The rear tail lights do not come on when lights are turned on. The dash panel lights also do not come on when headlamps are on. The turn signals work, and rear tail lights do work when brake pressure is applied. The consumer replaced a fuse several times, and it continued to blow out, indicating a short in the electrical system. Between the hatch and the body there is wiring harness, and inspection of that wiring harness discovered that the shielding of the wiring separated or cracked, indicating the wires are stressed. The consumer feels this is a problem indicated on a recall for prior model years. The consumer contacted Ford, who said this was not covered under warranty, and was not involved in a recall. The consumer has not taken vehicle to a dealer at this time. There have been no repairs or corrections made other than the electrical tape that was placed on the exposed wires by the consumer.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

Contact states a local service dealer said the insulation on wires from the trunk lid to the inside has been scraped off in the factory. This did caused a short in the wires, leading to the loss of abrake lights.

- Eag Harbor, WI, USA

The vehicle stalled on two separate occasions. The speedometer in the vehicle always reads zero. The milage erase on their own and pop up again days later then disappear again. The consumer stated that he has to turn the vehicle off and turn it on again to read the gas gauge. Automatic locks engage 20 minutes after the consumer has started driving. The vehicle steering wheel became hard to move as the vehicle loss power and shut down on several occasions.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Brakes have failed to stop the car, they didn't lock, and I don't have ABS. Radio loses power intermittently. Then clears up and is good for a while. Had incidences of car jerking/stuttering when coasting at surface street speeds has happened three times. Have taken car to dealership and told nothing wrong. Deal with jones West Ford, bought car from internet auto sales.

- Reno, NV, USA

While driving at 60 mph using the cruise control, all of a sudden vehicle lost power and stalled out with all lights in instrument panel coming on. Contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find the problem.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

The bushings failed ruining the back tires. The door locks have a mind of their own which could be dangerous in an accident and Ford has been unable to diagnose the problem. The steering column was loose and they discovered broken parts in there. There is an undiagnosed problem with as scraping noise as I turned a corner into a parking lot. We are afraid to drive it, every time we do something else happens to it.

- Greenfield, CA, USA

Manual transmission makes clattering noise at idle speed. Transmission difficult to shift and grinds gears. When coming to a stop, engine sputters as if it is going to stall. Instrument lights flicker due to low alternator RPM. Idle then increases.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

When I bought the car they said they programmed the aut. Door locks. There were none. I was told to take or leave it. The door clip is broken, tapes are chewed, brake lights failed on hwy.,complained of brakes @5K miles - down to rotor -they said it will be every 15K miles. "not our prolem." This car is a dangerous lemon. I don't want to die! fan belt is loose/needs reeplacement. My warranty is up soon. I wanted what I paid for -safety, and have a "death trap". Ford says "we cannot lose any money" to me. I informedd my insurance company because I am afraid, and do not wish to be blamed for Ford's poor quality workmanship. Exact dates can be found. (tiresize: 185/65R14) (tiresize: 185/65R14)

- Oakland, CA, USA

From the dash compartment there is a crackling, and smoke comes from the dash, possible electrical wiring problem, consumer complains that the burning smell is irritating to the eyes and throat.

- Pomona, NY, USA