2000 Ford Focus Complaint Log

RETURNED TO CAR AFTER 1 HOUR OF NOT DRIVING, THE KEY WOULD ONLY GO ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY INTO THE IGNITION. I TRIED ALL THREE KEYS THAT THE DEALER HAD GIVEN ME, AND NONE OF THEM WOULD GO INTO THE IGNITION. CALLED AAA, PAID $175 TO HAVE A LOCKSMITH REPLACE THE SPRINGS IN MY IGNITION WHERE THE KEY GOES, SAID THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, AND IN THAT CASE, THE ENTIRE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AAA COVERED $50 OF THE COST. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS? THIS IS NOT THE FIRST COMPLAINT OF THE SAME TYPE ON THIS SITE! WHAT IS FORD DOING TO HELP THIS? I REFUSE TO CONTINUE TO PAY $125 EVERY TIME MY KEY WON'T GO INTO THE IGNITION. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE HOME WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BUT WHAT IF I WASN'T?*AK

WHILE BRAKING TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED,BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V482000 CONCERNING FUEL DELIVERY MODULE: DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE BEFORE THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. THE RECALL NOTICE CLEARLY STATED THAT THE FUEL FILTER WAS TO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE IF THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING CERTAIN SYMPTOMS. *AK

MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT START. IT HAS 34,000 MILES ON IT. THE KEY WILL GO INTO THE IGNITION, BUT WILL NOT TURN THE CYLINDER. I HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT KEYS AND THE SAME HAPPENS. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE KEYS, THE IGNITION DOES NOT RELEASE THEM WITHOUT FORCE. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF SEARCHING ONLINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A LARGE ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE FORD HAS INTRODUCED THE FOCUS. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND WHY DOES FORD ESCAPE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCING SUCH A LEMON VEHICLE WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS. AS CONSUMER, WE BUY VEHICLES WITH THE GOOD FAITH THAT THE VEHICLE WILL LAST FOR DECADES. WHY IS FORD ALOUD TO GO WITHOUT FIXING EVERY DEFECT THEY HAVE DESIGNED IN THE FOCUS? *JB YOUR JOB SHOULD BE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS THAT ANY VEHICLE LIKE THE FOCUS LEMON WILL NOT BE TOLERATED BY THE AMERICAN PUBLIC AND THAT MANUFACTURERS CANNOT HIDE THE DEFECTS IN VEHICLES. *JB

NHTSA RECAL 03V482000 CONCERNING INTERMITTENT STALLING. AFTER RECALL REPAIRS VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER DETERMINED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. *AK

KEY WOULDN'T FIT IN THE IGNITION ONE AFTERNOON. TRIED ANOTHER KEY, SAME RESULT. I HEAR IT IS SOMETHING IN THE STEERING LOCK CYLINDER, POSSIBLY A TUMBLER. CALLED FORD, AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS YET, BUT PROBABLY SOON. COST ABOUT $150 PLUS A TOWING CHARGE. RATS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM REAR WHEELS. THE DRIVER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER BOTH SIDE OF THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO WORN PARTS. A RECALL WAS ISSUED (NHTSA)01-I-017-000)REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR WHEEL BEARING. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER A RECALL. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 AND 50 MPH. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE FUEL PUMP ONCE, BUT THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *LA THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED BY THE DEALER AS A FAULTY ALTERNATOR. *SC THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. *AK

