Owners have filed 5,152 complaints
about the 2000 Ford Focus with NHTSA between 1999 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Focus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 72
13.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 37
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Ignition
53829.3%
Switch
47625.9%
Fuel Pump
1819.9%
Gasoline
1709.3%
Engine
1478.0%
Latch
1146.2%
Frontal
1146.2%
Automatic Transmission
955.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
402.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
391.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1527.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
54926.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
54526.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
35117.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
29814.6%
150,000+ miles
653.2%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2000 Ford Focus 4-DR.
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2000 Ford Focus 2-DR.
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 1999peak 289Feb 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Ford Focus
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
AQ10001Opened 18 Nov 2010Closed 28 Dec 2015UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this...
EA04023Opened 18 Aug 2004Closed 4 Feb 2005LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
REAR DOOR LATCH FAILURE
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON APRIL 8, 2004 AS PE04-033 AND UPGRADED ON AUGUST 18, 2004 TO EA04-023.THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE REAR DOOR LATCHES FAILED TO KEEP THE DOORS IN A CLOSED POSITION, RESULTING IN REAR DOORS COMING OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE BEING DRIVEN.SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT AT TIMESA REAR DOOR, OR DOORS, COULD BE DIFFICULT TO CLOSE.OTHERS REPORTED THAT CORROSION OF THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM CAUSED BINDING OF THE LATCH.FORD HAS IDENTIFIED A CONDITION OF CORROSION IN THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT PREVENTS PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE DOOR LATCH CA...
PE04033Opened 8 Apr 2004Closed 20 Aug 2004LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
REAR DOOR LATCH FAILURE
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON APRIL 8, 2004, BASED ON 17 REPORTS THAT ONE OR BOTH REAR DOOR LATCHES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE DOORS WERE DIFFICULT TO CLOSEAND THAT THE DOOR LATCHES WOULD NOT REMAIN LATCHED WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE BEING DRIVEN, RESULTING IN A DOOR COMING OPEN.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT CORROSION OF THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM CAUSED BINDING OF THE LATCH.FORD'S RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION INFORMATION REQUEST PROVIDED 19 CONSUMER REPORTS AND 28 WARRANTY CLAIMS ATTRIBUTED TO THE DOOR LATCH WHERE THE DOORS CAME OPEN WHILE...
EA02022Opened 9 Sep 2002Closed 16 Jan 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE STALLING
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CON...
EA02023Opened 9 Sep 2002Closed 19 Feb 2003SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
FRONT SUSP COLLAPSE/WHEEL SEPARATION
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA02017Opened 16 Aug 2002Closed 15 Aug 2003AIR BAGS
BURN INJURIES DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
ALL OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGE AN INCIDENT IN WHICH DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG CAUSED SOME TYPE OF BURN INJURY.MOST OF THESE INJURIES ARE DUE TO CONTACT AND/OR ABRASION WITH THE AIR BAG AND ARE OF RELATIVELY MINOR TO MODERATE SEVERITY.IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME DRIVERS MAY HAVE SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO THE SKIN AS A RESULT OF HOT GASES EXHAUSTING FROM THE VENTS OF THE AIR BAGS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, BUT THE NUMBER OF SUCH INCIDENTS APPEARS TO BE LOW.FURTHER DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION ARE CONTAINED IN SUBSEQUENT PAGES OF THIS REPORT.BASED ON THE ABOVE, FURTHER EXPENDITU...
EA02014Opened 31 Jul 2002Closed 13 Nov 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
PE02044Opened 1 May 2002Closed 9 Sep 2002SUSPENSION
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM
Recalls on the 2000 Ford Focus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
12E007000
EQUIPMENT
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.
Risk: 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.
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V030000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
Risk: 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.
03V482000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2005025152,181 units in Canada
Other
Certain four door (sedan and wagon) and five door vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario may have faulty rear door latches. Corrosion build-up at the pawl pivot area of the latch can cause the latch to bind. The owner 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. Correction: Dealers will inspect the rear door latches. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced.
