The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph with the cruise control activated, a growling noise was heard coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact continued to drive and then began to hear a clunking sound as the vehicle began to shake. The contact was able to stop the vehicle on the shoulder of the road and noticed smoke coming from the rear driver's side brake drum. A few moments later, the drum caught on fire due to the grease igniting. The contact used water and was able to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was then towed to contact's home. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

- Davie, FL, USA

On an irregular basis, the car does not return to idle when braking. Most of the time this occurs when exiting from a highway but lately has been occurring on side streets. Abnormally hard brake pressure is required to stop the vehicle and once I had to shift to neutral and back to drive to return to slow idle. Dealer claimed to be unable to find or repair this problem.

- Arnold, MO, USA

2000 Ford Focus SE, purchased new 04/2001 --- 06/02 - car died on fathers day, replaced battery with one from auto zone; ?/03 - at service call for recall of harness wiring, complained about led lights flickering, no problem found; 10/05 - car died, towed to Ford, battery replaced; 12/06 - service at Ford, complained about led lights flickering again, no remedy; 06/07 - car died, towed to Chrysler dealer (my employer), could not locate prob, charged battery, 06/07 car died, replaced battery; 06/07 car died, towed to Chrysler - replaced alternator; 09/08, ignition locked/replaced; 02/09 car died, towed to Ford, replaced battery; 06/09, electrical system warning light illuminates at 35-40 mph. Positive battery cable insulation melted. Service at Dodge (employer) - reroute positive cable directly to bolt on connector to battery, problem continues - carried to Ford, they advise alternator is bad and must be replaced. ---- 9 years, 5 batteries, 3 alternators, problem not corrected. Dealer continues to treat the symptoms, not cure the disease. Something is causing this to happen continuously. Numerous Focus owners at least through 2003 experience same issues. Service advisor admitted to me that they "replace a lot of batteries and alternators in focuses" and that "it seems to be inordinately high numbers". other problems with this car include 3 sets of inferior brake pads (finally had a good set installed by an independent mechanic) and cracked motor mounts causing intense vibration especially when engine is cold. Seeking remedy for electrical issues - considering consulting attorney to start class action lawsuit. Concerned about potential fire hazard. My daughter was driving this car for past 2 years, finally knuckled and bought her a great Chrysler PT CRUISER for her personal safety. I am not in a position to acquire another vehicle for myself and must continue to drive the Focus until otherwise capable of another vehicle. Will never buy Ford again.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

I purchased a Ford Focus 2000 from john thorton on thorton road in lithia springs on or about 7/2005. I also traded in my Lexus 1991 vehicle which I had just fixed up for $2000 and plus the dealer asked for a down payment of $1200 which I gave, and I requested them to add a warranty which they did not in the contract. The vehicle was white and black inside. I drove smooth for about 4 months until one day as I was driving the vehicle cut off. I had the brakes redone, and some other work. I took the vehicle back to the dealer and they worked on it and charged me some more. Until I realized the mechanic called me name for pick up and he stated to me thinking I was another person, my vehicle is ready and it had 3 recalls on it in the past. I assume he meant me, and come to realize it was my car he was speaking about. Every since then, my car would cut off at stop lights and while I was driving. I was told by the dealer mechanic it has a short wire that can cause a fire and there is nothing they can do. I placed the car in ch 7 in bankruptcy in 10/05 and he no transportation except by bus and cab. Ford dealer in lithia springs, ga 30122 sold me a car with 3 recalls as part of the car's history. I don't know what else it involved.

- Lithia Springs, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for an alignment. At that time, the contact was informed that the two front coil springs failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the two front springs, the two rear wheel cylinders, and a brake line. The contact learned of NHTSA campaign id number 01I017000 (wheels:lugs/nuts and bolts), but it did not apply to her VIN. She called the dealer and was informed that the recall had expired. The current and failure mileages were 136,000. Updated 06/16/08

- Cornish, ME, USA

: the contact stated while driving 65 mph the brakes locked up without warrant. The brake pedal was not depressed; smoke erupted from the passenger side rear wheel. The vehicle was pulled off the road without incident. Upon inspection the rim was black and there were metal pieces on the inner side of the wheel. The vehicle was driven very slowly 25 miles to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic was unable to remove the wheel hub due to the damage caused by the brakes locking up.

