A major complaint about the 2000 ford focus. This was my first real car and I was excited. I had the car for a couple months when it stated whining noises. I took it in they said it was nothing. It happen I took it back. They said it was the transmission fixed a week later the car started shutting off on its own. It would stall and stop as I was driving. I said the car is still giving me problems and took it back they insisted that the car was ok. I talk to a ford dealer said the fuel pump. It happen again told bring the car in friday then I was riding down the expressway in buffalo ny with my children the car just shut down no brakes no excel nothing we were almost killed in that car I scrambled to get to an exit where the car stopped on its own on the shoulder near the end of the exit. I called them screaming crying scared about what happened do you know they said sorry can you tow it in. I have never in my life been so unhappy. I towed the car in and they said they would keep the car. It started up and everything and they still would not believe me. Until one of the mechanic said he would drive the car home. It shut down on him as he drove home. The mechanic brought it back fixed and it and told me I had to pay for it I could come and get it. I was so so so angry I told them I would not pay another dime for that car but what I owed to the time that car almost took my life. They said fine and put a judgment on me for 4,000. I took it to a attorney to fight it I was sold a bad car and was very rude and not care about my life or my children's. Now, 7yrs later I look at my trw to find not only did you give me a bad car, tell me I have to keep it but you put 2 judgments on me and it is still ruining my life. But no more I am asking that asking that your company please help me in this situation and stop this tearing down of my life. It has went from one bad ordeal to a life time of misery. My final incident date.
2000 Ford Focus transmission complaints
Page 2 of 9: complaints 11 to 40 of 225, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2000 ford focus with 30,000 miles. Differential blew up and destroyed the transmission. One year ago the struts had to be replaced in the front end. I understand these things are not normal occurrences especially with the amount of driving I do. I can't sell or trade in the car without repairing the transmission, estimate: 2,700.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. While accelerating from a stop at 15 MPH, the vehicle rolled forward, shifted out of second gear, and rolled back. The failure occurred on both flat and inclined surfaces. The dealer replaced the control module. The failure mileage was 96,141 and current mileage was 96,241.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a public parking area, another vehicle hit the front end of the parked vehicle causing it to be moved ten feet onto the road. On another occasion, while parked, the vehicle moved on its own hitting another parked vehicle. The vehicle was taken into a local independent body shop for body work. There were no further examination or repairs made.
I was driving my ford focus & the front coil spring broke while I was driving the front end of the car collapsed on the front tire. I was driving 65 miles and hour seconds before I fortunately slowed down to a stop...noticed a noise like a flat tire, something did not feel right just before it collapsed on the road, I again thank god, I decided to turn around to go back home & immediately upon that turn around the car collapsed. These recalls safety campaigns are risking my life, but terrifies me for my newly driving son behind the wheel. As if that is not bad enough, I now have to file this complaint also. Electrical system ignition---unable to remove key....car was unable to be towed car locked up..steering everything. Cost of repair was quoted from $382.00 from ford service dealer...meanwhile the huge inconvenience car parking fees..for being in a public parking lot.
My husband was driving our 2000 ford focus zts and the clutch pedal fell completely off. After doing research I see that there was a limited time recall for this item, however we are 2nd owners of this vehicle I am assuming the original owners did not have this fixed. However, we purchased the vehicle from a ford dealership in 2001 before the recall expired and they also did not have the faulty clutch replaced. Called ford today and they offered no assistance. Fortunately my husband was not injured and no one else was injured either. However, this could have LED to a very serious accident. We are now having to pay to have the pedal assembly replaced as well as the clutch master cylinder. Total $650.00.
The fuel pump in the consumer's 2000 ford focus failed at 39200 miles. *nm the consumer was never informed of a recall regarding the fuel pump. The consumer stated within the first few months of owning the vehicle it needed a new transmission.
Needed to have the clutch replaced with only 37,340 miles on the car. Noticed burning smell coming from car especially in the summer when stopping on hills. It seemed that having the air conditioner on, stopping on a hill, and then driving out of 1st gear for some reason burns out the clutch. So the clutch wore out and I had it replaced at a cost of $924.96. Was told by dealership that it was probably due to the way I drive. I've been driving cars for 34 years and have never needed to replace a clutch. Seems to me there is some kind of defect; clutches should not need to be replaced so soon. How do I prevent the same thing from happening in the future?
Rt front axel broke, car not drivable. Clicking noise noticed on left turns 60 miles previous. Boot cover over rt fnt bearing noted gaping hole, metal attachment ring off and detached. Axel broke as being delivered to dealer for repair/fix of boot cover. Cover had been inspected when tires replaced by dealer 750 miles previously and no noted defect.