Recall 200221474,213 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, insufficient clamp load at the attachment of the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle may result in separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud. If this should occur while the vehicle is in motion, loss of vehicle control may result. Correction: Dealers will verify the torque of the steering knuckle pinch bolt and tighten as necessary.
Recall 200221341,068 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with a Zetec engine, the battery cable insulation could be damaged due to loose or broken attachments and/or misrouted battery cables. This in turn may cause the battery cables to short resulting in heat damage. The check engine light being illuminated or the engine failing to start are some of the possible symptoms however, smoke, melting or fire may also occur. Correction: Dealers will inspect the condition or the battery cable insulation for proper torque at the terminal ends. Cables will be rerouted, retaining clips installed and damaged battery cables replaced as necessary.
Recall 200120483,005 units in Canada
Other
Certain 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, smoke or, potentially, 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. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash. Correction: 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.
Recall 20003029,815 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the decklid wiring harness may fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the wire harness in the grommet on the decklid. This may occur due to a rigid vinyl sleeve that is located at the bend point. Broken wires could result in either a loss of individual lamp functions, or in the case of a short that causes a fuse to open, in the loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function. Correction: Decklid wire harness will be replaced with a wire harness that has a longer, more flexible sleeve.
Recall 200030520,777 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain station wagons and 3 door vehicles come equipped with a folding 60/40 second seat that becomes a load floor in the folded position. When the 60% portion of the seat is folded, if 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. Correction: Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge.
Recall 20002464,349 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles have a speed control cable that may 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. If this occurs, the throttle may stick and not return to idle when the accelerator is released. A stuck throttle could result in result in reduced vehicle control and a possible crash. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and speed control cable will be replaced if necessary.
Recall 200024536,012 units in Canada
Suspension
Certain vehicles may have rear wheel hubs that could loosen and allow the left rear wheel and brake drum assembly to separate from the vehicle. Separation of a rear wheel and brake drum could result in reduced vehicle control and a possible crash. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, rear wheel hub and bearing assembly will be replaced. In addition, a redundant left rear wheel retention device will be added to the left rear spindle.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesBelcamp, MDFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER RESTARTING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE WHERE THE BATTERY WAS CONNECTED. AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD ITS BATTERY REPLACED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE BATTERY CABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10864169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesCarlinville, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE FACILITY AND THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #10786291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesNorth Olmsted, OHFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND HEAVY SMOKE APPEARED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND JUMPED OUT. THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE ENGINE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10783298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,620 milesArnold, MOCrash
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE TURNING AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE SPPEDING. PER INSURANCE COMPANY, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PAID FOR REPAIRS, THEN REALIZED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10690185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,450 milesGreenbay, WIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AS IT FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,450.
NHTSA complaint #10689638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesLansing, MIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SMOKE EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE INITIATED AT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. UPDATED 2/24/15*CN UPDATED 9/11/2017
NHTSA complaint #10668652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 202,000 milesMechanicsville, MD
WHEELS:HUB
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the road. The contact allowed the vehicle to sit for several minutes and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side rear-wheel bearing, and a failed brake drum. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear-wheel bearing, and brake drum needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that within a week the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times, and two times the vehicle had to be towed. The contact stated that a local dealer owner went to the residence and inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side wheel had a lot of play. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooks, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I've been experiencing an electrical issue. I have lost power to my break lights completely. There was no warning lights or signs at all. I was pulled over and made aware by a police officer that my break light were out. I proceeded to try to replace the light itself which did not work, it only continues to blow the dust when I try. I had a mechanic inspect it and he told me there seems to be a short or possible broken wire somewhere in the wiring harness.
NHTSA complaint #11429848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooks, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
I've been experiencing an electrical issue. I have lost power to my break lights completely. There was no warning lights or signs at all. I was pulled over and made aware by a police officer that my break light were out. I proceeded to try to replace the light itself which did not work, it only continues to blow the dust when I try. I had a mechanic inspect it and he told me there seems to be a short or possible broken wire somewhere in the wiring harness.
