Hatch became unusually difficult to latch. The plastic inside the latch at bottom of assembly broke. Then we had to use an array of things to keep it wedged shut, yet it would still pop open while driving, things sometimes fell out, my dog was almost one. Light stayed on along w/blinking security led, my battery is now dead and have to push start. The hatch latch has been purchased used, but now the lock has to be exchanged to fit my own key, I do not know how to do this myself, cannot afford locksmith. Part was hard to find and expensive. I have to buy the entire hatch door. I got lucky! once!

- Roseburg, OR, USA

Rear hatch on wagon did not engage, had to reshut it on a number of occasions. Last December(04) it jammed and I was unable to open it at all. I took it to the dealership who ordered a new latch component and replaced it in January 05. I recently went on line and discovered that this was a problem with this vehicle in other states but so far not Alaska. The latch lft/GT was replaced and the fastner. I do not have the parts, but I do have the invoice.

- Fairbanks, AK, USA

Rear window defroster opens up back hatch when on highway. Did not use rear defrost.

- Iowa City, IA, USA

Consumer stated that the power accessories were defective. The power door locks were ineffective, the key won't work in the door. The doors did not open manually from the inside, the hatch button from the inside will not work either. Once the actuator froze, it blew a fuse, preventing the doors from opening. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who was not willing to do anything about the problem.

- West Carrollton, OH, USA

I own a 2000 Ford Focus station wagon. The hydralic lifters to the rear door (back door) have failed so that it requires two people to place items in the wagon, one to hold the door up and the other to load. I consider this a safety item as the door is inoperable as it is intended. Ford does not.

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

My wife and I purchased a new Ford Focus back in 2000. We loved the look and I have had Ford cars before and have always been pleased. To get right to the point, we have been completely dissatisfied with our purchase. We have had recall after recall on this car and to top it off we have a new situation. About 10 days ago my wife mentioned that her power locks were not working. We decided to bring it in to the dealer on our next day off to have it looked at. The next day after the locks stopped working, the doors would not open at all on the passenger side. The lock mechanism apparently had seized up. After being in the shop for a few days I was notified that the other side was about to seize up as well. That of coarse is being repaired at my expense as well. Now being a consumer that is a bit disheartening. Being a father and knowing that my 3-year-old son rides in that car, makes me irate. I cannot believe that there would or could be any way that a car built by Ford would have a problem like that which essentially turns the car my son is transported in into a death trap. It makes me think what if all 4 doors seized" what if my wife and child were in a car accident and drove into a river or lake" I hope you see were I would consider this a potential disaster in waiting. Of course I am out of the warranty period so to add insult to injury I am paying approximately $520 to fix this problem. There is no way that anyone can guarantee me that this will not happen again. If it happens again, all the what ifS are back in play. I do not know if this is a regular problem on these cars, but I hope that this is something that will be addressed in future production considerations. I unfortunately will not purchase another Ford vehicle or any affiliated with Ford due to this major problem. Additionally I will mention this problem that Ive had every time I hear anyone around me speak of buying a new car.

- Highland, CA, USA