2000 Ford Focus: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Dec 16, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 146,000 miles · CA

We purchased a vehicle on 09/03/2016 from grass valley auto wholesale brokers, grass valley, ca. The vehicle was making a ticking noise and seemed to have a power issue, it kept losing it. The next day I called the lot and told them. They said they had it checked out and not to worry. I did. It kept happening sporadically. I had a 3 month/3k miles warranty. After calling the lot again, I relayed the same symptoms the car was having. I wanted to know did they think if it could be a transmission issue, could be, was the answer I got.. In november I took the vehicle into jr's transmission, came recommended. They serviced the transmission, it was good. It was still happening. Two days ago, coming off a stoplight, I put the gas down and it made a loud knock . I hobbled to the corner, approx 100 yards. It was towed to the auto lot suggested mechanic, who probably worked on the vehicle in the beginning. He told me it needs a new engine. When I called grass valley wholesale auto brokers, the owners son, who is also a salesman there, told me we will work something out. Maybe my dad could take care of half of (referring to the anticipated cost of repairs). Today, the owner would not talk to me, nor answer the phone. I left a message with the owners son. I haven't heard back. I sought out help to remedy this issue straight away from the dealer and repair but the dealer brushed me off. That was when my warranty was in effect. Now im two weeks out of warranty. They should had checked the vehicle when I had originally wanted answers about what was causing it. As according to the owner, his mechanic knows his cars inside and out.

Filed Mar 11, 2011 · Engine · 130,000 miles · OK

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. While driving approximately 25 MPH there was knocking sound coming in the engine. There was also hesitation while accelerating. The contact stated that the engine light also illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice and the engine was replaced. The failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage 130,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2009 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MO

It started with a ticking noise I could hear when it just idled, then I got home started it back up and it made a loud noise like something had fallen into the engine. I shut the car off and then we had somebody look at it they said there was no compression in the # 4 piston. They had said something had fallen off the piston and made a bunch of dents and dangs so now we have to replace the engine. It is in my driveway now waiting to be repaired.

Filed Nov 1, 2007 · Acceleration, Brakes · 12,500 miles · FL

On 10/23/07 I inserted key into ignition of my ford focus and immediatley the lights and gauges went haywire-vehicle failed to start. To make a long story short ,after unpluging the battery cables and going back to the stranded car the next evening, it started . 2 days later my wipers came on by themselves and would not stop until I turned the car off and restarted. On 10/31/07 while driving my daughter home, the vehicle began accelerating and deccelertaing uncontrollably. I pulled of the highway and when I opened the drivers door, the seatbelt light began blinking and making a loud ticking noise. This had happened the night prior, but I thought maybe the button was depressed. My dome lights make a screeching noise and blink on and off. This is a serious problem that needs to be looked into. Whenever something like this happens I am driving home late at night and of course the dealer is not open to help me . My car is almost paid off and I will not invest more than what it is worth, which is only about $2,500.too bad I have paid about $18,000 for it. I would also like to know why I have not received recalls for the following problems: 1. 1st month after purchase, electrical system running airbags, mirrors, doors etc. Failed. 2. 37,000 miles- transmission failed 3. 42,000 miles- power door locks failed and soon after passenger doors stuck in the lock position. 4. All window tracks have failed. 5. Wheel bearings replaced. 6. Trunk latch failed 7. Ignition failed and was replaced and is going again. 8. Brought in for 1 recall (fuel filter) and still didn't correct problem with vibration and lurching. This is a vehicle that exceeds highway saftey ratings? Something will be done about this if I must hire an attorney- I am out a lot of money and no vehicle.

Filed Aug 20, 2006 · Engine · 88,000 miles · GA

At 88,000 miles my focus started losing power and cutting off completely. It would start back up when cranked. The dealership (way brothers) would always say its not doing it now or we can't find anything wrong with it. After taking it back several times with the same results it started knocking and cut off completely. The dealership told me it would cost 3500-4000 to fix (that's without knowing exactly what was wrong with the engine) I had another engine installed and it drove fine for a year and started doing the same thing (losing power and cutting off) the dealership told me the same thing (can't find anything wrong) now it is knocking and smoking from the pipe leading to the manifold. This is my second engine what is the problem with 2000 focus or is it all focus.

Filed Jun 5, 2004 · Suspension · 15,510 miles · MI

I heard a clunking noise in the front passenger side of the car, I took the car into the dealer for several recalls at approx.149,000 miles. Ford peformed the necessary recalls. 5,000 miles later I was backing up and I heard a loud knock and the car dropped on the passanger side. I went home and jacked the car up and found the spring broken into 3 pices so I lowered it back down to pull it into the garage. Upon removal of the spring/strut assy. I noticed where the breaks were in the spring assy one of the breakes was pretty rusty and the other looked like fresh metal. I pulled the drivers side apart and it looked like a totally diffrent part but there was a plastic wrap around the spring with an abnormal amount of rust near this wrap. Ford will not help me in this matter. This car is a lemon!

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · MO

The ignition switch froze up. Mechanic could not remove the cylinder to replace. He had to replace the steering column. It was 17 degrees outside at the time and had to wait 2 hours for help. Luckily I had a cell phone. Knock on wood, I have been very satisfied the the vehicle other than this problem. Thank you.

Filed Mar 31, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · 50,000 miles · OH

The steering wheel had a knocking sound. *jb there was a recall on the battery cable, and the pinch bolt has caused a lot of problems. (the problem still exists) the vehicle will knock when turned to the left. The front axle bearings were damaged along with the seal. The battery cables had a short circuit and the cables still have a corrosion problem. The vehicle stalled while driving, the steering wheel locked, and when the vehicle is turned off, it won't start, you must allow to cool down. The consumer felt that this is a fire hazard/recall #02v288000 scc

Filed Feb 20, 2003 · Engine · 60,000 miles · FL

While accelerating on highway, engine and oil light came on; engine began making knocking noise. Pulled car over. Ford dealership stated engine failure due to inproper maintenance. Oil changed according to maintenance schedule -- do not have evidence because it was done by husband. Vehicle only has 60k miles.

Filed Jul 5, 2002 · Brakes · CA

Brakes don't hold when applied, almost causing an accident. Unable to stop vehicle. Had part replaced several time. Also, front end shakes and there is a knocking noise under gas pedal.

Filed Feb 28, 2002 · Body, Brakes · FL

There is a very bad squeaking noise when braking, and when consumer lets off the brake there is a grinding noise. Driver states more than twice brake pedal was applied, and pedal went to the floor. Ford has been contacted.*ak.also consumer was complaining of the transmission slipping, the cigarette lighter was not working, cup holder bubbling, serpentine belt was replaced due to a squeal coming from under the hood, gas light was coming on when the tank was full of gas, door ajar light was coming on, starter and battery were replaced, driver sider mirror knob fell off, RPM runs high, headlamp molding was replaced, sunvisor was broke, rear child seat latch cover was broke, air conditioner and heater were replaced, passenger door trim, driver seat metal bar, rewind button for am/fm cassette was inoperative, carpet loose, pillar trim was coming off, ticking noise was coming from the front of vehicle, the egr valve ws replaced, rear tail light was out, the bulb was replaced, deck lid wire harness, a new fuel tank was installed due to the engine light illuminating, the front and rear brakes have been replaced due to warpage, also the speedometer stopped working.

Filed Feb 12, 2002 · Tires · CA

Vehicle has a knocking noise coming from rear wheel. Dealership is aware of problem.