118 of the
5,152 complaints about the 2000 Ford Focus are about the
wheels — 2% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
72,386 miles.
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.
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 73,200 milesShrewsbury, MA
WHEELS
DRIVING AT 20MPH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. THIS HAPPENED DUE TO THE SUBFRAME BEING COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND IT BROKE AT THE ARM LEADING TO THE WHEEL. INSPECTION STICKER 9 MONTHS EARLIER DID NOT MENTION ANY ISSUES. CAR BODY DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ANY RUST. $750 TO REPAIR USING USED SUBFRAME. VALUE OF CAR APPROX $1400. UNUSUAL LEVEL OF SUBFRAME RUST FOR AGE, CONDITION AND GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10609629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesClinton, WI
WHEELS
THE 2000 FORD FOCUS STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE 3 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING IT. THE BACK RIDERS SIDE WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD. IT HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES IN LESS THAN 1 YEAR AND 6000 MILES! WE FOUND THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SAME THING BACK IN 2001,AND WAS FIXED. SO ITS STILL GOING BAD AND FORD WONT STAND BEHIND IT! ALSO THE DOOR HANDLE WONT WORK AND THAT WAS A RECALL THAT WAS FIXED TOO, ALSO TO BAD SO SAD! FORD HAS TURNED INTO A VERY BAD COMPANY TO DO BUSINESS WITH!WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD FORDS,BUT THAT'S ABOUT TO CHANGE!
NHTSA complaint #10460212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesTrappe, PACrash
WHEELS
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A HILL AT 10:30 P.M. I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL OF THE CAR NEAR THE CREST OF THIS HILL. THE CAR DRIFTED BACK ALMOST IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE BRAKES AND ENGINE WEREN'T WORKING AS THE CAR PICKED UP SPEED IN REVERSE UNDER ITS OWN POWER I.E., FROM THE SLOPE OF THE HILL. IT CONTINUED BACKWARD UNTIL COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP WITH SEVERE IMPACT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY A STORM SEWER CULVERT (DITCH) TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE LEFT REAR OF THE CAR AND UNDERCARRIAGE WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED I.E., CATALYTIC CONVERTER, MUFFLER, REAR AXLE, ETC. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED. THE CAR WAS DEEMED A COMPLETE LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I CAN PROVIDE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION INCLUDING A POLICE REPORT IF REQUESTED.
NHTSA complaint #10449215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesAshland, OH
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR END OFF THE VEHICLE WOULD FEEL LOOSE DRIVEN OVER 20 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE FELT SIMILAR TO THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V303000 (WHEELS: LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS) YET WHEN THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL IN 2002. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE BEARINGS FAILED EVEN AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1470,000.
NHTSA complaint #10402548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesNEW York, NYFire
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SHE HEARD A NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. SHE PULLED OVER BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. SHE SMELLED SMOKE BUT THERE WAS NONE VISIBLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE WHEEL. THE TIRE BEARING AND DRUM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKE PADS ALSO BURNED AS WELL. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL 00V303000 (WHEELS: LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS) WHICH SEEMED TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000. UPDATED 05/18/10.
NHTSA complaint #10324540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,400 milesInglewood, CA
WHEELS:RIM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS A BUMPING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN. HE NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ROLLED AWAY. THE TIRE WAS NOT SECURELY FASTENED ONTO THE WHEEL. HE MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CRASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE TIRE AND RIM WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT FENDER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 196,400. UPDATED 06/08/09 *BF THE CENTER OF THE RIM REMAINED BOLTED TO THE VEHICLE, BUT A LARGER PORTION OF THE RIM SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/18/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,400 milesInglewood, CA
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS A BUMPING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN. HE NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ROLLED AWAY. THE TIRE WAS NOT SECURELY FASTENED ONTO THE WHEEL. HE MANAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CRASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE TIRE AND RIM WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT FENDER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 196,400. UPDATED 06/08/09 *BF THE CENTER OF THE RIM REMAINED BOLTED TO THE VEHICLE, BUT A LARGER PORTION OF THE RIM SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/18/09.
NHTSA complaint #10266616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesCalgary, 00
WHEELS
LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING DISINTEGRATED AT 109,563 KILOMETERS (68,000 MILES). LUCKILY STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND CHECKED CAUSE OF NOISE. WHEEL WAS WOBBLING, AND WOULD HAVE SHORTLY FALLEN OFF, OR SEIZED, POTENTIALLY CAUSING CAR TO SERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. REMOVED WHEEL AND REPLACED BEARING MYSELF. ROLLER BEARINGS IN PIECES, WHEEL HUB VERY HOT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT BUT APPARENTLY MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED AS I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED. 2000 FORD FOCUS SE SEDAN.
