NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
1,343 reportsClear category filter59,000 miles · Nov 17, 2005
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A USED 2000 FORD FOCUS FROM A PRIVATE OWNER, 2 DAYS AGO I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AFTER WORK, I PUT THE KEY IN AND IT WOULD NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IN COMPLETLY LOCKED UP. I LOOKED IT UP ON THE NET AND HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. I CALLED THE DEALER AT FRIENDLY FORD TO ASK HIM WHAT WAS…
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I PURCHASED A USED 2000 FORD FOCUS FROM A PRIVATE OWNER, 2 DAYS AGO I WAS ON MY WAY HOME AFTER WORK, I PUT THE KEY IN AND IT WOULD NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IN COMPLETLY LOCKED UP. I LOOKED IT UP ON THE NET AND HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. I CALLED THE DEALER AT FRIENDLY FORD TO ASK HIM WHAT WAS UP AND HE SAID I WAS ON MY OWN. THE COST IS $400.I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE SITUATION.WHY HAVE YOU NOT FILED A RECALL!!FORD TOLD ME THAT IT IS UP TO YOU TO GET THAT DONE. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU CANNOT TURN YOUR CAR ON AT 10 AT NIGHT, BY YOURSELF. IS ANYONE OUT THERE LISTENING TO THE THOUSANDS OF ANGRY FOCUS OWNERS??I HEARD THAT THE ISSUE IS NOW RESOLVED IN THE NEW FOCUS BUT WHAT DOES THAT DO FOR US???RECALL........RECALL...........RECALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10143051
15,000 miles · Nov 7, 2005
Electrical System
I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS LE WITH LESS THAN 23,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED TWICE, ONCE IN 2002 AND ONCE IN 2005. THIS WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE KEY, BUT WITH THE CYLINDER ITSELF. BOTH TIMES, THE CYLINDER LOCKED UP AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10142022
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2005
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsSteering
IGNITION SWITCH WOULD "STICK", SINCE DAY OF PURCHASE...TWO MONTHS LATER, BROKEN!! ALL THE TUMBLER SPRINGS WENT OUT....$300!! TO FIX AND ONE HOUR LATE TO WORK. PASSENGER OUTER TIE ROD BOOT IS SHOT AND THE TIE ROD WILL NOT COME OFF!!! $45 TO REPLACE!!! SEAT BELT TENSIONER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AT ALL!!!! *NM
NHTSA ODI #10142008
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2005
Electrical System
I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3. THE IGNITION KEEPS JAMMING AND HAS FINALLY COMPLETELY FAILED, LEAVING ME STRANDED MILES FROM HOME. I'VE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND I'VE FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THE FORD FOCUS. I AM THANKFUL THAT IT WAS ME THAT WAS STRANDED AND NOT MY WIFE WITH THE CHILDREN. THE IGNITION SWITCHES ARE…
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I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3. THE IGNITION KEEPS JAMMING AND HAS FINALLY COMPLETELY FAILED, LEAVING ME STRANDED MILES FROM HOME. I'VE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND I'VE FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THE FORD FOCUS. I AM THANKFUL THAT IT WAS ME THAT WAS STRANDED AND NOT MY WIFE WITH THE CHILDREN. THE IGNITION SWITCHES ARE DEFECTIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT A RECALL BE PUT ON THIS ISSUE. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO BE REPAIRED BECAUSE FORD USED A DEFECTIVE PART IN MANUFACTURING. THANK YOU, D. LISH. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10141871
60,000 miles · Nov 5, 2005
Electrical System
I AM A KATRINA EVACUEE WORKING IN DALLAS AND I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3, AND THE NOTORIOUS FREEZING IGNITION CYLINDER FLAW (CANNOT TURN KEY AT ALL) LEFT ME STRANDED AT 5:00 PM IN FRONT OF AN ALBERTSON'S FOR 3 HOURS UNTIL A TOW TRUCK SENT BY GEICO CAME AND GOT THE CAR, BROUGHT IT TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER, AND BROUGHT ME HOME. …
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I AM A KATRINA EVACUEE WORKING IN DALLAS AND I OWN A 2000 FORD FOCUS ZX3, AND THE NOTORIOUS FREEZING IGNITION CYLINDER FLAW (CANNOT TURN KEY AT ALL) LEFT ME STRANDED AT 5:00 PM IN FRONT OF AN ALBERTSON'S FOR 3 HOURS UNTIL A TOW TRUCK SENT BY GEICO CAME AND GOT THE CAR, BROUGHT IT TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER, AND BROUGHT ME HOME. AMIDST ALL OF THE DESTRUCTION I PERSONALLY AM DEALING WITH, THE LAST THING I NEED IS TO HAVE A WELL KNOWN DEFECT LEAVE ME STRANDED IN ANOTHER STATE...OH YEAH, I HAVE THE FLU TO BOOT, SO TO SAY THE LEAST, I'M KIND OF CRANKY. FORD NEED TO RECALL THIS PART. AS IF I DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH TO PAY FOR (MY HOUSE TOOK 11 FEET OF WATER IN NOLA), GIVEN THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL RECALL, THE REPAIR WILL COST ME AT LEAST $250 OUT OF POCKET. PLEASE INITIATE A RECALL. BORIS PALACIOS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10141845