NHTSA complaint #11429848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesEufaula, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN IN IDLE, THE VEHICLE SHAKES, AND SOMETIMES STALLS. SOMETIMES I'M ABLE TO GET POWER BACK IN IT IF I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TAP THE GAS PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #11373508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45 milesMinco, OK
ENGINE
MY CAR IS STALLING ITS JUMPING WHEN I TAKE OFF. I GET STRANDED AT CONVIENT STORES, DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS. AFTER I GET IT UP TO 60 MPH ITS OK
NHTSA complaint #11349061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70 milesOnsted, MI
POWER TRAIN
WHILE IN MOTION ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, DRIVING 70 MPH, MY 2000 FORD FOCUS (62,000 ORIG MILES) BEGAN DOWNSHIFTING; THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REPLACEMENT OF THE NEUTRAL DRIVE SENSOR WAS COMPLETED. NOW, SIX MONTHS LATER SAME THING HAPPENING. DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH THE '00 FORD FOCUS BEGINS DOWNSHIFTING CAUSING A DECREASE IN SPEED AT AN ALARMING RATE, RPMS INCREASE, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11306556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70 milesOnsted, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE IN MOTION ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, DRIVING 70 MPH, MY 2000 FORD FOCUS (62,000 ORIG MILES) BEGAN DOWNSHIFTING; THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REPLACEMENT OF THE NEUTRAL DRIVE SENSOR WAS COMPLETED. NOW, SIX MONTHS LATER SAME THING HAPPENING. DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH THE '00 FORD FOCUS BEGINS DOWNSHIFTING CAUSING A DECREASE IN SPEED AT AN ALARMING RATE, RPMS INCREASE, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11306556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverdale, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 FORD FOCUS SE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *LD *JS
NHTSA complaint #11302010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverdale, MD
ENGINE
2000 FORD FOCUS SE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *LD *JS
NHTSA complaint #11302010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,962 milesPort Deposit, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THE WHOLE CAR JOLTS WHEN YOU GO OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR OF THE STEERING SHAKES I'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH ON A TRANSMISSION NOW MY CAR WILL NOT START IT JUST MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND WHEN IT DOES TURN OVER IT IMMEDIATELY STALLS OUT MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER ALSO LIT A SPARK IN THE BACK OF IT GO OFF AND THE BRAKES SOMETIMES HAVE GRATE BRAKES OTHER TINES I HAVE TO SLAM THE BRAKES DOWN TO GET ANY BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11300181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,962 milesPort Deposit, MD
ENGINE
WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THE WHOLE CAR JOLTS WHEN YOU GO OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR OF THE STEERING SHAKES I'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH ON A TRANSMISSION NOW MY CAR WILL NOT START IT JUST MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND WHEN IT DOES TURN OVER IT IMMEDIATELY STALLS OUT MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER ALSO LIT A SPARK IN THE BACK OF IT GO OFF AND THE BRAKES SOMETIMES HAVE GRATE BRAKES OTHER TINES I HAVE TO SLAM THE BRAKES DOWN TO GET ANY BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11300181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,962 milesPort Deposit, MD
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THE WHOLE CAR JOLTS WHEN YOU GO OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR OF THE STEERING SHAKES I'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH ON A TRANSMISSION NOW MY CAR WILL NOT START IT JUST MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND WHEN IT DOES TURN OVER IT IMMEDIATELY STALLS OUT MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER ALSO LIT A SPARK IN THE BACK OF IT GO OFF AND THE BRAKES SOMETIMES HAVE GRATE BRAKES OTHER TINES I HAVE TO SLAM THE BRAKES DOWN TO GET ANY BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11300181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAmber, NJ
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARMS AND CRADLES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11267970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAmber, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARMS AND CRADLES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11267970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesSouth Bend, IN
WHEELS
THE REAR PASSENGER BEARING HAS FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. THE BEARINGS APPEAR TO BE RECALLED ON THE YEAR AND MAKE OF MY VEHICLE BUT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE THEM. NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01I017000,
NHTSA complaint #11141194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSouth Bend, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE REAR DOOR LATCHES ON MY CAR HAVE FAILED. THE CAR'S YEAR AND MAKE WAS RECALLED UNDER RECALL: 05S27, NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 05V030000 HOWEVER MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS CAMPAIGN. I NOW HAVE REAR DOORS TIED TOGETHER USING A ROPE.
