2000 Ford Focus Complaint Log

WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK

WENT TO WORK, PARKED CAR IN COMPANY LOT CAME OUT PUT KEY INTO IGNITION TO START AND KEY WILL NOT TURN. STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, NO WORD FROM THEM YET. I HAVE A BABY WHAT IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER WHILE MY BABY WAS WITH ME. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. *AK

ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, 2004 MY SON & I WERE TRAVELING IN THE CITY OF MADISON, WISCONSIN IN A SPEED ZONE OF 30 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR LOST POWER & DIED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE BATTERY. SO I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE & TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN - IT CONTINUED TO NOT START BACK UP; HOWEVER, WE STARTED SMELLING GAS & WE COULDN'T GET OUT OF THE CAR DUE TO TRAFFIC ALL AROUND US. FINALLY A POLICE OFFICER CAME & ASKED US TO IMMEDIATELY GET OUT OF THE CAR - THERE WAS GAS POURING OUT ALL OVER THE ROAD. IT APPEARED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS MALFUNCTIONING. IN DECEMBER 2003 I HAD THE RECALL OF THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, THE POLICE OFFICER INDICATED THAT IT APPEARED TO BE THE FUEL PUMP BECAUSE EVERY TIME YOU TURNED THE IGNITION - GAS STARTED POURING OUT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED AT MY EXPENSE OF $84.00 TO THE DEALERSHIP. I ALSO LOST A FULL TANK OF GAS WHICH COST ME $17.00. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP & THEY DIRECTED ME TO FORD CUSTMER RELATIONS. I SPOKE WITH AN ANTHONY ON 08/30/04 @ 7:22AM (CST). HE INDICATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP COULD BE REPLACED AGAIN THAT IT WAS A WARRANTY BY FORD. HOWEVER, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER EXPENSES OF TOWING, RENTAL CAR (CURRENTLY WITHOUT A CAR & CANNOT GO TO WORK) , REPLACEMENT OF GAS LOST - HE SAID FORD DOES NOT HAVE ANY WAY OF REIMBURSING THESE. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON INDICATED THAT WAS NOTHING THAT FORD COULD DO ABOUT THIS. MY GREAT CONCERN IS THAT MY SON & I INHALED A LOT OF GAS FUMES - WE COULD HAVE BEEN BLOWN UP IN THE CAR (ACCORDING TO THE POLICE OFFICER) - AND FORD IS NOT BE HELPFUL IN THIS MATTER AT ALL. I FEEL THAT THE 2000 FORD FOCUS IS NOT A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE. PLUS I THERE IS ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE COIL ON THE CAR & YOU CAN'T GET THIS REPLACED BECAUSE THE COILS WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL DECEMBER 2004. THIS SEEMS NOT RESPONSIBLE OF THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AT ALL. *AK

I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS WAGON AND I CAN NO LONGER GET THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE GIGGLED, I HAVE TAPPED, I HAVE TRIED TO COAX IT TO WORK, BUT NOW MY CAR IS STUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH NO WAY TO START IT. I HAVE LOOKED ON-LINE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM - THE KEY STICKS [WHICH IT HAS DONE REPEATEDLY TO ME] OR STOPS TURNING IN THE IGNITION AT ALL, THEREBY RENDERING THE CAR UNSTARTABLE AND THEREFORE UNDRIVABLE. *JB

WHILE TURNING THE CORNER AT 15 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE MIRROR SLIGHTLY HIT A PARKED VEHICLE MIRROR. AS A RESULT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. DRIVER SUSTAINED A MINOR BURN ON THE RIGHT ARM. *AK

MORE THAN 1 PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM AS A WHOLE, THE LATEST ONE BEING A FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. NOW MY IGNITION IS BROKEN AND IN THE SHOP. I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY BRAKES REPLACED EARLY ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER RECALLS ON THE FOCUS. *AK

CAR STALLS OUT AND TOOK IN FOR FUEL DELIVERY MODULE PROBLEM WITH 2000 FOCUS AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN HOOK UP TO COMPUTER TO FIND PROBLEM AS THEY SAID IT WAS CHEAPER TO JUST REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. STILL STALLING AND HARD TO START AND FORD CLAIMS ALOT OF TIME IT IS NOT THE FUEL PUMP BUT IN THE ELECTRONICS AND FORD IS NOT COVERING THIS PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. *AK