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2005
Electrical System
I WENT TO A STORE AND TURNED MY CAR OFF, THE SAME WAY THAT I ALWAYS DO. ONCE RETURNING AND TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. THE KEY WOULD GO IN ALL THE WAY, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NORMALLY IT WILL START AFTER MESSING WITH IT FOR A FEW MINUTES. THIS TIM…
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I WENT TO A STORE AND TURNED MY CAR OFF, THE SAME WAY THAT I ALWAYS DO. ONCE RETURNING AND TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. THE KEY WOULD GO IN ALL THE WAY, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NORMALLY IT WILL START AFTER MESSING WITH IT FOR A FEW MINUTES. THIS TIME I SAT THERE FOR AN HOUR TRYING TO GET IT TO WORK, TO NO AVAIL. I CALLED MY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, AND HAD IT TOWED HOME. I WAS TOLD BOTH BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AND THE TOWING COMPANY, THAT IT IS A REPEATED ISSUE WITH THE FOCUS. THE TOWING COMPANY SAID THE ONLY TIME HE HAS HAD TO EVER TOW A FOCUS IS WHEN IT HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, OR IF THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. I HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE THROUGH NHTSA, AND FEEL SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL MECHANICS AND LOCK SMITHS, AND I AM TOLD BY ALL THAT I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY THE HIGH PRICE TO HAVE A DEALER FIX AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED A LONG TIME AGO ON ALL THE CAR'S MADE THAT YEAR. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND NOT JUST ONCE BUT REPEATEDLY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10141610
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2005
Electrical System
MY DAUGHTER TOOK THE FORD FOCUS TO COLLEGE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL REPRESENTATIVES AT AAA (TRYING TO GET IT TOWED FROM A PARKING GARAGE), THEY ALL SAID THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS. THEY WERE SURE THAT THERE HAD TO BE A RECALL OR THA…
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MY DAUGHTER TOOK THE FORD FOCUS TO COLLEGE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL REPRESENTATIVES AT AAA (TRYING TO GET IT TOWED FROM A PARKING GARAGE), THEY ALL SAID THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS. THEY WERE SURE THAT THERE HAD TO BE A RECALL OR THAT FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED. I'VE CONTACTED FORD AND THIS WAS IN THEIR REPLY - 'FORD AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) WORK TOGETHER TO PROACTIVELY IDENTIFY AREAS OF CONCERN THROUGH INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER AND DEALER FEEDBACK.' THIS IS WHY I'M FILING A COMPLAINT WITH YOU. AS FOR A SAFETY ISSUE, MY DAUGHTER'S SAFETY IS MY MAIN CONCERN. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED WHILE SHE WAS STILL PARKED IN THE GARAGE AT SCHOOL AND NOT IN A PARKING LOT AT A MALL OR A STORE. THE TUMBLERS COLLAPSED AND THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED REPLACED AND TWO NEW KEYS HAD TO BE MADE AND PROGRAMMED. (IF OEM IS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FROM MANUFACTURER, THEN IT IS YES.) *JB
NHTSA ODI #10141568
60,000 miles · Oct 31, 2005
Electrical System
2000 FORD FOCUS IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD NOT TURN WHEN KEY WAS INSERTED. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO CHARGED $350 TO DRILL OUT THE CYLINDER AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10141292
69,000 miles · Oct 30, 2005
Electrical System
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE IN 2000 FORD FOCUS LEFT ME AND MY THREE CHILDREN STRANDED IN SECLUDED AREA AT DARK. AT THIS POINT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT IS APPARENT THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE FORD FOCUS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10141245
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2005
