2000 Ford Focus Problems
- Complaints
- 3,686filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles, 1,565 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 11campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Ford Focus (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2000 Ford Focus most often describe an ignition lock or switch that stops accepting or turning the key, frequently leaving the car unable to start and requiring a tow. Fuel delivery problems, broken front coil springs and door lock faults are also reported repeatedly in the sampled complaints, mostly at moderate mileage between roughly 30,000 and 80,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Ignition lock will not accept or turn the key
- 1,180 complaints (32%)
- median 64,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (679 state mileage)
- 22 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $400 (median of 177 quotes)
- filed 1999–2017
Owners describe the key becoming hard to insert, going only partway in, or turning without engaging so the engine cannot be started; some report the steering wheel locking at the same time. Several say the ignition cylinder or switch was replaced, sometimes more than once, and some report leaving a key in the ignition because it could no longer be removed. Complaints describe towing to a dealer or a locksmith, repair bills commonly in the low hundreds of dollars, and dealers telling them the condition is common on this model. Reported from roughly 10,000 to 130,000 miles, with many between 25,000 and 80,000 miles; a few owners mention cold weather or a cold start.
What to check: Before buying, start the car several times and try removing the key; ask whether the ignition cylinder or switch has ever been replaced and keep a record of the part used. A service bulletin addresses removal of the ignition key on this model, so ask whether any related work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I went to start my 2000 Ford Focus after the big snow storm to be sure it started and it did, I let it run for a while and when I shut it off and take the key out it was stuck, this is not the first time this has happened. It has not been fixed yet because frankly I just don't have the money to keep sinking into this lousy car.”
NHTSA complaint #10308654, filed 2010-02, 125,000 miles“I have a 2000 Ford Focus. I have had the ignition key cylinder lock leaving me unable to get the key into the ignition or turn the key to start the car. Ford is well aware of the problem, as the service technician at my local Ford dealer told me. With this being a known problem, Ford still wants over $300 to fix a the problem. If this is a known defect, why is the consumer the one that has to pay for the problem???”
NHTSA complaint #10129491, filed 2005-07, 45,000 miles - Fuel system
Loss of power and stalling from fuel delivery
- 674 complaints (18%)
- median 59,388 mi at 4.6 yrs old (336 state mileage)
- 48 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $504 (median of 36 quotes)
- filed 1999–2024
Complaints describe the engine losing power or cutting out while driving, sometimes with surging or hesitation, and stalling that often clears after a short wait or a restart. Owners connect it to the fuel pump or fuel delivery module, and some note it happens more on turns, hills, warm days or with a lower fuel level. Several mention fuel pump or filter replacement, and a few report a dealer saying the car did not fall under the fuel delivery module recall. Mostly reported between about 10,000 and 130,000 miles, with many under 70,000; several owners tie it to warm weather, low fuel level, turns or hills.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel delivery module or fuel pump has been replaced and whether recall 03V482000 was completed. Note any hesitation on turns or hills during a test drive and check the fuel filter service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2000 zx3 Ford Focus. Well the reason of my complaint is when taking right hand turns my car feels like its going to stall. This really scares me cause I've almost been in two accidents because of it. I heard that its due to a faulty fuel pump. Bad thing is im 1,000 miles passed my warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10041178, filed 2003-10, 36,490 miles“On winding turns and hills car would act as if it was out of gas, especially if tank fell below half. Car stall on one occassions but on others I took foot off gas and managed to recover power. The dealer replaced the fuel filter and pump (with the explanation that it was failing under heavy load). While the problem has not repeated itself, the car feels more sluggish than it used to. I also try to keep the tank above half full, as several sites have recommended.”
NHTSA complaint #10003501, filed 2003-01, 30,000 miles - Suspension
Front coil springs breaking
- 177 complaints (5%)
- median 63,781 mi at 5.5 yrs old (116 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2000–2019
Owners describe a loud pop from a front wheel well followed by steering pull, a broken spring end contacting the tire, or the vehicle sitting low on one side. In several accounts the broken spring was found while parked or after lifting the car, and springs were replaced by an independent shop. Complaints also mention broken lower control arms and detached ball joints in the same front suspension area. Mostly reported between about 42,000 and 127,000 miles, often noticed after a pop while driving or parking.
What to check: Have a shop inspect both front coil springs and the lower control arm and ball joint hardware during a pre-purchase check, and ask whether recall 02V289000 for the control arm pinch bolts was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had to take my 2000 Ford Focus to a mechanic because of a sudden loud scraping noise and an inability to properly steer. I was told that 3 of the 4 bolts that hold the axle support brace were missing and the axle was in danger of collapse. Mechanic added 3 bolts - problem was fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10003229, filed 2003-01, 40,000 miles“Exiting the highway there was a loud pop from the front drivers side wheel well. Believed I had hit something but there was nothing in the mirror. Sound continued when the wheel was turned from hard left to hard right. Jacked car to see if something was stuck behind tire and when weight was lifted from suspension spring which was broken shifted and made contact with tire. If I had hit a bump when/or after spring broke it would have punctured tire causing lose of control.”
