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. Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 8, 2003

    IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE I CANNOT LET IT GO BELOW A QUARTER TANK OR THE VEHICLE ACTS LIKE IT'S RUNNING OUT OF GAS. I'VE REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE TO TELL ME WHATS WRONG BUT I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT FROM FORD AS I'VE RESEARCHED AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT ARE THE SAME. HOPING FOR A RECALL......*AK

  2. Electrical system, Sep 5, 2003

    WHEN PLACING THE KEY IN SIDE THE IGNITION VEHICLE FAILED TO ENGAGE. KEY DIDN'T TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN REPAIR SHOP MULTIPLY TIMES. CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE INCIDENT.*AK

  3. Engine and engine cooling, Sep 5, 2003

    CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED OUT ON HIGHWAY 6 TIMES BEGINNING IN MAY 2003, INCLUDING 1 TIME NEEDING TOW. FUEL FILTER REPLACED. ISLAND FORD OF STATEN ISLAND WILL NOT CHECK CAR WITHOUT FEE AS IT WAS "3 DAYS PAST WARRANTY." SERVICED 3 TIMES BY 2 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS WITH ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC CERTIFICATION WITHOUT FINDING PROBLEM. VEHICLE PASSED NYS EMISSIONS RECENTLY.*AK

  4. Air bags, Sep 5, 2003, crash

    FAULTY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN REAR END COLLISION AT 10 MPH. DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SHATTERING WINDSHIELD. ALSO, DRIVER SUFFERS 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS FROM AIRBAG.

  5. Electrical system, Sep 4, 2003

    COULD NOT REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND IGNITION SWITH REPLACED.*AK

  6. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 4, 2003

    2000 FORD FOCUS BOUGHT NEW HAVE HAD BRAKE PROBLUMS SINCE DAY ONE, FRONT BRAKES WEAR OUT PREMATURLY ONCE AT 24000 MILES NOW AT 48000 MILES AND NOW EVEN THE FRONT ROTORS ARE WORN OUT, IT HAS BEEN THE INBOARD PADS THAT GO BAD. ALSO THE REAR BRAKES SQUEAL VERY BADLY AND HAVE SINCE NEW REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITH NO CURE, MY FORD DEALER HAS TOLD ME ALL CARS DO THIS AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, I HAVE SINCE ASKED OTHER FOCUS DRIVES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND MOST SAY THET DON'T HAVE A BRAKE PROBLEM AND HAVE HEARD NO OTHE CAR OF ANY KIND SQUEELING AS MINE DOES IT'S EMBARESSING TO DRIVE AND EVERY ONE LOOKS AT US WHEN EVER WE APPLY THE BRAKES IT'S VERY BAD, THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRENTY BUT FORD WILL NOT ADMIT TO HAVEING A PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, I FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF REGUARDLESS BECAUSE THEY DO HAVE A PROBLEM, I FEEL IT IS BAD ROTORS-STICKING CALIPERS ON THE FRONT AND POSSIBLY A BAD PROPORSHING VALVE AS FOR THE REAR, THE VALVE COULD BE ALSO THE PROBLEM ALONG WITH THE SHOES ALSO, SOMETHING NEEDS DONE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AT TIMES NOT KNOWING WHAT WILL GO WRONG WITH THE BRAKES NEXT OR WHEN, BUT THIS SQUEEL HAS GOT TO STOP!!!*AK

  7. Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Sep 4, 2003, crash

    HAS BEEN TO SHOP FOR 26 DAYS IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS. REPEATED FAILURE OF CLUTCH (MANUAL TRANSMISSION), FAILURE OF BRAKE PADS, RESULTING IN MINOR CRASH. HAVE HAD TO HAD BALL JOINTS REPLACED. CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED FROM ACCERATOR/BRAKE. KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO IGNITION AND RESULTED IN KEY IGNITION SWITCH HAVING TO BE REPLACED. NUMEROUS RECALLS AND TRIPS TO SHOP SINCE BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN AUGUST 2003*AK