NHTSA complaint #11141190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLindale, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED COURTESY FORD LINCOLN OF ROME, INC. AT 888-258-1265 (LOCATED AT 101 US-411, ROME, GA 30161) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11113844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Foster City, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION
NHTSA complaint #10979464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesShelton, CT
ENGINE
2000 FORD FOCUS LX SEDAN - WELL MAINTAINED AND CARED FOR. AT APPROXIMATELY 58,000 MILES AND WITHOUT WARNING WENT TO START UP AND HEARD A LOUD BANG UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED BY A LOT OF METALLIC SOUND AND THEN STALLED. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART AND HEARD MORE METALLIC SOUND. TURNED OFF ENGINE HAD TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS IS #4 VALVE SEAT DROP FAILURE CAUSING EXTENSIVE SHRAPNEL DAMAGE. ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER INTERNET RESEARCH SEE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE FOCUS SOHC 2L ENGINE VALVE SEAT DEFECT AND THEY WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10970846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesGrass Valley, CA
POWER TRAIN
WE PURCHASED A VEHICLE ON 09/03/2016 FROM GRASS VALLEY AUTO WHOLESALE BROKERS, GRASS VALLEY, CA. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND SEEMED TO HAVE A POWER ISSUE, IT KEPT LOSING IT. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED THE LOT AND TOLD THEM. THEY SAID THEY HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND NOT TO WORRY. I DID. IT KEPT HAPPENING SPORADICALLY. I HAD A 3 MONTH/3K MILES WARRANTY. AFTER CALLING THE LOT AGAIN, I RELAYED THE SAME SYMPTOMS THE CAR WAS HAVING. I WANTED TO KNOW DID THEY THINK IF IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION ISSUE, COULD BE, WAS THE ANSWER I GOT.. IN NOVEMBER I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO JR'S TRANSMISSION, CAME RECOMMENDED. THEY SERVICED THE TRANSMISSION, IT WAS GOOD. IT WAS STILL HAPPENING. TWO DAYS AGO, COMING OFF A STOPLIGHT, I PUT THE GAS DOWN AND IT MADE A LOUD KNOCK . I HOBBLED TO THE CORNER, APPROX 100 YARDS. IT WAS TOWED TO THE AUTO LOT SUGGESTED MECHANIC, WHO PROBABLY WORKED ON THE VEHICLE IN THE BEGINNING. HE TOLD ME IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. WHEN I CALLED GRASS VALLEY WHOLESALE AUTO BROKERS, THE OWNERS SON, WHO IS ALSO A SALESMAN THERE, TOLD ME WE WILL WORK SOMETHING OUT. MAYBE MY DAD COULD TAKE CARE OF HALF OF (REFERRING TO THE ANTICIPATED COST OF REPAIRS). TODAY, THE OWNER WOULD NOT TALK TO ME, NOR ANSWER THE PHONE. I LEFT A MESSAGE WITH THE OWNERS SON. I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK. I SOUGHT OUT HELP TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE STRAIGHT AWAY FROM THE DEALER AND REPAIR BUT THE DEALER BRUSHED ME OFF. THAT WAS WHEN MY WARRANTY WAS IN EFFECT. NOW IM TWO WEEKS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY SHOULD HAD CHECKED THE VEHICLE WHEN I HAD ORIGINALLY WANTED ANSWERS ABOUT WHAT WAS CAUSING IT. AS ACCORDING TO THE OWNER, HIS MECHANIC KNOWS HIS CARS INSIDE AND OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10935931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesGrass Valley, CA
ENGINE