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WOULD NOT START ON 6/29/05 SO I HAD IT TOWED TO TOWN & COUNTRY FORD ON 6/30/05. PRIOR TO THE TOW TRUCK LEAVING, I CHECKED THE LIGHTS, HORN, ETC TO MAKE SURE ALL WORKED BEFORE FORD WORKED ON THE CAR. THEY DID. WHEN THEY SERVICE MAN JOHNNY GARDNER CALLED ME THAT AFTERNOON TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHIC…
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MY 2000 FORD FOCUS WOULD NOT START ON 6/29/05 SO I HAD IT TOWED TO TOWN & COUNTRY FORD ON 6/30/05. PRIOR TO THE TOW TRUCK LEAVING, I CHECKED THE LIGHTS, HORN, ETC TO MAKE SURE ALL WORKED BEFORE FORD WORKED ON THE CAR. THEY DID. WHEN THEY SERVICE MAN JOHNNY GARDNER CALLED ME THAT AFTERNOON TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE HE STATED " THE GROUND SCRAP WIRE , AND IGNITION SWITCH NEED TO BE REPAIRED" I TOLD HIM THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN I HAD IT REPAIRED 1 MONTH EARLIER. JOHNNY THEN CHANGED THE STORY STATING " JUST THE GROUND SCRAP WIRE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED". I HAD THEM FIX THAT PART AND WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET A CAR SWERVED INTO MY LANE AND WHEN I WENT TO BLOW MY HORN IT DID NOT WORK. I SLOWED DOWN AND MY BRAKES MADE A HARD GRINDING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED TOWN & COUNTRY FORD ASKING THEM WHY WAS MY CAR HORN NOT WORKING, AND THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. THEY REPLIED " I COULD BRING THE CAR BACK AND PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED". I TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHO STATED THE HORN COULD NOT BE FIXED BECAUSE SOMEONE UNHOOKED THE COMPONETS UNDER THE HOOD, AND TO FIX IT FORD CAN ONLY GET THE PARTS. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE AXLE ON MY RIGHT BRAKE WHEEL WAS SPLIT. PRIOR TO TAKING THIS CAR TO TOWN & COUNTRY FORD I HAD NO BRAKE PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD BY TOWN & COUNTRY FORD TO CHECK MY REPLACE THE RELAY SWITCH TO THE HORN. I DID AND THE HEADLIGHTS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. THE CAR WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE. MY CAR WAS FINE PRIOR TO TOWN & COUNTRY FORD'S WORK. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10140945
Official recalls
11Feb 1, 2005
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 19, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 6, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Aug 8, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Dec 14, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Dec 6, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DECKLID WIRE HARNESS CAN FATIGUE AND DEVELOP BROKEN WIRES IN THE BEND AREA OF THE WIRE HARNESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Oct 12, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Oct 12, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Aug 11, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Dec 3, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
13AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown 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 this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
EA04023 · Rear Door Latch Failure
Opened Aug 18, 2004 · Closed Feb 4, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON APRIL 8, 2004 AS PE04-033 AND UPGRADED ON AUGUST 18, 2004 TO EA04-023.THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE REAR DOOR LATCHES FAILED TO KEEP THE DOORS IN A CLOSED POSITION, RESULTING IN REAR DOORS COMING OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE BEING DRIVEN.SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT AT TIMESA REAR DOOR, OR DOORS, COULD BE DIFFICULT TO CLOSE.OTHERS REPORTED THAT CORROSION OF THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM CAUSED BINDING OF THE LATCH.FORD HAS IDENTIFIED A CONDITION OF CORROSION IN THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT PREVENTS PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE DOOR LATCH CATCH TO THE LATCH STRIKER ON THE VEHICLE BODY.BY LETTER OF FEBRUARY 1, 2005, FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 FOUR AND FIVE-DOOR FOCUS VEHICLES REGISTERED IN, OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. DEALERS WILL INSPECT REAR DOOR LATCHES AND REPLACE BINDING LATCHES AS REQUIRED.DEALERS WILL ALSO LUBRICATE ALL REAR DOOR LATCHES TO PREVENT FUTURE CORROSION AND BINDING.A LOWER ROCKER SEAL WILL ALSO BE ADDED TO THE REAR DOORS. SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V030 FOR DETAILS.
