10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,111 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #40

Jun 112013

Focus

  • 151,357 miles
Rear wheel bearing went out, making horrible noise and grinding.

- Durant, OK, USA

problem #39

Sep 152010

Focus

  • 72,442 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact was driving 30 mph when he noticed an unusual noise from the rear tires. The vehicle was then taken to a local repair facility where they diagnosed that the rear driver side wheel bearing would need replacing. The dealer was informed of the failure and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 72,442 and the current mileage was 72,492.

- Tehachapi, CA, USA

problem #38

Jun 102008

Focus

  • miles
Ford will not honor recall on wheel bearing. Statement said even if the car has been service before it will fix. Not true I spent a hour on the phone with them. Ford will not honor aggreement because it did it again. Search results report date : June 20, 2008 at 11:33 am NHTSA campaign id number : 01I017000 make / models : model/build years: Ford / Focus 2000-2001 manufacturer : Ford Motor Company mfr's report date : Nov 29, 2001 NHTSA campaign id number : 01I017000 N/a NHTSA action number: N/a component: Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts potential number of units affected : 238653 summary: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the Safety Act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the Agency. Vehicle description: 2000-2001 Ford Focus passenger vehicles, originally sold in or currently registered in the states of, ohiom, . in high corrosion areas, where salt is used on roadways in the winter, the rear wheel bearing seal race can experience surface corrosion. If this condition occurs, the wheel bearing seals could become damaged and allow contamination to enter the wheel bearings. Consequence: The wheel bearings could prematurely wear and cause a noticeable noise. If not repaired, this condition could progress to the point where the wheel begins to wobble. Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings at no cost to the consumer. Additional bearing seals will also be installed to ensure a smooth ride. This program will be in effect until December 31, 2002, regardless of mileage. Even if the vehicle has already been serviced under recall campaign 00S31, Ford has taken additional steps to keep the wheel bearings in top shape. Owners Ford has decided to conduct a service campaign to replace the rear wheel bearings. Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332, concerning this program.

- Elyria, OH, USA

problem #37

Feb 152008

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles
Left rear wheel bearing failed at 80,000 miles after they said it was replaced by recall at 22,000 miles. Left rear wheel comes loose and wobbles. Had to have it towed because it is unsafe to drive.

- Bonne Terre, MO, USA

problem #36

Sep 202007

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,500 miles
My car was parked at the airport. When I returned home after my car had been parked for three days the anti-lock brakes light came on and my car was making a loud noise. I took it to the dealer and the rear left ball bearing was broken and I was informed by the service technician that my wheel could fall off. I later realized that the same ball bearing was previously fixed under recall 01B85. However the dealer would not cover the expense and I had to pay for it myself. I later wrote a letter to Ford to request a refund and my request was denied.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #35

Oct 062005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1) rear wheel bearings.. both needed to be replaced on car with less than 62,000 miles. Ford said not their problem. 2) thermostat housing made out of plastic, needs to be replaced due to cracking (Ford know about this problem will not do a recall). Engine light comes on every 3 months. Will never buy another Ford again. Tired of putting money into what we thought was going to be a good car.

- Clearfield, PA, USA

problem #34

Jul 152005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
Had sererall issues with the vehicle its metal causes premature failure. The coil springs had to replaced.they broke and the rear door latches were in the process of disingrating. They put in weather stripping. The rear wheel bearings malfunctioned. Contacted Ford, they did two after warrenty repairs to the vehicle. Ford said it needed a new axle. This started on July 15, 2005. There was a real high pitch whining noise before determining the problem with the axle.

- Cumberland Foreside, ME, USA

problem #33

Aug 152004

Focus

  • miles
Consumer is afraid to drive the 2000 Ford Focus due to all the problems that have developed with this vehicle.** answer required***. the rear brakes, drums and shocks were replaced.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #32

Jan 012005

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The vehicle's brakes had to be replaced about every three months. The rear end was unable to be lined up, if so, the vehicle would fishtail back and forth and the consumer would unable to drive the vehicle. The tires were out of round and the vehicle would run rough, especially when going up hills.