- Grovertown, IN, USA

Brakes will not work when car first driven in morning. Have to stand on the brakes to avoid hitting someone. Ford will not fix this. This car is extremely dangerous along with the water leak, bad ignition key tumbler and poor gas mileage. It has been rotten from the get go. Needs to be recalled!

- Louisville, KY, USA

Consumer is afraid to drive the 2000 Ford Focus due to all the problems that have developed with this vehicle.** answer required***. the rear brakes, drums and shocks were replaced.

- Bronx, NY, USA

Contact stated ignition locked and will not turn. This was the second time this happened. The first time it happened in 10-2000. Vehicle was towed, and a new ignition was put in, and had to order another set of keys. Contact continued to have the same trouble with it starting vehicle. Ignition failed again. Contact did not talk to a dealer, but planed to do so.. the dealer, where contact bought the vehicle had it towed for her in 2000. She is going to have to have it towed. There were no lights that came on prior to the ignition locking. A year after the vehicle was purchased the brakes and rotors had to be replaced.

- Cambridge, MD, USA

The brakes make a noise like it is a dump truck stopping. When the consumer hits the brakes the vehicle does not stop immediately. He changed the brake shoes twice and then took the vehicle to the dealership. While at the dealership, they found a service bulletin and the consumer has to pay to replace the lining and magnets. The problem with the brakes has always occurred, but it is not every time you hit the brakes. This vehicle is still under an extended warranty and it is not covered. Consumer has called the federal trade commission and has a reference number, 6397393.

- Chicago, IL, USA

The vehicle's brakes had to be replaced about every three months. The rear end was unable to be lined up, if so, the vehicle would fishtail back and forth and the consumer would unable to drive the vehicle. The tires were out of round and the vehicle would run rough, especially when going up hills.

- Jasper, GA, USA

On 19 Feb 2005 I went to have my rear brakes replaced on my 2000 Ford Focus. When they went to replace the rear brakes, they found that the rear wheel bearings were seized to the rear spindle. I had recall #01B85B done on 27 Dec 2001 to prevent this. But it did not help.

- New Carlisle, OH, USA

Fatality vehicle fire, Dec. 8 2004. My husband is the original owner of a 2000 Ford Focus, subject to numerous service visits to bill brown Ford, livonia mi for: Ignition, steering column, wheel bearing, brake, rear window control, seat belt &trunk latches, overhead light and engine light. The vacuum line & fuel pump & valve assembly were replaced 2/03, followed by stalling. In 6/03, A/C compressor & manifold line replaced. Fuel line & pump failure in 8/03, resulted in gasoline spill on residential street minutes after parking. Bogging followed repairs, PCM reprogrammed & leaking pvc tube replaced 1/04. Fuel pump again replaced. In 8/04, our 24 year old son took ownership of this problematic car. We are uncertain as to whether vehicle malfunction caused a 35 mph collision with a fire hydrant. An immediate engine explosion and fuel fed fire trapped my son and his passenger. Described by police as a relatively minor crash which would not be expected to claim lives, the subsequent unexplained engine fire claimed two young lives. A malfunctioning driver's airbag was also detected. This incident was originally reported to NHTSA by my husband (#10104088). I am supplying these additional facts for your clarification. Please correct your posting of "0" injuries as there were 2 fatalities. Please take effective action to save lives, as these trouble plagued vehicles seem to become more lethal as they age. Confirmation of receipt of this information is requested.

- Redford, MI, USA

Nar 04/07/2003 Mr. While driving, the rear tire disconnected from the vehicle due to a failed wheel bearing.. the air condition repeatedly leaked water in the vehicle. The brakes were worn which required new rotors.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

Problems with brake equipment. The vehicle has been to the dealer at least 4 times for a crunching sound when driving over bumps.. the brakes squealed when they were applied, the consumer was told they were fixed, however the problem resurfaced.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

