Recall Register

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2000 Ford Focus

NHTSA register · 11 recall campaigns · 3,678 complaints · 13 investigations · filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY

3,789,813 units across its campaigns248 complaints reported a crash118 reported a fire

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2000 Ford Focus, covering latches/locks/linkages, fuel system, gasoline and electrical system, and 3,678 consumer complaints received since 1999.

The component named most often is electrical system: 273.5 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 99.3 per 1,000 across all 2000 model-year vehicles and against 190.7 per 1,000 for the Ford Focus line as a whole.

That is more than the average of 763.3 complaints per model year across the 20 Ford Focus model years on this register; 248 complaints reported a crash and 118 a fire.

Complaints were received in the largest number in 2004 (672); the most recent in the file is dated 18 Oct 2018.

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 13 investigations naming this model year.

Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 29 Sep 2026.

Recalls by model year:

199902000112001720021200312004120051200602007020081200902010020110201272013112014122015920161020171020187

Recall campaigns

  1. 05V030000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCHReported 1 Feb 2005 · 589,932 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 05S27).

  2. 03V482000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEReported 19 Nov 2003 · 671,000 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 03N01).

  3. 02V288000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESReported 6 Nov 2002 · 291,854 units

    Defect, as filed: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.

    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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 02S41).

  4. 02V289000STEERING:LINKAGESReported 6 Nov 2002 · 446,569 units

    Defect, as filed: Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.

    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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 02S42).

  5. 01V258000VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTORReported 8 Aug 2001 · 1,083,000 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 01S24).

  6. 00V418000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERReported 14 Dec 2000 · 95,000 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S55).

  7. 00V411000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGReported 6 Dec 2000 · 74,500 units

    Defect, as filed: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A decklid wire harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the wire harness.

    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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S50).

  8. 00V302000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLESReported 12 Oct 2000 · 28,800 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S30).

  9. 00V303000WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDSReported 12 Oct 2000 · 203,700 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S31).

  10. 00V218000STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERSReported 11 Aug 2000 · 276,500 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 00S20).

  11. 99V346000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLReported 3 Dec 1999 · 28,958 units

    Defect, as filed: 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: 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.

    Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY.

Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2000 Ford Focus (black) against all 2000 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.

Per 1,000 component mentions2000Focus lineAll 2000 vehicles
Electrical System273.5190.799.3
Engine and Engine Cooling96.550.3116
Service Brakes, Hydraulic90.343.5108.3
Suspension8044.480.5
Fuel System, Gasoline75.941.834.5
Power Train47.7159.383.9
ComponentMentionsPer 1,000LineAll 2000
Electrical System1,405273.5190.799.3
Engine and Engine Cooling49696.550.3116
Service Brakes, Hydraulic46490.343.5108.3
Suspension4118044.480.5
Fuel System, Gasoline39075.941.834.5
Power Train24547.7159.383.9
Latches/Locks/Linkages20439.73916.3
Air Bags19337.641.654
Vehicle Speed Control17634.340.742.9
Steering17333.774.845.7
Structure15930.94565.9
Visibility13225.715.737.6
Equipment118231117.5
Wheels11722.815.511.8
Unknown or Other10019.539.318.9
Tires9518.518.747.5
Exterior Lighting6312.31032.8
Seat Belts5410.510.817.4
Fuel System, Other5210.14.46.8
Seats3676.215.1
Interior Lighting142.712.9
Service Brakes, Air142.72.45.9
Engine132.54810.7
Parking Brake71.41.14.7
Fuel/Propulsion System30.627.14.3
Child Seat20.40.31.2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)10.25.12
Service Brakes10.26.411.2

3,678 unique complaints, 5,138 component mentions; 154 injuries and 9 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.

Complaints by year received

99
03
07
11
15
19
23
Complaints about the 2000 Ford Focus by the year NHTSA received them. Reporting rises after recalls and press coverage; a model year keeps drawing complaints for a decade or more.

Investigations

ActionTypeSubjectComponentOpenedClosedRecall
AQ10001Audit queryFleet Vehicle Recall Completion Auditunknown or other18 Nov 201028 Dec 2015—
EA04023Engineering analysisREAR DOOR LATCH FAILURElatches/locks/linkages:doors:latch18 Aug 20044 Feb 200505V030000
PE04033Preliminary evaluationREAR DOOR LATCH FAILURElatches/locks/linkages:doors:latch8 Apr 200420 Aug 2004—
EA02023Engineering analysisFRONT SUSP COLLAPSE/WHEEL SEPARATIONsuspension:front:control arm9 Sep 200219 Feb 2003—
EA02022Engineering analysisENGINE STALLINGfuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump9 Sep 200216 Jan 200403V482000
EA02017Engineering analysisBURN INJURIES DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTair bags16 Aug 200215 Aug 2003—
EA02014Engineering analysisENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESelectrical system31 Jul 200213 Nov 200202V288000
PE02044Preliminary evaluationFRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMsuspension1 May 20029 Sep 2002—
PE02040Preliminary evaluationENGINE STALLINGengine and engine cooling4 Apr 20029 Sep 2002—
PE02032Preliminary evaluationENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESelectrical system12 Mar 200231 Jul 200202V288000
PE02026Preliminary evaluationINAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTair bags28 Feb 200218 Sep 2002—
PE02020Preliminary evaluationAIR BAG BURN INJURIES/VEHICLE FIRESair bags11 Feb 200216 Aug 2002—
PE02016Preliminary evaluationREAR WHEEL BEARINGwheels8 Feb 20028 Nov 2002—

Other Ford Focus model years

Model yearRecallsComplaintsUnits in campaigns
1999 NHTSA011—
2000113,6783,789,813
200171,7523,185,855
20021932589,932
20031970589,932
20041376589,932
20051427589,932
20060194—
20070364—
2008122245
20090211—
20100256—
2011097—
201272,6005,938,190
2013111,3246,126,509
2014121,2716,169,878
201592936,300,188
2016101851,876,765
201710711,929,573
20187321,807,349

Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.

All Ford Focus model years · Ford: 201 model lines

Questions and answers

How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Focus have?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 05V030000, was reported to NHTSA on 1 Feb 2005 and concerns latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch. Across all model years the Ford Focus line has 36 campaigns.

Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2000 Ford Focus?

NHTSA's investigation file lists 13 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.

What component do owners of the 2000 Ford Focus complain about most?

Electrical System: 1405 of 5138 component mentions (273.5 per 1,000). Next is engine and engine cooling with 496. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.

How do I get a recall repaired?

NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Where does this data come from?

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 29 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.

Provenance

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 29 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.