I sent this letter to Ford in may of 2000 I purchased a Ford Focus, thinking it would be a safe, low maintenance car, considering it had been in europe since 1997. I would think this would be plenty of time to work out any bugs you may have. Or, should I call them recalls. I think a car that has 16 recalls, most of them which I would consider safety issues, should be recalled entirely. I have had other issues with this car as well. My key would not turn, seat belts locking for no reason, door handles not opening the door (this is all happening again). And one that has not been addressed, brakes. I am now on my third set of front rotors since I have purchased the car. The same thing has happened every time. The driver side rotor and pad will wear completely down yet the passenger side will be just fine. I have talked to other Focus owners and the same thing is happening. I still have my last set of rotors just to prove it. I got smart this time and bought replacements that were not made by you. Stop tech cross drilled rotors and ebc greenstuff kevlar pads. I also replaced the driver side caliper with a non-Ford replacement. I want out of this car because I feel it is unsafe. I also would like to warn other Focus owners that this car is unsafe. You also had better not send me to the dealership again. What does the dealership have to do with the production of an unsafe car? nothing, except that they sell it. I am not putting up with Ford pushing me around or giving me the run around either. This car is extremely unsafe and should not be on the road. I did not do this before but this time you leave me no choice. This letter will be sent to as many bad product websites as I can find. It will also be sent to NHTSA, consumer reports and the better business bureau. You did not do anything with my previous complaint and now there are more issues with this product that not only concern safety, but the life of the car. Something will be done.

- Bristol, TN, USA

The rear door latches would not keep the doors shut; they flew open when turning the vehicle. The doors had to be held with bungee cords. Now one of the rear door seized and wouldn't open. A Ford dealer wants $400 per door to fix the latch.

- Grafton, OH, USA

I bought my Ford Focus 2000, brand new in July of 2000. Since then, I've had the wheel bearings replaced twice, the rear door stopped latching and I had to drive it to the dealer with my son holding the door shut, my alternator had to be replaced and still the lights get dim when I turn on the heater, the plastic and rubber door molding started coming loose and falling off right after I bought the car, the brakes have never stopped squealing, and now my key is stuck in the ignition and it won't come out. Every time I take my car to a dealer, they always say the same thing "oh, that is common with the Ford Focus". after reading all of the consumer complaints, I guess you could say these problems are common with the Ford Focus. I've had nothing but problems with this car and expect to experience many more because so far the track record for the Ford Focus is extremely poor. After reading the numerous complaints, I hope Ford is forced into recalling the ignition cynlinder or switch whichever is to blame for the key to becoming stuck in the ignition and the wheel not locking while the car is in park.

- Webster, NY, USA

Consumer stated that the child safety lock on the driver's rear door can not be disengaged. Consumer is very concerned that in the event of an accident the rear seated passenger may not be able to exit from vehicle.

- Ft. Jackson, SC, USA

The latches of the back doors will not release from the locked or unlocked position. This makes it impossible to keep the doors closed even while in motion. Consumer uses a bungee cord to keep the doors from opening. Consumer is unable to get any satisfaction from Ford company.

- Rochester, NH, USA

Front and rear passenger side doors do not open because locks are inoperable. Also, doors will not unlock manually or with the keyless entry. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Please provide additional information.

- Ozark, MO, USA

Back passenger's door flew open while vehicle was going 20mph around a curve. Consumer had to use a telephone cord to tie front passenger headrest to the door handle to keep door closed. Dealer notified.

- Belleville, MI, USA

While driving left rear passenger door came open without warning, resulting in an animal falling out of vehicle. Vehicle was checked by dealer, who determined that door latch was rusted and had cracked. Manufacturer blamed consumer because she lived in an area where she frequently drives on dirt roads.

- Greenfield, NH, USA

When washing vehicle in cold weather driver's door will not close or stay shut. Dealer and manufacturer were notified.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

Consumer stated the gas gauge failed, the brakes were squeaking, the mirror was torn off by repeated car washes, gas leaked on the both driver and passenger side carpet, and the truck latch was broke, also the fues burst on locks.

- Herndon, VA, USA

Door locks are inoperable, specially the driver side which cannot be opened from the outside or the inside. The keyless entry does not work nor does the key or the lock latch. It is impossible to open the car door at this time. The only way to get into drivers side is by climbing through the passenger seat. This is a serious safety hazard while driving or in the case that vehicle should get into an accident. Living in Louisiana this poses a serious threat if the vehicle should fall into a drainage canal exit from the car would be impossible.

- Metairie, LA, USA

Left rear door would not open. Dealer fixed and 5 months later it would not open again.

- Santa Ana, CA, USA

Had activated child safety lock from inside. Unable to open door from outside. Consumer states that the system activates inside, door must be opened and have car key available to engage lock.

- California, MD, USA

The door locks freeze/stick, the consumer has been issued 3 recalls on this vehicle, is not satisfied and believes this vehicle is not dependable. Nlm

- Unk, UN, USA