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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,884 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2000 Ford Focus fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2000 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Nov 102004

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer noticed on numerous occasions that fuel gauge would indicate that fuel tank would be half or more filled. Then, vehicle stalled. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that fuel tank needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that fuel tank was replaced five or more times but problem recurred.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #28

May 062004

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,441 miles
While driving check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection and mechanic determined that the gas tank needed to be replaced due to a crack. The consumer was told that the gas tank collapsed (imploded), breaking the tank at the O-ring area. The tank and O-ring assembly were replaced.

- Buellton, CA, USA

problem #27

Mar 272003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles
When I started my car to go home from work I started to smell gas. I didn't think much of it untill I got home. When I turned the car off, I lifted the hood thinking there would be a problem in there. I could here what sounded like something boiling. Then I walked around the car untill I got to the gas tank. Thats where I could really smell the gas. I looked under the car and there was gas dripping from the gas tank. My car only has 24000 miles on it, and only a month out of warranty. So I had the car towed to a local garage thinking that maybe it was just a crack in the fuel line. What was found out is my car has a plastic gas tank and has broken at the seams. The boiling noise I heard was the gas spitting on the exhaust. The mechanic said I was lucky that the car did not catch on fire. So I called Ford to see what they could do since it was obvious that the gas tank was faulty. They said they would not do anything untill I got the car to my Ford service station. I will have to call them and see what they will have to say. I hope I don't have to pay for Ford mistake. How can they expect a plastic gas tank to last, when mine has busted at only 24000 miles.

- Tafton, PA, USA

problem #26

May 242003

Focus

  • 65,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving up a hill the vehicle stalled. It was later determined that fuel leaked from the fuel tank..

- Nutley, NJ, USA

problem #25

Apr 292003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
60000 miles on car, 4 sets of tires, 7 recalls, defect in gas tank cover filler, 2 sets of brakes, rear alignment not adjustable (advised by independent shop) and horrible shaking at highway speeds after all this. Dealer has been no help with tire problem. Never buying a Ford again.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #24

Jan 012003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles
Loss of power, stalling when fuel tank is less than one quarter full. According to Ford service employee this results from problems with either fuel pump or fuel filter(due to build up of sludge and/or debris in fuel tank.

- Covington, LA, USA

problem #23

Mar 142003

Focus

  • 16,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving vehicle stalled. Dealer replaced fuel tank. Gtb....

- Lago Vista, TX, USA

problem #22

Sep 262002

Focus

  • 82,500 miles
The vehicle stalled while driving and would not restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who noticed black build up in the tank.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

problem #21

Aug 142002

Focus

  • miles
While driving and no warning fuel tank cracked, causing fluid to leak onto exhaust pipe. Dealer notified.

- Paso Robles, CA, USA

problem #20

Aug 092002

Focus 4-cyl

  • miles
When I get close to 1/4 of a tank of gasoline, my car begins to die or sputter. It has died several times and wont restart. The other day I was coming off an exit ramp from the highway and it died coming around the sharp turn. I was almost hit by several cars while trying to get the car started long enough to move it off the ramp. After about 20 or so times of turning the ignition and gunning the pedal, I got it moved into a safe area off the highway. It took about 45 minutes and a lot of conk outs to get it moved. I was stranded and very angry. I was even more angry when I got home and did a little research to find that this same complaint has been made to Ford/NHTSA and never reported to the public. I have had 6 recalls this year on this [xxx] car and I am very concerned for my safety now. I got the car because of its great ratings for safety- now I am afraid everytime I put my son in the car of it blowing up on me. I want to get rid of it but I cant because I owe more on the loan then I can get for trade in (my guess is the value of the car has totally fallen because of all these recalls). I am so angry with Ford and I am afraid for my safety while driving this car. Please do something about this! thank you. Oh and the gas gauge never reads correctly. I have to count my miles to make sure I am okay on gas between fill ups. The gauge will just drop to below E and the light comes on for no reason. Then after a bit of driving it will go back to normal. Very odd. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #19

Aug 022002

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This fuel pump had previously been replaced on 10/18/2001 and 21127 miles due to component failure. The present failure (apparetnly the pump broke at the connection point for the filter/line) resulting in a large quantity of fuel being pumped out onto a sheet metal shield in close proximity to the exhaust system as well as onto the pavement around the vehicle. Everything was present needed for a tragedy; fuel and ignition. The car was parked adjacent to a restaurant and several other vehicles and presented, in my estimation, a serious safety risk. The dealer took a cavalier attitude to the failure and merely attempted to get Ford to pay for the repairs. I believe the gas tank, pump and filter should be scrutinized on this model of car. If a replacement pump failed on my car, it certainly could fail on others.

