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.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
ON OCTOBER 10TH 2003 I WAS DRIVING IN THE FORD FOCUS 2000 WAGON FROM NEW YORK CITY TO CLEVELAND, OH, ABOUT 500 MILES. IT DROVE WELL FOR ABOUT 300 MILES, BUT STARTED TO CHOKE AND SPUTTER ON HILLS, LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO STALL. I WAS HOPING I WOULD MAKE IT TO CLEVELAND FOR REPAIRS, BUT IT STALLED OUT ON ME GOING 65 MILES AN HOUR 60 MILES OUTSIDE OF CLEVELAND. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART, AND LIMPED INTO THE NEAREST TOWN AND FOUND A FORD DEALER IN ASHTABULA OH. HE SAID IT WAS THE FUEL FILTER AND REPAIRED IT. IT DROVE FINE FOR THE REST OF JOURNEY INTO CLEVELAND. BUT I THEN HEADED TO NEW YORK CITY A FEW DAYS LATER, AND AGAIN AFTER 200 MILES, IT STARTED SPUTTERING ON HILLS. THEN OUTSIDE OF BINGHAMTON, NY IT STALLED AGAIN. I AGAIN RESTARTED, AND TERRIFIED OF A FATAL ACCIDENT, I CALLED FOR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE FROM VERIZON WIRELESS. THEY GOT A TOW TRUCK TO GET ME TO A GARAGE, BUT THEY WERE CLOSED. THE NEXT MORNING, I WAITED FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR THE CAR, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE STALLING PROBLEM. I DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY INTO NEW YORK CITY TERRIFIED, AND ALMOST STALLED OUT AT THE FOOT FO THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE. IT WAS AFTER 5:00 PM SO THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM. SO I AM PLANNING TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. BUT THEY SAID THAT UNLESS THEY CAN SEE THE PROBLEM, THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I ALSO CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, AND THERE IS AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AT NHTSA. I AM HOPING TO GET BY UNDER THE LEMON LAW IN NY, BUT FEAR THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL CLAIM THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY COMPLAINT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
THE FORD FOCUS WE PURCHASED HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NOW FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME PART TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION/KEY PROBLEM HAS BECOME AN ISSUE AS THE LAST HEAD MECHANIC STATED TO MY HUSBAND FORD WOULD NO LONGER REPLACE THE PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT UNDER THE INITIAL WARRANTY. WE DISAGREE BECAUSE IT IS A FORD DEFECTIVE PART THAT THEY PUT IN NEW AND HAS FAILED NOW FOUR TIMES. I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH THE REPAIR "ADVISOR" OF THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE HAD THE WORK DONE FOR THE PAST THREE REPAIRS. THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS HAVE OCCURRED: AUGUST 02 INSTALLED NEW LOCK CYLINDER AND REKEYED APRIL 03 INSTALLED NEW TUMBLER SEPTEMBER 03 REPLACE KEY SWITCH THE ABOVE DETAILS I HAVE TAKEN FROM THE INVOICE COPIES THAT I HAVE. HE EXPLAINED THE TOTAL COST INCLUDING TOWING AMOUNTS TO APPROXIMATELY $300.00. NOW LOOKING AT THESE REPAIRS, ALTHOUGH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE KEY/IGNITION OCCURS, IT SEEMS THEY ARE REPLACING DIFFERENT PARTS. HE IS CONFIDENT THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED AND SHOULD NOT REOCCUR....I HOPE HE IS RIGHT! THEY HAVE PAID THE TOTAL COSTS OF THESE REPAIRS AND HAVE ALSO PAID FOR TOWING OF THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THIS OCCURS AGAIN, HE STATED THEY WILL BE UNABLE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AS THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY COULD DO.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