Dt: the contact stated the ignition switch failed three times within a year and a half. The first time, she went to start the car, the ignition would not turn over. The car was towed and repaired. The second failure was approximately one year later and the same thing happened. The car was towed and repaired for the second time. The third failure happened this week, went to start the car and it would not start again. It is being repaired now. The dealership stated it could possibly be the starter along with the ignition switch. *ak in dec 2001 the consumer was involved in an accident due to a problem with the tires and the rear axle. The transmission cooler lines were replaced. The brake lights and heater did not work. The egr tube was replaced. The wiper arm was broken. The engine light stayed on all time. The driver side mirror had to be replaced. Updated 01/11/06.
Purchased 2000 ford focus, VIN [xxx] from croft ford on dec. 19, 2001; mileage was 12,163 (car was still under warranty); have been unable to walk since march of 2002 (mileage on car is now just over 13,000; last 200 plus miles has been put on by ford dealerships attempting to fix car). Have had this car in to several ford dealerships; none of which can solve problem of engine surges; dash lights sweeping; transmission bolting; etc., etc., etc. This car is not safe to drive; I have notified ford motor company; the dealerships, etc., and feel that it should be covered under "manufacturer warranty" .. Instead latest was that ford dealership wanted $500 to replace alternator and could not guaranty that would fix problem; I already paid $105; plus $110 and the same problems are happening. The car has been at the ford dealership in woodbridge, va, for over 2 weeks, which leaves my family without a car to transport me. This is not right. I told todd croft of croft ford that I needed a good, dependable, safe car because this would be the last car I ever purchased. He knew that I did not drive much at all and I feel that he sold the car (with an existing problem) to me thinking that I would never know. My daughter was the one who realized this car had a serious defect and took it to croft ford to be fixed several months ago; to date, it still is not fixed; is a danger to drive, not only to the person/occupants of the car, but to any vehicles near when the power surges occur and the transmission bolts. *jb updated 07/18/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Dt: the contact owns a 2000 ford focus with 22,000 miles on the vehicle. The contact had to replace two automatic transmissions. The first transmission was replaced 9 months ago with about 18,000 miles. The second transmission was replaced last week. The dealership told her to pay $129.00 or trade the vehicle in to the dealership. She refused to pay the $129.00 and she did not want to trade in the vehicle in for another ford. She sent an e-mail to ford. As of right now they have not gotten her e-mail. The dealership provided her with a rental car. However ,they told her that if she did not come and pickup car she will have to start paying for the rental car. The contact took vehicle to dealer on august 22, 2005 ,and the dealership performed recall repairs that she was never notified about. The dealership told her that she knew her car was a lemon. However, she brought her car in too late.
2000 ford focus transmission developed problems.*mr the consumer stated the vehicle was stuck in second gear. The vehicle broke down 5 times due to transmission problems.
1) at highway speed, abruptly shifts into low gear and deccelerates hard. Odometer displays "======", windshield wipers turn on. 2) engine abruptly stalls, with immediate loss of power steering and brakes. Again accompanied by other odd events. 3) no accident yet, but dangerous. 4) happens sporadically, getting more frequent.
The consumer had numerous repairs performed on her 2000 ford focus. *jb recall campaign#02v288000 & 00v411000. Repairs that have taken place within one year: 14 new tires because of a problem with the wheels, engine, transmission jerking, re-wired, battery, overheating and muffler.
Dt: the vehicle was making a thumping noise at 35 MPH, started over weekend, the engine mount cracked and engine dropped from the vehicle while it was in motion. Was going 40 MPH, and had only 58,000. Dealer looked at it ,and said it wasn't under recall. The pressure of the engine breaking. Also broke the axle.
Dt: transmission would not kick into gear. The key ignition is always getting stuck. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer numerous times and was told it was only her imagination. Finally, the transmission died and the warranty had ran out. The doors both front and back come open while driving. There is a recall on the rear doors but is also having problem with the front doors as well. Vehicle was taken to dealer 3 times for the ignition key alone. Car is currently in shop.
While driving 20 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
I purchased a ford focus wagon (2000) from rowan lincoln mercury in winter haven florida in november 2003. Since that time this "checked out" vehicle has had the following repairs: a new ignition lock (twice), a new battery, new spark plugs & wires, new vacuum hose, and new alternator. Now the transmission is going out on the vehicle. Do I have any recourse against the dealership for selling me an obviously messed up vehicle? My contact with the dealership has been unanswered. The vehicle only had 36,000 miles on it when I purchased it. Everyone that touches the car tells me that there is no good reason for the need of any of the repairs except the spark plugs, wires and battery. Any advice as I am now facing another repair bill in excess of $1,000 for a car that is touted as being one of the most reliable on the road?
