2000 Ford Focus

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Electrical system is the leading concern among 3,738 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 3,738

Of the 2000 reports, 252 involved a crash and 127 involved a fire. 158 people were injured and 9 people died.

Primary concernElectrical system1,346 reports · 36% of complaints
Owner complaints3,738Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship18 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system1,346
  2. Engine and engine cooling470
  3. Service brakes414
  4. Fuel system413
  5. Hydraulic399
  6. Suspension386
  7. Gasoline363
  8. Power train220

Recalls and investigations

  1. EquipmentFeb 24, 2012

    RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

    IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.

    Campaign 12E007000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

    DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

    Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008

    K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

    Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

    CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

    Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

    CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

    Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchFeb 1, 2005

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

    IF NOT LATCHED PROPERLY, THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

    DEALERS WILL HAVE A LOWER ROCKER SEAL ADDED TO THE DOOR AND HAVE THE REAR DOOR LATCHES EVALUATED FREE OF CHARGE. A LATCH THAT PASSES THE EVALUATION WILL BE LUBRICATED TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION. A LATCH THAT DOES NOT PASS THE EVALUATION WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A STICKER WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE REAR DOORS ADVISING THE OWNERS TO USE THE RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 05V030000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.

    THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

    THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 03V482000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Steering, linkagesNov 6, 2002

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

    LOOSE PINCH BOLTS COULD EXHIBIT NOISE, VIBRATION AND, IN EXTREME CASES IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, SEPARATION OF THE JOINT OR FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLE PINCH BOLT FOR TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 02V289000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesNov 6, 2002

    CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.

    THIS, IN TURN, COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES TO SHORT RESULTING IN HEAT DAMAGE TO THE CABLES. BESIDES HEAT DAMAGE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO START, OR SMOKE, MELTING, OR FIRE COULD ALSO OCCUR.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLES FOR THE CONDITION OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE TERMINAL ENDS. AS NECESSARY, CABLES WILL BE REROUTED, RETAINING CLIPS INSTALLED, AND DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 02V288000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 29, 2001

    THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.

    THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

    Campaign 01I017000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 8, 2001

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

    LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

    Campaign 01V258000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Seats, front assembly, reclinerDec 14, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.

    IF THE SEAT IS THEN RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT RE-ENGAGING THE HINGE PIVOT, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.

    Campaign 00V418000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Electrical system, wiringDec 6, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DECKLID WIRE HARNESS CAN FATIGUE AND DEVELOP BROKEN WIRES IN THE BEND AREA OF THE WIRE HARNESS.

    THIS COULD RESULT IN EITHER A LOSS OF INDIVIDUAL LAMP FUNCTIONS, OR IN THE CASE OF A SHORT OF THE BROKEN WIRES THAT CAUSES A FUSE TO OPEN, IN THE LOSS OF STOP LAMP OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION. LOSS OF STOP LAMP OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DECKLID WIRE HARNESS.

    Campaign 00V411000 on NHTSA.gov

  15. Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsOct 12, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR WHEEL HUB RETAINING NUTS CAN LOOSEN AND ALLOW THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

    THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND INSTALL A REAR WHEEL RETENTION CAP TO PREVENT LEFT REAR WHEEL SEPARATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 00V303000 on NHTSA.gov

  16. Vehicle speed control, cablesOct 12, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. A SPEED CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE A CORE WIRE THAT IS LONG ENOUGH TO CATCH ON THE SLEEVE AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE CABLE DURING WIDE-OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION.

    A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED VEHICLE CONTROL AND, POTENTIALLY, A VEHICLE CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

    Campaign 00V302000 on NHTSA.gov

  17. Structure, frame and membersAug 11, 2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE RESULTANT HIC(D) VALUE AT ONE TARGET LOCATION AP1, LOCATED ON THE TRIM PANEL AT THE JUNCTURE OF THE A-PILLAR AND ROOF SIDE RAIL, MAY BE GREATER THAN DESIGN INTENT.

    IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT CONTACTING THAT LOCATION MAY NOT BE PROVIDED THE INTERIOR IMPACT PROTECTION INTENDED.

    DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE B-PILLAR AND A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS, REVISE THE HEADLINER EDGE NEAR THE TOPS OF THE A-PILLARS TO ACCEPT THE NEW A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS WITH THEIR ENERGY ABSORBING TUBES, AND INSTALL THE NEW A-PILLAR AND THE OLD B-PILLAR TRIM PANELS.

    Campaign 00V218000 on NHTSA.gov

  18. Vehicle speed controlDec 3, 1999

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE END FITTING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO ASSEMBLY. IF THIS OCCURS, CORROSION IN THE SERVO ASSEMBLY COULD DEVELOP AND CAUSE INTERMITTENT SPEED CONTROL OPERATION OR PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.

