Model year record

2000 Ford Focus recalls & problems

The 2000 Ford Focus has 17 safety recalls and 3,686 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (1,406 complaints).

Recalls17safety recalls

Complaints3,686filed by owners

Crashes · fires248 · 118reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths154 · 9reported in complaints

2000 Ford Focus in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

EquipmentFeb 24, 2012

Equipment

Recall 12E00700010,006 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkagesFeb 1, 2005

Doors › Latch

Recall 05V030000589,932 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
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.

Fuel system, gasolineNov 19, 2003

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 03V482000671,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
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.

Electrical systemNov 6, 2002

12v/24v/48v battery › Cables

Recall 02V288000291,854 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
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.

SteeringNov 6, 2002

Linkages

Recall 02V289000446,569 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
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.

VisibilityAug 8, 2001

Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

Recall 01V2580001,083,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.

SeatsDec 14, 2000

Front assembly › Recliner

Recall 00V41800095,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.

Electrical systemDec 6, 2000

Wiring

Recall 00V41100074,500 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DECKLID WIRE HARNESS CAN FATIGUE AND DEVELOP BROKEN WIRES IN THE BEND AREA OF THE WIRE HARNESS.
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.

WheelsOct 12, 2000

Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 00V303000203,700 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.

Vehicle speed controlOct 12, 2000

Cables

Recall 00V30200028,800 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.

StructureAug 11, 2000

Frame and members

Recall 00V218000276,500 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
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.

Vehicle speed controlDec 3, 1999

Vehicle speed control

Recall 99V34600028,958 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2000 Ford Focus 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2000 Ford Focus 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2000 Ford Focus NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2000 Ford Focus NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Focus

27mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Focus

26mpg combined

City / highway	23 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Focus Station Wagon

26mpg combined

City / highway	23 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Focus

25mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Focus Station Wagon

25mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Focus

24mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch	1,406	21	72	8	62,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	496	14	38	7	56,750 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	464	28	5	14	28,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Springs › Coil springs; Front	412	22	5	8	64,500 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Delivery	390	11	7	3	51,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Clutch assembly	246	16	3	6	38,020 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch; Trunk lid › Lock	204	6	2	4	71,550 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	193	129	7	92	76,441 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cables	178	27	0	13	68,000 mi
SteeringColumn locking › Anti-theft device; Column	173	13	4	3	60,000 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body	160	6	1	5	61,500 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield	132	7	5	5	54,500 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

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 passengerâs side rear-wheel bearing, and a failed brake drum. The contact was informed that the passengerâs 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…
Feb 13, 2023 · 202,000 miles
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.
Jun 1, 2021
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.
Oct 1, 2020 · 112,000 miles
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
Apr 12, 2015 · 45 miles
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.
Apr 1, 2019 · 70 miles
Engine
2000 FORD FOCUS SE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *LD *JS *BF
Jan 27, 2020
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.
Sep 26, 2019 · 135,962 miles
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.
Oct 11, 2019 · 150,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion AuditClosed
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 car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and…
AQ10001 · opened Nov 18, 2010 · closed Dec 28, 2015
REAR DOOR LATCH FAILUREClosedLed to recall 05V030000
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 NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 FOUR AND FIVE-DOOR FOCUS VEHICLES REGISTERED IN, OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF…
EA04023 · opened Aug 18, 2004 · closed Feb 4, 2005
REAR DOOR LATCH FAILUREClosed
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 RESPONSE.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA04-023 FOR FURTHER STUDY.
PE04033 · opened Apr 8, 2004 · closed Aug 20, 2004
ENGINE STALLINGClosedLed to recall 03V482000
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 COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF…
EA02022 · opened Sep 9, 2002 · closed Jan 16, 2004
FRONT SUSP COLLAPSE/WHEEL SEPARATIONClosed
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA02023 · opened Sep 9, 2002 · closed Feb 19, 2003
BURN INJURIES DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTClosed
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 INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA02017 · opened Aug 16, 2002 · closed Aug 15, 2003
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 02V288000
There is no summary currently available
EA02014 · opened Jul 31, 2002 · closed Nov 13, 2002
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE02044 · opened May 1, 2002 · closed Sep 9, 2002
ENGINE STALLINGClosed
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.
PE02040 · opened Apr 4, 2002 · closed Sep 9, 2002
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 02V288000
PE02032 · opened Mar 12, 2002 · closed Jul 31, 2002
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE02026 · opened Feb 28, 2002 · closed Sep 18, 2002
AIR BAG BURN INJURIES/VEHICLE FIRESClosed
INFORMATION DISCLOSED DURING THIS PE SHOWS ALLEGATIONS OF BURN INJURIES RESULTING FROM ABRASION AND/OR TERMAL CAUSES.ALLEGATIONS OF CHEMICAL BURNS ALSO EXIST.SEVERAL INCIDENTS ALLEGE VEHICLES FIRES RESULTING FROM DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE COMPLEX ISSUES IN THIS MATTER.
PE02020 · opened Feb 11, 2002 · closed Aug 16, 2002
REAR WHEEL BEARINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE02016 · opened Feb 8, 2002 · closed Nov 8, 2002