AT 148 MILES TOLD FORD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH TRANS, DID NOT BELIEVE ROAD TESTED FRO 2 MILES AND HAD CAR FOR DAY AND A HALF. SAID THEY DESIGNED TRANS TO SLIP. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT IN THAT CONDITION AND REPEATEDLY CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK AND QUESTIONED DEALERS ABOUT SLIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY. TO SAY THE LEAST TRANS REPLACED. TRIM AND OTHER ITEMS FALLING OFF CAR AND FROD WOULD NOT REPLACE. MORE BRAKE JOBS THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT. JUST GOT DONE PUTTING 600.00 INTO IT WHEN ENGINE THREW ROD AND NOW HAS TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF 3,700.00. FORD MADE A BAD CAR ND THEY KNOW IT , BUT WILL LEAVE US FOCUS OWNERS OUT TO HANG.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 15, 2004
HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST THAT COATS ON THE WHEELS,ESPECIALLY THE FRONT WHEELS,I NEVER WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR.IN ORDER FOR THIS CAR TO LOOK DECENT I HAVE TO GET ON THE GROUND ON MY HANDS AND KNEES USING A SOLVENT AND WATER ALONG WITH A LOT OF ELBOW GREASE AND A BRUSH AND SPONGE AND LITERALLY CLEAN THESE WHEELS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK.A SIMPLE DRIVE THROUGH A CAR WASH WILL NOT CLEAN THIS BRAKE DUST ADEQUATELY.I HAVE CALLED FORD THREE TIMES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS COMPLAINING THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND OF COURSE THEY DENY IT!THE LAST CALL I MADE A CONSUMER REP FROM FORD READ FROM A BULLETIN THAT THEY PUT OUT INSTRUCTING OWNERS AS TO HOW TO CLEAN OFF THE BRAKE DUST.IF THERE WAS NOT A DEFECT WHY ARE THEY PUTTING IT IN BLACK AND WHITE TO BE READ? I AM DISGUSTED WITH THEIR ATTITUDE AND WOULD LIKE TO RETURN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT FEEL FRUSTRATED THAT THEY WILL ONLY "LAUGH"AT ME.ANY ADVICE?I WILL GLADLY TAKE PART IN ANY CLASS ACTION THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF???
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Tires, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
PURCHASED FORD FOCUS SE IN MAY OF 2002 WITH 13,260 MILES. WE DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE WE COULD NOT AFFORD. SOON AFTER BRINGING THE CAR HOME, WE NOTICED THE TIRE WAS VERY WOBBLY, AND THE BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING--TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THESE CARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR BRAKE NOISE, AS FOR THE TIRE NOTHING IS WRONG-THE SERVICE DEPT. TEST DROVE AND DIDN'T NOTICE A THING. HAVE TAKEN IT IN SEVERAL OTHER TIMES AFTER THAT FOR WOBBLY TIRE-STILL SAME ANSWER NOTHING IS WRONG. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SEVERAL RECALLS. KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP-BUT THE NEXT TIME MY TEENAGED DAUGHTER DROVE THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STUCK WHEN SHE WAS TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION-HAD IT TOWED AGAIN, THERE WAS A PIECE OF MATERIAL (FROM THEM FIXING THE IGNITION PROBLEM) THAT WAS STUCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN. OUR LATEST EPISODE WITH THIS CAR IS OUR TRIP FROM WA-VIRGINIA. THE CAR WAS FINE ON THE WAY THERE, EXCEPT FOR THE WOBBLE IN THE TIRE IN WHICH WE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED YET AGAIN. BUT ON OUR WAY BACK WE STARTED EXPERIENCING SPUTTERING AND SURGING OF THE CAR, WE WOULD PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD EVERY 20 MILES (THINKING IT WAS FROM THE HOT WEATHER), WE WOULD GET ANOTHER 20 MILES IN AND SAME THING UNTIL FINALLY WE DROVE THROUGH CHICAGO, IL AND IT WAS WORSE, SO WE PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ON TO AN ON RAMP--WALKED ACROSS THE HIGHWAY TO USE A BUSINESS'S TELEPHONE TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. THEY FOUND US A TOW TRUCK BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT WASN'T A KING CAB, SO OUR INSURANCE CO., CALLED US A CAB. THE TOW TRUCK TOOK US TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER--THE CAR HOWEVER SEEMED TO RUNNING FINE, SO WE DECIDED TO DRIVE SOME MORE. WE GOT ABOUT 15 MILES DOWN THE ROAD AND SPUTTERING AGAIN, SO WE CALLED FOR ANOTHER TOW--AND IN