    A THROTTLE THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE (WITH A NEW CABLE THAT INCORPORATES A GLASS-FILLED END CAP) AND INSPECT THE ASSEMBLY FOR INTERNAL CORROSION. SERVOS WITH EVIDENCE OF CORROSION WILL ALSO BE REPLACED. OWNERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE SPEED CONTROL UNTIL THE VEHICLES ARE REPAIRED.

    Campaign 99V346000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

3,738 reports, newest first.

  1. Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 25, 2010

    MY YEAR 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING SOME IGNITION ISSUES. I COULD PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY THE CASE IF THE WHEEL WAS LOCKED. USUALLY AFTER SOME JIGGLING OF THE KEY IT WOULD TURN AND I COULD START THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS IN AUGUST OF 2004. IT BEGAN TO HAPPEN ABOUT TWICE A MONTH. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN FIX THE ISSUE, BY RE-MAKING THE KEY AND PROGRAMMING THE NOW THE KEY WON'T TURN AT ALL. IN SHOPPING AROUND DEALERSHIPS THEY BELIEVE THE PRICE WILL BE AROUND $300 IF THE CYLINDER IS NOT DAMAGED (BY THEIR OWN KEY?) FOR $500, PLUS THE COST TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THEM SO THEY CAN PROGRAM THE KEY. A LOCAL LOCKSMITH HAS TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS. IF SO, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED? *TR

  2. Fuel system, Other, Jun 11, 2010

    I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS SE SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM LESS THE 105 THOUSAND MILES 8TH DIGIT ON VIN IS P A CODE CAME UP P1233 ( FUELPUMP DRIVER MODULE OFFLINE) THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL CAUSE THE CAR WILL STALL GOING 75 DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND EVEN IN TOWN AND WE HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN INTO SEVERAL CRASHES PLUS WENT OFF THE ROAD TRYING TO GET THE CAR IN THE BREAK DOWN LANE,THE CAR WILL GIVE NO WARNING BEFORE IT STALLS-IT'LL START BACK UP ONLY TO HAPPEN AGAIN DOWN THE ROAD WE HAVE CHANGED ( FUEL PUMP AND FILTER/ CONVERTER AND O2 SENSOR/AIR FLOW/COOLANT TEMP SENSOR. THIS IS A VERY HIGH RISK FOR CRASHES AND DEATHS. WE ORDERED A NEW FPDM BUT IT'S ON BACK ORDER TILL JULY 5TH 2010 OR POSSIBLY LONGER. *TR

  3. Suspension, Jun 10, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND SUDDENLY THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COLLAPSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH CAUTION TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING AND STRUT. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO REPLACED BOTH OF THE FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES. RECENTLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE BOTH FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR COIL SPRING WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE COIL SPRING AND CONTROL ARM WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.

  4. Electrical system, Jun 6, 2010

    2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION DOESN'T WORK. KEY WON'T TURN IN IGNITION. *TR

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE ENGINE WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, May 30, 2010

    I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD WITH MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZTS. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET AND FORD NEEDS TO REIMBURSE ALL OWNERS... MY ENGINE IS NOW CUTTING OFF WITH NO WARNING AT ANY SPEED AND I AM AFRAID FOR NOT ONLY MY OWN LIFE BUT MY 7 YEAR OLD AND NEWBORN DAUGHTERS AS WELL.... CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND AFTER ALL THE PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS SUCH AS OVERHEATING, SMOKING ENGINE, FRIED FUEL SYSTEM, VALVES, SENSORS, RESISTORS, MOTORS, HOSES, WIRES, FUSES, COOLING/HEATING, DOOR LATCHES AND THIS CAR PRACTICALLY SPEEDING UP ON ITS OWN AND NOT STOPPING... I FEEL SOMEONE NEEDS TO HELP US ALL.... PLEASE... I AM BEGGING!!!! *TR

  7. Electrical system, Equipment, May 26, 2010

    THERE ARE NO INDICATORS THAT THE PROBLEM IS ABOUT TO OCCUR. KEY STUCK IN IGNITION OF 2000 FORD FOCUS. REPAIRED ONCE ALREADY. PROBLEM OCCURRING AGAIN. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME AFTER BEING STRANDED WHEN THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. INITIAL REPAIR BILL WAS AROUND $400. *TR

  8. Electrical system, May 26, 2010

    I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS. IN 2003 WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THE IGNITION LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T TURN THE KEY. THAT HAPPENED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHILE GETTING OTHER RECALLED PARTS REPLACED. YESTERDAY 5-25-10 AT 9:00PM I RETURNED TO MY CAR AND THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED UP AND I COULDN'T TURN THE KEY. FORD REFUSES TO COVER IT AS DEFECT EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND IT LEFT ME STRANDED AT NIGHT TIME. *TR