The vehicle's steering wheel came off twice while driving. *nm campaign id number : 02v289000. The consumer stated that she was almost killed three times while driving this vehicle. Transmission failed three times. The vehicle had been in an accident and the information was not given at time of purchase.
On the afternoon of 9/29/2004 I attempted to reverse out of a driveway when the transmission failed to engage. A loud clank noise had occured several minutes before when driving forward into the driveway. I had the vechicle towed to the dealer, where I was told this 4 year old car with only 32000 miles required a new or rebuilt transmission. After reading the other seized transmission complaints that resulted in crashes, I feel very lucky.
While driving at 30 MPH on city limits consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as described in the federal safety agency recall 00v303000. 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. Dealership indicated this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
After purchasing my car in jan of 2000. I had to take it into the shop 3 days after for a linkage problem. I was driving in reverse and reversing in drive. I have taken the car in quite a few times since then for a loud noise coming from under the hood, for it not accelerating when entering the freeway, and for it accelerating for no reason at all. Each time I took it in they said that was normal. Which I know it was not because I have been in other 2000 ford focus' and they are any where as loud as mine is and they do not take off like mine does, and the pick up speed is wonderful. I am aware that there are other vehicles manufactured near that date that are or were on recall. I would appreciate it if you could look into this, so I can get it fixed before any one is seriously injured.
The transmission just suddenly went on our vehicle with 41000. This occurred during normal driving.
While shifting gears transmission locked up. Consumer was not able to unlock the transmission. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed replacing.
The consumer experienced two defects with her vehicle. *ph the back passenger seat belt was placed in backwards per manufacturer, the volume on the radio increased and decreased without control, the gear stick slid off the post, the vehicle stalled when going to a complete stop, the power knob to the radio would become sticky whenever the sun was present, the trunk would not open, the ignition switch jammed twice, the rear view mirror was stuck in the open position, and the steering wheel adjuster did not exist. The consumer requested compensation. *sc
1)we had trouble with right rear door lock stuttering nothing found to be wrong has only occured once since 2)transmission makes a whirring noise intermitenly when car is in reverse dealer found nothing wrong on both occasions 3)rear brakes on two occasions have made squeaking noises first time at 34950 km new shoe pads. Second time at 41346 km shoes and drums sanded 4mm left on shoes has squeaked on only one occasion since 4)front brakes done at 24450 km new pads and repaired two rotors. Second time at 41346 km pads shown to be at 6mm left
At 148 miles told ford there was a problem with trans, did not believe road tested fro 2 miles and had car for day and a half. Said they designed trans to slip. I continued to drive it in that condition and repeatedly called customer service back and questioned dealers about slip and they said it was designed that way. To say the least trans replaced. Trim and other items falling off car and frod would not replace. More brake jobs than you can shake a stick at. Just got done putting 600.00 into it when engine threw rod and now has to be replaced for a cost of 3,700.00. Ford made a bad car nd they know it , but will leave us focus owners out to hang.
Purchased ford focus se in may of 2002 with 13,260 miles. We did not buy the extended warranty because we could not afford. Soon after bringing the car home, we noticed the tire was very wobbly, and the brakes were squeaking--took it to the ford dealer and they told us these cars are notorious for brake noise, as for the tire nothing is wrong-the service dept. Test drove and didn't notice a thing. Have taken it in several other times after that for wobbly tire-still same answer nothing is wrong. Have taken the car in for several recalls. Key was stuck in ignition and had to be towed to dealership-but the next time my teenaged daughter drove the car the steering wheel was stuck when she was turning at an intersection-had it towed again, there was a piece of material (from them fixing the ignition problem) that was stuck in the steering column. Our latest episode with this car is our trip from wa-virginia. The car was fine on the way there, except for the wobble in the tire in which we had the tires rotated yet again. But on our way back we started experiencing sputtering and surging of the car, we would pull off the side of the road every 20 miles (thinking it was from the hot weather), we would get another 20 miles in and same thing until finally we drove through chicago, il and it was worse, so we pulled off the highway and on to an on ramp--walked across the highway to use a business's telephone to call for a tow truck. They found us a tow truck but unfortunately it wasn't a king cab, so our insurance co., called us a cab. The tow truck took us to the nearest ford dealer--the car however seemed to running fine, so we decided to drive some more. We got about 15 miles down the road and sputtering again, so we called for another tow--and in the meantime we called firestone, we drove it there, the serviceman drove the car and felt what it was doing and said he didn't need to hook it up to engine diagnostic that it was the transmission.
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