THE MEANTIME WE CALLED FIRESTONE, WE DROVE IT THERE, THE SERVICEMAN DROVE THE CAR AND FELT WHAT IT WAS DOING AND SAID HE DIDN'T NEED TO HOOK IT UP TO ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Visibility, Wheels, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER PURCHASE. SUDDENLY IN AUGUST, ALL POWER SYSTEMS/COMPUTER TYPE ITEMS BEGAN TO FAIL -- POWER LOCKS, TRUNK RELEASE. THEN, CAR BEGAN (AND STILL DOES) TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE WHEN STOPPED/IDLE UNTIL IT WOULD SHUTDOWN. ALSO, THE RADIO/CD PLAYER WOULD SHUT OFF. CHECKED FOR TSBS FOR THE VEHICLE MODEL & YEAR AND FOUND AT LEAST 15. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER (WORLD FORD SANDY SPRINGS) WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY ARE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. ONLY OFFICIAL FORD RECALL NOTICES, NOT EVEN NTSA RECALL NOTICES, WOULD BE HONORED. ON TOP OF THIS, WE WOULD BE EXPECTED TO PAY $90 PER COMPLAINT BATCH (THE TSB LIST WAS BATCHED IN TO 3 MAIN AREAS)FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES AND IF ANY OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED TO A RECALL, THE $90 WOULD BE REFUNDED AS APPLICABLE. I EXPRESSED THAT IF FORD ISSUED A TSB AND THE NTSA ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE, THEN I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE CAR WORKED ON.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE STALLS THEN RESTARTS. OCCURS UNDER ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS. OCCURS IN WARMER WEATHER VS WINTER. DEALERS TEND TO INDICATE FUEL PUMP OVER HEATING AS PROBLEM. FUEL PUMP IS IN GAS TANK COOLED BY 12+ GALLONS OF FUEL. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS RIGHT LONG SIDE FUEL TANK. FUEL TANK HAS TEMP INSULATION ON SIDE THAT FAVORS FUEL TANK. THE MASS OF THE FUEL TANK HAS TO EXCEED OPERATIONAL TEMP SPEC OF FUEL PUMP TO CONTRIBUTE TO ANOMALY.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
LET'S SEE, WHERE SHALL I BEGIN. WITHIN MONTH OR TWO OF PURCHASE OF 2000 FOCUS SEDAN IT WAS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE FRONT A PANEL TRIM. IT TOOK 3 TIMES TO FINALLY GET THAT RIGHT. ALSO LESS THAN 5 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A STRESS FRACTURE (WAS A 1-1.5 HAIRLINE CRACK WHICH APPEARED IN WINDSHIELD). THE WINDSHIELD HAS SINCE BEEN REPLACED AGAIN. WHILE ADJUSTING THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AROUND THE BASE, APPARENTLY FROM SLIGHT PRESSURE OF MIRROR. AND JUST RECENTLY, AUGUST 2003, I'VE NOTICED WATER DROPS FLYING UP FROM ABOVE THE DASHBOARD. NOT SURE IF WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING AROUND THE BOTTOM BASE OR MAYBE A.C. HAVEN'T HAD IT CHECKED YET, BUT IT WILL BE IN THE SHOP THIS WEEK FOR OTHER PROBLEMS I HAVEN'T MENTIONED YET. IT WAS IN SHOP IN LATE 2001 OR EARLY 2002 FOR THROTTLE PROBLEMS. WHILE THE CAR WAS SITTING STILL THE ENGINE WOULD RACE BETWEEN 2.5 AND 3000 RPMS. FORTUNATELY I NEVER USED THE CRUISE CONTROL DURING THAT TIME. LATE 2002 THE TRUNK LOCK MECHANISM APPARENTLY BROKE PREVENTING THE TRUNK FROM SHUTTING PROPERLY. IT WOULDN'T LATCH AT ALL. I HAVE YET TO HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR COVER RECALL FIXED. AND ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE FUEL GAUGE HAS READ EMPTY, NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE IN THE TANK. AND JUST WHEN YOU THINK NOTHING ELSE CAN GO WRONG, IT HAPPENS. ME AND MY WIFE WERE SHOPPING THIS MORNING ON LABOR DAY SATURDAY. WE GOT IN THE CAR AND I WENT TO START IT. MY KEY SOMEHOW WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION COMPLETELY, NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED. WE EVENTUALLY CALL OUR TRIPLE AAA INSURANCE AND ARRANGE FOR A LOCKSMITH TO COME AND TAKE A LOOK. HE LOOKS AT IT A SECOND AND DECLARES WHAT WE FEAR THE WORST. OUR FOCUS IS THE 7TH FOCUS THIS MONTH HE HAS SEEN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BY FORD. I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD.
Steering, Air bags, Jan 15, 2004, crash
AT THE END OF FEBRUARY I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE STEERING LOCKING UP MY FORD HAS NEVER RAN THE SAME SINCE OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER SENT A MECHANIC OUT TO DO A REPORT ON MY VEHICLE AND NOTHING WAS EVER RESOLVED NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS CAR THAT SEEMS TO BE THE NEXT FORD JOKE. I HAVE MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS SINCE THE ACCIDENT AND THANKS TO A POSSIBLE STEERING KNUCKLE PROBLEM IN WHICH WAS WORKED ON PREVIOUSLY TO THE ACCIDENT IT LOOKS LIKE FORD REALLY SHOULD CONSIDER SELLING TO A REPUTABLE COMPANY.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
FLANGE BRAKAGE ON THE EGR VALVE ASSEMBLY. THE PIPE BREAKS AT THE FLANGE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE SIDE OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. CAUSEING A SPUTTING SOUND AND EMITTING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE AUTOMOBILE. IT ALSO CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH (3) SENSORS. I CALLED THE SERVICE AND PARTS DEPARTMENT AT THREE LOCAL DEALERS AND WAS TOLD BY ALL THREE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PART BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. SO I HAD TO HAVE A NEW ONE INSTALLED WITH A ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON THE PART. BUT IF THIS IS COMMON WHATS TO SAY AFTER A YEAR IT WILL BREAK AGAIN? THE PART IS NOT WELL MADE AS IT'S MADE OUT OF COPPER WITH A SMALL WELD AT THE FLANGE. I HAVE BEEN TO OTHER FOCUS OWNERS GROUP SITES AND FOUND SEVERAL HAD SEEN THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD BE THANKFUL FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS MATTER. JOHN GARNER
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
I NOW HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC THINKS IT IS A FILTER OR SWITCH THAT KEEPS THE OIL LEVEL IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN TURNING RIGHT. MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHEN I MAKE RIGHT TURNS. I HAVE SPENT WAY TOO MUCH MONEY AND STILL OWE ON THIS CAR..FRANKLY I WOULD LIKE TO TURN IT IN! HAS LOT OF REPAIR NEEDS TOO MUCH MONEY. I HAD ALL OF THE RECALL WORK DONE ALSO
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
WHILE COMING HOME FROM A HOUSE WARMING IN TUCSON, AZ ON 06/21/03 ME, MY 2 NIECES,AND MY DAUGHTER WERE ON THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY COMING OUT OF TUCSON WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER, THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN TO ABOUT 25 MPH WE HAD TO CROSS 3 LANES TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY WITH OTHER CARS COMING AT 65 TO 70 MPH WE ALMOST GOT HIT ON THE LAST LANE BEFORE EXITING THE FREEWAY. THE CAR THEN SPUTTERED THE REST OF THE WAY OFF THE FREEWAY. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE WE WERE ABLE TO START IT AGAIN. AND CONTINUE HOME BUT WE USED FRONTAGE RD ALL THE WAY. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT ON THE FREEWAY ANYMORE. SOMETIMES IT DOES WANT TO START AT ALL. THE DOOR ON PASSANGER SIDE ALSO DOESN'T UNLOCK WITH POWER BUTTON. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WITH BATTERY LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT. I FEEL SOMEONE WILL EVENTUALLY BE SERIOULY INJURED UNLESS THEY FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG HERE.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jan 15, 2004
NOV 2002 TOOK TO DEALER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM, TOLD THEM IT WAS SLUGGISH AND GAS GUAGE DIDN'T ALWAYS REGISTER. I THOUGHT AT THAT TIME IT WAS MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD NOTHING WRONG, COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. TOOK TO NEIGHBORHOOD DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM REPLACED FUEL FILTER. HAD ALL THIS WORK BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN FEB 2003. NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT POSSIBLE FUEL PUMP. JUNE 27TH STARTED CAR AND ENGINE DIED. IT THEN WOULDN'T START AGAIN FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. I TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD FORD DEALERSHIP. WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND STRONGLY SUGGEST NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL REPAIR. SO THE CAR WAS LEFT THERE FOR REPAIRS. AFTER LISTEN TO THE SERVICE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP, IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. I STARTED TO INVESIGATE THIS MYSELF AND FIND 67 CASES LISTED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THE COMMON STATEMENT WAS THAT THE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE DIES OUT. ON CAR HITTING A PARK VEHICLE AND SEVERAL NEAR MISSES ON THE HIGHWAY. 2000 FORD FOCUS ENGINE SPUTTERS AND THEN STALLS AT HIGH SPEEDS. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE HEARD AND READ HUNDRED IF NOT THOUSANDS OF THESE FUEL PUMP FAILURES AND AFTER MANY NICE BUT INEFFECTIVE ANSWERS FROM FORD I FEEL THAT SOMEONE WILL BE INJURED SERIOUSLY OR DIE TO THESE FAULTY AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS FUEL SYSTEMS. MY DEALERSHIP PREVIOUSLY WORKED ON THIS TELLING ME FUEL FILTER AND I FEEL KNOW WELL IT WAS MORE AND LIKE THE FUEL PUMP. IT SEEM THAT THE GAS GUAGE NOT REGISTERING IS A CLEAR SIGN OF PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP.