NHTSA complaint #10260999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesGlen Dale, MD
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. SPORADICALLY, THE CONTACT WOULD HEAR A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH A VIBRATING SENSATION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY WERE ABNORMALLY LOOSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V303000 (WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #10254846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,200 milesCumberland, MDCrash2 injured
WHEELS
LEFT WHEEL FELL OFF ON THE FREE WAY AND 2 PASSENGERS WERE INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10241411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,040 milesBonisferry, ID
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. HE SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE NUT BACKED OFF THE HUB ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V303000 (WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,056 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,040.
NHTSA complaint #10236856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesElyria, OH
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-45 MPH, THE REAR WHEELS BEGAN TO WOBBLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V303000 (WHEELS, LUGS, NUTS/BOLTS); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN NUMBER 01I017000 (WHEELS, LUGS, NUTS/BOLTS) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAMPAIGN WAS OVER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10232987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCushing, ME
WHEELS
2000 FORD FOCUS #1 CAR HAS BEEN OWNED BY ME SINCE 2001 (BOUGHT FROM A DEALER WITH 13K MILES ON IT), IT GETS USED LIGHTLY AND NEVER GOES ON LONG TRIPS. I USE IT JUST FOR LOCAL DRIVING, TO AND FROM WORK. (ABOUT 5 MILES A DAY, CAR HAS 80K MILES ON IT) THIS CAR IS A LEMON! I HAVE HAD SOME OF THE STRANGEST PROBLEMS AND GONE THROUGH MORE RECALLS THEN ANYONE SHOULD HAVE TO. #2 PROBLEMS I'M HAVING CURRENTLY: SUSPENSION CAR'S FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SPRING HAS BROKEN, MAKES VERY LOUD CRUNCHING NOISES WHEN TURNING, NEEDS REPAIR. ELECTRICAL CAR HAS SMELLED OF BURNING RUBBER, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS STARTED SMOKING ON MORE THEN ONE OCCASION, HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO GOING UP IN FLAMES. TURNING THE CAR OFF THEN DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TERMINAL CURES THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. WAS ALSO TOLD BY LOCAL MECHANIC FRONT AXLES ARE BAD, AND NEED TO BE REPLACED SOON BUT DO NOT KNOW MUCH MORE ABOUT IT. PROBLEMS I'VE HAD: FUEL PUMP RECALL, DOOR LATCH RECALL, AND BATTERY CABLE RECALL. HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR BEARINGS OF THE CAR, PAID OUT OF POCKET TO FIX THOSE, BECAUSE DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THEM. AFTER READING NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01I017000 I HAVE SINCE LEARNED OTHERWISE. #3 ALL THE PROBLEMS I'M HAVING WITH THE CAR CURRENTLY ARE NOT FIXED. ALL THE OTHER ONES WERE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. THE FRONT SPRING IS STILL AVAILABLE AS IS STILL ON THE CAR, AND HE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS STILL INTACT. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE SPRING SOON BUT I'LL HOLD ON TO IT. THE SAME GOES FOR THE FRONT AXLE'S.