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A NEW FORD FOCUS BACK IN 2000. WE LOVED THE LOOK AND I HAVE HAD FORD CARS BEFORE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PLEASED. TO GET RIGHT TO THE POINT, WE HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED WITH OUR PURCHASE. WE HAVE HAD RECALL AFTER RECALL ON THIS CAR AND TO TOP IT OFF WE HAVE A NEW SITUATION. ABOUT 10 DAYS AGO MY WIFE MENTIONED THAT HER POWER LOCKS WERE NOT WORKING. WE DECIDED TO BRING IT IN TO THE DEALER ON OUR NEXT DAY OFF TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE NEXT DAY AFTER THE LOCKS STOPPED WORKING, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE LOCK MECHANISM APPARENTLY HAD SEIZED UP. AFTER BEING IN THE SHOP FOR A FEW DAYS I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE OTHER SIDE WAS ABOUT TO SEIZE UP AS WELL. THAT OF COARSE IS BEING REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE AS WELL. NOW BEING A CONSUMER THAT IS A BIT DISHEARTENING. BEING A FATHER AND KNOWING THAT MY 3-YEAR-OLD SON RIDES IN THAT CAR, MAKES ME IRATE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THERE WOULD OR COULD BE ANY WAY THAT A CAR BUILT BY FORD WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THAT WHICH ESSENTIALLY TURNS THE CAR MY SON IS TRANSPORTED IN INTO A DEATH TRAP. IT MAKES ME THINK WHAT IF ALL 4 DOORS SEIZED? WHAT IF MY WIFE AND CHILD WERE IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND DROVE INTO A RIVER OR LAKE? I HOPE YOU SEE WERE I WOULD CONSIDER THIS A POTENTIAL DISASTER IN WAITING. OF COURSE I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD SO TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY I AM PAYING APPROXIMATELY $520.00 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO WAY THAT ANYONE CAN GUARANTEE ME THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, ALL THE WHAT IFS ARE BACK IN PLAY. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS A REGULAR PROBLEM ON THESE CARS, BUT I HOPE THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN FUTURE PRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS. I UNFORTUNATELY WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE OR ANY AFFILIATED WITH FORD DUE TO THIS MAJOR PROBLEM. ADDITIONALLY I WILL MENTION THIS PROBLEM THAT IVE HAD EVERY TIME I HEAR ANYONE AROUND ME SPEAK OF BUYING A NEW CAR. *AK

FAIL OF FRONT COIL SPINGS AND SWAY BAR LINK.

THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT RECENTLY A PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING IT DOESN'T SLOW DOWN ONCE THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS OFF OF THE GAS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HE WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THROTTLE CABLE. THEN HE WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS OF THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN #00V302000. *SC *JB

IGNITION CYLINDER FROZE ON 2000 FORD FOCUS SE REQUIRING CAR TO BE TOWED TO DEALER TO HAVE LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED AS THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE LOCK. THIS WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY AT THE TIME. IN DECEMBER 2005, IGNITION WOULD PERIODICALLY FREEZE WITH KEY INSERTED REQUIRING SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR. CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER ON JANUARY 17, 2006 AND CYLINDER HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT A COST OF $453 SINCE THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. I'VE NOTED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT OTHER FORD FOCUS OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN NOTE THE COMPLAINT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE LOCK FAILS WHEN THE CAR IS NEEDED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. SINCE THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, WHY HAS FORD NOT BEEN REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM? *NM

WHILE CONSUMER WAS ADJUSTING THE INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR IT BROKE COMPLETE OFF. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENTIRE UNIT BECAUSE THE MIRROR CANNOT NOT BE REATTACHED.*AK

HEARD A THUNKING NOISE DRIVING TO WORK LASTED A FEW SECONDS-DROVE TO NEARBY PARKING LOT AND PARKED THER TILL AFTER WORK--STARTED TO DRIVE OUT OF LOT AND DROVE APPX. 50 YDS AND HEARD IT AGAIN THIS TIME A PIECE OF METAL HIT THE GROUND-STOPPED AND UPON CHECKING FOUND A LARGE PIECE OF METAL RING -TOOK IT TO CAR DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SPRING -FORD HAS A CONSUMER COMPLAINT ON THE SPRINGS OF 2000 FOCUS AND THEY FIX SOME FOR NO CHARGE-MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ASSEMBLED IN THE RIGHT PLACE FOR IT TO BE COVERED-ALTHOUGH IT MET ALL CRITERIA (YEAR, MAKE AND PROBLEM). *AK

REAR WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAGIN. AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT UNDER THE RECALL, THE BEARING DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEMS AND HAD TO REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE SECOND FIX WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, SINCE THE REPAIR WAS DONE ONCE BEFORE.