WE PURCHASED A VEHICLE ON 09/03/2016 FROM GRASS VALLEY AUTO WHOLESALE BROKERS, GRASS VALLEY, CA. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND SEEMED TO HAVE A POWER ISSUE, IT KEPT LOSING IT. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED THE LOT AND TOLD THEM. THEY SAID THEY HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND NOT TO WORRY. I DID. IT KEPT HAPPENING SPORADICALLY. I HAD A 3 MONTH/3K MILES WARRANTY. AFTER CALLING THE LOT AGAIN, I RELAYED THE SAME SYMPTOMS THE CAR WAS HAVING. I WANTED TO KNOW DID THEY THINK IF IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION ISSUE, COULD BE, WAS THE ANSWER I GOT.. IN NOVEMBER I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO JR'S TRANSMISSION, CAME RECOMMENDED. THEY SERVICED THE TRANSMISSION, IT WAS GOOD. IT WAS STILL HAPPENING. TWO DAYS AGO, COMING OFF A STOPLIGHT, I PUT THE GAS DOWN AND IT MADE A LOUD KNOCK . I HOBBLED TO THE CORNER, APPROX 100 YARDS. IT WAS TOWED TO THE AUTO LOT SUGGESTED MECHANIC, WHO PROBABLY WORKED ON THE VEHICLE IN THE BEGINNING. HE TOLD ME IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. WHEN I CALLED GRASS VALLEY WHOLESALE AUTO BROKERS, THE OWNERS SON, WHO IS ALSO A SALESMAN THERE, TOLD ME WE WILL WORK SOMETHING OUT. MAYBE MY DAD COULD TAKE CARE OF HALF OF (REFERRING TO THE ANTICIPATED COST OF REPAIRS). TODAY, THE OWNER WOULD NOT TALK TO ME, NOR ANSWER THE PHONE. I LEFT A MESSAGE WITH THE OWNERS SON. I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK. I SOUGHT OUT HELP TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE STRAIGHT AWAY FROM THE DEALER AND REPAIR BUT THE DEALER BRUSHED ME OFF. THAT WAS WHEN MY WARRANTY WAS IN EFFECT. NOW IM TWO WEEKS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY SHOULD HAD CHECKED THE VEHICLE WHEN I HAD ORIGINALLY WANTED ANSWERS ABOUT WHAT WAS CAUSING IT. AS ACCORDING TO THE OWNER, HIS MECHANIC KNOWS HIS CARS INSIDE AND OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10935931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMakawao, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER TURN IN THE IGNITION, LEAVING ME AND MY BABY NIECE STRANDED FAR AWAY FROM HOME. WE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN WE RETURNED, WE FOUND OURSELVES STRANDED, BECAUSE THE IGNITION LOCK COULD NO LONGER BE OPERATED. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS LOCKS!
NHTSA complaint #10935305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMakawao, HI
EQUIPMENT
THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER TURN IN THE IGNITION, LEAVING ME AND MY BABY NIECE STRANDED FAR AWAY FROM HOME. WE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN WE RETURNED, WE FOUND OURSELVES STRANDED, BECAUSE THE IGNITION LOCK COULD NO LONGER BE OPERATED. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD FOCUS LOCKS!
NHTSA complaint #10935305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Griffin, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE ONE AFTERNOON DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL ALMOST AS IF IT WERE OUT OF GAS BUT IT WASN'T. BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO RIGHT HAND LANE AND INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AS THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER SITTING IN THE EMERGENCY LANE FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES THE CAR STARTED. I BEGAN TO MAKE MY WAY BACK IN TRAFFIC WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE AND VEHICLE AGAIN STARTED TO STALL. I WAS TERRIFIED. I FINALLY MADE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT WHERE I LEFT THE CAR AND HAD A MECHANIC PICK IT UP. NO TROUBLE CODES WERE DETECTED. THIS WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING. IT SEEM TO GET A LOT WORSE DURING SUMMER MONTHS. I HAVE REPLACED SO MANY PARTS ON THIS CAR AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT BY NUMEROUS TECHNICIANS BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THIS VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS WITH THE SAME YEAR,MAKE, AND MODEL BUT FOR SOME REASON MY CAR ISN'T LISTED IN THE RECALL. EVERY TIME I DRIVE THIS CAR I AM NERVOUS WRECK. HOPING AND PRAYING THAT I WILL MAKE IT SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #10928129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesCenterville, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10925063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
