“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 FORD focus. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the battery cables had melted. After moving the battery cables the vehicle restarted and the contact was able to drive with constant deceleration. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 26, 2011 at 175,000 miles
“My daughter was away at college when her 2000 FORD focus would not accept the key in the ignition. She was stranded with no way to get home. A mechanic at school worked on it for an hour and got the key in and suggested leaving it in permanently until it is fixed. We got the car home, took it to a FORD dealer and they replaced the ignition cylinder for over $400.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 31, 2009 at 40,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2000 Focus peaked in 2004, with 672 filed that year. Owners had filed 15 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 00V411000 in December 2000; 1,185 more have come in since. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Feb 24, 201210,006 vehiclesRide Control, LLC
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Feb 1, 2005589,932 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Nov 19, 2003671,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Nov 6, 2002446,569 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables02V288000
Filed Nov 6, 2002291,854 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Nov 29, 2001238,653 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.
Risk. THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Filed Aug 8, 20011,083,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Dec 14, 200095,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SEAT BACK HINGE PIVOT.
Filed Dec 6, 200074,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DECKLID WIRE HARNESS.
Filed Oct 12, 2000203,700 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Oct 12, 200028,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Aug 11, 2000276,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Dec 3, 199928,958 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
All 18 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 13 name the 2000 Focus.
Opened Nov 18, 2010Closed Dec 28, 2015unknown or other
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 …
REAR DOOR LATCH FAILUREEngineering analysis EA04023Closed
Opened Aug 18, 2004Closed Feb 4, 2005Led to recall 05V030000door locks and latches
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 …
REAR DOOR LATCH FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE04033Closed
Opened Apr 8, 2004Closed Aug 20, 2004door locks and latches
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 …
ENGINE STALLINGEngineering analysis EA02022Closed
Opened Sep 9, 2002Closed Jan 16, 2004Led to recall 03V482000fuel system
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 …
FRONT SUSP COLLAPSE/WHEEL SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA02023Closed
Opened Sep 9, 2002Closed Feb 19, 2003suspension
See attached report.
BURN INJURIES DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTEngineering analysis EA02017Closed
Opened Aug 16, 2002Closed Aug 15, 2003airbags
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 …
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.
Opened Mar 12, 2002Closed Jul 31, 2002Led to recall 02V288000electrical system
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTPreliminary evaluation PE02026Closed
Opened Feb 28, 2002Closed Sep 18, 2002airbags
There is no summary currently available
AIR BAG BURN INJURIES/VEHICLE FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE02020Closed
Opened Feb 11, 2002Closed Aug 16, 2002airbags
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.
18413Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2005electrical system
UNABLE TO REMOVE IGNITION KEY - SERVICE TIP. *TT
18379Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2005electrical system
BRAKE AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS ON AFTER HEC (HYBRID ELECTRONIC CLUSTER) REPLACEMENT. *TT
04174Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2004electrical system
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
020901Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 17, 2004electrical system
ROUGH IDLE, LOW POWER AND / OR STALL AT IDLE, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 THROUGH P0304 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 37 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Wheels › Hub
Filed Feb 5, 2024202,000 milesMD
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.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 20, 2021KY
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 6, 2020112,000 milesAL
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.
Engine
Filed Aug 13, 202045 milesOK
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
Power Train
Filed Feb 2, 202070 milesMI
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.
Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2020MD
2000 FORD FOCUS SE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *LD *JS *BF
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 17, 2020135,962 milesMD
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.
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 11, 2019150,000 milesNJ
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.
Wheels
Filed Oct 18, 2018145,000 milesIN
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,
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 18, 2018140,000 milesIN
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 26, 2018200,000 milesGA
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 *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 20, 2017CA
KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION
Engine
Filed Apr 6, 201758,000 milesCT
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.
Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2016146,000 milesCA
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
Equipment
Filed Dec 14, 201680,000 milesHI
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! *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 27, 2016GA
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 8, 2016109,000 milesIN
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 18, 2016IA
TAKATA RECALL I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ALL DOOR AND TRUNK LATCHES. THE LEFT REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE RIGHT REAR DOOR WILL ONLY OPEN SOMETIMES FROM THE INSIDE BUT IT IS A STRUGGLE. THIS IS ALSO THE CASE WITH PASSENGER FRONT DOOR AND DRIVER DOOR. RECENTLY (4 DAYS AGO) THE DRIVER DOOR STARTED NOT OPENING. TRUNK WILL SOMETIMES OPEN WITH KEY AND WILL NOT SHUT ALL THE WAY.
EngineFire
Filed May 10, 2016100,000 milesMD
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 29, 2016140,000 milesCA
THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. I HAD TO BE TOWED.