IGNITION KEY LOCKING UP, DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK

KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION. WELL KNOWN TROUBLE BY DEALER. WANTED $500 TO REPAIR. *AK

UPON PURCHASING MY VEHICLE USED 4 DAYS LATER I HAD TO HAVE MY IGNITION REPLACED BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION, ONLY 2 MONTHS LATER I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALER I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM ONLY CARRIED A 45 DAY WARRANTY. *AK

IGNITION PROBLEM. TRIED TO START CAR WITH KEY BUT WILL NOT START. AT FIRST, THE KEY WOULD NOT GO IN BUT FINALLY GOT KEY IN BUT CAR DIDN'T START. MY KEY WAS DAMAGED ALITTLE FROM THE IGNITION. SINCE MECHANICS ARE ON STRIKE IN ST. LOUIS, MAYBE HARD TO GET FIXED. CALLED SUNTRUP FORD AND THEY SAID NOT COVERED AND NOT RECALLED SO I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE COST TO FIX.*AK

WHEN DRIVING MORE THAN 20 MPH THE WHOLE FRONT END SHOOK VIOLENTLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB ALTENATOR REPLACED STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. ENGINE WILL ONLY ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE 20 MPH. *TC

AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL LETTER VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD THE SERVICE COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE OF A BRANDED TITLE. PREVIOUS RECALL SERVICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED.*AK

REAR DOOR PROBLEM EXPERIENCED WITH 2000 FOCUS DOOR LATCHES. *BF WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY THE RIGHT REAR DOOR FLEW OPEN. A PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THAT SEAT AND WAS LUCKILY WEARING THE SEAT BELT. THE CONSUMER HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER HAS HAD TO SLAM THE DOORS SEVERAL TIMES FOR THEM TO CLOSE PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH. *NM

CONSUMER WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS. CONSUMER HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED AT 45,000 MILES. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE AT 76,000 MILES THE SIGNALS NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. *AK THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. *NM

OPENED REAR (DRIVERS SIDE) DOOR AND PLACED GROCERIES ON BACK SEAT. CLOSED DOORS AND LEFT GROCERY STORE LOT. UPON MAKING A TURN, EN ROUTE, THE REAR DOOR SWUNG OPENED AND SOME ITEMS TUMBLED OUT! PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO CLOSE REAR DOOR. WAS UNABLE TO. GOT HOME AND USED A SCREWDRIVER TO WORK THE LATCH TO THE OPEN POSITION. WAS DIFFICULT TO GET THE DOOR TO STAY CLOSED. I TRY NOT TO USE THIS DOOR EVEN NOW.*AK

CONSUMER WENT OUT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION AND LOCKED IN PLACE. NO MATTER HOW MUCH CONSUMER TRIED THE KEY WOULD NOT MOVE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE CYLINDER AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK

AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES THE VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING COOLANT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN ON EXTENDED WARRANTY WORK. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS REPLACED. SINCE THEN THE CAR WILL OVERHEAT WHEN STOPPED OR IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT HAVING THE CLIMATE CONTROLS ON AND IN RECIRCULATION MODE. *JB

I WENT SHOPPING AT WAL-MART AND WHEN I CAME OUT, MY IGNITION WAS LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING AND CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO TOW IT IN AND FIX IT. I WAS CHARGED FOR ALL PARTS, LABOR, AND TOW BILL. WHEN I REASEARCHED THIS ONLINE, I FOUND SEVERAL OTHERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCES THIS HAPPENS OVER AND OVER. FORD WOULD ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY AND WOULD NOT LOOK INTO A RECALL. MY CAR IS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. INCIDINTE DATE IS A GUESS.