NHTSA complaint #10154411, filed 2006-04, 99,700 miles - Electrical system
Instrument cluster and other electrical faults
- 426 complaints (12%)
- median 58,388 mi at 5.5 yrs old (180 state mileage)
- 60 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 31 quotes)
- filed 1999–2021
Complaints describe gauges and warning lights that fluctuate or fail, tail lights that do not illuminate after bulb replacement, heavy battery terminal corrosion, and window regulator cables that break. Some owners link electrical trouble to work done at the dealer, and a few report no lasting fix after repeated visits. Reported from about 30,000 to over 220,000 miles, with several in the 40,000 to 70,000 mile range.
Recall 00V411000Recall 02V2880001 related service bulletin
What to check: With the engine running, check that all gauges read steadily and that every light works. Ask whether the battery cables have been inspected under recall 02V288000 and whether any wiring harness work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hi, I own a 2000 Ford Focus and it has been nothing but trouble. I purchased the car brand new in 2000 and have had it in the shop so many times. I have had my rear passenger side window mechanism replaced by Ford, then personally replaced the driver front window mechanism and the driver back mechanism due to cable breaks. I have had it in with the radio 3 times and it still does not work correctly. I have had to have the brakes replaced, the ignition block replaced, the struts and shocks. The trunk release has never worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047047, filed 2003-11, 43,000 miles“1) stalling, stuttering and or slow acceleration 2) gauges and lights inside and outside the vehicle are fluctuating as they wish. He car was taken to the dealer three times so they could diagnosis and work on the problem. 1st time there was a recall performed on the fdm (fuel delivery module). 2nd time they gave it a computer update and then all of the electrical problems began to occur. Third time they sent me away saying there is not a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10095721, filed 2004-10, 47,000 miles - Latches, locks and linkages
Power door locks and latches not working
- 190 complaints (5%)
- median 68,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (93 state mileage)
- 16 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $450 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2000–2018
Owners report power locks that slow down and then stop working, doors that cannot be unlocked manually, and rear doors that open while driving even when locked. Some describe being unable to open the driver door from inside until a fuse was replaced, and others report dealers saying the door had to be broken into or the hinge area reworked to unlock it. Reported from about 25,000 to 100,000 miles, sometimes after the locks had been sticking for months.
What to check: Open and close every door several times and check that each locks and unlocks by the power switch and by hand. In states covered by recall 05V030000, ask whether the door latch corrosion inspection or repair was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My power door locks started acting up and then stoped working within min. Of each other.then the passenager rear door would not unlock manualy so I took it to dealership.the Ford dealership informed me that they would have to break door and redrill door hingers to correct door because it can not be unlocked!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10185405, filed 2007-03, 100,000 miles“I have a 2000 Ford Focus se. The vehicle has power locks. Over the course of a week, every time I would hit the button to unlock/lock the door it would react very lazy until finally the button stopped working. Once the power locks stopped working, I was unable to manually unlock the driver door and not only that but I was unable to open the door because it was frozen in the lock position. I had to climb out the passenger side. Even if I pulled the handle on the inside of the car on the driver's door, it wouldn't open. …”
NHTSA complaint #10150517, filed 2006-02, 107,000 miles
Buying note. Check that the ignition works smoothly on several starts, confirm which of the listed recalls were completed, and have the front suspension and fuel delivery system inspected before purchase, since these are the areas owners describe most often.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 80 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 3,686 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford Focus. 1,565 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 61,000 miles. Of all complaints, 248 involved a crash, 118 a fire, 154 an injury, 9 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system1,343 36%
- Engine cooling474 13%
- Brakes424 12%
- Fuel system411 11%
- Suspension390 11%
- Transmission and drivetrain225 6.1%
- Latches, locks and linkages201 5.5%
- Air bags191 5.2%
- Vehicle speed control170 4.6%
- Steering168 4.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (138), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (118), Wheels (113), Equipment (112), Other or unknown (102), Tires (88), Exterior lighting (60), Seat belts (54), Seats (31), Engine (16), Interior lighting (13), Electronic stability control (2).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The key would no longer turn in the ignition, leaving me and my baby niece stranded far away from home. We parked the vehicle and when we returned, we found ourselves stranded, because the ignition lock could no longer be operated. Apparently this is a known problem with Ford Focus locks!”