Suspension
Filed Apr 6, 2016112,604 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND DETERMINED THAT BOTH COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,604.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 1, 2016105,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, PARKED, AND THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V302000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 17, 201650,000 milesCA
IN JULY 2015 I STARTED TO NOTICE A SMELL OF GAS WHENEVER I WAS OUTSIDE MY CAR WHETHER DRIVING OR NOT. I LIVE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WHERE THE SUMMER TEMPS ARE TYPICALLY OVER 100 DEGREES AND CAN GO AS HIGH AS 114 (OR MORE, ON RARE OCCASIONS). MY MECHANIC WENT OVER THE VEHICLE TWICE IN AUG AND SEPT. THEY PRESSURIZED THE FUEL SYSTEM AND DID NOT FIND ANY LEAKS. AS THE WEATHER COOLED IN WINTER THE SMELL WENT AWAY. IN JANUARY 2016 WE HAD AN UNUSUALLY HOT WEEK, AT FIRST I DID NOT USE THE AC. I NOTICED THAT THE GAS SMELL WAS BACK...BUT ONLY WHEN THE AC WAS NOT ON. IF THE AC IS ON I DO NOT SMELL GAS. DURING THE SUMMER I ONLY SMELLED THE GAS WHEN OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS YEAR I ALSO SMELL IT INSIDE THE CAR. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. I HAVE LOOKED FOR RECALL INFO REGARDING THIS AND DO NOT FIND ANY.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Oct 27, 201524,000 milesIL
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.
EngineFire
Filed Oct 19, 2015160,000 milesOH
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.
Suspension
Filed Oct 1, 201576,125 milesIL
VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC STOP ON A FOUR LANE CITY STREET. AT APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET BEYOND STOP THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND BEGAN SWERVING INTO ONCOMING LANES. BREAKS AND STEERING WERE INEFFECTUAL. BECAUSE OF SLOW SPEED, VEHICLE STOPPED WITHING TWENTY TO FORTY FEET. INITIAL INSPECTION ON SITE INDICATED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM AND DRIVE SHAFT. INSPECTION BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED THAT RUST HAD WEAKENED SUSPENSION ARM CAUSING IT TO BREAK APPROXIMATELY 5.5 INCHES INWARD FROM THE BALL-JOINT ATTACHMENT POINT. BECAUSE OF THE SLOW SPEED AND LIGHT TRAFFIC THERE WERE NO CASUALTIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS VEHICLE WHILE BEING FIFTEEN YEARS OLD HAS ONLY SEVENTY-SIX THOUSAND MILE AND IS GARAGE KEPT.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 20, 201589,000 milesOK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Electrical System
Filed May 12, 2015GA
I WAS DRIVING AND MY HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE CAR JUST QUIT RUNNING AFTER 10 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AND GET HOME I HAVE HAD THIS CAR (2000 FORD FOCUS) FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR THE PLACE I PURCHASED IT FROM DID NOT TELL ME ABOUT ANY PROBLEMS BUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS FOR THE WHOLE TIME AND THEY HAVE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE I HAVE PUT AN ALTERNATOR ON IT AND CHANGED A COUPLE OF WIRES THAT WERE MELTED BUT IT DID NOT HELP! I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW ESPECIALLY WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD IN IT WITH ME THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE!!!
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 17, 2015100,000 milesOH
THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER (WHERE THE KEY INSERTS/TURNS ON THE STEERING COLUMN) LOCKED UP ON ME WITHOUT WARNING, STRANDING ME WHERE I LAST PARKED THE CAR. NO AMOUNT OF LUBRICATION OR QUICK FIXES HELPED. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS IN THAT YEAR RANGE. I'M GETTING QUOTES FROM LOCKSMITHS IN THE $250 RANGE. LUCKILY I WASN'T STRANDED IN A BAD PLACE! *TR
Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 24, 2015142,620 milesMO
VEHICLE TURNING AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE SPPEDING. PER INSURANCE COMPANY, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PAID FOR REPAIRS, THEN REALIZED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS
EngineFire
Filed Feb 20, 201581,450 milesWI
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.
EngineFire
Filed Dec 29, 2014139,000 milesMI
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*CN
Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 20, 201497,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLIP ON ICE AND CRASHED INTO A BOULDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PIECES OF THE DASHBOARD FRACTURED CAUSING INJURIES TO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S LEFT SIDE OF THE FACE, FRONT OF NECK, CHEST, ABDOMEN, AND LEFT THIGH WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 2014214,000 milesID
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER CLOSING THE REAR HATCH, THE RUNNING LIGHTS, POWER LOCKS, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.
Steering
Filed Sep 25, 2014160,000 milesMI
KEY WONT GO INTO IGNITION, WHEEL LOCKED UP, HAVE TO GET LOCKSMITH TO FIX...BARELY AFFORDABLE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 2014180,000 milesTN
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ELECTRIC DASH CLUSTER QUIT WORKING AND THE VEHICLE CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED THEN THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE BATTERY CABLES WERE REPLACED AND THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED AS A PRECAUTION. THE VEHICLE AFTER 4 DAYS AND NO DRIVING LONGER THAT 35 MILES A DAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 31, 2014100,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ARMS AND BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 22, 201441,444 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V482000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), THE FAILURE INDICATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO HONOR THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,444.
Wheels
Filed Jul 10, 201473,200 milesMA
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. *TR
Suspension
Filed Jun 18, 2014151,357 milesOK
REAR WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT , MAKING HORRIBLE NOISE AND GRINDING. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jun 5, 2014175,666 milesMD
THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL AND IGNITION ARE LOCKED. *TR
Tires
Filed May 17, 2014139,197 milesNJ
COMPLAINT AGAINT GENERAL ALTIMAX RT TIRES, SIZE 195/60R15. EXTREAMLY LARGE BUBBLES IN SIDEWALLS IN 3 OUT OF 4 TIRES ON OUR 2000 FORD FOCUS. I JUST PURCHASED THE 2 FRONT TIRES 4/2/2014 AND THE BACK 2 TIRES JULY 2013.. 1 TIRE, RIGHT REAR WENT FLAT THE OTHER DAY, FOUND LARGE HOLE IN SIDEWALL OF TIRE, IT APEARED NOTHING HAD PUNTURED THE TIRE. I DID NOT THINK NOTHING OF IT AT 1ST. TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALER TO HAVE TIRE REPACED, WHICH THEY DID. WHILE AT THE FORD DEALER, THEY POINT OUT LARGE BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALLS OF BOTH FRONT TIRES, THOSE 2 TIRES WERE JUST PURCHASED A LITTLE MORE THAN 1 MONTH AGO AND ONLY DRIVEN 2870 MILES. I CALLED GENEAL TIRE COMPANY AND THEY SAID TO CONTACT THE SELLER OF THE TIRE, TIRE SELLER SAYS TO SEE THE TIRE COMPANY TO GET ADDRESSED. THE TIRE BUBBLES ARE VERY LARGE AND A DANGEROUS CONDITION, THESE TIRES COULD EXPLODE AT ANY TIME, THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN WITH THESE TIRES. I JUST PURCHASED 2 TIRES OF A DIFFERENT BRAND FOR THE FRONT OF THE CAR, WHILE I FIGHT WITH GENERAL TIRE COMPANY. I WORKED AS A TECHNICIAN FOR A FORD DEALER FOR OVER 20 YEARS, AS MY PRIOR PROFESSION. I HAVE NEVER SEEN TIRES FOR HUGE BUBBLES LIKE THESE GENERAL TIRES. THESE GENERAL TIRES ARE SAFETY HAZZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. I WILL NEVER BUY GENERAL TIRES AGAIN. *JS
Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 2014142,000 milesPA
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE DECEMBER OF 2003 AND IT HAS BEEN A VERY LARGE MONEY PIT. THIS TIME THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING. I HAD TAKEN IT TO AUTOZONE AND THEY TOLD ME IT NEED AN EGR SENSOR OR HOSING FOR IT. WHEN I WAS TURNING AT A LIGHT THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHEN I HAD JUST TURNED ONTO A MAIN HIGHWAY. THERE HAS BEEN MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE DAY ONE. THIS CAR HAS HAD 5 CLUTCHES IN IT AND I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THAT ALL IN ITSELF BECAUSE A CAR SHOULD NEVER NEED THAT MANY CLUTCHES WITHIN 100,000 MILES. THAT IS RIDICULOUS AND VERY EXPENSIVE AND I HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE WITH THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE OTHER 2000 FORD FOCUS'S WITH THE SAME ISSUE. MY ONE HEAD LIGHT IS NOT RIGHT IT NEVER HAS BEEN THERE IS CORROSION ON THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMP. THE REAR DOOR LATCH DOES NOT WORK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR ALSO DOES NOT LATCH CORRECTLY AND NO LONGER LOCKS AT ALL. THE TRUNK LATCH IS NOT RIGHT EITHER. IT WILL NOT ALWAYS UNLATCH AND THEN CLOSE AGAIN. IT OFTEN REQUIRES SEVERAL MORE TIMES OF PUSHING THE TRUNK RELEASE AND IT WILL FINALLY UNLOCK AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. I HAVE PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS LEMON. I HAVE ALL THE REPAIR PAPERWORK, IT HAS A BRAND NEW BREAKING SYSTEM, BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION, BRAND NEW ENGINE, BRAND NEW CLUTCH, BATTERY. WE HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING IN THIS CAR AND HERE WE GO AGAIN....THIS CAR HAS SAT MORE THAN IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN!!! I HONESTLY FEEL THAT WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE MONEY WE SPEN
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 23, 201454,140 milesWV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON A CURVED ROAD, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY TO INSPECT THE FAILURE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUBFRAME HAD BECOME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO CORROSION. THERE WAS ALSO A LARGE HOLE UNDER THE CARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,140.