I HAVE A 2000 FORD FOCUS AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING TERRIBLE PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION. SEVERAL DOZEN TIMES I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START MY CAR OR IT HAS TAKEN ME A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME TO BE ABLE TO START THE CAR. I TOLD MY LOCAL FORD DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $300 TO FIX THE IGNITION. HOWEVER, HE TOLD ME THAT I WAS THE FOURTH PERSON THAT HAD CALLED HIM THAT VERY SPECIFIC DAY REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER FOCUS'. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE POSTING COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME FOR A RECALL. *JB

LEFT REAR BEARINGS ARE HOWLING, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON CARS MADE AT THE WAYNE STAMPING PLANT WHERE MY CAR WAS MADE, AND IN THE TIME FRAME MY CAR WAS MADE. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND THERE ARE UNWILLING TO REPAIR AT THEIR COST. IN MANY OTHER STATES FORD REPLACES THE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE RESULT OF A NON-REPAIR IS THE WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE CAR. I AM PETITIONING TO HAVE MY CAR INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. 2000 FORD FOCUS VIN #[XXX]. *AK UPDATED 07/25/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

CONSUMER IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE 2000 FORD FOCUS DUE TO ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED WITH THIS VEHICLE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR THE REAR BRAKES, DRUMS AND SHOCKS WERE REPLACED. *JB

CAR STALLS AT LOW AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO WARNING. FUEL PUMP HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL PROGRAM. THIS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND PRIOR TO THE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. FOLLOWING PUMP REPLACEMENT IT STOPPED FOR A WHILE, BUT NOW IS OCCURING AGAIN WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY.*AK

IGNITION LOCKS ON FOCUS ARE FAULTY. I HAVE HAD MINE REPLACED EVERY 25 MONTHS SINCE I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE. FORD REFUSES TO COVER THE IGNITION LOCK EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE MANAGERS ALL KNOW ABOUT THIS BEING FAULTY. FORD CLAIMS IGNORANCE, THAT THEY ARE UNAWARE OF THIS BEING A COMMON PROBLEM, I HAVE PERFORMED THE MOST RUDIMENTARY RESEARCH THAT SHOWS OTHERWISE AND IF I REALLY SPEND TIME, I ONLY IMAGINE WHAT I WILL FIND. <HTTP://WWW.TALKABOUTAUTOS.COM/GROUP/ALT.AUTOS.FORD.FOCUS/MESSAGES/29566.HTML> <HTTP://WWW.FOCALJET.COM/UBBTHREADS/SHOWFLAT.PHP?CAT=&NUMBER=635761&PAGE=0&VIEW=COLLAPSED&SB=5&O=&FPART=1> <HTTP://WWW.TALKABOUTAUTOS.COM/GROUP/ALT.AUTOS.FORD.FOCUS/MESSAGES/27215.HTML> THANKS!*AK

EVENTS, JUST NORMAL DRIVING. SWAY BAR LINK DISCONNECTED CAUSING SHARP RIGHTWARD PULL AT HIGHWAY SPEED. CONTINUED SMELLING OF ELECTRICAL BURNING FROM DASH PANEL WITH INTERMITTENT INSTRUMENT FAILURE, AND AIRBAG LIGHTS FLASHING. SMOKE CAME FROM THE VENT SYSTEMS A COUPLE TIMES, BUT NO FIRE NOTICED AS OF YET. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT FAILURE, COSTS TOO MUCH FOR ME TO HAVE FORD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, $500+ FOR DASH LABOUR COSTS TO PULL IT AND INSPECT.

WHEN GETTING INTO MY CAR TO GO TO WORK ONE DAY THE KEY WOULDN'T GO INTO THE IGNITION ALL THE WAY. MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE IGNITION ASSEMBLY. *AK