  8. Electrical system, Sep 3, 2003

    WENT TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY, CAME OUT TO GO HOME, PUT KEY IN IGNITION, WENT HALF WAY, THOUGHT IT WAS ALARM, DID EVERYTHING TO MOVE THE KEY, NOTHING. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. ADVISED BY SERVICE DEPT, THIS PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTRA CARE, AND NOT COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY OVER 36K MILES. VEHICLE ABOUT 36K MILES. ESTIMATE $500.00. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME VEHICLE IN SHOP. CALLED OUT TO FORD, AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE WITH THEIR CARS, AND THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. FORD DEALERSHIP, SO QUICK TO DEVOUR CUSTOMERS, AND WHEN TROUBLE HAPPENS, CAN'T FIND ANYONE WHO CAN HELP. MY CAR IS NOW SITTING AT THE DEALER, WAITING FOR MY AUTHORIZATION TO PAY $500. TO FIX IT. I AM WITHOUT A CAR. WHAT A NIGHTMARE, I'M JUST GRATEFUL, THIS INCIDENT DID NOT HAPPEN FAR AWAY FROM HOME WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. ANY ADVICE ON GETTING RID OF THIS LEMON WITHOUT BEING A NEGATIVE ON MY CREDIT? WOULD SURE APPRECIATE IT. I DON'T KNOW WHO ELSE TO FURTHER THIS COMPLAINT, IT SEEMS LIKE I'M STUCK WITH IT. PLEASE HELP.*AK

  9. Suspension, Aug 30, 2003

    2000 FORD FOCUS. DRIVING 65 MPH ON FREEWAY. LOUD BANG. CHECKED UNDER VEHICLE, SAW NOTHING. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT DIP ENTERING DRIVE WHEN HORRIBLE NOISE AND GRINDING OCCURRED. SOUNDED LIKE WHEEL WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. AFRAID TO DRIVE. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. RIGHT FRONT SPRING HAD BROKEN. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING BOTH FRONT SPRINGS/STRUTS. THEY MUST KNOW SOMETHING GENERAL PUBLIC DOESN'T. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT RECALLS, THEY SAID FORD HAD HISTORY OF SPRINGS BREAKING AND RECALLS ON WINDSTARS BUT NOT FOCUS. I DON'T BELIEVE IT. HAS TO BE MANUFACTURERS' DEFECT. SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. CAR ONLY 3 YEARS OLD. SITE INDICATES MANY INCIDENTS IN 2003. PROBABLY MANY MORE NOT REPORTED.*AK

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 29, 2003

    BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED AT 27,000 MILES ON MY 2000 FOCUS. THE FORD DEALERSHIP I TAKE MY CAR TO FOR SERVICE SAID THAT REPLACING THE ROTORS ON THIS CAR IS 'NORMAL'. THEY SAID THAT THE ROTORS ARE SOFT AND TEND TO WEAR-OUT FAST AND THAT IS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEY SAID THE FORD ESCAPE HAD THIS ISSUE ALSO. I TOOK MY CAR TO LES SCHWAB FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE A 2 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE BRAKES.*AK

  11. Electrical system, Aug 28, 2003

    IGNITION LOCKED UP AND WON'T START. DEALER STATED THIS PROBLEM WAS COMMON AND CONSUMER SHOULD CONTACT A LOCKSMITH TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK

  12. Visibility, Aug 28, 2003

    A CRACK APPEARED AT THE TOP MIDDLE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND WAS MOVING TOWARDS THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD . THIS CAUSED A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER'S VIEW. *AK

  13. Visibility, Aug 28, 2003

    DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW WOULD STICK IN THE UP OR DOWN POSITION, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2003

    WHILE DRIVING AROUND TURNS VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVEN OCCASIONS AND BUT PROBLEM RECURRED.*AK

  15. Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 28, 2003

    FUEL SUPPLY CUTS OUT AND VEHICLE STALLS WHEN MAKING LONG RIGHT HAND SWEEPER TURNS WITH ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED (WOT) WHEN FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/2 FULL. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY ON-RAMPS WHEN BRISK ACCELERATION IS REQUIRED TO SAFELY MERGE INTO TRAFFIC.

  16. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 27, 2003

    BRAKES SQUEAK, EXCESSIVE BREAK DUST ON THE FRONT WHEELS.*PH THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER, THAT THE BRAKE DUST WAS NORMAL. THE REAR SHOES PAD ASSEMBLIES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. THE LAST TIME THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE LEFT RIGHT EBRAKE CABLE SPRING RETAINER HAD POPPED OUT THE BACKING PLATE WHICH CAUSED THE SHOES TO NOT RETRACT ALL THE WAY. THE DEALER PUT THE RETAINER BACK AND RESET THE HEBRAIC. ALSO THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

  17. Visibility, Aug 27, 2003

    HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 01 V 230 000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

  18. Electrical system, Aug 27, 2003

    CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 02V288000 CONCERNING BATTERY CABLES. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK

  19. Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Aug 27, 2003

    IN JULY I HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED AS THE GUAGE WOULD READ EMPTY WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. TODAY,THE CAR STALLED WHILE I WAS PARKING IT. I SMELLED GASOLINE AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO FIND A LARGE AMOUNT OF GAS LEAKING ALL OVER THE GROUND. I THEN HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER, AS THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRENTY. HOWEVER, BEFORE THE CAR COULD BE TOWED I HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT. AS AAA WILL NOT TOW A CAR LEAKING GAS UNTIL THEY GET AN OK FROM THE FIRE DEPT. *AK

  20. Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 27, 2003

    WHEN MERGING ON I87 WITH MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZTX (52,000 MI) BUCKED / HESITATED SEVERELY WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR DOWN HARD IN AN ATTEMPT TO BRING THE CAR UP TO MERGING SPEED QUICKLY. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BECAUSE DRIVER BEHIND ME DIDN'T EXPECT MY CAR TO SLOW DOWN SO SUDDENLY. VERY DANGEREOUS SITUATION. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, EVERY TIME WHEN CAR WAS UNDER MODERATE TO HEAVY LOAD, WITH 1/4 TANK OF GAS OR LESS. TOOK THE CAR TO FORD. DEALER FOUND FUEL PUMP (INSIDE OF FUEL TANK) CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS. FUEL TANK WAS FLUSHED AND NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED. FUEL TANK SHOULD NOT BE SHEDDING DEBRIS AND FUEL PUMP SHOULD NOT FAIL ON CAR THAT IS ONLY 3 YRS OLD.*AK

  21. Electrical system, Aug 26, 2003

    I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS STZ. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE AND KIDS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE WAS BACK IN I THINK MARCH. THE IGNITION FROZE, LEAVING MY WIFE STRANDED AT WORK AND THE KIDS AT THE BABYSITTER. SHE HAD TO FIND A RIDE TO THE BABYSITTER AND THEN HOME. SHE THEN HAD TO CALL A TOW COMPANY AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO SKYLINE FORD IN SALEM OREGON. SHE WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAVE BEEN QUIET A FEW FOCUS WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE SERVICE TECH KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. WE WERE 100 MILES OVER THE FACTORY WARRANTY!! WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE FAULTY PART. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS IN THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST. WE WENT TO GET ICE CREAM. THE CAR STALLED AS WE WERE LEAVING THE ICE CREAM STORE. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT FINALLY STARTED AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. WE WERE ONLY ABOUT 10 MINUTES FROM HOME. ALL THE WAY HOME THE CAR ACTED LIKE IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. UPON ARRIVING HOME, I OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE WAS MELTED. WE CALLED SKYLINE, WHO COULD NOT GET US IN UNTIL SATURDAY. IT WAS 3 OR 4 DAYS. NOW WE ARE TOLD THAT WE HAVE TO PAY $120 FOR A FAULTY PART!! THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS CAR FOR FAULTY BATTERY CABLES. WE ARE TOLD THAT IF FORD DECIDES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACTUAL CABLE, THEN WE WILL BE REFUNDED THE $120. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!! I WISH THAT I HAD NEVER PURCHASED THIS CAR. IT HAS REALLY HURT MY OPINION OF FORD PRODUCTS. *NLM

  22. Electrical system, Aug 25, 2003

    BATTERY CABLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 02 V 288 000, BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

  23. Fuel system, Other, Aug 25, 2003

    FORD FOCUS 2000-- GAS TANK GETS TO BELOW A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS IT LUNGES AND JERKS. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED . I READ MANY INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS AUTOMOBILE .*AK

  24. Suspension, Equipment, Aug 24, 2003

    THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING FAILED CAUSING SMOKE AND ALMOST A FIRE. I HAD THE RECALL DONE AT TRI COUNTY FORD IN MAULDRAUGH KY, AND THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAD HAPPENED. I WENT TO LES PINKHAM LINCOLN MERCURY AND BOUGHT NEW WHEEL BEARINGS AND HAD MY PERSONAL MECHANIC REPLACE THE BEARING. HE STATED THAT THE BRAKE DRUM AND WHEEL ARE POSSIBLE WARPED AND MIGHT NEED REPLACEING. I ALSO WANT A REFUND ON THE BEARINGS AND LABOR COST FOR THE MECHANIC TO REPLACEMENT OF BEARINGS.*AK

  25. Seats, Aug 24, 2003

    THE FRONT DRIVERS SEATBACK HAS COMPLETELY FAILED: I.E. THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT BACK HAS COLLAPSED WITH NO WARNING, WHILE DRIVING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT! AFTER REVIEWING THE NHTSA LISTING OF CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS I REALIZED THIS IS NOT THE FIRST COMPLAINT OF THIS KIND. *AK