Fuel gauge is not registering the proper amount of fuel. The fuel gauge shows a quarter tank of fuel, but in fact, the tank is empty. Dealer was notified.

- Sellersville, PA, USA

Consumer noticed on numerous occasions that fuel gauge would indicate that fuel tank would be half or more filled. Then, vehicle stalled. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that fuel tank needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that fuel tank was replaced five or more times but problem recurred.

- Durham, NC, USA

Fuel gauge light came on and tank indicated empty even though tank had just been filled. Dealer checked system and found no fuel system problem but said the problem was caused by leaving the key on (listening to radio) while filling the tank. Within 1 week of dealer visit the same problem reoccurred at least 10 times. However, key has been in off position during refueling. Dealer has not been notified of latest incident.

- West Chester, OH, USA

Leaking water into passenger foot-compartment. Isolated problem to plastic cover that sits beneath windshield, and is mostly accessible with hood open. The problem is that the plastic comes away from windshield due to some buckling in the plastic. Fixed problem by applying pressure to plastic to bend it back to shape so it snagged-up closer to windshield. Not seen problem since. Mastic to adhere plastic to windshield might be an option to other people. The fuel gauge sometimes refuses to work. Found this to be case when key is put into ignition and key-turned to start engine was done too quickly. If entering key into ignition and then turning key each click, giving each click a half-second, then gauge appears to be more reliable. When engine goes into slow-idling state, engine idles very erratically and is not smooth. Sounds like only some of cylinders are firing. This has only started to occur today and since reading comments on this website, I'm concerned. Have tried adding fuel-injector-cleaner to fuel tank, awaiting results of that. The trunk would not close. The problem here was fixed by removing the locking assembly from the trunk-lid and simply dowsing the mechanisms with WD40 and then bending some spring-loaded components.. there are 2 moving components in the lock. First is shape of a loop that you can easily move with finger/screwdriver. This component locks onto stub that you can see when opening trunk. The other component is hidden within casing and moves in front of other component to hold it in a locked position. Problem was with this component. Problem was component had "somehow" gotten bent and not free to leave casing and block other component. Bending this to a position freeing it of casing fixed problem. Engine lacked power when under load when accelerating, vehicle would shudder and decelerate instead of accelerate. Problem resolved when Ford dealer replaced spark-plugs plus leads and a full engine tune-up. $230 plus but fixed problem.

- Mint Hill, NC, USA

1st recall,6/2000 shop for A/C problem,9/2000 shop for 7 days for ac problem,1/2002 shop 7days for engine work, recalls X 4 or 5 not sure about dates there has been so many on this car, problems with not starting, gas gauge, tire replacement 3 sets in less then 3 years, hesitation, poor gas milage, brakes squealing, trunk does not close properly,10/2003 has been in shop for 3 weeks for possible engine work. Dealer can not seem to find or repair the problem, I am not happy with this car it has had serious problems from day one there are more to mention can not list them all I need help.

- Shelbyville, TX, USA

When vehicle fuel level goes below 1/2 tank, engine begins to "buck" and lose power. When fuel level gets to 1/4 tank, engine becomes very sluggish, "over revs", "bucks" and is subject to stalling at times of acceleration(I.e.: expressway ramp entrances). Have had the vehicle to the local Ford dealer and they could not duplicate the problem. Have had it to a general repair facility and they could not locate the problem, though they did experience it on several test drives. Currently making arrangements to have gas tank dropped and the 2 filters in the fuel sending unit inspected, as suggested in ODI id no. 10023502 on NHTSA website. This vehicle has been involved in two inccidents that could well have been devistating accidents, due to the engine stalling upon entrance to an expresway and once in heavy city traffic at a turn light.

- Timonium, MD, USA

The vehicle experienced problems with the wiring, transmission-(jump out of gear), fuel gauge level is inoperative, and the motor would race. The shifter and cable was removed, and the center console was removed to replace the shifter assembly. The dealer could not duplicate the fuel gauge problem. Mr scc

- Nashville, TN, USA

Ignition switch will not turn. I noticed in researching the internet that many others had the same failure. I did not see a recall. This is the latest failure of many: Brakes, fuel gauge, bad struts. Now at 39000, I am 3000 miles out of warranty.

- Titusville, FL, USA

1. July 26,2000 was the first incident when the fuel gauge light came on and even though the tank was full, the gauge registered empty. Dealer replaced sender and pump assembly. 2. Oct.11,2000 fuel gauge light came on, and the gauge registered the tank as empty even though it was full. Dealer replaced the sender and pump assembly. 3. Feb. 6, 2002, engine check light came on, returned to the dealer who replaced fuel filler cap. 4. Aug. 19, 2002, service engine light came on, returned to dealer who replaced the gasket-fuel tank sender.

- Trenton, NJ, USA

Brakes squeak when applied. After 4th trip into dealership, service advisor said this is a common problem for the Ford Focus but that Ford is not doing anything about it. Engine has failed on me 4 times in the 18months that I have had it. The dealership just replaced the fuel sending unit and said that it "should take care of the problem." I doubt it! if this happens again, I will be checking with California lemon law. This was my first Ford and definitely my last!

- Fresno, CA, USA

Fuel pump and sending unit failed causing the gauge to read empty and low fuel light to flash. Nlm

- Petersburg, VA, USA