NHTSA complaint #10935305, filed 2016-12, 80,000 milesEngine cooling: “I had the oil changed and fuel system service. The check engine light came on the next day. The shop reset the code several times and finally told me the catalytic converter was bad. The car only has 36000 miles. The dealer said the car is out of warranty by 5 months. I have had the maintenance done and have records stating dates and miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10249668, filed 2008-11, 35,842 milesBrakes: “I bought my Focus in 2000. Since then I have suffered 2 blowouts that neither Ford or firestone would fix. I've had brake pads replaced once and now have to have brakepads and rotor replaced. Sometimes the key won't turn the ignition. And of course this morning (one of the coldest days we've had) something has gone wrong with the heater.”
NHTSA complaint #10055070, filed 2004-01, 2,500 milesFuel system: “My 2000 Ford Focus stalls whenever I come to a stop, it occurs everyday and at times my car has shut off right in the middle of traffic almost causing collisions. Nothing has been done to correct the failure, Ford has not contacted me in regards to the recall nor have they return any of my attempts to get the problem solved.”
NHTSA complaint #10357797, filed 2010-09, 170,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 1,565 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,444 and 89,766 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Ford Focus. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Focus · coupe | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Ford Focus version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Focus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Focus Station Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Focus Station Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V030000Feb 1, 2005Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Ford Focus 2000–2005
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…
- 03V482000Nov 19, 2003Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Ford Focus 2000–2001
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.
- 02V288000Nov 6, 2002Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Ford Focus 2000–2001
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.
- 02V289000Nov 6, 2002Steering › LinkagesCovers: Ford Focus 2000–2001
Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
- 01V258000Aug 8, 2001Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › MotorCovers: Ford Focus 2000–2001, F-250 2000–2001, Expedition 2000–2001 +12 more
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…
- 00V418000Dec 14, 2000Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Ford Focus 2000–2001
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…
See all 11 recalls for the 2000 Ford Focus → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- AQ10001Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion AuditClosed · Nov 18, 2010
- EA04023Rear door latch failureClosed · Aug 18, 2004
- PE04033Rear door latch failureClosed · Apr 8, 2004
- EA02022Engine stallingClosed · Sep 9, 2002
- EA02023Front susp collapse/wheel separationClosed · Sep 9, 2002
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10183768Apr 21, 2016Latches, locks and linkages. For 2000-2005 Focus vehicles built on or before 1/26/2005 Safety Recall 05S27 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the rear door…
- 10058099Sep 9, 2014Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages. Ford: rear door latches are experiencing corrosion in pawl pivot area that prevent proper engagement of pawl into catch, when operated in areas causing high corrosion. Model 2000-05 focus.
- 10056643Aug 11, 2014Latches, locks and linkages. Ford: on some vehicles, operating for an extended time in high corrosion area, a safety recall 05s27 was issued, where rear door latches experience corrosion in pawl pivot area preventing proper…
- 10026389May 16, 2008Engine cooling. Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for sale in…
- 10019076Jan 1, 2006Engine cooling. Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
- 10017934Jun 7, 2005Brakes. Rear brake squeal.
- 10017923Jun 1, 2005Electrical system. Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017884Apr 1, 2005Electrical system. Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10014667Mar 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Harsh transmission engagement and or dtc p0705.
- 10014656Mar 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. VENT LEAK.
Other model years of the Ford Focus
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 837 | 56,000 | 7 | 5 | 31 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 900 | 55,892 | 10 | 5 | 29 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 1,183 | 61,017 | 10 | 5 | 30 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 1,022 | 60,000 | 9 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 2,606 | 48,000 | 12 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 2,112 | 53,000 | 11 | 5 | 30 | 95 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 3,770 | 67,000 | 7 | 4 | 31 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 113 | 50,802 | 0 | — | 29 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 287 | 50,000 | 0 | — | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 229 | 45,690 | 0 | — | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 250 | 61,640 | 1 | — | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 391 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 205 | 59,914 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 441 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 387 | 53,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 977 | 56,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 939 | 53,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 1,761 | 58,000 | 7 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 3,686 | 61,000 | 11 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 11 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Focus model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Focus?
Owners of the 2000 Ford Focus most often describe an ignition lock or switch that stops accepting or turning the key, frequently leaving the car unable to start and requiring a tow. The issues reported most often: Ignition lock will not accept or turn the key; Loss of power and stalling from fuel delivery; Front coil springs breaking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA recorded 3,686 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford Focus as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Ford Focus is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 1,343 complaints (36% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 474.
Has the 2000 Ford Focus been recalled?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Ford Focus get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Ford Focus (Focus, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Ford Focus reported?
Among the 1,565 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 61,000 miles and the middle half falls between 41,444 and 89,766 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.