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 15, 2004
THE COMPLAINT DEALS WITH THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR LOCK.I TOOK IT INTO MCCOTTER FORD WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM.THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER $300 TO FIX IT AND THIS IS WITH THE EXPENSIVE WARRANTY PACKAGE. WE COULD NOT AFORD THIS,SO MY WIFE AND KIDS ARE DRIVING AROUND IN A CAR THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR THAT CANNOT BE OPENED. THIS CANNOT BE SAFE, WHAT CAN WE DO.THE CAR HAD BETWEEN 50 AND 60 THOUSAND MILES ON IT,THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM IS IN TITUSVILLE FLORIDA. THIS OCCURED IN 2002
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Wheels, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
EXTREME AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS AND RECALLS, VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE. IN ADDITION TO LISTED PROBLEMS, SEVERE REAR TIRE CUPPING AT 7000 MILES, MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO LOOSE REAR WHEEL BEARING. POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE LEAKING, A/C STILL NOT FIXED CORRECTLY COLD LASTED FOR ABOUT A MONTH DRIVERS DOOR LOCK WONT LOCK INTERM. REAR TRUNK LATCH WONT RELEASE FROM INSIDE CAR. FUEL GAUGE ERRATIC, CAUSED DRIVER TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON A BRIDGE. MAF SENSOR FAILURE, CAUSED DRIVER TO BE LIMITED TO 15 MPH ON FREEWAY TILL NEXT EXIT. VHEICLES RADIO STUCK ON WITH KEY REMOVED CAUSING BATTERY DRAIN---HAPPENED TWICE AND WAS FIXED. VEHICLE IS A LEASE DUE BACK FOR RETURN IN AUGUST. CANT WAIT TO BE RID OF THIS HEADACHE BUT FEEL SORRY FOR WHOEVER BUYS IT... I WOULD STILL LIKE FORD MOTOR CO TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE LEASE PAYMENTS MADE FOR THE AMOUNT OF DOWNTIME AND TIME VEHICLE SPENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS......THANKYOU
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
THE KEY SWITCH KEEPS LOCKING UP AND YOU CAN NOT TURN THE KEY. IT HAS TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR SHOP FOR REPAIR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES AND THE DEALER COVERED THE FIRST 2, AND I PAID FOR THE NEXT 3.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
PROBLEM STARTED IN MID-FEBRUARY 2003. WHEN THE FAN SPEED LEVEL FOR THE HEAT IS TURNED TO THE 3RD POSITION THE FAN NOISE DROPS DOWN & THEN A VERY ACRID BURNING ODOR IS EMITTED. CAN NOT PUT THE LEVEL HIGHER THAN THE 2ND LEVEL DUE TO THE BURNING (WIRE?) ODOR AND CONCERNED THAT A WIRE IS BURNING. OUR MECHANIC TOLD US THAT WE NEEDED A NEW HEATER SWITCH WHICH HE PROCEEDED TO ORDER BUT WAS TOLD BY A FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THE ITEM IS BACKORDERED DUE TO A HIGH DEMAND FOR THIS PART. WE STILL DON'T HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED YET & NOW AM CONCERNED ABOUT USE OF THE AIR CONDITIONER. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A FORD DEALER WHO SAYS THERE ISN'T A RECALL OR TSB, I HAVE CALLED THE NHTSA, & I'VE CHECKED THE ALLDATA.COM WEBSITE WITH NO LUCK. I SUPPOSE, GIVEN THE PROBLEMS WE CONTINUE TO HAVE WITH THE REAR TIRES, THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED A MINOR PROBLEM, HOWEVER I DON'T THINK SO. MY ONLY OTHER COMMENT IS THAT I DEFINITELY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED DUE TO THE VIBRATION OF THE WHEELS & HOW WOBBLY THEY FEEL. WE HAVE TO REPLACE TIRES OFTEN BECAUSE THEY CUP. ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME OR ANY DIRECTION YOU CAN POINT BE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