I purchased my 2000 Ford Focus SE from merlin motors in saskatoon. Production date - May 2/2000, stock no. PP24941, R.O. no. 155631. I believe this car was previously owned by someone in british columbia. Here is a chronological breakdown of repairs. April 17/01 - took car in because driver mirror vibrated badly when driving - so badly that I could not look into it, it was shaking that much. Also, the trunk would not open from the release inside the car. Parts were ordered at this time. Vehicle kilometers- 32854. June 19/01 - they checked for driver mirror vibrating when driving and replaced driver side exterior mirror. The also checked for trunk not opening from the release inside the car, they replaced the trunk stop and adjusted. Vehicle kilometers- 35222 June 20/01 - they checked for power steering leak and replaced steering rack and set toe. Vehicle kilometers- 37782?? (this is obviously an error - I know I did not drive 2, 560 km in one day!) I also did not complain about the power steering and don't recall why my car was in there at the time. Sept 21/01 - they repaired rattle in right front going over bumps, tightened all assemble bolts in front end, removed right caliper and rotor, lubed all bushing, adjusted front splash shields, found tie rod bolt loose and tightened. They also fixed molding on window belt, which was loose and checked inside rear view mirror and found it flawed - part on order. Vehicle kilometers- 43170. Nov 3/01 - we were driving in saskatoon when engine started to boil. We knew this because of steam coming from the hood, all gauges in the car read normal! we took car to merlin - they could find nothing wrong with the car after their checks, and told us to bring it back if it happened again! work order for this date states: Customer saw steam coming from under hood, antifreeze pooled on engine, gauge read normal, steam coming from overflow tank - fill with A/freeze, pressure test for leaks, no leaks found.

- Langham, UN, USA

I have nothing but grief with my 2000 Focus. 1) most recently I had was traveling at 50 km/H when my front right coil spring dropped out of the front end. I phoned Ford repeatedly and even though I discovered a program covering my the coil springs on I was given the run around saying that I was outside the program recall date by a few months even though the car was made at the wayne assembly plant; where other program recalls were coming from. I ended up in a field when the coil spring broke, narrowing missing the car next to me. I was thankful that I had escaped with my life but not to be covered by Ford was a slap to the face. I am very upset about the way they handled this situation and I am determined to let everyone know about this situation. My alignment is also out because of the accident but can't afford to fix it right now. 2) four times since I've owned the car, the car has stalled. Twice rounding a corner going onto a highway and 2 twice on a straight away highway. It always happened when the gas gauge was below 1/8 of a tank and so I thought it was my fault because I was running out of gas. Of course I blamed myself. But four times ? I began to become suspicious when the car began chugging uphill on a recent long distance trip. I barely made it to my destination. When I took into a Ford dealership in sudbury Ontario the serviceman told me that knows of the problem though most of them came in under warranty. Of course the problem at first only presented itself when the tank was near empty and so I always or nearly always made sure to have at least half a tank full of gas when driving. Today the problem is present regardless of how much gas is in the car. Very convenient for Ford seeing as though I am outside the 60,000 km warranty plan. Again I do not feel comfortable driving on the highways anymore. I am hoping that Ford will hear me out a pay for the repair.

- Toronto, UN, USA

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

- Vancouver, UN, USA

First one: Ignition locked. One night after classes, I went to start my car and the key would not go into or turn the ignition lock. I called my Ford warranty and they sent a tow truck. The tow truck driver informed me that he is familiar with the problem on the Ford Focus, as he had had many calls to pick up cars with the same problem. Second one: After returning home from driving to the store one Saturday, I parked as usual and tried to pull up my hand brake which would not go up or lock into place. I then noticed that the little button you push in the release the handbrake was located all the way into the assembly not allow it to lock. I plan on taking my car in November to be repaired. My Ford warranty will cover it since its a few thousand miles under warranty.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Had I known about the excessive brake dust that coats on the wheels, especially the front wheels, I never would have bought this car.in order for this car to look decent I have to get on the ground on my hands and knees using a solvent and water along with a lot of elbow grease and a brush and sponge and literally clean these wheels at least once a week.a simple drive through a car wash will not clean this brake dust adequately.I have called Ford three times in the last few years complaining that this is a manufacturing defect and of course they deny it!the last call I made a consumer rep from Ford read from a bulletin that they put out instructing owners as to how to clean off the brake dust.if there was not a defect why are they putting it in black and white to be read" I am disgusted with their attitude and would like to return the car to the dealership but feel frustrated that they will only "laugh"at me.any advice?I will gladly take part in any class action that you might have knowledge of??"

- Newton Centre, MA, USA