NHTSA complaint #10228223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southfield, MI
WHEELS:HUB
TRUNK LATCH FAILS TO CATCH 95% OF THE TIME. TRUNK KEY FAILS TO TURN LOCK MOST OF THE TIME. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2000. THERE WAS NO EVENT LEADING TO THIS FAILURE. I BELIEVE THE TRUNK LOCK MATERIALS ARE CORRODING JUST LIKE THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS WHICH WERE RECALLED. THE TRUNK LOCK SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS PROBLEM IS CLEARLY THE RESULT OF FAULTY MANUFACTURING MATERIALS. I REQUESTED DEALERSHIPS PERFORM REPAIRS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT FORD HEADQUARTERS HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL . WHY? NHTSA SHOULD MAKE THIS HAPPEN. THE CONSEQUENCE OF A FAILED TRUNK LOCK/LATCH IS THAT THE TRUNK DOOR WILL POP OPEN -- ALLOWING THINGS TO FLY OUT OF THE TRUNK AND FLY INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC ENDANGERING OTHERS AS WELL AS BLOCK REAR WINDOW VISION. THIS COULD CAUSE FATALITIES TO BOTH THE VEHICLE DRIVER AND NEAR BY VEHICLES. . THE HUBCAPS HAVE CRACKED AND BROKEN OFF IN PIECES DURING COLD WEATHER WHILE PARKED (IE., THE HUBCAPS WERE NOT STRUCK BY EXOGENOUS ROCKS OR ANYTHING ELSE). THIS IS CLEARLY THE FAULT OF SUBSTANDARD MANUFACTURING MATERIALS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY EMPLOYEES AT HEADQUARTERS HAVE STATED THIS TO ME. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REPLACE THE HUBCAPS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. EXOGENOUS MATERIALS CAN HIT THE UNPROTECTED TIRES, CAUSE A BLOW OUT. IT IS NOT RIGHT TO MAKE THE CUSTOMER PAY FOR SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS. I COULD TAKE A WILD GUESS THAT THE WHEEL WELLS -- ON MY CAR -- REPLACED DIRECTLY BY THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING FROM THE WARREN PLANT -- DID NOT LOOK AT THE STRESS AND HAIR LINE CRACKS HE FAULTY WHEEL WELLS PLACED ON THE ORIGINAL HUB CABS. IT'S TIME TO FINISH THE JOB! FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S EMPLOYEES HAVE STATED TO ME THAT THE 2000 YEAR MODEL (THE FIRST YEAR THIS VEHICLE WAS TRANSITIONED FROM EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS) MANUFACTURED IN THE WARREN PLANT DID NOT PERFORM THE NECESSARY QUALITY CONTROL TO ENSURE THAT THESE MATERIALS FUNCTIONED IN COLD WEATHER CLIMATES.
NHTSA complaint #10217711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPort Orchard, WA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I017000 (WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS) ONLY APPLIES TO THOSE RESIDING ON THE EAST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE IS ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE WHERE HE RESIDES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN DECEMBER OF 2007 DURING MASSIVE FLOODS AND SNOW STORMS. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE HEAD SALES DEPARTMENT AND THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE HE WAS NOT IN THE REGIONAL LOCATION AS THE RECALL STATED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10213284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,492 milesRochester, NY
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL AND BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V303000 (WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS). FORD STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,324 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,492.
NHTSA complaint #10212345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesFredricksburg, VA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING OVER 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR MORE TIMES FOR THE NOISE. ON DECEMBER 7, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V303000 (WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/ BOLTS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #10211169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesHixson, TN
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I017000 (WHEELS: LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO PERFORM THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V303000). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #10210733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesOLD Bridge, NJ
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF HIS VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. WEEKS LATER, THE NOISE RECURRED, ESPECIALLY WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V303000 (WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07
NHTSA complaint #10206020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,141 milesAliquippa, PA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE IS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS LATER, SHE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE WHEEL BEARING AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THERE IS RECALL # 00V303000 (WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS). THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT FEELS IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 58,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,141.
NHTSA complaint #10192372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dekalb, AR
WHEELS
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL LITERALLY ALMOST CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THERE WAS NO ADVANCED WARNING THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. I SIMPLY HEARD A WHINING NOISE (AND A COUPLE OF CLICKING SOUNDS) MOMENTS BEFORE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10192387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesDenver, CO
WHEELS:HUB
A "GRINDING" NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. INSPECTED BRAKES - FOUND NO PROBLEM. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE GRINDING NOISE TURNED INTO A CONSTANT "GROWLING"/ "RUMBLING" NOISE. RE-INSPECTED WHEELS/ BRAKES AND FOUND DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL TO BE LOOSE / WOBBLE (LUG NUTS WERE PROPERLY TORQUED). CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE HUB/ WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY HAD "SIGNIFICANT PLAY". WHILE THE CAR WAS JACKED UP THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL WOULD GO FROM "EASILY SPUN TO NEARLY LOCKED UP". THE "REAR BEARING RETAINING CAP RECALL" WAS PERFORMED ON THIS CAR YEARS AGO - WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10173796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,305 milesCalhan, CO
WHEELS
I'VE HAD THIS HAPPEN THREE TIMES NOW. I GET A FLAT TIRE. PULL OVER, JACK UP THE CAR, TAKE OFF THE LUG NUTS, THEN FIND MYSELF UNABLE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL. IT IS LIKE THE WHEEL RIM HAS FROZEN OR SEIZED ONTO THE HUB. THIS HAPPENED MOST RECENTLY JUST YESTERDAY NIGHT. I WAS DRIVING ON A DARK HIGHWAY WHEN FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT (NAIL IN THE TIRE). I WAS ALONE, AND I'M A FEMALE - WITH GOOD UPPER BODY STRENGTH. IT WAS VERY SCARY WHEN, AFTER 30 MINUTES OF TRYING WITH ALL MY STRENGTH TO PULL THE WHEEL OFF SO I COULD PUT ON THE SPARE, A TRUCK PULLED OVER AND A STRANGE MAN OFFERED TO HELP. THIS GUY WAS BIG, LIKE ARNOLD SCHWARZENNEGER, BUT EVEN HE WAS UNABLE TO PULL THE WHEEL OFF! THANK GOD HE WAS A NICE PERSON AND NOT SOME FREAK RAPIST OR MURDERER. HE CALLED A TOW COMPANY FOR ME, WHO TOWED ME TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE THEY HAD TO USE A SMALL JACK-HAMMER LIKE THING TO REMOVE THE WHEEL. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN! AND THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM IN THE THREE YEARS I'VE OWNED IT.