  9. Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, May 16, 2010

    DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN A SUBDIVISION AT ABOUT 20 MPH, TURNED, AND HEARD A CRACKING SOUND FROM LEFT FRONT TIRE. STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO LOOK = LEFT FRONT SPRING COIL WAS BROKEN. I DRIVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS. HAVE ALSO HAD TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM - KEY NOT TURNING IN TUMBLER - AND WITH THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. LAST CONTACTED RECALL FROM FORD DEALERSHIP WAS FOR "WIPER MOTOR IN 2001." *TR

  10. Electrical system, May 3, 2010

    I HAVE OWNED A 2000 FORD FOCUS FOR OVER 9 YEARS. I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITIONS INSTALLED IN THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT THE MECHANICS AWAITING A 4TH. AS A SINGLE WOMAN, I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I DON'T KNOW WHERE OR WHEN THIS IGNITION WILL LOCK UP AND LEAVE ME STRANDED. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AFTER INSERTED IN THE IGNITION. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK IF TURNED AND TOWTRUCK MUST BE CALLED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE. THE FIRST TIME WAS AT NIGHT AFTER A BABY SHOWER, LUCKILY FRIENDS WERE NEAR TO HELP ME. ANOTHER TIME IT WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AFTER WORK, I HAD TO WALK SEVERAL BLOCKS TO REACH A PHONE TO CALL FOR HELP. THE THIRD TIME WAS LATE AT NIGHT ON A CITY STREET...AGAIN I HAD TO WALK A COUPLE OF BLOCKS IN BELOW FREEZING WEATHER TO REACH A PHONE. AND NOW THIS TIME I RECOGNIZED THE "SYMPTOMS" AND WAS ABLE TO REACH A GARAGE BEFORE I WAS STRANDED. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WILL SHOW YOU THAT MANY FORD FOCUS OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED FORDS ALL MY LIFE, BUT THIS WILL BE MY LAST. I SHIVER TO THINK OF WHERE I MIGHT BE SOMEDAY WHEN IT DECIDES TO QUIT WORKING...AGAIN. I WILL LIST THE LAST INCIDENT DATE AT THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR SO FAR DATING BACK SIX YEARS. *TR

  11. Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 30, 2010, crash

    DRIVING DOWN ROAD AFTER HEAVY RAIN, ROADS WET, RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, SUN CAME OUT GLARE OFF STREET. CAR TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY TO TURN LEFT. CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I SAW THE CARS STOP AND THOUGHT I HAD ENOUGH ROOM TO STOP, BUT STREETS WERE STILL WET AND MY TIRES LOCKED GOING 25MPH 2 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND CAR AND I SKIDDED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. LITTLE TO NO DAMAGE DOWN TO REAR BUMPER OR MY FRONT BUMPER HOWEVER, MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SHATTERING MY WINDOW AND LOCKED MY SEAT BELT. CAUSING $800 IN PARTS DAMAGE NOT INCLUDING LABOR. FIRST TIME HAVING PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, WILL HAVE INSURANCE REPAIR MY CAR/AIRBAG/SEAT BELT, WINDOW, CAUSING MY INSURANCE TO GO UP. I HAD CHAIR POSITIONED ALL THE WAY BACK SO THE AIRBAG DID NOT HIT ME OR PROTECT ME FROM INJURY (I'M LUCKY I DID NOT HAVE BREATHING PROBLEMS FROM AIRBAG SMOKE THOUGH) I WAS PROBABLY GOING 15MPH WHEN I HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE, IF THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF I WOULD HAVE AFFORDABLE INSURANCE AND AN EXTRA $1000 TO MY NAME. BE CAREFUL!!!! *TR

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 28, 2010

    ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER AND SURGING. I LOST POWER AND WAS ESCORTED OFF THE HIGHWAY BY A SHERIFF DEPUTY . *TR

  13. Electrical system, Apr 25, 2010

    2000 FORD FOCUS SE WAGON KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND DOES NOT TURN LEAVING THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGERS STRANDED. *TR

  14. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 21, 2010

    ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS, THE CAR DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN BRAKING. MOST OF THE TIME THIS OCCURS WHEN EXITING FROM A HIGHWAY BUT LATELY HAS BEEN OCCURRING ON SIDE STREETS. ABNORMALLY HARD BRAKE PRESSURE IS REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND ONCE I HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE TO RETURN TO SLOW IDLE. DEALER CLAIMED TO BE UNABLE TO FIND OR REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

  15. Electrical system, Apr 14, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOCKED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ONE ADDITIONAL TIME FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 233,000.

