2000 Ford Focus Problems and Recalls (3,600 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2000 Ford Focus is Electrical (32% of 3,600 owner reports). There are 18 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Electrical — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-15 3,600 complaints · 18 recalls

What problems show up on the 2000 Ford Focus?

1,148 of 3,600 filings named Electrical (32% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Engine (372 reports).

There are 18 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Body / frame, Cruise / speed control, Wheels, Electrical, Glass / wipers / cameras, Steering, and Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.

What to check before you buy a 2000 Ford Focus

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 18 campaigns on file below.
  2. Electrical. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on.
  3. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  4. Fuel system. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Electrical. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Electrical 1,148 complaints · 31.9% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 241
  • Fires 117
  • Injuries 152
  • Deaths 9
All Ford Focus years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) appears in 1,148 of 3,600 owner complaints (31.9%) in this vehicle snapshot. Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 1,148 complaints, 31.9% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 6 crash reports 57 fire reports 1,148 · 31.9% Engine (ENGINE): 372 complaints, 10.3% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 9 crash reports 34 fire reports 372 · 10.3% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 318 complaints, 8.8% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 7 crash reports 5 fire reports 318 · 8.8% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 298 complaints, 8.3% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 16 crash reports 2 fire reports 298 · 8.3% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 269 complaints, 7.5% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 16 crash reports 2 fire reports 269 · 7.5% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 167 complaints, 4.6% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 114 crash reports 3 fire reports 167 · 4.6% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 137 complaints, 3.8% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 11 crash reports 2 fire reports 137 · 3.8% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 132 complaints, 3.7% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 21 crash reports 132 · 3.7% Wheels (WHEELS): 128 complaints, 3.6% of reports Wheels (WHEELS) 5 crash reports 1 fire reports 128 · 3.6% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 2,918 complaints, 81.1% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 175 crash reports 64 fire reports 2,918 · 81.1% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1,148 31.9% 6 crashes · 57 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 372 10.3% 9 crashes · 34 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 318 8.8% 7 crashes · 5 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 298 8.3% 16 crashes · 2 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 269 7.5% 16 crashes · 2 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 167 4.6% 114 crashes · 3 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 137 3.8% 11 crashes · 2 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 132 3.7% 21 crashes · 0 fires