PURCHASED 2000 FORD FOCUS 7/2000 2/00 SAFETY RECALL ON REAR WHEEL BEARINGS INDICATES LOUD GRINDING CLUNKING NOISE. 1/01 RECALL ON THE A-PILLAR TRIM PANELS COMPLAINED ABOUT MY REAR BRAKES SQUEAKING CAUSEWAY FORD MANAHAWKIN NJ FOUND NOTHING HOWEVER THEY REPLACED REAR BRAKES AND ROTATED TIRES 10/01 RECALL WIPER MOTOR PACK I COMPLAINED ABOUT FRONT BRAKES SQUEAKING FORD CLEANED AND DEGLAZED FRONT BRAKE PADS AND DID ANOTHER TIRE ROTATION 12/01 RECALL REAR WHEEL BEARINGS CONSTANT WOBBLE AND GRINDING NOISE FROM REAR TIRES SQEAK CONTINUES ON BRAKES 6/02 HUMMING NOISE FROM TIRES ROAD TEST CONFIRMS NOISE COMING FROM FRONT LEFT TIRE THEY ROTATED MY TIRES NOISE CONTINUES FORD SAY I NEED NEW TIRES I AM AT 31,000 MILES 7/02 GOT A FLAT FIRESTONE REPAIRED PATCHED TIRE WAS "OK" 8/02 POWER STEERING PUMP TO BE REPLACED 10/02 CONTINUING LOUD NOISE IN REAR TRACED TO FAILED BEARING FORD SAYS THEY DID SERVICE ON A PREVIOUS RECALL. 10/02 LOUD HUMMING NOISE IN FRONT FORD INSPECTION REVEALED A CHOPPY TIRE THEY ROTATED TIRES FRONT TO BACK 10/02 AT 38,400 MILES PURCHASED 4 FIRESTONE TIRES 3/03 RECALL PINCH BOLT 5/03 BRAKES CONTINUE TO SQUEAK, GRIND, TURNS OUT FRONT ROTORS ARE SHOT AT 48,000 MILES REPLACED FRONT ROTORS COMPLETE FRONT DISC BRAKE JOB BENDIX BY TRANZ CONNECTION 8/03 ALTERNATOR TO BE REPLACED CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING, STUCK IN MASS. FOR 4 DAYS PRECISION AUTO BODY. 12/03 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON DOESNT GO OUT BROUGHT TO FIRESTONE NEED TO RESET COMPUTER 12/03-12/04 CAR IS STALLING CLOSE TO 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS, I ATTRIBUTE THIS TO NOT HAVING ENOUGH GAS IN CAR AND TRY TO AVOID 12/04 RECALL ON FUEL PUMP 2/04 LOWER RADIATOR HOSE CLAMP TO BE REPLACED 7/04 LOUD HUMMING GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVINGBRING TO FIRESTONE FIND A CRAKED COIL SPRING CAN LEAD TO THE TIRE SEPERATING FROM THE CAR FRONT RIGHT WHEEL NEEDS STRUT ASSEMBLY WITH COIL SPRING MOUNT BEARING BELLOW WITH ALINGMENT BACK BREAKS LEAKING WHEEL CYLINDER. *AK

ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65MPH, MY BACK DOOR OPENED. THIS SITUATION PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE, AND STARTED OCCURING MORE OFTEN, AND NOW WITH BOTH DOORS. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER, WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM THAT FORD WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND SUGGESTED THAT I SPEND ALMOST $1000 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. I ALSO CONTACTED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANIES 800 NUMBER, AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BACK DOOR LOCKS. I CAN CLOSE THE DOORS, ALTHOUGH THEY WILL NOT STAY CLOSED, NOR LOCK. *AK

BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS NEED REPAIR. LOUD NOISES FROM THE WHEEL BEARINGS. BREAKS NEEDED REPAIR AT 35,000 MILES (GRINDING). EW TIRES AT 40,000 MILES (BOTH FRONT AND BACK). *AK I HEARD ON CAR TALK THAT WHEELS OF THE EARLIER MODELS OF FORD FOCUS'S ACTUALLY FALL OFF!

1. NO INDICATION THAT FAILURE WOULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME. 2. FAILING DOOR-ACTUATOR. 3. CONSEQUENCES: DOOR CANNOT BE OPEN AT ALL, KEY, INSIDE/OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE CAN BE OPERATED BUT WILL NOT UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE REMOTE OPENER IS RENDERED USELESS. THERE IS NO PRIOR WARNING IT HAPPENS ALL AT ONCE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THIS VEHICLE IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. MY DAUGHTER WHO IS EIGHT MONTH PREGNANT HAD TO CRAWL OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE (IN 96 DEGREES WEATHER). QUITE A CHORE IN A SMALL CAR LIKE THIS. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THIS UNDER WARRANTY AND EXPECTS ME TO PAY $574.00 FOR THE REPAIR. IN ORDER TO GET TO THE MECHANISM I WAS TOLD THEY MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE TO BREAK OUT THE DOOR PANEL, WHICH WOULD ALSO BE MY RESPONSIBILITY. IN MY 30+ YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPENING TO ANY OF THE CARS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING. FIRST OF ALL - IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IT IS THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY. EVEN IF THE REMOTE ACCESS FAILS, ONE SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR MANUALLY. THE KEY WILL TURN COUNTER-CLOCKWISE TO THE 10 O'CLOCK POSITION AND CLOCKWISE TO THE 1 O'CLOCK POSITION. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND WAS BRUSHED OFF (OUT OF WARRANTY). ALSO,THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT FORD DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD. I ASKED FOR THE NAME OF THE MANUFACTURER OF THE DOOR ACTIVATOR AND WAS DENIED THIS INFORMATION. THEN I ASKED TO TALK TO THE NEXT PERSON IN THE SUPERVISORY CHAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD NOT TALK TO ANYBODY ELSE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I CHECKED THE COMPLAINT SECTION ON THIS PROBLEM AND THIS IS THE 53RD COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR REGARDING DOOR LOCKING/UNLOCKING PROBLEMS. WHEN IS SOMEBODY GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THIS AGENCY IS HERE TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER, OR IS IT JUST A SOUNDING BOARD?*AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE TO START THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES NOW, I HAVE TRIED TO START MY 2000 FORD FOCUS, AND THE KEY EITHER WILL NOT INSERT COMPLETELY OR IT WILL NOT TURN IN THE SWITCH.*AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER, STALLED. AND SOMETIMES CUT COMPLETELY OFF. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM SINCE AUGUST 2004. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2004, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING UP A HILL. *SC

I HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. I TURNED INTO MY PARKING SPACE AND HEARD A SUDDEN CLUNK. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING THAT BROKE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IF RIGHT ONE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE, THE LEFT ONE ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH A FRONT AND BACK END ALIGNMENT. IT IS A GOOD THING THAT THIS DID OT HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY, AS THE COIL SPRING COULD HAVE PUNCTURED MY TIRE AND RESULTED IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT.*AK

IGNITION CYLINDER ON MY 2000 FORD FOCUS HAS BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES BY A LOCAL FORD DEALER. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE (APPROXIMATELY AUGUST, 2004, KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE LOCK. THIS REQUIRED TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT (FEBRUARY, 2007) THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH UNLESS THE TILT STEERING WAS BOUNCED FORWARD AND BACK FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. *JB

VERY HARD TO PUT KEY INTO OR REMOVE FROM IGNITION, HAVE NOT REMOVED KEY IN 8 YEARS. *TR

A MINOR ACCIDENT OCCURED IN A PARKING LOT. THE CAR WAS TRAVELLING AT APPROX. 10 MPH AND HIT THE REAR END OF ANOTHE CAR WHICH WAS STATIONERY. THE AIRBAGS INFLATED AND CAUSED MINOR INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE CAR. A NEW WINDSCREEN IS NEEDED, NEW AIRBAGS NEED TO BE INSTALLED AND THERE MAY BE MORE AS YET UNDIAGNOSED DAMAGE. IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE INFLATED AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BY RIGHTS COVER THE COSTS OF ALL DAMAGES TO THE CAR RELATED TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS.*AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED.*AK

I HAVE 46,000 MILES ON MY FOCUS AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL LET ME INSERT THE KEY BUT WILL NOT LET TURN THE IGNITION ON, I HAVE PERSONALLY READ HUNDREDS OF FORUMS POSTS WITH THIS PROBLEM OCCURING..... I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY $300+ TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. THE EXTREMLY BAD PART IS THAT MY WIFE WAS TRYING TO START THE CAR UP AT THE TIME.... SHE HAD NOTICED SOMEONE FOLLOWING HER TO THE CAR AND WHEN SHE GOT IN THE CAR AND LOCKED THE DOOR BEHIND HER, HE STARTED TRYING TO BREAK IN, AND LONE AND BEHOLD SHE TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT THE IGNTION WOULD NOT TURN. THANKFULLY I WAS ONLY A FEW BLOCKS AWAY AND SHE CALLED ME IN A PANIC, WHEN I ARRIVED TO WHERE SHE WAS I SEEN THE MAN TRYING TO GET IN THE CAR, HE SEEN ME COMING UP TO THE ONLY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT (MY FOCUS) AND STARTED RUNNING HE JUMPED OVER A FENCE AND I COULD NOT CATCH HIM...... WHATS TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN? I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS POSTS ON FORUMS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE TAKEN THEIR CAR IN HAD THE IGNITION "FIXED" ONLY FOR THEM TO COME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. I CANNOT KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE ALL THE TIME. I GUESS I JUST NEED TO TRADE MY FOCUS IN FOR A RELIABLE VEHICLE! *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY, RESULTING ONCE IN A CRASH. *AK

