT TOOK THE CONSUMER NUMEROUS TRIES TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Oct 13, 2004
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3, I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN FOR MORE REPAIRS & RECALLS THEN I CAN COUNT. THE MOST RECENT VISIT TO THE DEALER (COLLEY FORD, GLENDORA, CA.) FOR A RECALL (PROGRAM) AND TO HAVE THE BRAKES SERVICED WAS ON 10/02/2004, I WAS TOLD AFTER 3 DAYS THAT THE CLUTCH HAD A BURNT SMELL, THE BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE SPARK PLUG WIRES, SOME HOSE, AND THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS WOULD HAVE TO BE TURNED (THIS IS THE SECOND SET OF ROTORS ON THIS CAR THAT HAS 37000 MILES). PLEASE HELP ME I AM AT THE END OF MY ROPE WITH THIS CAR AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TURN. I CANT WIN WITH THE DEALER OR FORD MOTOR COMPANY..... WHAT SHOULD I DO, WHAT CAN I DO? THE FEALER WILL NOT HELP & FORD WILL NOT HELP. I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THE CAR FIT YET, IM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE DEALER. PLEASE HELP THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME REGARDS JERI WILLIAMS 24/7 (626) 272-9518 . *AK
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Oct 13, 2004
1) STALLING, STUTTERING AND OR SLOW ACCELERATION 2) GAUGES AND LIGHTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE ARE FLUCTUATING AS THEY WISH. HE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES SO THEY COULD DIAGNOSIS AND WORK ON THE PROBLEM. 1ST TIME THERE WAS A RECALL PERFORMED ON THE FDM (FUEL DELIVERY MODULE). 2ND TIME THEY GAVE IT A COMPUTER UPDATE AND THEN ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS BEGAN TO OCCUR. THIRD TIME THEY SENT ME AWAY SAYING THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM. 2 WEEKS LATER WITH ALL THE SYMPTOMS GIVING LOTS OF PROBLEMS (SHUTTERING AND STUTTERING, CAR STALLED MANY TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE ETC.). FINALLY IT QUIT ALL TOGETHER WHEN ELECTRICALLY IT BLEW UP OR SHORTED OUT SOMEWHERE. ALL THE GAUGES WERE FLUCTUATING EMPTY TO FULL,0 TO 100 MPH, AIR BAG ILLUMINATED ETC. CABIN LAMPS WENT CRAZY. THE CAR SMELLED LIKE IT WAS BURNING IN THE CABIN. FOUND NO BURNT OR MELTED WIRES. I CALLED THE DEALER TO GET THEM TO PICK UP THE CAR AND THEY TOLD ME THE BATTERY WENT DEAD. WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT NOW BEING THE FOURTH TIME THEY SAID IT NEEDED NEW SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. I JUST CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT THEY ARE TELLING ME SO I PULLED THIS VEHICLE OUT OF THEIR CARE. *AK
Steering, Oct 13, 2004
WITHIN A 6 DAY PERIOD, OCT 7TH THROUGH OCT.12TH (2004), I EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH MY KEY GETTING STUCK, LOCKED, OR NOT ADMITTED INTO THE KEY IGNITION ENTRY. THE FAILURE TOOK PLACE, MORNING OCT. 12TH, 2004. MY KEY WAS ABLE TO FULLY ENTER KEY IGNITION AREA, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR. THE CONSEQUENCE WAS I HAD NO IMMEDIATE TRANSPORTATION AND WAS BILLED FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART (CYLINDER LOCK) AND LABOR (APPROX. $350.00). THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER LOCK WITH STRATTEC PART NUMBER 707592.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2004
SINCE BUYING THIS CAR IN OCTOBER 2000, I HAVE HAD 4 FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENTS. THE CAR IS NOW ON ITS 5TH FUEL PUMP, AND THE PROBLEM THE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT IS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT IS STILL HAPPENING. THE CAR STILL HAS TROUBLE (ESPECIALLY IN WET OR HUMID WEATHER) WITH SPUTTERING AND JOLTING/SURGING. MOST RECENTLY IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. LUCKILY THE SURGING HAS (OF YET!) NOT CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. RIGHT NOW THE CAR IS IN FOR A TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT (!) WHICH WAS REPLACED INCORRECTLY AND NOW I HAVE CYLINDER HEAD ISSUES.*AK