Wheels (WHEELS) 128 3.6% 5 crashes · 1 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 2,918 81.1% 175 crashes · 64 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 1999; the first recall shown was reported in Dec 1999. 1999-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2000-Q1: 18 owner reports 18 2000-Q2: 47 owner reports 47 2000-Q3: 59 owner reports 59 2000-Q4: 95 owner reports 95 2001-Q1: 116 owner reports 116 2001-Q2: 89 owner reports 89 2001-Q3: 71 owner reports 71 2001-Q4: 60 owner reports 60 2002-Q1: 107 owner reports 107 2002-Q2: 222 owner reports 222 2002-Q3: 199 owner reports 199 2002-Q4: 120 owner reports 120 2003-Q1: 184 owner reports 184 2003-Q2: 145 owner reports 145 2003-Q3: 157 owner reports 157 2003-Q4: 125 owner reports 125 2004-Q1: 265 owner reports 265 2004-Q2: 118 owner reports 118 2004-Q3: 149 owner reports 149 2004-Q4: 121 owner reports 121 2005-Q1: 119 owner reports 119 2005-Q2: 93 owner reports 93 2005-Q3: 96 owner reports 96 2005-Q4: 84 owner reports 84 2006-Q1: 48 owner reports 48 2006-Q2: 54 owner reports 54 2006-Q3: 56 owner reports 56 2006-Q4: 46 owner reports 46 2007-Q1: 33 owner reports 33 2007-Q2: 33 owner reports 33 2007-Q3: 41 owner reports 41 2007-Q4: 28 owner reports 28 2008-Q1: 38 owner reports 38 2008-Q2: 36 owner reports 36 2008-Q3: 28 owner reports 28 2008-Q4: 28 owner reports 28 2009-Q1: 32 owner reports 32 2009-Q2: 22 owner reports 22 2009-Q3: 18 owner reports 18 2009-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2010-Q1: 18 owner reports 18 2010-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2010-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2010-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2011-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2011-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2011-Q3: 12 owner reports 12 2011-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2012-Q1: 7 owner reports 7 2012-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2012-Q3: 6 owner reports 6 2012-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2013-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2013-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2013-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2014-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2014-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2014-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2014-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2015-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2015-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2015-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2016-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2016-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2016-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2017-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2020-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Oct 1999 Jan 2024 Recall campaign 99V346000 ◆ Recall campaign 99V346000 Recall campaign 00V218000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V218000 Recall campaign 00V302000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V302000 Recall campaign 00V303000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V303000 Recall campaign 00V411000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V411000 Recall campaign 00V418000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V418000 Recall campaign 01V258000 ◆ Recall campaign 01V258000 Recall campaign 01I017000 ◆ Recall campaign 01I017000 Recall campaign 02V288000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V288000 Recall campaign 02V289000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V289000 Recall campaign 03V482000 ◆ Recall campaign 03V482000 Recall campaign 05V030000 ◆ Recall campaign 05V030000 Recall campaign 06E026000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E026000 Recall campaign 06E049000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E049000 Recall campaign 08E050000 ◆ Recall campaign 08E050000 Recall campaign 09E012000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E012000 Recall campaign 09E025000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E025000 Recall campaign 12E007000 ◆ Recall campaign 12E007000 Investigation PE02016 ● Investigation PE02016 Investigation PE02020 ● Investigation PE02020 Investigation PE02026 ● Investigation PE02026 Investigation PE02032 ● Investigation PE02032 Investigation PE02040 ● Investigation PE02040 Investigation PE02044 ● Investigation PE02044 Investigation EA02014 ● Investigation EA02014 Investigation EA02017 ● Investigation EA02017 Investigation EA02023 ● Investigation EA02023 Investigation EA02022 ● Investigation EA02022 Investigation PE04033 ● Investigation PE04033 Investigation EA04023 ● Investigation EA04023 Investigation AQ10001 ● Investigation AQ10001
