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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2004
FRONT BRAKE AND ROTOR REPLACEMENT AT 25,000 MILE SERVICE, NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2004
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2004
THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AFTER PULLING IT OUT OF IGNITION. IT WAS BELOW ZERO THAT DAY. IT WAS NIGHT TIME AND I WAS STRANDED SEVERAL MILES FROM MY HOME. I CALLED HOME TO HAVE THE SPARE SENT ALONG WITH A RIDE AND THE SPARE WOULD NOT WORK EITHER. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR WHERE IT WAS FOR 2 DAYS UNTIL I COULD PAY A LOCKSMITH TO PUT IN A NEW IGNITION SWITCH (KEYED AND INSTALLED). *JB
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2004
I PLACED MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN TO THE START POSITION.*AK
Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 4, 2004
I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN. THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. I READ ON A FORD FOCUS FORUM ONLINE THAT SEVERAL OTHER FOCUS OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM AND ONE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HIT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO GET IT STARTED. I HAD TO RESULT TO DOING THE SAME AND IT WORKED. THE OTHER PROBLEM NOW IS THAT MY KEY IS NOW STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT COME OUT. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $380+ AND THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS IGNITION LOCK PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE HAPPENED ANYWHERE. THANK GOODNESS IT HAPPENED AT HOME CLOSE TO INTERNET RESOURCES. OTHERWISE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED SOMEWHERE WITH 3 YOUNG CHILDREN AND NO MEANS OF STARTING MY CAR.*AK
Air bags, Feb 2, 2004, crash
THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 45 MPH, HOWEVER THE VEHICLES FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 30, 2004
THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. *LA WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE DIED AND THE BATTERY, ENGINE, AND OIL LIGHT WAS PRESENT. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2004
IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 29, 2004
WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT FRONT ROTORS WERE WEARING OUT. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2004
ON AN EXTREMELY COLD DAY I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OF MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS. I HAD TO CONTACT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER IN TURN REPLACED THE FAULTY IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 29, 2004
AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (UNIVERSITY FORD) TO HAVE SERVICE DONE, AND ALSO TO INQUIRE ABOUT HAVING THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THAT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION MY CAR HAS DEMONSTRATED THE SYMPTOMS INDICATED IN THE LETTER I RECEIVED FROM FORD, AND THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A TIME TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED. UPON SPEAKING WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL, AND THEREFORE THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. AFTER PLAYING PHONE TAG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR ABOUT A WEEK, I FINALLY SPOKE WITH HIM TONIGHT, AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING, THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO VALIDATE MY CLAIM, EVEN THOUGH I HAD ALREADY SPOKEN WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS SERVICE SHOULD BE DONE WITHOUT ANY FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2004
IGNITION LOCK HAS BROKEN TWICE, STRANDING ME AND REQUIRING A TOW TO THE DEALER AND OVER $300 IN REPAIR COSTS.A SEARCH OF THE WEB SHOWS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE ON 2000 AND 2001 FORD FOCUS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Tires, Jan 28, 2004
I BOUGHT MY FOCUS IN 2000. SINCE THEN I HAVE SUFFERED 2 BLOWOUTS THAT NEITHER FORD OR FIRESTONE WOULD FIX. I'VE HAD BRAKE PADS REPLACED ONCE AND NOW HAVE TO HAVE BRAKEPADS AND ROTOR REPLACED. SOMETIMES THE KEY WON'T TURN THE IGNITION. AND OF COURSE THIS MORNING (ONE OF THE COLDEST DAYS WE'VE HAD) SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG WITH THE HEATER. *AK
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 28, 2004
THE "SECURIKEY" IGNITION CYLINDER IS SUBJECT TO REPEATED FAILURES. INITIALLY THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL IS "WIGGLED." THEN AFTER A TIME, THE UNIT FAILS COMPLETELY. THIS DOES POSE A PROBLEM WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER A "PANIC STOP," WHERE THE ENGINE STALL/STOPS. ESPECIALLY UN-NERVING IN TRAFFICE. 1ST FAILURE 9/30/2001 AT 18,990 MILES. LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. 2ND COMPLETE FAILURE 1/9/2004 AT 49,400 MILES. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND I AM RETURNING IT TO THE FORD SERVICE SHOP FOR ANOTHER REPAIR. THE MANAGER OF THE SAME SHOP STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR, 2000 FORD FOCUS, BUT THAT ONE REPLACEMENT USUALLY FIXES THE PROBLEM. I SUSPECT THERE ARE NO RETURN VISITS SINCE THE PRUDENT CONSUMER WOULD PROBABLY DUMP THE VEHICLE IN FAVOR OF A MORE RELIABLE AUTO.*AK
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Seat belts, Structure, Jan 27, 2004
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED TWO DEFECTS WITH HER VEHICLE. *PH THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS PLACED IN BACKWARDS PER MANUFACTURER, THE VOLUME ON THE RADIO INCREASED AND DECREASED WITHOUT CONTROL, THE GEAR STICK SLID OFF THE POST, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN GOING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE POWER KNOB TO THE RADIO WOULD BECOME STICKY WHENEVER THE SUN WAS PRESENT, THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN, THE IGNITION SWITCH JAMMED TWICE, THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION, AND THE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTER DID NOT EXIST. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED COMPENSATION. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2004
WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE MECHANIC INDICATED THE TIMING BELT WAS BROKE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 27, 2004
I CAN NO LONGER DEFEND THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY FROM THE MONIKER "FIX OR REPAIR DAILY" CROWD. I AM THE UNHAPPY OWNER OF A 2000 FOCUS WHO WILL NO LONGER CHAMPION THE FORD BRAND. I COMMUTE APPROXIMATELY 130 MILES DAILY - MOSTLY HIGHWAY AND HAVE HAD MULTIPLE "NEAR MISSES" DUE TO THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. I HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED BEFORE THE "SILENT" RECALL AND AM NOW AGAIN EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AT HIGHWAY SPEED THAT FORD WILLFULLY KNOWS ARE DANGEROUS TO THE MOTORING PUBLIC. MY LOCAL DEALER - DON SEELYE FORD OF KALAMAZOO, MI HAS NO SYMPATHY - IS ONLY WILLING TO REPLACE THE 2ND DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WHEN THE "NEW AND IMPROVED" PART IS AVAILABLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2004. IN THE MEANTIME - I AND THOSE AROUND ME ON THE HIGHWAY ARE AT SERIOUS RISK - ALL WITH FORD'S BLESSING. I CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER AND MET WITH INDIFFERENCE TO THIS ISSUE. THEY RECORDED MY COMPLAINT, OFFERED NO SOLUTION THAN TO TAKE MY LIFE (AND OTHERS) AT RISK BY CONTINUING TO DRIVE THEIR FAULTY VEHICLE. THE SERVICE CENTER REPRESENTATIVE WOULD NOT (OR COULD NOT) TELL ME WHETHER THIS "SILENT" RECALL WAS AN NHSTA RECALL THAT FELL UNDER THE "SAFETY ACT" - WHICH WOULD MANDATE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION WITH THE FULL FORCE OF FEDERAL LAW. I READ WITH AMAZEMENT AND ASTONISHMENT THE ARTICLE IN THE BLUE OVAL NEWS DATED NOV. 19, 2003 BY ROBERT LANE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN DETROIT, MI AND HAVE SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE AND CONTINUE TO WORK FOR THIS COMPANY WITH PRIDE. NO LONGER. I HAVE PURCHASED 3 NEW FORD VEHICLES IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, AM IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW VEHICLE AND WILL NOT BE LOOKING AT ANY FORD PRODUCTS. I AM THE HEAD OF A 3 CAR FAMILY - WITH 2 TEENAGERS - ONE OF DRIVING AGE. NO ONE IN MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY WILL BE PURCHASING, DRIVING OR RIDING IN A FORD VEHICLE IN MY LIFETIME. AND THAT LIFETIME MAY BE CUT SHORT DUE TO FORD'S DECISION IN RELATION TO THIS ISSUE. GOD HELP THEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2004
TIMING BELT BROKE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BELT TENSIONER BEARING, CAUSING ENGINE TO STOP, VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AND TIMING BELT AND BELT TENSIONER ASSEMBLY WERE REPLACED. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 39,324 MILES. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 26, 2004
THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PERFORM RECALL 03V482000 UNTIL THE CONSUMER REPAIRS THEIR ENGINE. THE RECALL SYMPTOMS HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED WHICH LEAD TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2004
2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3. 111,000 MILES. COULD NOT GET KEY TO GO INTO IGNITION SMOOTHLY. WHEN I FINALLY DID, IT WOULD NOT TURN. FINALLY GOT STARTED AND HAD DEALER REPAIR. DEALER REPLACED IGNITION LOCK. SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THIS WAS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND SUGGESTED I CONTACT FORD. SAME NIGHT, NEW LOCK ALSO FAILED. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE A SECOND TIME. FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP ME RECOVER REPAIR EXPENSE. INTERNET SEARCHES CLEARLY IDENTIFY THIS AS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND FAILURES AS EARLY AS 10 TO 15 THOUSAND MILES. FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR THIS KNOWN DEFECT JUST AS THEY DID WITH THE FUEL PUMP ON THIS SAME MODEL. *LA
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2004
I HAVE BEEN HAVING CONSISTENT DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH/ IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER ON MY 200 FORD FOCUS. SOMETIMES THE KEY WILL NOT GO IN ALL THE WAY, OTHER TIMES IT WILL NOT TURN. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO BE STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. I WENT TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED TONS OF THEM. ALSO, THIS IS CLEARLY A COMMON PROBLEM WHEN RESEARCHING IT ONLINE AND AT VARIOUS NEWSGROUPS. *LA
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Jan 23, 2004
DEFECTIVE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR. *PH DURING THE INSPECTION THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY. OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE'S TRUNK LATCH BROKE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWICE, THE CD PLAYER BECAME INOPERATIVE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 23, 2004
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OR RUNNING, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS DID NOT UNLOCK. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2004
THE DRIVER PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWO TIMES, POWER LOCKS WERE INOPERATIVE, ALARM WAS INOPERATIVE, TRUNK INOPERATIVE, AND THE WINDOW(S) WERE HARD TO CLOSE (MUST BE FORCED DOWN 3-4 TIMES). *SC *JB
Equipment, Jan 23, 2004
THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT FAILED, WATER DRAINED IN THE CABIN FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, MOLD STARTED TO DEVELOP ON THE CARPET, WHICH MADE THE OCCUPANTS SICK. THE DEALERSHIP HAD BLOWN OUT THE PIPES, BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINED. *AK *SC *JB