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 00V302000 CONCERNING CRUISE CONTROL. 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. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. HOWEVER, THEY INDICATED SORRY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDE IN THIS RECALL.*AK

THE CONSUMER HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AND IT WENT OUT AGAIN. DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION A SECOND TIME WITHOUT INFORMING THE CONSUMER THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AGAIN.*AK

THE IGNITION WAS LOCKED IN PLACE AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. ALSO, STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. DEALERSHIPS REPLACED TWICE THE IGNITION SWITCH AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK

MY KEY WOULD NO LONGER FIT IN THE IGNITION LEAVING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE WITH THE WHEELS LOCKED WHICH MADE TOWING NEAR IMPOSSIBLE. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED THE IGNITION AND ADVISED ME I WAS STARTING MY CAR INCORRECTLY. THEY SAID I NEEDED TO FULLY DEPRESS THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BEFORE TURNING IT. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO OTHERWISE. 17 MONTHS LATER IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. THEY HAVE JUST REPLACED MY SECOND IGNITION IN 2 YEARS AND I WAS NOW TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A FAULTY PART BUT DUE TO THE WEATHER IN NORTHEAST OHIO. *NM

AFTER HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME OF TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH ON CONSUMER COULD NOT SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. EVERY ATTEMPT WOULD CAUSE A GRINDING NOSE. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE ENTIRE IGNITION CYLINDER. *AK

I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS COUPE WITH 119000 MILES. ALTHOUGH THIS IS HIGH MILEAGE, MY NORMAL DRIVE IS 30-60 MILES. ON 7-27-04 I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AND WAS UNABLE TO GET THE KEY TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE TOW DRIVER FROM AAA WAS ALSO INITIALLY UNSUCCESSFUL, BUT AFTER CONSULTING WITH A LOCKSMITH HE SAID THAT THE LOCK TUMBLERS WERE STUCK; HE GOT IT TO TURN BY HITTING THE BUTT OF THE KEY. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT SOMETHING TO CONTINUE DOING, SO I TOOK THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING TO FORD OF UPLAND, WHERE THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME THEY HAD SEEN MANY FOCUSES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THERE HAD BEEN A SERVICE MEMO FROM FORD AND HE SAID NO. NOT WANTING TO RISK THE CAR HAVING A DISABLED IGNITION WHILE AN HOUR FROM HOME, I HAD THE DEALER INSTALL A NEW IGNITION FOR $318. HOWEVER, I TOLD HIM THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I'D EVER SEEN A PROBLEM WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH ON ANY CAR I'VE OWNED, INCLUDING THE LAST THREE CARS I'VE OWNED, WHICH ALL LASTED OVER 160000 MILES, AND THAT EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAD A LOT OF MILES, BECAUSE OF MY LONG AVERAGE TRIP, THE NUMBER OF STARTS WAS EQUIVALENT TO A CAR WITH 40000 MILES DRIVEN LOCALLY. I THEN DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND LITERALLY DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SOME BY PEOPLE WHO HAD HAD MULTIPLE IGNITION REPLACEMENTS. ALSO, IN A PREVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, FORD HAD DENIED THAT THERE WAS ANY PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR DYING ON HARD RIGHT TURNS, ONLY TO SEE A RECALL TWO MONTHS LATER, SO MY SUSPICION IS THAT THEY ARE ALSO WELL AWARE OF THIS IGNITION PROBLEM (THE DEALER SAID AS MUCH).*AK

I HAVE UNDETERMINED FUEL ODORS/LEAKS AT THE REAR OF MY 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3.*AK

MY 2000 FORD FOCUS HAS A DEFECTIVE LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MY DEALER, LIGHTHOUSE FORD IN FALMOUTH, MA, EXAMINED THE LATCH AND ADVISED THAT IT WAS "RUSTED" BEYOND REPAIR AND THAT A REPLACEMENT LATCH, COSTING OVER $200, WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. SINCE THE DOOR SOMEHOW SEEMS TO SECURE ITSELF (WITHOUT THE FUNCTION OF THE LATCH), I OPTED NOT TO INSTALL A NEW LATCH AT MY EXPENSE. IS THE DOOR A HAZARD? PLEASE ADVISE. *AK

THE TRANSMISSION JUST SUDDENLY WENT ON OUR VEHICLE WITH 41000. THIS OCCURRED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. *AK