2000 Ford Focus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 1,343about this part
- Share
- 36%of 3,686 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 1,343 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Ford Focus, 36% of the 3,686 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 18 of these say a crash was involved and 65 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“The ignition lock cylinder (where the key inserts/turns on the steering column) locked up on me without warning, stranding me where I last parked the car. No amount of lubrication or quick fixes helped. From what I have read, this seems to be a very common issue with the Ford Focus in that year range. I'm getting quotes from locksmiths in the $250 range. Luckily I wasn't stranded in a bad place!”
NHTSA complaint #10706227, filed 2015-04, 100,000 miles“Ignition switch in 2000 Ford Focus locked up and would not turn. The consequences of this failure were that I missed a very important doctors appointment. Nothing has been done to fix this problem because I do not have the $400.00 the Ford place said it would cost to fix it. Why has this part not been recalled? It has been an ongoing problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10359624, filed 2010-10, 150,000 miles“Put the key in ignition would not turn. Tried for over 2 hours. Had car towed to Ford dealer. Afterward saw online this problem happens alot on this model. This is a used car we bought for our daughter. She was stranded over 3 hours and 50 miles away. Ford knows of this problem and does not address it. This is unacceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #10430907, filed 2011-10, 66,000 miles“I have a 2000 Ford Focus. After driving it to a gas station I pumped my gas and got back into the car to leave. I put my keys into the ignition and the key would not turn and the wheel was locked. I could not get it to turn at all. Several people tired to get it to turn including a tow truck driver and a mechanic. All said it is a common problem in Ford Focus'.”
NHTSA complaint #10349423, filed 2010-08, 122,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V288000Nov 6, 2002Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.Covers: Ford Focus 2000–2001
- 00V411000Dec 6, 2000Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A decklid wire harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the wire harness.Covers: Ford Focus 2000
Related service bulletins
- 10017923Jun 1, 2005Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017884Apr 1, 2005Erratic instrument cluster gauges and/or warning indicators - service tip.
- 10012971Feb 1, 2005Unable to remove ignition key - service tip.
- 10013318Jan 1, 2005Brake and anti-lock brake system lights on after hec (hybrid electronic cluster) replacement.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 49 | 6% |
| 2017 | 36 | 4% |
| 2016 | 82 | 7% |
| 2015 | 64 | 6% |
| 2014 | 245 | 9% |
| 2013 | 276 | 13% |
| 2012 | 352 | 9% |
| 2011 | 25 | 22% |
| 2010 | 43 | 15% |
| 2009 | 45 | 20% |
| 2008 | 57 | 23% |
| 2007 | 85 | 22% |
| 2006 | 47 | 23% |
| 2005 | 113 | 26% |
| 2004 | 183 | 47% |
| 2003 | 522 | 53% |
| 2002 | 277 | 30% |
| 2001 | 496 | 28% |
| 2000 | 1,343 | 36% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2000 Ford Focus
474 complaintsBrakes
424 complaintsFuel system
411 complaintsSuspension
390 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
225 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
201 complaintsAir bags
191 complaintsVehicle speed control
170 complaintsSteering
168 complaintsBody and structure
138 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
118 complaintsWheels
113 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Ford Focus
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology