KnownCarProblems2000 Ford Focus Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 3,686 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Ford Focus, most often about the electrical (36% of complaints, typically around 62,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Focus model year since 2000 and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2000 Ford Focus problems
Electrical
1,343 complaints · 36%Half of these problems showed up before 62,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery, alternator/generator/regulator.
While driving the vehicle at any speed, strong chemical fumes spread through out the vehicle. The dealer has been made aware of the problem. Nlm the tire rod has loosened, the battery had blown, and the engine light had stayed illuminated. Scc
Consumer stated there was excessive corrosion on the positive terminal of battery. Consumer hads to clean terminal monthly. Consumer also stated the insulation on positive terminal was starting to melt at the point where it connects to battery. Ts
Engine
490 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 58,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
Engine stalls for no reason. The first time it happened in rush hour traffic. We had to hurriedly try to change lanes and exit. It has happened 11 times since then. We have had a mechanic look at it several times and they can't find anything wrong with the car.
While idling or engaged, car frequently/periodically shudders as if the engine would die, loss of power during acceleration followed by gradual surge, engine light would flash. Took vehicle to dealer 3 times with complaint over 8-9 mos, symptoms could not be duplicated, codes not recorded, could not find issue on…
Brakes
424 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 32,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock, conventional.
It was hard to turn the key in the ignition switch, and the consumer was unable to start the vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The vehicle also had brake problems.
Stalling problem-check engine light-cracked cylinder head at 32655 miles also leaking transmission line, brake dust, broken trunk lock and malfunctioning keyless entry on driver door.
Fuel system
411 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 51,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage, fuel injection system, carburetor system.
2000 Ford Focus.car loses power during right hand turn when fuel in tank is less that 3/8 full. First occurrence was on mountain road. Odometer = about 25k mile car almost rear ended. Dealer replaced fuel pump. Second occurrence same symptom as above. (odometer = about 52k mile) usually occurs during right hand turn.…
Consumer called complaining about having fuel pump problems. Stated that has contacted the dealer, and the dealer stated that they had a problem with that on some vewhicles, but thee was no recall. So consumer would have to pay for the repairs out of his own pocket.
Suspension
390 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 63,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear, multiple axle.
I now have a problem with the transmission. The mechanic thinks it is a filter or switch that keeps the oil level in the transmission when turning right. My car shuts off when I make right turns. I have spent way too much money and still owe on this car..frankly I would like to turn it in! Has lot of repair needs too…
The brake system is horrible. They make noises all the time. I have replaced the cylinders and the shoes and it still does not sound right. The suspension is bad and needs replacing, but I can not afford it. I am a teacher. Cruise control has gone bad, because of a faulty wire.
Transmission
225 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 38,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, clutch assembly, manual transmission, axle assembly.
I started to replace tires as early as 5,000 miles just about 7 times by now. Replaced ignition 5/03 for $667.00 the key would go in and wouldn't turn. Spring coil driver's side broke while in traffic replaced 4/03 for $158.50. Now the transmission is completly gone the car would not back up. Please help me, I just…
The fuel pump in the consumer's 2000 Ford Focus failed at 39200 miles. The consumer was never informed of a recall regarding the fuel pump. The consumer stated within the first few months of owning the vehicle it needed a new transmission.
Doors and locks
201 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors, trunk lid, hatchback/liftgate, hood.
The rear door latches would not keep the doors shut; they flew open when turning the vehicle. The doors had to be held with bungee cords. Now one of the rear door seized and wouldn't open. A Ford dealer wants $400 per door to fix the latch.
Consumer states rear door child locks will not disengage. Consumer referred to the owners manual which stated that a special key was needed to disengage child locks, however dealer did not provide consumer with a key for that purpose. Consumer was concerned that in event of an emergency passengers will be trapped.
Wheels and tires
194 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 62,000 miles. Parts named most often: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, tread/belt, hub, rim.
I now have a problem with the transmission. The mechanic thinks it is a filter or switch that keeps the oil level in the transmission when turning right. My car shuts off when I make right turns. I have spent way too much money and still owe on this car..frankly I would like to turn it in! Has lot of repair needs too…
While driving the vehicle approx. 45 MPH the rear passenger's side wheel seized after wobbling harshly for approximately 1/3 mile. The lead up events to this failure was two days of increasing vibration and clanging noise from the rear of the vehicle when in motion.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2000 Ford Focus recalls
Doors and locks: latch
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel system, gasoline
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: linkages
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
Electrical: cables
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 thro
Seats: recliner
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge pivot.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the decklid wire harness.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A decklid wire harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the wire harness.
Wheels and tires: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk: This condition could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Speed control: cables
Risk: A throttle that does not return to idle could result in reduced vehicle control and, potentially, a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: frame and members
Risk: In the event of a crash, an occupant contacting that location may not be provided the interior impact protection intended.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: A throttle that does not return to idle could result in unexpected acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit
Summary
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 data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.the rental
Rear door latch failure
Summary
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 catch to the latch striker on the vehicle body.by letter of february 1, 2005, ford motor company notif
Rear door latch failure
Summary
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 the vehicles were being driven.three (3) of the 17 opening odi reports were duplicated in ford's res
Engine stalling
Summary
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 conduct a campaign (03v-482) to address stallingin these vehicles.the smaller number and rate of compla
Front susp collapse/wheel separation
Summary
See attached report.
Burn injuries due to air bag deployment
Summary
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 expenditure of agency resources on this investigation does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this inv
Engine compartment fires
Summary
There is no summary currently available
Front suspension lower control arm
Summary
There is no summary currently available
Engine stalling
Summary
The primary concern of this pe is loss of engine power.stalling may occur at low speed or high speed.at the time of occurrence the average vehicle mileage is 30,000 miles.because these vehicles stall and/or hesitate unpredictably, an increased risk is inherent to these vehicles.if a driver expecting this vehicle to perform as designed, is trying to cross an intersection or merge into traffic when the vehicle stalls it places all motorists within the area at risk.a disabled vehicle is vulnerable to collisions not only within the roadway, but also along side the road as it waits for assistance.
Engine compartment fires
Questions about the 2000 Ford Focus
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Focus?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (1,343 complaints, typically around 62,000 miles); engine (490 complaints, typically around 58,500 miles); brakes (424 complaints, typically around 32,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Focus have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from February 1, 2005 (doors and locks). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2000 a bad year for the Ford Focus?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Focus model year since 2000, with 3,686 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.