NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
390 reportsClear category filter98,000 miles · Feb 15, 2007
Suspension
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2000 FORD FOCUS WITH 98,000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 30 MPH SHE HEARD A DRAGGING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES. THE SMOKE AND DRAGGING GOT WORSE, THEREFORE, THE CONTACT RETURNED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS RAISED, AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT B…
Read full complaint
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2000 FORD FOCUS WITH 98,000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 30 MPH SHE HEARD A DRAGGING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES. THE SMOKE AND DRAGGING GOT WORSE, THEREFORE, THE CONTACT RETURNED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS RAISED, AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED ORIGINAL COIL SPRINGS WERE SENT BACK TO FORD TO ASSIST IN POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT, HOWEVER THE FORD FOCUS WAS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL NOTICE PROVIDED. UPDATE 05/04/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10182616
65,000 miles · Feb 6, 2007
Suspension
FRONT PASSENGER SPRING BROKE, SEPARATED FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET, EMBEDDED THE END OF THE SPRING INTO THE TIRE WHICH PUNCTURED IT. VEHICLE REQUIRED TOWING FOR REPAIR. I WAS NOTIFIED OF AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" ON THE PROBLEM AND SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REIMBURSEMENT. AFTER 5 MONTHS OF FOLLOW-UP, I FINALLY…
Read full complaint
FRONT PASSENGER SPRING BROKE, SEPARATED FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET, EMBEDDED THE END OF THE SPRING INTO THE TIRE WHICH PUNCTURED IT. VEHICLE REQUIRED TOWING FOR REPAIR. I WAS NOTIFIED OF AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" ON THE PROBLEM AND SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REIMBURSEMENT. AFTER 5 MONTHS OF FOLLOW-UP, I FINALLY RECEIVED A CHECK FOR THE REPAIRS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10181815
72,000 miles · Jan 2, 2007
Suspension
DRIVING ON RT 80 AT 65 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED CAUSING THE COIL SPRING TO RUB ON THE TIRE AND DAMAGE IT. HOWEVER, THE BF GOODRICH SIDEWALL WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A FORD DEALER ABOUT 1.5 MILES AWAY. BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE THEN REPLACED PER THE EARLIER NHTSA AGREEMENT W…
Read full complaint
DRIVING ON RT 80 AT 65 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED CAUSING THE COIL SPRING TO RUB ON THE TIRE AND DAMAGE IT. HOWEVER, THE BF GOODRICH SIDEWALL WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A FORD DEALER ABOUT 1.5 MILES AWAY. BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE THEN REPLACED PER THE EARLIER NHTSA AGREEMENT WITH FORD. THE COIL SPRINGS WERE LEFT WITH DEALER. AS THE COIL FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A HIGH SPEED BLOW OUT, IN MY OPINION, FORD SHOULD REPLACE ALL 2000 TO 2003 FOCUS FRONT COIL SPRING IN STEAD OF FREE REPLACEMENT WHEN THEY FAIL PER FORD'S 03M02 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10177527
95,000 miles · Nov 30, 2006
Suspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A WHIZZING NOISE HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 5 MPH AND FASTER AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED TO EITHER DIRECTION. THE NOISE INCREASED OVER TIME. THE SERVICE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN BOTH FRONT WHEELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFI…
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A WHIZZING NOISE HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 5 MPH AND FASTER AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED TO EITHER DIRECTION. THE NOISE INCREASED OVER TIME. THE SERVICE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN BOTH FRONT WHEELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AFTER THE CONTACT RECEIVED TSB # 630347 (01B85) ABOUT THE SUSPENSION: FRONT: WHEEL BEARING.
NHTSA ODI #10174799
90,000 miles · Nov 18, 2006
SuspensionWheels
A "GRINDING" NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. INSPECTED BRAKES - FOUND NO PROBLEM. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE GRINDING NOISE TURNED INTO A CONSTANT "GROWLING"/ "RUMBLING" NOISE. RE-INSPECTED WHEELS/ BRAKES AND FOUND DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL TO BE LOOSE / WOBBLE (LUG NUTS WERE PROPERLY TORQUED). CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED …
Read full complaint
A "GRINDING" NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. INSPECTED BRAKES - FOUND NO PROBLEM. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE GRINDING NOISE TURNED INTO A CONSTANT "GROWLING"/ "RUMBLING" NOISE. RE-INSPECTED WHEELS/ BRAKES AND FOUND DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL TO BE LOOSE / WOBBLE (LUG NUTS WERE PROPERLY TORQUED). CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE HUB/ WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY HAD "SIGNIFICANT PLAY". WHILE THE CAR WAS JACKED UP THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL WOULD GO FROM "EASILY SPUN TO NEARLY LOCKED UP". THE "REAR BEARING RETAINING CAP RECALL" WAS PERFORMED ON THIS CAR YEARS AGO - WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10173796
190,000 miles · Oct 31, 2006
Fuel System, GasolineSuspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON DRY ASPHALT, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER 15 MINUTES, AND WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, HOWEVER THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. THE FRON…