  16. Wheels, Apr 8, 2010, fire

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SHE HEARD A NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. SHE PULLED OVER BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. SHE SMELLED SMOKE BUT THERE WAS NONE VISIBLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE WHEEL. THE TIRE BEARING AND DRUM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKE PADS ALSO BURNED AS WELL. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL 00V303000 (WHEELS: LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS) WHICH SEEMED TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000. UPDATED 05/18/10. *LJ

  17. Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 29, 2010

    I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2008 SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS STALLED OUT ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS. I HAVE REPLACED THE WIRES AND PLUGS TWICE, HAD THE FUEL INJECTORS FLUSHED OUT AND HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR MANY DAYS HAVING TO LEAVE IT WITH THE MECHANIC TO TRY AND SOLVE THIS MYSTERY. IT WASN'T UNTIL LAST WEEK THAT WE BECAME AWARE THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS RECALLED. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL MODULAR SYSTEM, PUMP AND FILTER. SO FAR THIS HAS RESOLVED THE ISSUE. NEEDLESS TO SAY OVER THE PAST YEAR OF HAVING THIS PROBLEM, I HAVE SPENT CLOSE TO $2000 IN REPAIRS FOR JUST THIS ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO HAD 2 WHEELS FALL OFF OF THE CAR DUE TO THE LOWER ARM CONTROL SNAPPING ONLY TO FIND OUT WHEN I HAD THOSE REPLACED THAT THE OTHER 2 WOULD BE DOING THE SAME THING WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS SO OF COURSE I HAD TO REPLACE THOSE AS WELL. NEXT IS MY BRAKES TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE SQUEALING NOISE THEY ARE MAKING EVERYTIME I STOP THE CAR. I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS CAR AND I THINK IT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THAT THESE ARE NOT SAFETY RECALLS. HAVING THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY ON QUITE A FEW OCCASSIONS AND WHEELS FALLING OFF OF THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS, I'M LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND THEN I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THESE REPAIRS OUT OF MY POCKET WHICH IS JUST INSULT TO INJURY. IF THERE IS A WAY TO BE REIMBURST FOR SOME OF MY EXPENSIVES THAT I'VE PAID JUST TO FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR I'D LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT DOING SO.

  18. Electrical system, Mar 14, 2010

    FORD FOCUS 2000. 63,000 MILES. KEY WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY INTO IGNITION (ORIGINAL KEY) ALSO TRIED SECOND KEY (ORIGINAL KEY, NOT USED MUCH). FORTUNATELY, CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. IGNITION REPLACED. THERE HAD BEEN NO INDICATION OF A PENDING PROBLEM. *TR

  19. Electrical system, Mar 5, 2010

    THE IGNITION KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. TO START THE CAR. FORD FOCUS 2000. *TR

  20. Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 4, 2010

    KEY WILL NOT TURN TO ON POSITION. *TR

  21. Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE BEYOND THE SET SPEED, UP TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TURNING THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, PULLED THE THROTTLE CABLE BACK AND FORTH TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WERE TWO RECALLS REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND THE THROTTLE WIRE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

  22. Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2010

    POSSIBLE THROTTLE LINKAGE STICKING. I HAVE OWNED A 2000 MODEL YEAR FORD FOCUS, FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 YRS. IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 3 OCCURRENCES WHERE THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION REMAINS AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR COMPLETELY, I HAVE RECURRED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND PUMP THE PEDAL, THIS HAS SOLVED IT SO FAR, BUT I WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED SOON. *TR

  23. Electrical system, Feb 22, 2010

    I DRIVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS. I WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE WORK AFTER MY SHIFT AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO START MY FORD FOCUS. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS ISSUE IS COMMON WITH THE FOCUS AND THAT FORD HAS STILL NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR FIXED THE ISSUE. AS WE SPEAK, A LOCKSMITH IS HAVING TO REMOVE THE IGNITION AND REPLACE IT. IT IS GOING TO COST ME CLOSE TO $300. I AM FORTUNATE THAT I WAS SOMEWHERE SAFE WITH CELL PHONE SERVICE. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ANY OTHER TIME, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WITH NO CELL PHONE SERVICE AND NO HOPE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATORY FOR FORD. *TR

  24. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2010

    I WENT TO START MY 2000 FORD FOCUS AFTER THE BIG SNOW STORM TO BE SURE IT STARTED AND IT DID, I LET IT RUN FOR A WHILE AND WHEN I SHUT IT OFF AND TAKE THE KEY OUT IT WAS STUCK, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET BECAUSE FRANKLY I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP SINKING INTO THIS LOUSY CAR. *TR

  25. Electrical system, Feb 2, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 HATCH BACK. SHE STATED THE FACTORY KEY FOR THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER GAVE HER A SECOND KEY THAT ALSO DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO PLACE THE OLD KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE MOMENTARILY THEN REMOVING IT, AND REPLACING IT WITH THE NEW KEY. THE KEY FAILED TO TURN THE IGNITION ON. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 106,000.