- Holts Summit, MO, USA

problem #18

May 012002

Focus

  • miles
Engine stalls when car in extended turns (such as freeway on ramp). Problem first notice when fuel indication at just under 1/4 tank. Problem occurring at over 1/4 tank now.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #17

Jun 052002

(reported on)

Focus

  • miles
The fuel gauge reading is not accurate. The fuel tank sender was replaced. The vehicle was running rough. When consumer turned vehicle off, the vehicle would not start back up, the fuel pump was replaced.

- West Chester, PA, USA

problem #16

Jun 072002

Focus

  • miles
Car started stalling before it ran out of warranty. Dealer replaced fuel pump that was all they could figure out. That lasted as long as the warranty did. I personaly replaced the fuel tank and fuel pump and fuel filters each time. The car has continued to stall sense under warranty. The dealer can't figure out the problem, they said that they have nothing but problem with the Ford Focus. I've contacted Ford Corp. And you get no help from them. The car has stalled on several occasion as long as the car sit for a long period of time it will start and run for awhile then it will do it again. I cannot afford to take it the dealer each time to tell me nothing is wrong with it. This problem could end in an accident and possible injury. I hope this doesn't take a class action suit against Ford to get this problem corrected.

- Piedmont, OK, USA

problem #15

May 042002

(reported on)

Focus

  • miles
Fuel tank measuring float is wrong. I had a little more than A1/4 tank of fuel and it would not start thetow truck driver told me that the Focus model is known for that problem. We then put 3gals of gas in and it started right up.also wheel bearing in rear went can't get inspected till fixed. Dealer says could take a few days to fix. I need a rental car I must be able to get aroundtill it is fixed.please help me in this problem.

- Whitehall, PA, USA

problem #14

Aug 252001

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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..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.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #13

Dec 202000

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When applying brake pedal it would go to the floor, also brakes will grind. Rotors had to be turned, and brakes were replaced 7 times, but the problem reoccurred. Transmission slips and jerks and rpms jump. No problem found. Consumer hears loose gravel sound from right front wheel area. Dealer found wheel well loose. Dealer found serpentine belt failed causing whistle squeal under hood. Gas light on with full tank and door ajar light is on. Dealer replaced battery. Evaporative hose loose. Dealer removed and installed fuel tank. Cigarette lighter not working. R-cup hold bubbling. Driver side mirror knob falls off. Rear child seat latch cover in broke. Front driver seat metal fell out. Both headlamps moulding fall out. Sunvisor mirror/bracket moulding on passenger side between door / dash loose. Broken. Right outer ac vent broken. Loose carpet on right front floor. Pillar trim coming off. Deck lid wire harness had tp be replaced. Clicking noise from L/H front of vehicle. Egr valve replaced. Left rear tail lamp is out. Engine light is on. Problems with rewind button for am/fm cassette.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #12

Apr 012001

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While consumer was driving gas tank cover blew off the tank and gas was spilling every where. Consumer states vehicle has experienced problems with the sending unit and gas gauge. Wheel bearings on the left rear failed. Transmission fluid leaks, consumer states this is causing slippage and shifting problems. Vehicle experiences a burning oil smell. Wiring harness failure. Light failure (consumer did not specify). Gas leaks. Failed suspension parts (consumer did not specify). Tires wear prematurely (consumer did not give tire information). Splash shields broke. Brocking wires in central locking system.

- Attica, OH, USA

problem #11

Jun 212001

(reported on)

Focus

  • miles
Intermittently, at highway speeds, vehicle will stall out without warning. Dealer has replaced fuel pump three times, and injector pressure sensor. However, problem still exists. Dealer reinspected vehicle, and has determined that something in fuel tank was causing vehicle to stall out. Please provide additional information.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #10

Jan 222001

Focus

  • miles
Right rear wheel bearing caused car to swerve violently at 55mph, driver slowed to 20mph to avoid being pulled off road. Driver tried to slowly drive to repair station but car kept wobbling on road so stopped and had car towed into garage..ignition /lock system failed in January and left driver stranded. Car could not be started. In another problem that occured in October 2000 the fuel assembly recall was not properly repaired and caused car accelerator to not function. The car would only go 1-3mph at full acelleration. This was very dangerous in traffic. I do not have paperwork on this incident but problem was corrected at bergstrom Ford, neenah, wi 54956

- Elyria, OH, USA

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