Suspension, Oct 12, 2004
THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING HAS BROKE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. CONSUMER SAYS THAT FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY, BUT HIS DID NOT COMPLY DUE TO THE YEAR IT WAS BUILT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Structure, Oct 12, 2004
BOTH REAR DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE RUSTED. MY WARRANTY STATES " CORROSION COVERAGE UP TO 5 YEARS, REGARDLESS OF MILES DRIVEN". THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2004
I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 FROM FAIRFAX HONDA, 11050 MAIN STREET, FAIRFAX, VA, 888-455-7291 (SELLER: KAZIM RAZA) ON OCTOBER 5TH, 2004!!! THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT I HAVE A 2 MONTHS WARRANTY ON THE CAR! THIS MORNING I WAS TRYING TO START THE ENGINE BUT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE IGNITION LOCK. I HAVE TRIED TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AND USED BOTH KEYS BUT THE LOCK DOES NOT MOVE. ALSO, BOTH KEYS DONT MOVE SMOOTHLY INTO THE LOCK. I CONTACTED THE DEALER TO REQUEST A TECHNICIAN COME OUT AND CHANGE THE LOCK BUT HE REFUSES TO DO SO. HE IS SAYING THE WARRANTY ONLY APPLIES TO THE ENGINE AND POWER TRAIN. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS LOCK SINCE MY FEAR IS THAT IT MAY LOCK DURING DRIVING WHICH WOULD CAUSE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2004
EVERYTHING WAS GREAT WITH THE CAR UNTIL RECENTLY. CAN INSERT KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT CANNOT TURN THE KEY. I PULL THE KEY IN AND OUT UNTIL SOMETHING CATCHES AND IT WILL FINALLY TURN. SOMETIMES IT TAKES 2 MINUTES, SOMETIMES 30 MINUTES. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2004
2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN, STEERING COLUMN AND IGNITION SWITCH FROZE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN. REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/T158426.HTML FORD SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE IGNITION SWITCHES AS I CAN NO LONGER TRUST THIS VEHICLE TO BE RELIABLE ENOUGH TO TRANSPORT MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER SAFELY. *NM
Electrical system, Equipment, Oct 11, 2004
JUST HAD OUR SECOND $350 IGNITION LOCK REPLACEMENT IN 2000 FORD FOCUS W/ 44000 MILES ON IT. I TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT SARASOTA FORD WHO STATED THAT "HONESTLY, YOU'RE THE FIRST ONE I'VE SEEN". WELL, I'VE BEEN (BELATEDLY) READING THROUGH WEB SITES WITH LOADS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT!!! *NM
Steering, Oct 11, 2004, crash
IN JUNE 2004, I TOOK MY 2000 FORD FOCUS INTO SUNSET FORD IN WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA COMPLAINING ABOUT A VIBRATION AND RATTLE IN THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. THEY CHARGED ME $80 AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. AGAIN, ON AUGUST 12, 2004, I TOOK MY 2000 FORD FOCUS INTO SUNSET FORD COMPLAINING THAT THE VIBRATION AND RATTLE WERE STILL THERE AND GETTING WORSE. THEY AGAIN CHARGED ME $80 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. IN THE EARLY MORNING ON OCTOBER 2, 2004, I STARTED TO SLOWLY ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND MY CAR FOR NO REASON AT ALL TURNED SHARPLY AND STRUCK A CURB. THERE IS NOW MAJOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO MY CAR THAT WILL COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR. I CONTEND THAT THIS MAJOR DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY FORDS NEGLIGENCE IN FINDING THE ORIGINAL MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT I REPORTED TO THEM. I ALSO CONTEND THAT THE SYMPTOMS MY CAR WAS EXHIBITING WERE THE SAME AS DESCRIBED IN YOUR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #02V289000. *NM