Ford Focus / 2000
2000 Ford Focus problems
Owners have filed 5,152 complaints about the 2000 Ford Focus with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 27.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 9.6%.
Complaints5,152
Crashes358
Fires171
Injuries201
Deaths50
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 27.3% · 1406
Engine and engine cooling 9.6% · 496
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.0% · 464
Suspension 8.0% · 412
Fuel system, gasoline 7.6% · 390
Power train 4.8% · 246
Latches/locks/linkages 4.0% · 204
Air bags 3.7% · 193
Severity
Of those complaints, 358 describe a crash, 171 describe a fire, 201 report an injury and 50 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Ford Focus in this data, 2000 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
In april of 2003, I went outside to start my car, the key went into the ignition and the chimes sounded (indicating electrical connection/activity); however, my key was not able to turn the ignition switch. I am being charged $273.00 For the problem, that is clearly a manufacturer's defect. If there is ever a recall or any legal justification with the "lemon" please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you. Electrical system
Ford Focus 2000 zx3 ignition lock cylinder became jammed unexpectedly. Key enters lock but lock will not release, and so car will not start. Results in stranded motorist with no warning signs beforehand, hence safety issue. Requires either tow to repair shop or site visit from locksmith. Many references to this problem on the web, and every dealer or locksmith I contacted had seen this problem multiple times. Electrical system · reported at 56,000 miles
Consumer was having a difficult time entering key into ignition. Mechanic stated that vehicle had a lock switch that had malfunctioned. *Ak consumer contacted customer service and was told that this condition was a familiar one with the Ford Focus and that the engineers have not received enough complaints to consider the problem a recall. Dealer replaced ignition lock cylinder and offered to pay 60% of cost. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…