IGNITION LOCK FAILS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE IGNITION KEY JUST WONT TURN AND THE LOCK HAS TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT THE FIRST TIME FOR NO CHARGE THE OTHER TWO REPAIRS WERE ON ME. THE PAPER WORK SAYS THAT THE IGNITION TUMBLER HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT AND THE NEW TUMBLER REKEYED AND INSTALLED. AT LEAST ONE OF THESE FAILURES OCCURRED LESS THAN A YEAR FROM A PREVIOUS FAILURE. *JB

ENGINE STALLS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE, LAST TIME NEW UPDATED FUEL PUMP PUT IN AS PER RECALL. STILL STALLS EVEN AFTER THAT.*AK

CONSISTENT AND COSTLY BRAKE PROBLEMS ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS - VIN [XXX]. RECENTLY, ON FEB 26, 2004, BOB BAKER FORD, SAN DIEGO SERVICED/REPLACED MY FRONT ROTORS & PADS - COSTING $483. MY REAR BRAKES WERE PREVIOUSLY SERVICED DUE TO LOUD SQUEAL (DEGLAZED, DR SANDED) ON MARCH 21, 2003; OCTOBER 25, 2002; AND AUGUST 23, 2002. ARE ROTORS NORMALLY REPLACED AT 18625 MILES? I EMAILED FORD MOTOR COMPANY [XXX] ON 2/26/04, AND THEY PHONED ME THE NEXT DAY. FORD MOTOR STATED MY PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER'S EXCESSIVE USE OF THE BRAKES, AND THEY WOULD FORWARD MY COMPLAINT TO THEIR ENGINEER DEPARTMENT.*AK UPDATED 07/27/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

TOOK MY 2000 FORD FOCUS TO DEALER FOR 30,000 MILE SERVICE, AND TO HAVE THEM FIX WHATEVER WAS CAUSING THE ENGINE LIGHT TO BLINK AND THE CAR TO IDLE ROUGHLY, AND TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR ENGINE TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE SERVICE WAS DONE AND THE FUEL FILTER "RECALL" WOULD FIX THE ENGINE PROBLEM. WAS TOLD THE COMPUTER DID NOT REGISTER AN ERROR CODE AND THAT THE ROUGH IDLEENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM WAS LIKELY FIXED AS A RESULT OF THE FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT. THE NEXT MORNING, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND THE CAR WAS STILL IDLING ROUGH. DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR HAD EXCESSIVE CARBON IN THE CYLINDER HEAD AND THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD MIGHT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY WOULD TRY TO CLEAN THE CARBON, WHICH THEY DID AND BILLED ME $205. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SUCH A PROBLEM WASN'T NOTICED THE DAY BEFORE WHEN I SPENT OVER $500. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT AND IT MAKES NO SENSE THAT NOT ONLY DO I POSSIBLY FACE HAVING AN EXPENSIVE CYLINDER HEAD REPAIR, BUT I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE FRONT PADS AND ROTORS (AT 25,000 MILES) AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS. I HAVE CONSISTENTLY FOLLOWED THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLAN AND AM CONCERNED THAT NOT ONLY IS THIS CAR DEFECTIVE, BUT THAT IT IS UNSAFE. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ENSURE FOCUS OWNERS THAT THE CAR IS SAFE? IS THERE SOME WAY TO MAKE THIS CAR RELIABLE? IT HAS SOME REALLY GREAT FEATURES (LIKE THE INTERIOR ROOMINESS), BUT IT IS PROVING TO BE A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT.*AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PART. A WEEK LATER, CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP. DOWNTOWN FORD, 809 SOUTH FIFTH STREET, LOUISVILLE, KY 40203 . 502-584-9731. SERVICE MANAGER KEVIN WHEAT. *AK

FORD AS A TSB ON A PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING WITH MY TSB. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT ON MY FOCUS THE VALVES ARE STICKING IN THE GUIDES ON THE CYLINDER HEAD AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FORD HAS ADMITTED TO ME AND THE CAR DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR THAT THIS IS A DEFAULT ON THEIR PART BUT THEY REFUSE TO BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE TO ME. THERE IS MUCH MORE TO THIS STORY AND I AM DESPARATELY SEEKING ASSISTANCE FROM SOMEONE TO GUIDE ME AS TO WHAT TO DO NEXT. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT FORD THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND EVENTUALLY HUNG UP ON ME.*AK