THE TUMBLERS IN MY IGNITION FAILED AND THERE WERE 4 OTHER FORD FOCUSES THAT HAS BEEN TOWED IN TO A FORD PLACE FOR THE SAME REASON. THE KEY WON'T GO ALL THE WAY INTO THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LOCK AND KEY SYSTEM IN MY CAR. I FEEL LIKE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE CARS INGNITION SWITCHES FOR THE TUMBLERS FAILED .. MY BATTERY CABLE STILL GET CORRODED AND I THOUGHT THEY RECALLED THOSE AS WELL BUT THEY DON'T LOOK CHANGED AT ALL. I RECENTLY BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND THE CAR SHAKES A LOT NOW THAN BEFORE. IN MY OPINION, THIS CAR IS NOTHING MORE THAN A PIECE OF CRAP. I'VE ONLY HAD IT 3 YEARS AND IT DRIVES LIKE I'VE HAD IT 10 YEARS. MY MOM HAS A BRAND NEW SUV BOUGHT IT THE SAME YEAR I BOUGHT MINE. HERS HAS MORE MILES THAN MINE DOES AND HERS IS DOING FINE.
Air bags, Jan 15, 2004, crash
I HAVE HAD A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE AT STAN MORRI FORD IN TRACY, CA AND THOUGHT OTHERS SHOULD KNOW OF MY PLIGHT (AND PERHAPS THIS WOULD MAKE A COMPELLING CONSUMER AFFAIRS STORY). A FEW WEEKS AGO, I WAS COMMUTING IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ON I580 WHEN, FOR NO REASON, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY. I WAS THROWN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CAR, THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE AND I WAS "MOVED" ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC TO LAND IN A SHALLOW DITCH JUST EAST OF THE SANTA RITA ROAD EXIT. AFTER REGAINING MY COMPOSURE AND COUNTING MY BLESSINGS MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR, I WAITED FOR THE SMOKE TO CLEAR AND FINISHED MY DRIVE HOME, SHAKEN, CONFUSED AND VERY RATTLED. UPON MY ARRIVAL HOME, I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY (AAA) AND STAN MORRI FORD. AAA OPENED A CLAIM, BUT COULD DO NOTHING AS THERE HAD BEEN NO REAL ACCIDENT. GARY RIGGS (SERVICE MANAGER AT STAN MORRI FORD) ASKED ME TO COME IN. OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS, STAN MORRI FORD (IN CONJUNCTION WITH FORD CORPORATE) HAS INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE. THEIR FINDINGS, BASED ON DATA FROM THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER, WAS THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN "INVOLVED IN A LATERAL COLLISION" AND BOTH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND STAN MORRI FORD HAVE DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND REFUSE TO HELP ME. PICTURES TAKEN BY MYSELF AND AAA CLEARLY SHOW NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR. OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, I HAVE PURCHASED FOUR DIFFERENT CARS FROM STAN MORRI FORD. AS A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER, I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED BETTER TREATMENT. I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE "SUE-HAPPY" PEOPLE. I EXPLAINED TO EVERYONE INVOLVED THAT I SIMPLY WANTED OUT OF THE CAR, AS IT WAS NOT SAFE; I WOULD NEVER HAVE MY KIDS OR WIFE IN THERE AGAIN. EVEN IN THE FACE OF THE CONFIRMED PROBLEMS AND VARIOUS RECALLS ON THE FOCUS, THEY WILL STILL NOT ASSIST ME. (FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE DIRECT YOUR BROWSER TO: HTTP://WWW.AUTOSAFETY.ORG/PRESSRELEASES/FORDFOCUS.HTM )
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