NHTSA complaint #10170887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,700 milesMinnetonka, MN
WHEELS
FOR ALMOST ONE MONTH, LOUD HUMMING IN FRONT RIGHT AND BOTH REAR WHEELS AND LOUD REAR SQUEAKING ON BRAKING REVEALED, AFTER 4/20/06 INSPECTION, FAILED WHEEL BEARINGS IN OUR FORD FOCUS SE 2000 IN RIGHT FRONT AND BOTH REAR WHEELS. BOTH REAR CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING FLUID AND RIGHT BRAKE DRUM WAS FAILING. MANY OF THE FORD FOCUS VINS ISSUED DURING 2000-2001 MANUFACTURING YEARS HAD WHEEL-BEARING FAILURE ISSUES AND CONSEQUENT RECALLS. WE WERE INFORMED BY "MARIA" AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY, TODAY THAT OUR VIN WAS NOT ONE THAT HAD A WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. HOW, THEN, COULD THREE OF OUR FOUR SETS OF WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL? ULTIMATELY, FAILED WHEEL BEARINGS CAN LEAD TO WHEEL FAILURE AND DETACHMENT LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH. WHY ISN'T THE NHTSA ADDRESSING THIS SERIOUS ISSUE WITH FORD, AS THE MANUFACTURER APPEARS TO BE SIDESTEPPING ITS ETHICAL AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS MATTER. WE SPENT OVER $1,000 ON THIS REPAIR. NINE MONTHS AGO, OUR FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILED, WHICH COULD ALSO HAVE LED TO A FATALITY. FORD ASSISTED US THEN, BUT IS DOING NOTHING TO HELP US NOW. PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE ON ONGOING TEAMSTERS STRIKE, MOST FORD DEALER SHOPS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO SERVICE CUSTOMER SERVICE OR SUPPLY NEEDS AT THE TIME WE SOUGHT SERVICE. WE SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR OF WHEEL BEARINGS, REAR DRUMS AND CYLINDERS/LINING. WHEEL BEARING SERVICE REIMBURSEMENT IS ESSENTIAL.
NHTSA complaint #10155961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesSherwood, OR
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FIRST TWO WERE RECALLS AND PAID FOR BY FORD. THIS TIME THEY REFUSED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A BILL OF $270. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT A KNOWN DEFECT SHOULD HAVE REPAIR COVERAGE FOREVER, AND THAT A WHEEL BEARING SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY 40,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10155117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, PA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V303000 CONCERNING THE WHEELS: LUGS: NUTS, AND BOLTS. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10145736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rolla, MO
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
MINE IS A FORD FOCUS 2000 SE. THE REAR WHEEL BEARING ON THE LEFT SIDE HAS GONE BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE. IT IS CAUSING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE AT SPEEDS HIGHER THAN 20 MILE/HR AND WOBBLE AT SPEEDS HIGHER THAN 50 MILE/HR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND CAN LEAD TO THE WHEEL COMING OFF DURING MOTION. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BY THE FORD COMPANY (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 01I017000) TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. I ALSO NOTED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE 02016 FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE COMPANY TO BE TOLD THAT MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE (ACCORDING TO THE VIN NUMBER) WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THUS NOT PART OF ANY SERVICE CAMPAIGN OR RECALL. IT IS VERY UNFORTUNATE THAT THE COMPANY DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF A COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLE, JUST BECAUSE IN THEIR ASSESSMENT IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT. I WAS WONDERING IF I CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED SERVICE CAMPAIGN OR THE NHSTA ACTION NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #10140580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newnan, GA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL BROKE AND NEARLY CAME COMPLETELY OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE CAR WITH MY CHILDREN. THE CAR IS PARKED IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE I REFUSE TO SPEND ANYMORE MONEY TRYING TO GET IT FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10135220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.