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON DRY ASPHALT, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER 15 MINUTES, AND WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, HOWEVER THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED. THE FRON STABILIZER BAR AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 11/16/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10172254
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2006
Suspension
BOTH DAUGHTER AND MYSELF OWN 2000 AND A 2001 FORD FOCUS BOTH HAVE FRONT END NOISE AND VIBRATION VERY LOUD AND SHAKY WERE TOLD IT IS THE BEARINGS IM CONCERNED AND OUTRAGED FORD DEALER SERVICE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON OUR VEHICLES HELPPPPPPPPPPPP IM SCARED WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A WRECK. *M
NHTSA ODI #10170835
58,000 miles · Aug 19, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSuspension
EARLY ON I HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING BUT JUST THOUGHT IT TO BE WEIRD FOR THE CAR WOULD TURN BACK ON..WOULD POWER DOWN WHILE DRIVING THEN I COULD START IT OVER AGAIN. WASN'T UNTIL RECENTLY IT BECAME AN ISSUE THAT WORRIED ME WHEN I WAS ON A TRIP AND IT DID IT 3 TIMES IN A ROW AND IT WOULDN'T START ON THE SECOND TIME BUT THEN DID …
Read full complaint
EARLY ON I HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING BUT JUST THOUGHT IT TO BE WEIRD FOR THE CAR WOULD TURN BACK ON..WOULD POWER DOWN WHILE DRIVING THEN I COULD START IT OVER AGAIN. WASN'T UNTIL RECENTLY IT BECAME AN ISSUE THAT WORRIED ME WHEN I WAS ON A TRIP AND IT DID IT 3 TIMES IN A ROW AND IT WOULDN'T START ON THE SECOND TIME BUT THEN DID ON THE THIRD TRY. I HAD BEEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN CAR JUST DIED.. EVERYTHING WENT DEAD. TONIGHT MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I STARTED SEARCHING THE NET LOOKING FOR REASONS WHY WHEN I CAME ACROSS THE STALLING ISSUES WITH THE FORD FOCUS 2000. I HAVE ALSO ENCOUNTERED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR OVER THE YEARS AND UNTIL RECENTLY HAVE STAYED UNDER 50,000 MILES. I ALSO HAD THE LOCKING OF THE IGNITION WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALING BUT LAST TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE REAR BEARINGS THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NOT ONE OF THE 21 STATES IT HAD ISSUES WITH. I SEE THEY HAVE NOW INCLUDED THAT TO GO INTO ALL 50 STATES. AT THIS POINT I AM REALLY SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE AND WAS JUST GETTING READY TO DO AN OUT OF STATE DRIVE WHICH I AM PUTTING ON HOLD. I'VE HAD OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO THE CAR STALLING OUT IN TRAFFIC.. IT JUST STOPS.. STEERING FREEZES BRAKES LOCK.. ITS A MESS AND A DANGER TO MY CHILD'S LIFE AND MINE. THE LATEST PROBLEM OF STALLING PLUS THE GAS PRESSURE SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE.. I PRESS ON THE GAS AND IT SEEMS TO SPUTTER AS IF THE CAR WASN'T GETTING ENOUGH GAS AND ALMOST DIES.. I THOUGHT MAYBE MY CLUTCH WAS GOING OUT BUT THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE THE CASE. IT HAS NOT BEEN A CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT THANK GOODNESS BUT HAVE COME VERY CLOSE. THIS IS A DANGER TO OTHER DRIVERS AND TO MYSELF. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10165997
93,782 miles · Aug 6, 2006
Suspension
WHILE LEAVING A PARKING LOT, CROSSED A SPEED BUMP, AT 5 MPH, HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT EASILY MOVE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY ON A FLATBED. GARAGE DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND BOUND UP ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE LEFT FRONT SWAY…
Read full complaint
WHILE LEAVING A PARKING LOT, CROSSED A SPEED BUMP, AT 5 MPH, HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT EASILY MOVE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY ON A FLATBED. GARAGE DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND BOUND UP ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE LEFT FRONT SWAY LINK, WHICH WAS ALSO DAMAGED BY THE BROKEN SPRING. THE BROKEN SPRING IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10164640
68,000 miles · Aug 4, 2006
Suspension
WHILE HAVING THE CAR SERVICED AT A 'BIG-BOX' SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON JULY 16,2006 ,IT WAS LOWERED TO THE FLOOR,WITH A LOUD BANG...THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED , WITH A PART WEDGING THE "NEW" FRONT TIRE AGAINST THE INNER PANEL..THE OTHER PART OF THE SPRING DAMAGED THE STRUT ASSEMBLY..THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME TO CO…
Read full complaint
WHILE HAVING THE CAR SERVICED AT A 'BIG-BOX' SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON JULY 16,2006 ,IT WAS LOWERED TO THE FLOOR,WITH A LOUD BANG...THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED , WITH A PART WEDGING THE "NEW" FRONT TIRE AGAINST THE INNER PANEL..THE OTHER PART OF THE SPRING DAMAGED THE STRUT ASSEMBLY..THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME TO CONTACT A TOWING COMPANY --BECAUSE THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN.. WHEN MY TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAW THE CAR AND DRAGGED IT OFF THE LIFT ..HE REPLIED TO ME THAT I WAS LUCKY IT DID NOT HAPPEN AT 65 MPH OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN HISTORY.. NOW, EVEN WITH ALL--ALL NEW PARTS I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL EVER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT..*NM
NHTSA ODI #10164513
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