  • Campaign 00V218000 was reported 236 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 00V302000 was reported 282 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 00V303000 was reported 125 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 00V411000 was reported 328 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 00V418000 was reported 412 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 01V258000 was reported 559 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 01I017000 was reported 538 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 02V288000 was reported 1,028 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 02V289000 was reported 866 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 05V030000 was reported 1,922 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 08E050000 was reported 2,944 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 09E025000 was reported 3,217 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1999-Q4 Owner reports 4
2000-Q1 Owner reports 18
2000-Q2 Owner reports 47
2000-Q3 Owner reports 59
2000-Q4 Owner reports 95
2001-Q1 Owner reports 116
2001-Q2 Owner reports 89
2001-Q3 Owner reports 71
2001-Q4 Owner reports 60
2002-Q1 Owner reports 107
2002-Q2 Owner reports 222
2002-Q3 Owner reports 199
2002-Q4 Owner reports 120
2003-Q1 Owner reports 184
2003-Q2 Owner reports 145
2003-Q3 Owner reports 157
2003-Q4 Owner reports 125
2004-Q1 Owner reports 265
2004-Q2 Owner reports 118
2004-Q3 Owner reports 149
2004-Q4 Owner reports 121
2005-Q1 Owner reports 119
2005-Q2 Owner reports 93
2005-Q3 Owner reports 96
2005-Q4 Owner reports 84
2006-Q1 Owner reports 48
2006-Q2 Owner reports 54
2006-Q3 Owner reports 56
2006-Q4 Owner reports 46
2007-Q1 Owner reports 33
2007-Q2 Owner reports 33
2007-Q3 Owner reports 41
2007-Q4 Owner reports 28
2008-Q1 Owner reports 38
2008-Q2 Owner reports 36
2008-Q3 Owner reports 28
2008-Q4 Owner reports 28
2009-Q1 Owner reports 32
2009-Q2 Owner reports 22
2009-Q3 Owner reports 18
2009-Q4 Owner reports 16
2010-Q1 Owner reports 18
2010-Q2 Owner reports 16
2010-Q3 Owner reports 20
2010-Q4 Owner reports 8
2011-Q1 Owner reports 9
2011-Q2 Owner reports 9
2011-Q3 Owner reports 12
2011-Q4 Owner reports 9
2012-Q1 Owner reports 7
2012-Q2 Owner reports 6
2012-Q3 Owner reports 6
2012-Q4 Owner reports 4
2013-Q1 Owner reports 2
2013-Q2 Owner reports 2
2013-Q3 Owner reports 4
2014-Q1 Owner reports 4
2014-Q2 Owner reports 5
2014-Q3 Owner reports 5
2014-Q4 Owner reports 3
2015-Q1 Owner reports 2
2015-Q2 Owner reports 2
2015-Q3 Owner reports 1
2015-Q4 Owner reports 3
2016-Q1 Owner reports 2
2016-Q2 Owner reports 3
2016-Q3 Owner reports 1
2016-Q4 Owner reports 4
2017-Q2 Owner reports 2
2018-Q3 Owner reports 1
2018-Q4 Owner reports 2
2019-Q4 Owner reports 1
2020-Q1 Owner reports 3
2020-Q3 Owner reports 1
2020-Q4 Owner reports 1
2021-Q3 Owner reports 1
2024-Q1 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 99V346000
Recall campaign 1 00V218000
Recall campaign 1 00V302000
Recall campaign 1 00V303000
Recall campaign 1 00V411000
Recall campaign 1 00V418000
Recall campaign 1 01V258000
Recall campaign 1 01I017000
Recall campaign 1 02V288000
Recall campaign 1 02V289000
Recall campaign 1 03V482000
Recall campaign 1 05V030000
Recall campaign 1 06E026000
Recall campaign 1 06E049000
Recall campaign 1 08E050000
Recall campaign 1 09E012000
Recall campaign 1 09E025000
Recall campaign 1 12E007000
Defect investigation 1 PE02016
Defect investigation 1 PE02020
Defect investigation 1 PE02026
Defect investigation 1 PE02032
Defect investigation 1 PE02040
Defect investigation 1 PE02044
Defect investigation 1 EA02014
Defect investigation 1 EA02017
Defect investigation 1 EA02023
Defect investigation 1 EA02022
Defect investigation 1 PE04033
Defect investigation 1 EA04023
Defect investigation 1 AQ10001
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Safety Recalls (18)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Body / frame, Cruise / speed control, Wheels, Electrical, Glass / wipers / cameras, Steering, and Lights.

