NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
390 reportsClear category filter150,000 miles · Oct 11, 2019
StructureSuspension
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 MANUFACTURE…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11267970
112,604 miles · Apr 6, 2016
Suspension
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10853757
76,125 miles · Oct 1, 2015
Suspension
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10779167
151,357 miles · Jun 18, 2014
Suspension
REAR WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT , MAKING HORRIBLE NOISE AND GRINDING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10604417
127,000 miles · Aug 16, 2013
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SUSPENSION DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SUSPENSION DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
NHTSA ODI #10535795
176,300 miles · Nov 2, 2012
EngineStructureSuspension
GOT MY DAUGHTER HER FIRST USED CAR FROM A DEALER, WHICH I SHOULD HAD GONE WITH HER TO CHECK IT OUT FIRST SINCE AN 18 YEAR OLD WOULD MOST LIKELY NOT KNOW ANYTHING MUCH OF A CAR BESIDES DRIVING IT. YOU WOULD THINK BUYING FROM A USED DEALER IS SAFER THAN BUYING OUT IN THE STREET. SO WHEN WE TOOK IT OUT OF THE LOT NOTICED ENGINE TRE…
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GOT MY DAUGHTER HER FIRST USED CAR FROM A DEALER, WHICH I SHOULD HAD GONE WITH HER TO CHECK IT OUT FIRST SINCE AN 18 YEAR OLD WOULD MOST LIKELY NOT KNOW ANYTHING MUCH OF A CAR BESIDES DRIVING IT. YOU WOULD THINK BUYING FROM A USED DEALER IS SAFER THAN BUYING OUT IN THE STREET. SO WHEN WE TOOK IT OUT OF THE LOT NOTICED ENGINE TREMBLE AND SUSPENSION NOISE, (TOO BAD NO LEMON LAW ON USED DEALER SELLING THIS TYPE OF CARS). AFTER DIAGNOSE THE ENGINE PRODUCED A CATALYTIC CONVERT MALFUNCTION CODE. ALSO AFTER INSPECTION THE FOCUS NEEDS ALL FOUR SUSPENSION STRUTS. A MONTH LATER THAT OTHER SUSPENSION NOISE RESULTING ALMOST IN A ACCIDENT FROM A BACK WHEEL SHAKING WHICH CAME FROM A BACK WHEEL BEARING WHICH HUB NUT WAS JUST ABOUT OFF, WHICH WOULD HAD CAUSED THE WHEEL TO COME OFF. I DID A SEARCH AND THIS ARE ALL COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THE FOCUS AND I BELIEVE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A BACK WHEEL ISSUE. THE BAD NEWS IS THAT AFTER A WHILE OF THE RECALL BEING ISSUED IT IS VOIDED OR ONLY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBERS ARE CONSIDERED EFFECTED ????. THE LATEST ENCOUNTER IS THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING AND THE KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO UNLOCK IT. THE WORST PART IS THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER WOULD HAVE TO BE DRILLED OUT TO BE REPLACED (VERY INTERESTING SINCE IS THE FIRST TIME I SEEN THAT). I'M NOTICING FROM MY EXPERIENCE WITH FORD VEHICLES THAT ALTHOUGH IN MY OPINION THERE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ARE A BIT BETTER THAN MOST VEHICLE, IS THE LITTLE PARTS THAT ONE HAVE ISSUES WITH THAT ENDS UP COSTING THE MOST, JUST SAYING. SO WHY IS IT THAT WITH MANY COMPLAINTS AND KNOWN ISSUES FROM PREVIEWS MODEL YEARS FORD HAS NOT ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES. I BET THERE WOULD BE MANY OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE COMPLAINING IF ONLY THEY NEW THEY CAN COMPLAINT, THE QUESTION IS, IS ANYONE GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10483195
75,000 miles · Sep 4, 2012
StructureSuspension
THE VEHICLE WENT IN FOR AN INSPECTION BECAUSE THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER REAR OF THE CAR. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME AND RIGHT REAR SWAY BAR HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. THE AMOUNT OF RUST BY THE TECHNICIAN HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE EXORBITANT IN COMPARISON TO THE AMOUNT OF MILES IT WAS DRIVEN. THE TECH SUGG…
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THE VEHICLE WENT IN FOR AN INSPECTION BECAUSE THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER REAR OF THE CAR. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME AND RIGHT REAR SWAY BAR HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. THE AMOUNT OF RUST BY THE TECHNICIAN HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE EXORBITANT IN COMPARISON TO THE AMOUNT OF MILES IT WAS DRIVEN. THE TECH SUGGESTED THAT THE CAR WAS SUBMERGED, BUT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF IT BEING SO. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT, FOR THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE, FROM FORD FOCUSES FROM 2000 TO 2005. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10473841
131,000 miles · Feb 24, 2012
StructureSuspensionWheelsCrash
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A HILL AT 10:30 P.M. I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL OF THE CAR NEAR THE CREST OF THIS HILL. THE CAR DRIFTED BACK ALMOST IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE BRAKES AND ENGINE WEREN'T WORKING AS THE CAR PICKED UP SPEED IN REVERSE UNDER ITS OWN POWER I.E., FROM THE SLOPE OF THE HILL. IT CONTINUED BACKWARD UNTIL …
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THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A HILL AT 10:30 P.M. I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL OF THE CAR NEAR THE CREST OF THIS HILL. THE CAR DRIFTED BACK ALMOST IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE BRAKES AND ENGINE WEREN'T WORKING AS THE CAR PICKED UP SPEED IN REVERSE UNDER ITS OWN POWER I.E., FROM THE SLOPE OF THE HILL. IT CONTINUED BACKWARD UNTIL COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP WITH SEVERE IMPACT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY A STORM SEWER CULVERT (DITCH) TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE LEFT REAR OF THE CAR AND UNDERCARRIAGE WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED I.E., CATALYTIC CONVERTER, MUFFLER, REAR AXLE, ETC. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED. THE CAR WAS DEEMED A COMPLETE LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I CAN PROVIDE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION INCLUDING A POLICE REPORT IF REQUESTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10449215
80,000 miles · Feb 15, 2012
SuspensionFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, STRUTS, AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10448055
112,964 miles · Dec 2, 2010
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE PERFORMED WHEN THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED BOTH COIL SPRINGS AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE DEALER INF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE PERFORMED WHEN THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED BOTH COIL SPRINGS AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE DEALERS ADVICE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,964.
NHTSA ODI #10368703
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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