2000 Ford Focus: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Feb 17, 2016 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · CA

In july 2015 I started to notice a smell of gas whenever I was outside my car whether driving or not. I live in central california where the summer temps are typically over 100 degrees and can go as high as 114 (or more, on rare occasions). My mechanic went over the vehicle twice in aug and sept. They pressurized the fuel system and did not find any leaks. As the weather cooled in winter the smell went away. In january 2016 we had an unusually hot week, at first I did not use the AC. I noticed that the gas smell was back...but only when the AC was not on. If the AC is on I do not smell gas. During the summer I only smelled the gas when outside the vehicle. This year I also smell it inside the car. I have not been to the dealer. I have looked for recall info regarding this and do not find any.

Filed Aug 15, 2011 · Fuel system · 153,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. The contact stated while driving various speeds the vehicle would hesitate and fuel fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance since the vehicle was over the statute of limitation on the federal safety agency recall campaign number: 03v482000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 153,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2006 · Electrical, Fuel system · IN

I took my vehicle to the local ford dealer on march 2, 2006 after I was having trouble with it stalling and then it was hard to restart. They replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. Then on may 19, I took the car in again to have a recall on the locks fixed and to assess the check engine light being on. I was told that their was an evap leak at the gas cap and one would be ordered for me. During this wait I experienced a strong gas smell surrounding the vehicle and coming up through the vents. Then on june 4 (the cap still not replaced), I was getting poor gas mileage. As I was backing out of a driveway I noticed a string of gas. As I was driving down the road I was losing gas. I went from half a gallon to e in less that 8 min. Until I arrived at my destination and the car died. I put it in neutral and rolled to safety. Then I had to have it towed to my local ford dealer who is currently assessing the situation....please help!!! Previous problems includes, but it is not limited to the following problems (cuts out, dies, hesitates{coil pack replaced}, the key not fitting into the ignition {jammed the key in & wd40}.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Fuel system · WI

On sunday, august 29, 2004 my son & I were traveling in the city of madison, wisconsin in a speed zone of 30 MPH. All of a sudden my car lost power & died in a busy intersection. I thought it might be the battery. So I shut off the engine & tried starting it again - it continued to not start back up; however, we started smelling gas & we couldn't get out of the car due to traffic all around us. Finally a police officer came & asked us to immediately get out of the car - there was gas pouring out all over the road. It appeared that the fuel pump was malfunctioning. In december 2003 I had the recall of the fuel pump replaced at the dealership. However, the police officer indicated that it appeared to be the fuel pump because every time you turned the ignition - gas started pouring out. I had my car towed at my expense of $84.00 to the dealership. I also lost a full tank of gas which cost me $17.00. I called the dealership & they directed me to ford custmer relations. I spoke with an anthony on 08/30/04 @ 7:22am (cst). He indicated that the fuel pump could be replaced again that it was a warranty by ford. However, when I asked about the other expenses of towing, rental car (currently without a car & cannot go to work) , replacement of gas lost - he said ford does not have any way of reimbursing these. The customer service person indicated that was nothing that ford could do about this. My great concern is that my son & I inhaled a lot of gas fumes - we could have been blown up in the car (according to the police officer) - and ford is not be helpful in this matter at all. I feel that the 2000 ford focus is not a safe car to drive. Plus I there is another recall for the coil on the car & you can't get this replaced because the coils will not be released until december 2004. This seems not responsible of the ford motor company at all.

Filed Jul 28, 2004 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · MI

I have undetermined fuel odors/leaks at the rear of my 2000 ford focus zx3.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Fuel system · 66,000 miles · FL

After parking consumer returned and attempted to start the vehicle, but it did not start. Consumer smelled fuel odors inside the vehicle. Consumer left the vehicle to discover a pool of gas under the vehicle. Dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that the fuel line detached from the fuel tank. *ak connection of fuel line to the fuel tank and fuel line clip was repaired by service dealership. Vehicle was also tested by dealer.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 30,000 miles · TX

Flange brakage on the egr valve assembly. The pipe breaks at the flange where it connects to the side of the exhaust manifold. Causeing a sputting sound and emitting exhaust fumes into the automobile. It also causes problems with (3) sensors. I called the service and parts department at three local dealers and was told by all three that this is a common problem with this part but there was no recall. So I had to have a new one installed with a one year warranty on the part. But if this is common whats to say after a year it will break again? The part is not well made as it's made out of copper with a small weld at the flange. I have been to other focus owners group sites and found several had seen this same problem. I would be thankful for any help you can give me on this matter. John garner

Filed Jul 20, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · CO

I have had my car for one year and five months. I have replaced the fuel pump a month after purchase, twice within two months. My gas lines have fallen off the car, causing the neighborhood to be filled with fumes. Stalls while driving, not matter the speed,dealership said they fixed the issue, still ongoing. Car hesistates to go at times. Often the inside of the car smells like gas. Hard to put car in reverse and other gears, often pops out of gear. Recently replaced clutch cable, tech says the clutch is fine. Replaced the brakes and rotors after being told they were fine, two weeks later the rotors were gone. Brakes continue to squeak. Windshield is not sealed, you can hear air blowing in while driving. Had a burning smell from under hood was told there was no problem, only to get a recall, and my cables were melted. Brake lights always out, when I replace one the other goes out. I have contacted ford motor company, and dealership, both tell me I have to keep getting repairs. I asked ford motor company to buy the car back, and they refused. I feel this car is not safe, I hate driving it.

Filed Oct 29, 2001 · Engine · HI

Exhaust fumes coming into vehicle while driving/ or standing. Vehicle at the dealer shop for repairs. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · MI

While driving on i275 nth I heard what sounded like the noise a flat tire would make.got off motorway to investigate, could find nothing wrong. Got back on only to find the car starting to pull toward the passenger side. Luckily I was near a rest area, pulled off. Only to find smoke pouring from the rear wheel. It had siezed solid. It was taken to a dealer, who fixed the following, drum&bearing cup, spindle, retainer asy wheel, rotor brake sk, cap rear wheel and the ABS sensor. Refused to check other side as that had already(much early been fixed under a recall) while their they did find the cause for the fuel smell inside the vehicle, in circuit 15rl3(gn.rd) @ c-87 terminal was not seated in connector, fuel consumption has improved from 28mpg to 31mpg. Local dealer and ford customer service both told me my concerns with the other rear wheel and the engine due to it's consumption of unburned fuel(not to mention mine)were area's they will not check, even if I feel they are potentially dangerous to myself and any passengers I may have.

Filed Dec 6, 2000 · Fuel system · PA

Defective fuel pump,had to tow to dlrship.strong gas odor after repair,dlrship said bad connection, still strong odor, dlrshp discovered seams in gas tank failing, need replacement. Attempted to install new one, and "o" ring was torn.must wait due to"national" back order.does this mean there are lots more failing gas tanks? Sounds like pinto problem. Severe safety question. Pleasse advise of findings.