(2000-FORD FOCUS ZTS - 29,536 MILES) IN ADDITION TO A PRIOR INCIDENT WHEN MY CAR STALLED ON HIGHWAY 635 WHEN I WAS GOING APPROX. 60 MPH IN THE CENTER LANE, IT HAS STALLED "TWICE" TODAY WITHIN JUST 1 HOUR DURING MY LUNCH BREAK! IN ALL INCIDENTS THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING WHATSOEVER. IN BOTH OCCURENCES, I WAS DRIVING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT AND WAS NEITHER ACCELERATING NOR DECELERATING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE RADIO WENT OUT, WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ENGINE DIED. I WAS STUCK IN THE EXTREME LEFT LANE OF 'US 75' AND NARROWLY MISSED BEING HIT BY MULTIPLE VEHICLES. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE STALLED , CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES. *AK

THE "MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHTS" FAILED TO WORK AFTER THE OIL CAP WAS FORGOTTEN TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN (NOT KNOWING THE OIL CAP WAS NOT SECURE) AND NO SIGNS OR WARNING SIGNALS (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHTS) WERE DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD THAT WOULD DENOTE SOME TYPE OF CAUTION/MALFUNCTION. THE CAR HAD SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE INTERIOR FILLED W/SMOKE. THE CAR THEN BEGAN TO BUCK AND BLUE SMOKE WAS BLOWING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE AFTER ADDING OIL, AND AGAIN, NO MALFUNCTION SIGNALS WERE HIGHLIGHTED ON THE DASHBOARD.*AK

FORD FOCUS IGNITION LOCK. THREE TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS THE IGNITION LOCK HAS JAMMED ON OUR 3 YR. OLD FOCUS WITH 60,000 PLUS MILES. THE LAST TIME WAS DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY. EVENTUALLY WE HAVE ALWAYS MANAGED TO START THE CAR, BUT ONLY AFTER MANY, MANY MINUTES. ONCE MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED AT WORK ALONE AFTER AN EVENING SHIFT, AND ONCE WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO HAVE OUR SON DRIVE 150 MILES TO GET US. OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE BEING STRANDED WOULD BE DANGEROUS AS WELL AS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT. WE ARE NOW HAVING THE IGNITION LOCK REPLACED AT A COST OF WELL OVER $200. FROM LOOKING AT THE INTERNET, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO CORRECT IT.*AK

MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WILL NOT PERMIT ME TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS FREQUENTLY ON THE 2000 AND 2001 FOCUS, AS NOTED AT: HTTP://WWW.AUTOWHIZ.COM/NETSCAPE/BOARDS/SHOWMESSAGES.PHP?ID=1275. SINCE THESE CARS ARE WIDELY PURCHASED FOR YOUNG ADULTS TO USE, FORD SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THESE CYLINDERS. *JB

WE OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS 4DR LX. ON 2/18/2004 AND AGAIN ON 6/20/2004, WE PUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION, AND IT WOULD NOT TURN AT ALL. WE TRIED EVERYTING, INCLUDING JIGGLING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FIRST TIME, WE HAD THREE KEYS FOR THE CAR AND FOUND THAT ONE WORKED, BUT THE OTHERS DIDN'T. IT WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY (NOT FORD'S), WHICH COVERED REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE IGNITION ASSEMBLY. IT IS NOW IN THE SHOP AGAIN, 4 MONTHS LATER, UNDER A PARTS WARRANTY (LESS THAN 1 YEAR/ 12,000 MILES SINCE THE LAST TIME). THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING THAT THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THIS TIME, WE WERE OUT OF TOWN ON A HOLIDAY SUNDAY (FATHERS' DAY), NO RENTAL CARS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE, NO PLACE TO STAY. NEITHER KEY WORKED (HAD TWO). WE HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT WORKED ON IT THE LAST TIME. IT IS THERE NOW. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID HE SEES THIS OFTEN/ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AS DO SOME OF THE WEBSITES LISTING COMPLAINTS ABOUT HIS MAKE/MODEL CAR. THIS TIME IT SHOULD BE UNDER FORD'S PARTS WARRANTY, BUT WE ARE CONCERNED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. I AM TERRIFIED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND ONE OF US WILL BE STRANDED SOMEPLACE AND NOT ABLE TO GET HELP. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, AND IF YOU FIND THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, AS IT APPEARS TO BE, PLEASE MAKE FORD RECALL THIS PART AND FIX THE PROBLEM. OUR CAR ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000 MILES ON IT. WE PREVIOUSLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND 3 MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM (HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES). IT IS NOW OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY, AND IT DID NOT FALL WITHIN THE LEMON LAW. WE CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THE CAR NOW, NOR SHOULD WE HAVE TO, BUT WE'RE GOING TO TRY (BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHO WILL BUY IT, KNOWING THAT THEY COULD GET STRANDED SOMEWHERE, TOO). THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER LIFTED THE HOOD AND SAW STEAM AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *NM

I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS AND MY STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP IN DECEMBER OF 2002. I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ON AND OFF PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AND THE KEY NOT TURNING TO UNLOCK IT. LUCKILY BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2004 I WAS ABLE TO KEEP TRYING AND FINALLY UNLOCK IT. IT IS NOW LOCKED AGAIN AND THE SAME FORD DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY AGAIN TO GET IT FIXED AND THAT THE PART WAS HAD A WARRANTY OF 12 MONTHS OR 12000 MILES. MY PARENTS HAVE A 1988 FORD ESCORT GT MY FATHER HAS A 1994 FORD MUSTANG GT AND MY MOTHER HAS A 1997 ACURA AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING LOCKING UP. I BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING IS DEFECTIVE IN THE 2000 FORD FOCUS CAUSING THE LOCK UP AND THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION EVERY YEAR. *JB

WHEN DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED VEHICLE STALLED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

JUNE 2003 & FEBRUARY 2004: IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN IGNITION CYLINDER NOR WOULD THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCK. FORD DEALER STATED THEY HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM OCCURING ALOT AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONCERNED AND WOULD NOT BE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. DEALERSHIP IS STANDING BEHIND INITIAL REPAIR IN 2003 AS STARTING DATE OF 1 YEAR WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THEY DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN IN 2004. IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN OUTSIDE OF THE 1 YEAR WARRANTY WITH THE INITIAL FIX, WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN. WE FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND SOME ACTION TAKEN.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY CONSUMER PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. CONSUMER LIFTED FOOT, THEN TOUCHED THE BRAKES AGAIN, AND VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. AFTER BEING ABLE TO STOP CONSUMER GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND TRAVELED ON A MAIN STREET, AND VEHICLE WAS DOING THE SAME THING. WHILE ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, BUT COULD NOT STOP, VEHICLE KEPT GOING AND WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT, RESULTING IN A BROAD SIDE COLLISION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK CONSUMER RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM INSURANCE SAYING THAT THERE WAS RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE POWER FAILURE OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO CHECK VEHICLE BUT THEY REFUSED. *LA

I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION IN MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3 NOT TURNING OVER, APPRENTLY AFTER RESEARCH AND 300.00 LATER, IT IS A DEFECT IN THE TUMBLER.*AK

WHILE BRAKING THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIPS MECHANIC REPAIRED THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE CONSUMER TO TURN KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TIRES/ TIRES HAVE CUTS IN TREAD.*MR

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 03V482000 CONCERNING A FUEL DELIVERY PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY HONORED THE RECALL. LEFT THE VEHICLE AT 9:00 AM, AND AT 10.00 AM CONSUMER PICKED UP THE VEHICLE. FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TOOK BACK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THE FLOOR MANAGER INDICATED NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND COLLIDED WITH THE RIGHT FRONT END OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. DURING THE COLLISION, THE DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE HER RIGHT SHOULDER. *NM

CONSUMER STATED IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED ONCE. WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED NOTHING HAPPENED. *AK

1. REALLY HARD TO TURN KEY AND SOMETIMES HARD TO PUT KEY INSIDE THE IGNITION. 2. FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH LETS YOU SIT WHEREVER YOU ARE 3. REPLACE OF IGNITION SWITCH. *JB