I PURCHASED A 2000 FOCUS SE ON JUNE 5, 2001 WITH 23,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY 3YR./36,000.I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE API COMPANY AT THE COST OF $1,069 TO COVER 6YR./60,000.I THOUGHT I'D BE PROTECTED. WRONG ! THE VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD HORRENDOUS BRAKE DUST BUT THE WORST WAS YET TO COME. IN DECEMBER 2002, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING AND BEGAN TO NOTICE A ROUGH IDLE. WELL, IT'S COLD IN BUFFALO, NY SO WE THOUGHT IT JUST NEEDED MORE TIME TO WARM UP. BY EARLY MARCH WE EXPERIENCED STALLING PROBLEMS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. AFTER STALLING AT 45MPH WE HAD ENOUGH. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO BASIL FORD. WITH ONLY 32,000 MILES ON IT WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS CRACKED AND THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY RAN OUT ON 1/29/03. FORD WANTED ABOUT $1,700.00 TO REPLACE IT. WELL, WE THOUGHT IF FORD WOULDN'T COVER THE REPAIR THAT THE API EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD. ANOTHER ERROR IN JUDGMENT ! API SAID THERE WAS CARBON IN THE CYLINDER AND THEY WOULDN'T COVER. FINALLY, AFTER THREATS TO LEAVE THE CAR AT THE DEALER OR SEEK LEGAL ADVICE TO REMEDY, BASIL REPLACED THE CYLINDER HEAD FOR $400.00. WHO EVER HEARD OF A CRACKED HEAD AT 32,000 MILES ? WE HAD ONLY PUT ABOUT 10,000 MILES ON IT ! ALSO THE KEYLESS ENTRY ON THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD ONLY WORK ON OCCASION AND THE KEY NEVER DID WORK ON THE TRUNK (TOLD THE LOCK NEEDED REPLACEMENT) WHICH WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IF WE WANTED FIXED. SINCE THE INSPECTION WAS COMING UP IN JUNE 2003 AND THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WOULD PROBABLY NEED REPLACEMENT JUST LIKE ALL FOCUS'S DO, WE TRADED IN THE CAR TO AVOID THE MONEY TRAP. THAT CAR WAS THE WORST HUNK OF JUNK I'VE EVER HEARD OF! I PAID $10,500.00 FOR THE CAR IN JUNE 2001 WITH 23,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD A HARD TIME GETTING $5,000.00 AS A TRADE WITH 33,000 MILES IN MAY 2003 ! IT WAS THE BIGGEST RIP OFF OF MY LIFE ALSO I LOST OUT WHEN I CASHED IN THE WORTHLESS API WARRANTY.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE STALL FOR NO REASON. WHEN WE ARE AT 1/4 OF A TANK OR AT 1/2 A TANK THE ENGINE WILL SPUTTER OR STALL FOR NO REASON.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004
THIS IS A COPY OF THE LETTER I SENT TO FORD PRESTIGE FORD GARLAND TX ATTN: [XXX] DEAR [XXX] RE: FORD FOCUS 2000 VEHICLE ID# [XXX] I BECAME A CUSTOMER OF PRESTIGE FORD 5 YEARS AGO WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY 98 ESCORT. I WAS PLEASED WITH THE CAR, NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITHIN THE 2 YEARS I HAD IT ONLY THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. FEB 28TH 2000 I MADE THE STUPIDEST DECISION IN MY LIFE TO TRADE IT FOR A BRAND NEW FOCUS 2000 -I WAS IMPRESSED OF THE REVIEWS OF BEING THE EUROPEAN CAR OF THE YEAR IN 1999. WELL DURING THIS 3 YEARS I HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AND I JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER SAFETY RECALL. I DON'T EVEN REMEMBER HOW MANY TIMES I'VE TAKEN MY CAR BACK TO FORD FOR SAFETY RECALLS DURING THE LAST 3 YEARS. IN 3 YEARS I HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES 3 TIMES (THAT'S ACTUALLY ONCE A YEAR) REPLACE ROTORS TWICE SOMETHING GOT MESSED UP LAST AUGUST WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THE STARTER I HAD TO HAVE THAT FIXED. THERE'S ALWAYS NOISE WITH THE BRAKES, I ASKED SEVERAL TIMES AND ALL YOUR STAFF OR THE ONE ON 75 CAN TELL ME IS A "KNOWN PROBLEM" FIRST IT WAS "METAL BRAKES" NO PROBLEM THAT'S NORMAL AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS YOU CHANGED IT TO A "KNOWN PROBLEM"??? I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW MY DISAPPOINTMENT ABOUT THIS STUPID CAR, I SURE DID MADE A BIG MISTAKE WHEN I DECIDED TO BUY IT. ALSO I BOUGHT EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THAT REALLY SEEMS NOT TO BE A BIG BENEFIT SINCE IT HASN'T HELPED A BIT, I STILL HAD TO PAY FOR ALL THIS REPAIRS. AS FAR AS I KNOW THIS ARE THE KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, SO TELL ME AM I SUPPOSED TO BE A HAPPY CAMPER?? I'M A SINGLE MOTHER, I MAKE MY PAYMENTS ON TIME, I DON'T HAVE THE TIME AND THE MONEY TO KEEP SPENDING IN A CAR THAT WILL BE PAID OFF IN A COUPLE OF YEARS AND THEN I WILL BE LEFT WITH A BIG PEACE OF JUNK. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN I CAN TAKE MY CAR TO GET FIXED AGAIN. VERY UNHAPPY CUSTOMER [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Jan 15, 2004
I DRIVE 25000 MILES A YEAR TO AND FROM WORK APPROXIMTLY 115 MILES A DAY AND 70% OF THAT IS ON OPEN INTERSTATE HIWAY. STOP AND GO IS LESS THAN 20 MILES A DAY. TIRES COMPLETELY WORE OUT AT 41000 MILES. TIRES STARTED HUMMING AT 10 TO 15000 MILES. I CONSTLY COMPLAINED ABOUT FRONT END AND TIRE NOISE. I PUT A SET OF GOODYEAR AQUATRED TIRES ON AT 41476 MILES. THEY ALSO STARTED HUMMING, SO THE FRONT END WAS LINED UP. THIS DID NOT STOP THE TIRES FROM HUMMING. NOW CAR HAS 80000 MILES, TIRES ARE SCARMING GO DOWN THE ROAD FAST OR SLOW. FRONTEND SUSPENSION HAS BEEN MAKING CLANKING OR THUD TYPE NOISE. JUST RECENTLY TURING LEFT GETING OFF INTERSTATE IT FELLES LIKE THE RIGHT FRONT IS CHANGING GEOMITRY. CAR TURNS LEFT VILENTLY - MUST CORECT STERING. THIS WILL HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS CAR IS EXTMLY DANGERAS. WHEN DRIVEN ON ICE AND SNOW, IT WILL BRAKE LOSE WHEN GOING STARIGHT FOR NO REASON AND START TO SPIN OUT. BRAKES WORE OUT AT 45000 MILES. $400 TO FIX FRONT BRAKES ONLY. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO PUT BRAKES AND TIRES ON A CAR AT LESS THAN 50000 MILES. MORE LIKE 65 TO 75000 MILES.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Tires, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004
CAR IS ONLY 2YRS,8MO. HAVE CURRENTLY EXPENDED OVER $4000.00 ON REPAIRS. PROBLEM WITH SEALS ALLOWING FUMES IN CAR FROM OTHER VEHICLES RUNNING BESIDE MINE. THE NOISE AND WIND SHEAR LEVEL IS VERY UNSATISFACTORY. SQUEAL NOISE AND THUMPING FEELING FROM PRESSING ON BRAKE PEDAL. HESITATION ON ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC FLOW. POOR QUALITY ON PARTS AND WORKMANSHIP FROM MANUFACTURER
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 15, 2004
SINCE AT LEAST APRIL 2003 THE BACK RIGHT PASSAGNER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT RISE OR LOWER NOR WILL THE LOCK ON THE DOOR LOCK FROM THAT SEATING POSITION. THE DRIVER ONLY CAN DO IT. WHILE IN NM DRIVING FROM KY TO AZ, MY 2000 SE BEGAN TO LOSE ENGINE POWER. AS I DROVE AT 70 MPH THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL, AS IF NO GAS WAS GETTING THROUGH THE ENGINE AND THE CAR BEGAN TO DIE. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR UPWARDS OF 2 HOURS, START THE CAR AGAIN AND DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES FROM NM TO AZ; OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I CALLED THE 1800 FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD SINCE MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT SEND A TOW FOR ME. A COMMERCIAL TRUCKER WAS NICE ENOUGH TO FOLLOW ME TO THE NEXT TOWN TO A FORD DEALER. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO LOOK AT MY CAR THE NEXT DAY AROUND NOON, AS HE HAD 6 OTHER FOCUS OWNERS IN HIS SHOP WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AND HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I DECIDED TO PRESS ON TO AZ WHILE DRIVING UNDER 55 MPH ON I-10. THE CAR SAT IN MY GARAGE FOR 3 WEEKS BEFORE I DROVE IT AGAIN. IT IS STILL DOING IT'S DRIVE AND DIE AND I AM CONCERNED NOW MORE THAN EVER WITH THE NUMBER OF RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE WHAT THE DEAL IS.