  1. Recall campaign 00V218000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 00V302000

    Cruise / speed control

    Report date
    Component:
    Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 00V303000

    Wheels

    Report date
    Component:
    Wheels (WHEELS)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 00V411000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 00V418000

    Safety recall 00V418000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 01I017000

    Wheels

    Report date
    Component:
    Wheels (WHEELS)
    Consequence:
    THE WHEEL BEARINGS COULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND CAUSE A NOTICEABLE NOISE. IF NOT REPAIRED, THIS CONDITION COULD PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. ADDITIONAL BEARING SEALS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RIDE. THIS PROGRAM WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2002, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 00S31, FORD HAS TAKEN ADDITIONAL STEPS TO KEEP THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN TOP SHAPE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 01V258000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 02V288000

    Electrical

    Report date
    Component:
    Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 02V289000

    Steering

    Report date
    Component:
    Steering (STEERING)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 03V482000

    Safety recall 03V482000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 05V030000

    Safety recall 05V030000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 06E026000

    Safety recall 06E026000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
    Remedy:
    PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 06E049000

    Safety recall 06E049000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
    Remedy:
    CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 08E050000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 09E012000

    Safety recall 09E012000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Recall campaign 09E025000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  17. Recall campaign 12E007000

    Safety recall 12E007000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES DURING INSTALLATION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE INSTALLER. IF THE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN SECONDARY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL SET UP PROCEDURES TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-800-999-3903.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  18. Recall campaign 99V346000

    Safety recall 99V346000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-14
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 3,600 complaints · page 1 of 144
2024-02-05Wheels (WHEELS)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11570096
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the road. The contact allowed the vehicle to sit for several minutes and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed passenger’s side rear-wheel bearing, and a failed brake drum. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear-wheel bearing, and brake drum needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that within a week the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times, and two times the vehicle had to be towed. The contact stated that a local dealer owner went to the residence and inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side wheel had a lot of play. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000.
2021-08-20Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
NHTSA ODI 11429848
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I've been experiencing an electrical issue. I have lost power to my break lights completely. There was no warning lights or signs at all. I was pulled over and made aware by a police officer that my break light were out. I proceeded to try to replace the light itself which did not work, it only continues to blow the dust when I try. I had a mechanic inspect it and he told me there seems to be a short or possible broken wire somewhere in the wiring harness.
2020-11-06Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11373508
CrashFireInjuryDeath
WHEN IN IDLE, THE VEHICLE SHAKES, AND SOMETIMES STALLS. SOMETIMES I'M ABLE TO GET POWER BACK IN IT IF I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TAP THE GAS PEDAL.
2020-08-13Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11349061
CrashFireInjuryDeath
MY CAR IS STALLING ITS JUMPING WHEN I TAKE OFF. I GET STRANDED AT CONVIENT STORES, DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS. AFTER I GET IT UP TO 60 MPH ITS OK
2020-02-02Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
NHTSA ODI 11306556
CrashFireInjuryDeath
WHILE IN MOTION ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, DRIVING 70 MPH, MY 2000 FORD FOCUS (62,000 ORIG MILES) BEGAN DOWNSHIFTING; THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REPLACEMENT OF THE NEUTRAL DRIVE SENSOR WAS COMPLETED. NOW, SIX MONTHS LATER SAME THING HAPPENING. DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH THE '00 FORD FOCUS BEGINS DOWNSHIFTING CAUSING A DECREASE IN SPEED AT AN ALARMING RATE, RPMS INCREASE, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE.
2020-01-27Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11302010
CrashFireInjuryDeath
2000 FORD FOCUS SE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *LD *JS *BF
2020-01-17Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
NHTSA ODI 11300181
CrashFireInjuryDeath
WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THE WHOLE CAR JOLTS WHEN YOU GO OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR OF THE STEERING SHAKES I'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH ON A TRANSMISSION NOW MY CAR WILL NOT START IT JUST MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND WHEN IT DOES TURN OVER IT IMMEDIATELY STALLS OUT MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER ALSO LIT A SPARK IN THE BACK OF IT GO OFF AND THE BRAKES SOMETIMES HAVE GRATE BRAKES OTHER TINES I HAVE TO SLAM THE BRAKES DOWN TO GET ANY BRAKES.
2019-10-11Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11267970
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2018-10-18Wheels (WHEELS)
NHTSA ODI 11141194
CrashFireInjuryDeath
THE REAR PASSENGER BEARING HAS FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. THE BEARINGS APPEAR TO BE RECALLED ON THE YEAR AND MAKE OF MY VEHICLE BUT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE THEM. NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01I017000,
2018-10-18STRUCTUREUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11141190
CrashFireInjuryDeath
THE REAR DOOR LATCHES ON MY CAR HAVE FAILED. THE CAR'S YEAR AND MAKE WAS RECALLED UNDER RECALL: 05S27, NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 05V030000 HOWEVER MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS CAMPAIGN. I NOW HAVE REAR DOORS TIED TOGETHER USING A ROPE.

Ford Focus Powershift: What NHTSA Complaints Show

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2000 Ford Focus?

Owners named Electrical most often — 1,148 of 3,600 reports (32%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2000 Ford Focus?

NHTSA lists 18 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Body / frame, Cruise / speed control, Wheels, Electrical, Glass / wipers / cameras, Steering, and Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2000 Ford Focus?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-14. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources