The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact noticed a strong odor when the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle was started and after driving two blocks, smoke was seen coming from the engine. The contact opened the hood and found that a fire had started near the engine. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was awaiting a response. The current and the failure mileages were 130,000. A report was taken by the fire department.

- Mondiva, WI, USA

Daughter bought the 2000 Ford Focus on 03/01/2011 from a dealership in wichita, Kansas. In April 2011 the rod went through the side of the engine, nearly causing an accident with 3 other cars on the highway between wichita and towanda, Kansas. Tow truck took the car to the dealership and was told we would be responsible for 1/2 the cost of another engine and labor, which was over $4,000 (our share would be over $2,000). Still having to pay the loan on a car that is not running and full coverage insurance, cause the car is on a loan through the dealership. I've called a number of times to the dealership about this problem with no help. I've tried to find out if there was any recalls on the rods going though the engines on this year, make and model of this car. No luck. I looked up the kelly blue book value of this car, in fair condition is only: $1,375 for trade-in-value. Please help if you can!!!!!

- Towanda, KS, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While the vehicle was parked the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated there were fractures in the head gasket and the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 130,327.

- Reseda, CA, USA

The contact owned a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that smoke began to rise through the vents while they were driving the vehicle at an unknown speed. The contact also stated the vehicle stalled and the brakes would not engage when they were applied. As a result, the vehicle coasted to a stop. The contact looked under the hood and noticed the engine was on fire. The police and fire department appeared on the scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed the contact's home where it was clasified as destroyed. The vehicle was not inspected. The contact also stated that the brake booster was completely destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

- Franklin, GA, USA

Total loss of Ford Focus 2000 due to the car fire. No signals of overheat prior to the accident, all fluid levels fine. I was driving for 30 min; when returned home and stopped the car, noticed a white smoke coming from the front of the car. I decided to figure out what happens but did not have time to do that - after I left the car, it was already on fire. Used 1 fire dispenser on it, it did not help; called 911, by the time the fire department came (in about 10 min), the car was burned to the ground.

- Cleveland Heights, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 25 mph there was knocking sound coming in the engine. There was also hesitation while accelerating. The contact stated that the engine light also illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice and the engine was replaced. The failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage 130,000.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The vehicle stalled while driving approximately 45 mph; yet, there were no warning lights before the failure occurred. The contact stated that he experienced the failure several times. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure and current mileages were 69,000.

- Davis, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently stall when attempting a turn at any speed, in either direction. The failure would occur most often when attempting left turns. Once the contact was able to restart the vehicle it would operate as normal. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where he was informed that the crank shaft was shifting back and forth, causing the crank shaft position sensor to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the power windows were inoperable except for the front driver window. The failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was 117,000.

- Hepzibah, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact heard a grinding noise in the engine when she started the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were approximately 130,000.

- Lacey, WA, USA

Engine hesitation, loss of power and surging. I lost power and was escorted off the highway by a sheriff deputy.

- Fordyce, AR, USA

I went to start my 2000 Ford Focus after the big snow storm to be sure it started and it did, I let it run for a while and when I shut it off and take the key out it was stuck, this is not the first time this has happened. It has not been fixed yet because frankly I just don't have the money to keep sinking into this lousy car.

- Stickney, IL, USA

The early years Ford Focus, 2000 - 2002 are experiencing a catastrophic engine failure that can occur at any time. This problem involves the valve seat on the intake valve of the cylinder head. The valve seat cracks, breaks apart and falls into the cylinder destroying the piston, head and block cylinder wall on the single over head cam (SOHC) 2.0 liter engines - VIN 'P'. it is such a wide spread problem that Ford Motor Company is running out of parts. Auto part stores know of this problem. Piston ring manufacturers know of this problem. Both of which are selling parts at very high volumes related to the engine failure. Machine shops all know about this problem and state that it goes further back to the Ford escort model also. Salvage yards know about this problem and are getting 10 phone calls a day for used SOHC engines. Salvage yards are selling any and all SOHC engine as soon as they get them in in vehicles. Owners who choose to replace their engines with 'used' salvaged engines are encountering the dropped valve seat problem again as the replacement engines fail at approximately 100K miles also - just as the original had failed. Ford Motor Company knows of this problem and is providing the option of installing a salvaged engine. Cost for installing a salvaged engine with unverifiable miles has been quoted at $1250 for the engine, $2500 to $3000 total for installation. This problem is greater and larger than the 'fuel pump' safety issue and the 'brake' issue. The valve seat can and does break at any time - this problem is showing up in later years also, 2003.

- Denver, CO, 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 was driving at 45 mph with no signs that there was a problem with the car when the engine suddenly stalled. I was able to coast safely to the shoulder where I tried to restart the engine. The engine never restarted after several attempts, so I had to call a tow truck. The next day, the car was given a jump and the engine started, but something didn't seem right because the engine was running much louder than usual. The problem is in the process of being corrected, it will be brought to a mechanic tomorrow.

- Cicero, IL, USA

Consumer wants to know if NHTSA is still monitoring these issues with the Ford Focus fires.

- Unknown, DC, USA

2000 Ford Focus engine fire on the way to work at 4 am. By time the fire department got there it was fully in flames. Burnt evey thing but the trunk before it was put out.

- Jackson, TN, USA

2000 Ford Focus stalls on right hand turns only the problem has become a problem now.

- Port Reading, NJ, USA

My husband and I purchased a 2000 Ford Focus for our 20 year old daughter in October 2008, so she would have a means of getting to college and work. On December 22 2008 she was driving with a friend to go to lunch when smoke began coming out from under the hood. She pulled into a parking lot and got out of the car when there was a loud pop and flames shot out, blowing out the windshield and melting the tires etc. The fire department said it was faulty electrical wiring causing an engine fire.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

00 Ford Focus taillights not working. Found that Ford has a recall for the wire harness decklid. Took vehicle to a Ford dealership was told that my vehicle is not part of the recall. I've numerous recalls on this vehicle already. Vehicle was overheating. Was told by Ford dealership that needed a new radiator, cost me $800. When I picked up the vehicle it was still overheating, come to find out I only needed a new water pump.

- Detroit, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 15 mph, the contact smelled a burning odor in the vehicle. He pulled the vehicle over and opened the hood, but did not find any smoke. In addition, the coolant temperature was fine; however, he felt is was extremely hot under the hood. He entered the vehicle and noticed that the service engine light was illuminated on the instrument panel. He has not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed by a mechanic. Through online research, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 02V288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) for the same symptoms he was experiencing in his vehicle. He had also been experiencing loss of power and hesitation in the vehicle while traveling at low speeds. He discovered NHTSA campaign id number 05V030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in either recall. The contact believes the vehicle should be included since he is experiencing identical failures. The current and failure mileages were 73,450.

- Harrisville, RI, USA