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Apr 7, 201447,000 milesIL
A HOLE APPEARED IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT UPHOLSTERY, NEAR THE DRIVERS LEFT HIP. DISASSEMBLY OF THE SEAT CUSHION REVEALED A BROKEN WELD WHICH ALLOWED A SHARP METAL PIECE TO PUNCTURE THE UPHOLSTERY. I ALSO OBSERVED THIS ON REPLACEMENT SEATS I PURCHASED FROM A 2002 SVT FOCUS. PHOTOS (OF THE 2000 SEAT) AT HTTPS://FLIC.KR/P/MLE2FP; HTTPS://FLIC.KR/P/MLDUYH; HTTPS://FLIC.KR/P/MLE5W6. I WAS AWARE OF THE HOLE WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 2005, BUT DID NOT DISCOVER THE CAUSE UNTIL RECENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT FOLDING MECHANISM FAILED, AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE SEATS, AND NOTICED A SIMILAR HOLE IN SEVERAL THAT I SAW. I THEN DISASSEMBLED THE ORIGINAL SEAT AND FOUND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE IS DANGEROUS IN THAT IT EXPOSES THE DRIVER'S BODY TO A SHARP METAL PROJECTION. *TR
Engine
Filed Mar 21, 2014CA
ENGINE STALLS WHILE MOVING AT SPEEDS UP TO 20MPH. DIFFICULT TO RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. *TR
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Mar 21, 201484,000 milesCA
CAR WAS DRIVING NORMALLY, PARKED MY CAR, TRIED TO RESTART IT AND KEY WOULD NOT TURN. POSSIBLY A BROKEN IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 4, 2014130,300 milesVA
AUTO ACCIDENT ON 8/26/2013 IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA, CORNER OF HWY 1 AND HWY 208 AT 9:15 AM. DRIVING BETWEEN 5-7 MPH DUE TO STOP AT RED LIGHT TO MAKE RIGHT TURN. DRIVER IN FRONT STARTED THROUGH THE RED LIGHT AND STOPPED. I HIT HER CAR BUT NO CAR BODY DENTS ON EITHER CAR. MY 2000 FORD FOCUS UPON IMPACT DEPLOYED (2) AIR BAGS, EVEN THOUGH I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR AND NO WEIGHT ON PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIR BAGS CAUSED ALL THE CAR DAMAGE AND SECOND DEGREE BURN ON MY RIGHT HAND. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LID SMASHED THE CAR WINDSHIELD. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE BUT UNSAFE TO DRIVE AWAY FROM ACCIDENT. I TOWED IT TO LOCAL FORD DEALER (PURVIS) ON HWY 1 FOR DIAGNOSTICS TEST TO CHECK THE SENSORS. THE DEALER REPORT SAID THAT THE CAR OPERATED AS DESIGNED AND BOTH AIR BAGS SHOULD DEPLOY AND CAUSE ALL THAT DAMAGE (CAR/BODY) ESTIMATED $4914.00 AT LOW SPEEDS. THE REPAIR COST IS MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 3, 2014140,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RETURN TO AN IDLE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V302000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 23, 201395,000 milesNJ
I WAS PULLED OVER ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ALMOST MIDNIGHT, AND WAS NOTIFIED BY THE OFFICER THAT I HAD NO TAILLIGHTS, BUT MY TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS WERE WORKING. THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND RUNNING LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING EITHER. IN ADDITION, SEVERAL MONTHS AGO THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS BLEW A FUSE, AND HAVE REPEATEDLY BLOWN THE SAME FUSE. I SAW THAT THE WIRES ON TOP OF THE HATCHBACK, INSIDE THE RUBBER TUBE, ARE CRACKED AND BROKEN. I SAW ONLINE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT, AS I WORK SECOND SHIFT AND ALWAYS DRIVE IN THE DARK. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OUT. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 3,686, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Focus years to avoid: owners filed 3,686 complaints, 4.1 times as many as a typical Focus year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (33%).
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Ford Focus?
The electrical system: 1,200 of the 3,686 complaints (33%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (6%), will not start (5%) and loses steering assist or the wheel locks (3%). The typical report comes at 63,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Focus have?
18 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 24, 2012. The largest, 01V258000, covered 1,083,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Focus problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 61,490 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 63,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2000 Ford Focus?
Yes, 13 times. The latest, AQ10001 ("Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit"), was opened Nov 18, 2010 and closed Dec 28, 2015.
Are there service bulletins for the 2000 Ford Focus?
The manufacturer filed 298 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (40), the engine (38) and the electrical system (37). They include a service campaign, 01B85, filed Dec 1, 2001. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
9 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Feb 24, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.