Driving at 20mph the left front wheel fell off. This happened due to the subframe being completely rusted through and it broke at the arm leading to the wheel. Inspection sticker 9 months earlier did not mention any issues. Car body does not appear to have any rust. $750 to repair using used subframe. Value of car approx $1400. Unusual level of subframe rust for age, condition and geographical location of car.

- Shrewsbury , MA, USA

A hole appeared in the driver's seat upholstery, near the drivers left hip. Disassembly of the seat cushion revealed a broken weld which allowed a sharp metal piece to puncture the upholstery. I also observed this on replacement seats I purchased from a 2002 svt Focus. Photos (of the 2000 seat) at https://flic.kr/P/mle2fp; https://flic.kr/P/mlduyh; https://flic.kr/P/mle5W6. I was aware of the hole when I purchased this car in 2005, but did not discover the cause until recently, when the seat folding mechanism failed, and I had to replace the seats, and noticed a similar hole in several that I saw. I then disassembled the original seat and found the cause of the problem. This issue is dangerous in that it exposes the driver's body to a sharp metal projection.

- Naperville, IL, USA

The vehicle went in for an inspection because there was a clunking noise from the passenger rear of the car. It turns out that the rear subframe and right rear sway bar has rusted completely off. The amount of rust by the technician has been found to be exorbitant in comparison to the amount of miles it was driven. The tech suggested that the car was submerged, but there was no record of it being so. I am the third owner of the car. I would like to file a complaint, for there seems to be a lot of this issue online, from Ford focuses from 2000 to 2005.

- Dracut, MA, USA

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

The seal in the firewall between the engine and the passenger compartment failed.

- Birmingham, AL, USA