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMANITED FOR A MONTH. NOT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL COST NEARLY $100.TO JUST LOOK AT. OTHER COMPLIANTS TO THE NHTSB IGNORED.*AK

IGNITION LOCK CYLANDER JAMMED, INSERTED KEY, CANNOT TURN KEY. HAD TO REPLACE LOCK CYLANDER. THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH INCIDENT IN SIX MONTHS.*AK

THE DEALERSHIP WANTED TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE IF THE ENGINE HESITATION WAS DUE TO THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) BEFORE INSTALLING A NEW FDM. IF THE FDM WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE THE CONSUMER FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. *AK *SC

FORD FOCUS 2000 IGNITION LOCKS FOR THE 15TH TIME. I WENT TO DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME $450 TO FIX MY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. PEOPLE FROM THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT IS COMMON THAT PEOPLE BRING THEIR FORD FOCUS TO REPAIR THE IGNITION. I WOULD NOT RECOMEND BUYING CAR FROM FORD. I HAD A FORD ESCORT ONCE THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER BECAUSE I WENT ON REVERSE FOR MORE THAN 150 YARDS. IT SEEMS LIKE I NEVER LEARN.*AK

FORD FOCUS ZX3 2000, KEY WILL NOT GO INTO IGNITION MORE THAN 1 - 2 INCHES AND WILL NOT TURN. STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED.

I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF A RECALL ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS CONCERNING THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP DESIGN. THE NOTICE RECOMMENDED WAITING UNTIL THE NEW DESIGN WAS AVAILABLE IN JANUARY 2004 BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SHOWING ANY SYMPTOMS AT THIS POINT BUT DID SO SHORTLY AFTERWARD.SHORTLY BEFORE GETTING A SCHEDULE TO TAKE IT IN,THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RECALL FUEL PUMP SYSTEM BUT FOUND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON BECAUSE OF A STICKING EXHAUST VALVE ON ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE WHICH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1900.THIS WAS IN ADDITION TO A $100 DIAGNOSTIC FEE.THE CONDITION WAS DESCRIBED AS NOT LIKELY TO CAUSE STALLING OR FURTHUR DAMAGE IF THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE 2ND DEALER'S SHOP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ON.THE DIAGNOSIS WAS SIMILAR AND THE COST WAS PUT AT $2100 PLUS AN $85 DIAGNOSTIC FEE.AFTER REQUESTING AN EXPLANATION OF WHY THIS DAMAGE WOULD OCCUR ON A CAR WITH JUST 28K MILES AND ONLY AFTER THE FUEL PUMP SYMPTOMS STARTED,THE REPAIR COST WAS REDUCED TO $600. BECAUSE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS AGO THE 36,000 MILES ENGINE WARRANTY DID NOT APPLY.THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AND APPEARED TO HAVE NO PROBLEMS UNTIL THE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AS FORD EXPECTED. I AM CERTAIN THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE DAMAGE. I WILL ALSO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH FORD .

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR STALLING. *AK

THE KEY WOULD TURN TO THE OFF POSITION AND THE CAR WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER, BUT SINCE IT WAS FIXED IN FEBRUARY OF 2004 IT HAS SINCE DONE THE SAME THINGS 2 MORE TIMES. THESE 2 TIMES, HOWEVER, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF, BUT I COULDN'T GET THE KEY TO GO TO THE OFF POSITION AND I COULDN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES AFTER THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER (ONCE IN NOVEMBER 2004 AND ONCE IN DECEMBER 2004). THEY SAID THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WON'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHEN I HAVE IT AT THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER I DRIVE IT THERE THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION. IT WAS FINE ALL SUMMER, AND IT SEEMS TO JUST DO THIS IN COLD WEATHER. HOWEVER, I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THAT MY RADIO IS STAYING ON AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF, AND MY SEAT BELT LIGHT AND AND WARNING BUZZER ALSO DON'T WORK WHEN I HAVE THIS IGNITION PROBLEM.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED IT WAS AN ENGINE PROBLEM. BUT, THERE WAS NO RECALL. *AK