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, Oct 14, 2003

    UPON LEAVING WORK, ENTERED CAR AND INSERTED KEY INTO IGNITION. KEY WOULD NOT TURN. SPENT ABOUT 45 MINUTES JIGGLING AND TAPPING KEY IN ATTEMPTS TO START CAR. THIS WAS IS MY FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE AAA TOW TRUCK DRIVER MADE MENTION OF THE "FAMOUS FORD IGNITION SYSTEM" UPON ARRIVAL AT MY REQUEST. WHEN ASKED WHAT THAT MEANT, HE STATED THAT A NUMBER OF FORD PRODUCTS ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I PAID FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED HOME AS IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, A CO-WORKER INFORMED ME THAT HIS WIFE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER FOCUS TOO. I HAVE ENDURED RECALLS WITH THIS CAR, AND AM SHOCKED THAT AN IGNITION SYSTEM MAY NOT HAVE ISSUES SORTED OUT. IF THIS IS A TREND THAT MERITS AN INVESTIGATION. I HOPE CONSUMERS CAN BE RELIEVED OF MOST OF THEIR REPAIR COSTS. MEANWHILE I PROBABLY HAVE QUITE A REPAIR BILL TO LOOK FORWARD TO. *LA

  2. Suspension, Oct 12, 2003

    CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER ON JUNE 2 AND JUNE 9 BECAUSE SHE HEARD SOME NOISE IN THE FRONT END. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPRING UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER FELLS THAT THE SPRING SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN ON A 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. *AK *TS *NLM

  3. Electrical system, Oct 10, 2003

    IGNITION LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

  4. Fuel system, Other, Oct 10, 2003

    CAR STALLS, OR HAS SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHEN FUEL DROPS BELOW 1/4 TANK. ALMOST HIT BY A SEMI TODAY. *LA

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Oct 10, 2003

    OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS SE WAGON. CAR RUNS ROUGH AT LOW IDLE AND IS STALLING OUT. WE SEE THIS LISTED AS A POSSIBLE INVESTIGATION UNDER INVESTIGATION NUMBER EA02-022. *LA

  6. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 9, 2003

    WHEN SHIFTING IN BETWEEN GEARS VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE SHUT OFF TO STOP. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK

  7. Steering, Electrical system, Oct 9, 2003

    PUT KEY IN IGNITION AND IT WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. STEERING WHEEL AND SHIFT LEVER ARE LOCKED AND VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER WITH WHEELS OFF GROUND. DEALER SAY NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED BUT THIS IS NOT TRUE AS I FOUND SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS WEB SITE. *LA

  8. Electrical system, Oct 8, 2003

    IN APRIL OF 2003, I WENT OUTSIDE TO START MY CAR, THE KEY WENT INTO THE IGNITION AND THE CHIMES SOUNDED (INDICATING ELECTRICAL CONNECTION/ACTIVITY); HOWEVER, MY KEY WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH. I AM BEING CHARGED $273.00 FOR THE PROBLEM, THAT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. IF THERE IS EVER A RECALL OR ANY LEGAL JUSTIFICATION WITH THE "LEMON" PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU. *LA

  9. Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 7, 2003

    DRIVING WITH UNDER HALF A TANK OF GAS DURING RIGHT HAND TURNS CAR ALMOST STALLS AND SLOWS VERY RAPIDLY. BUCKS AND STARVES FOR FUEL AND ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY CAR BEHIND ME. HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON HIGHWAY ON AND OFF RAMPS AND AROUND SHARP RIGHT HAND TURNS. *LA

  10. Electrical system, Oct 6, 2003

    IGNITION CYLINDER LOCKED AT 36,800 MILES. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS AND DRIVEN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES AND NEVER HAS AN IGNITION CYLINDER LOCK. FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE THINGS AND REPAIR THEM WITHOUT CHARGE. *JB

  11. Electrical system, Oct 4, 2003

    IGNITION CORE COMES COMPLETELY OUT WHEN REMOVING KEY. DIFFICULT TO CORRECTLY REALIGN INTO STEERING COLUMN. HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME PROBLEM FROM MULTIPLE CONSUMERS. *JB

  12. Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 3, 2003

    I OWN A 2000 ZX3 FORD FOCUS. WELL THE REASON OF MY COMPLAINT IS WHEN TAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS MY CAR FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL. THIS REALLY SCARES ME CAUSE I'VE ALMOST BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF IT. I HEARD THAT ITS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. BAD THING IS IM 1,000 MILES PASSED MY WARRANTY. *JB

  13. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 2, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME HEADLIGHTS FAILED, ONLY THE HIGH BEAM WORKED. ALSO, THIS VEHICLE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES. DEALER NOT NOTIFIED. VEHICLE'S WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK

  14. Air bags, Oct 1, 2003, crash

    REPORT WRITTEN ABOUT 2000 FORD FOCUS.*MR THERE WAS A THREE CAR ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER DID NOT REMEMBER BEING INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP. *TS IT WAS NOTED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM DID HAVE A PREVIOUS PROBLEM WHERE SEVERAL CONTACT PINS IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN WERE REPLACED. *JB