PE04033 · Rear Door Latch Failure
Opened Apr 8, 2004 · Closed Aug 20, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON APRIL 8, 2004, BASED ON 17 REPORTS THAT ONE OR BOTH REAR DOOR LATCHES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE DOORS WERE DIFFICULT TO CLOSEAND THAT THE DOOR LATCHES WOULD NOT REMAIN LATCHED WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE BEING DRIVEN, RESULTING IN A DOOR COMING OPEN.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT CORROSION OF THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM CAUSED BINDING OF THE LATCH.FORD'S RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION INFORMATION REQUEST PROVIDED 19 CONSUMER REPORTS AND 28 WARRANTY CLAIMS ATTRIBUTED TO THE DOOR LATCH WHERE THE DOORS CAME OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE BEING DRIVEN.THREE (3) OF THE 17 OPENING ODI REPORTS WERE DUPLICATED IN FORD'S RESPONSE.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA04-023 FOR FURTHER STUDY.
EA02022 · Engine Stalling
Opened Sep 9, 2002 · Closed Jan 16, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
CLOGGING OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CAN LEAD TO STALLING AND OTHER RELATED SYMPTOMS.THESE SYMPTOMS BECOME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO THE DRIVER AS THE CLOGGING GRADUALLY INCREASES OVER EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING.STALLING IN THESE VEHICLES IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A RIGHT HAND TURN SUCH AS MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LESS THAN 1/4 FULL.MORE THAN 90% OF THE STALLING COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FDM INSTALLED IN MY 2000 AND 2001 (PARTIAL YEAR) FOCUS VEHICLES. FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN (03V-482) TO ADDRESS STALLINGIN THESE VEHICLES.THE SMALLER NUMBER AND RATE OF COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERIM AND CURRENT FDM DESIGNS INDICATE IMPROVEMENT BUT ALSO REFLECT A SHORTER TIME IN SERVICE FOR THESE DESIGNS. ACCORDINGLY, ODI WILL MONITOR THE STALLING PERFORMANCE OF MY 2001 - 2002 FOCUS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTERIM AND CURRENT DESIGN FDMS.
EA02023 · Front Susp Collapse/wheel Separation
Opened Sep 9, 2002 · Closed Feb 19, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Suspension:front:control Arm
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Suspension:front
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA02017 · Burn Injuries Due To Air Bag Deployment
Opened Aug 16, 2002 · Closed Aug 15, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
ALL OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGE AN INCIDENT IN WHICH DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG CAUSED SOME TYPE OF BURN INJURY.MOST OF THESE INJURIES ARE DUE TO CONTACT AND/OR ABRASION WITH THE AIR BAG AND ARE OF RELATIVELY MINOR TO MODERATE SEVERITY.IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME DRIVERS MAY HAVE SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO THE SKIN AS A RESULT OF HOT GASES EXHAUSTING FROM THE VENTS OF THE AIR BAGS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, BUT THE NUMBER OF SUCH INCIDENTS APPEARS TO BE LOW.FURTHER DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION ARE CONTAINED IN SUBSEQUENT PAGES OF THIS REPORT.BASED ON THE ABOVE, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA02014 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jul 31, 2002 · Closed Nov 13, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE02044 · Front Suspension Lower Control Arm
Opened May 1, 2002 · Closed Sep 9, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE02040 · Engine Stalling
Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Sep 9, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
PE02032 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Mar 12, 2002 · Closed Jul 31, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
No summary supplied.
PE02026 · Inappropriate Air Bag Deployment
Opened Feb 28, 2002 · Closed Sep 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
PE02020 · Air Bag Burn Injuries/vehicle Fires
Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 16, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
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.
PE02016 · Rear Wheel Bearing
Opened Feb 8, 2002 · Closed Nov 8, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels
There is no summary currently available
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