  15. Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2003

    I HAVE A 2000 FOCUS. I EXPERIANCE HESITATION WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS ABOUT 1/4TH FULL, IT DIED ONCE WHILE TURNING AROUND AN OFFRAMP CLOVERLEAF. ALSO WHEN COMING TO STOPS IT IDLES ROUGH. WHEN STARTING AND WAITING WHILE IN OR OUT OF GEAR, IDLING IS ROUGH. TURNING CORNERS I OCCASIONALY GET CREEKS FROM THE FRONT AND REAR. SOMETIMES I HEAR THUMPS FROM THE REAR WHEN RIDING OVER BUMPS ON OCCASION. I HEAR AND FEEL A GROWL WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING REGARDLESS OF BEING IN OR OUT OF GEAR OR IN OR OUT OF MOTION. IT FEELS MORE PROMINENT WHEN THE TEMP. IS BELOW 60 DEGREES. I CAN FEEL IT VIBRATING IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING AND IT SEEMS TO STOP WHILE TURNING LEFT BUT CONTINUES WHEN THE STEERING REACHES CENTER. WHILE GOING UP OR DOWN INCLINES OR SMALL DEPRESSIONS IN THE ROAD IT BECOMES EVEN MORE NOTICEABLE AND YOU CAN FEEL IT IN THE FLOOR. THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK SOMETIMES CLICKS IN AND OUT OF THE LOCK POSTION ERRATICALLY WHEN THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS HANDLE IS ALSO EXTREMELY TOUGH TO OPEN. SOMETIMES POWER IS LOST TO THE RADIO, I REMOVE THE DETACHABLE ANITI-THEFT PIECE AND REPLACE IT, SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES I NEED TO DO IT NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THE RADIO WILL TURN BACK ON. I HAD EXPERIANCED WARPED ROTORS ON THE FRONT WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT I SWITCHED THEM WITH SLOTTED ROTORS SO I NO LONGER HAVE THIS PROBLEM. MY REAR BRAKE DRUMS ARE STOCK (BUT THE PASDS ARE NOT) AND THEY SQUEAL QUITE FREQUENTLY, POSSIBLY DUE TO EXCESSIVE DUST. I HAD NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK FOR WINDOWS OTHER THAN THE DRIVERS. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED IN ABOUT A YEAR OR 2. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY EXPERIENCED WATER IN THE PASSENGER WELL. LAST, OCCASIONALLY THE TRANSMISSION WILL HESITATE WHILE DRIVING. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, BUT MORE LIKE IT WAS A HUMAN WITH A CLUTHC OUT A BIT WHO CANNOT MAKE UP THEIR MIND ABOUT WHAT GEAR TO USE.

  16. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2003

    THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE KEY FAILED TO GO INTO THE IGNITION. DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. ALSO, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DID NOT CANCEL ONCE THE TURN WAS COMPLETE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. *AK. THE DOME LIGHT FAILED TO COME WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE DEALER REPLACED A BURNED OUT BULB. *JB

  17. Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 1, 2003

    THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THE DEALER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SWITCH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. IN ADDITION TO NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE, THE POWER WINDOWS COULD NOT BE ROLLED DOWN. *AK *NLM *JB

  18. Electrical system, Sep 29, 2003

    UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK

  19. Electrical system, Sep 29, 2003

    KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION. STRANDED. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED

  20. Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 29, 2003

    2000 FORD FOCUS SE/SW WITH AT AND AC STALLS AND OR DIES DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT HIGH OR LOW SPEEDS. ITS A REPEATING OCCURRENCE, AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A SHORT WHILE AND THE ENGINE IS AT ITS NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. WHILE THE ABOVE INCIDENTS TAKE PLACE, THE CARS WARNING SYSTEMS DO NOT INDICATE ANY APPARENT FAILURE OR OVERHEATING.

  21. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 29, 2003

    MY WIFE HAS A 2000 FOCUS FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS WHEN SHE IS DRIVING IT WILL DIE. IT CAN BE RESTARTED QUICKLY BUT IT WILL DIE MULTIPLE TIMES. IT WILL TEND TO RUN ROUGH AS WELL WHEN IT HAS THIS PROBLEM AND WILL HAVE NO POWER. THE PROBLEM NOW HAS BECOME AND ALL THE TIME THING. LAST WEEK AFTER HAVING IT AT THE FORD DEALER A COUPLE OF WEEKS BACK, THEY LEFT ALL THE CONNECTIONS LOOSE AND THE CAR HAD GAS RUNNING OUT EVERY WERE. ALSO HAVE HAD A CODE THAT SAID WE HAD A BAD GAS CAP. WE HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM AND IT DID NO GOOD. FUEL PUMP 2 TIMES, FUEL REGULATOR, FUEL CONTROL MODULE. ALSO CHECKED ALL THE CONNECTIONS AS PER FORD BULLETIN.

  22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Sep 26, 2003

    AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPS GEARS WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK. ALSO, A SQUEAKING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION AND THE BRAKES BUT HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEMS. *AK

  23. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 26, 2003

    WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES. THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

  24. Electrical system, Sep 26, 2003

    DEFECTIVE VEHICLE - NUMEROUS MAJOR PROBLEM AND DEFECTIVE PARTS, RECALLS

  25. Steering, Sep 22, 2003

    KEY CYLINDER LOCK WENT OUT AND CAUSED STEERING WHEEL AND THE KEY NOT TO BE ABLE TO TURN. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM.*AK