- Jasper, GA, USA

problem #31

Jan 222005

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Coming home from work my engine light came on, I took it to a friend and he check it and said it was as cylinder misfire he reset he code(?) and said that he didn't guarantee that it wouldn't come back on. It work fine the rest of the day, but when I was again coming home from work the next day it came on again, I immediately turn around and took it to the garage where I get repairs done. He also said it was a cylinder misfire and suggests I replace my spark plugs and wires, he also cleaned something else and something iac ( you can tell I don't know squat about cars)I paid $149 for this service. A day and half later I was back in the garage with the same problem (engine light on) this time he says it something with my transmission code and to call the co. And see if there is or was a recall on it. Some thing about flashing the computer. I have only had this car since August 2004 and have trouble with all this and with the key not working but the car was still under a 30 day warranty and the car salesman took care of that problem. I am just wondering what next, how much, money does not grow on trees around here. After reading all the complaints on this here website I wonder why I even bought a Ford Focus. I also have very squeal brakes constantly, and my rear passenger tire has a problem and my son won't even let me drive my car till I get it check out there is more money. My car only has 44,000. Miles on it.

- Chambersburg, PA, USA

problem #30

Mar 132003

Focus

  • miles
Nar 04/07/2003 Mr. While driving, the rear tire disconnected from the vehicle due to a failed wheel bearing.. the air condition repeatedly leaked water in the vehicle. The brakes were worn which required new rotors.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #29

Mar 032003

Focus

  • miles
Nar 04/07/2003 Mr. The consumer stated with 20,000 miles on the tires they were already bald. The dealer told the consumer only the rear tires were bald because they had not been rotated. The consumer took the vehicle to another mechanic and had the tires rotated and had new tires put on the front, however 10,000 miles later the rear tires were bald, they were replaced again and less than a year later they were bald again. The consumer learned that the problem with tires was due to a recall with the wheel bearings which was suppose to have been replaced a long time ago.

- Brooklyn, MI, USA

problem #28

Oct 042004

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving approximately 35 mph the consumer heard a noise which sounded as if it came from rear. The consumer took the vehicle to dealership and was informed by a mechanic that the rear wheel bearings were loose.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #27

Nov 012002

Focus

  • 15,000 miles
Consumer has continuously replaced the wheel bearings. Twice on the rear left, and three times on the rear right. There is a grinding noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. Consumer states that he has had the vehicle repaired on a recall number 011017000 before. The problem has not been resolved. At the time of the failure the vehicle was out of warranty although it only had 27,000 miles. The vehicle is rarely driven yet the rear bearings wear out every 3000-5000 miles.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #26

Aug 062004

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Both rear wheel bearings need repair. Loud noises from the wheel bearings. Breaks needed repair at 35,000 miles (grinding). Ew tires at 40,000 miles (both front and back). I heard on car talk that wheels of the earlier models of Ford Focus's actually fall off!

- Rochester, MN, USA

problem #25

Oct 232003

Focus

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
While driving, the vehicle stalled due to electrical failure. There were no brakes or steering. The vehicle crashed into a tree. Driver dislocated her shoulder and sustained a head injury. The rear wheel bearings was replaced, the fuel filter was replaced

- Andrews, NC, USA

problem #24

Nov 052003

Focus

  • Manual transmission
  • 67,500 miles
Rear wheel bearings needed replacement after only 67,000 miles.

- Clarence, IA, USA

problem #23

Nov 112003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2000 Ford Focus - recalled in 2001 for rear wheel bearing problem - supposedly the dealership - village Ford dearborn, mi - inspected and proceeded with the proper service - now with bad rear wheel bearing problem - my tire was ready to fall off per the mechanic - when the mechanic contacted Ford customer service for part - he was told that was a recall item and I should bring to a Ford dealership for repair. On 11-11-03 I brought my vehicle to avis Ford southfield mi for this repair - I was told by the dealership that no recall exist on the rear wheel bearing and furthermore if one did exist the warranty on the replacement would be void. The mechanic that evaluated my car on 11-8-03 stated this needed to be addressed asap - he tightened the wheel- which is why I scheduled a repair on 11-11-03. I will need to return my vehicle to the former mechanic for service but will be unable to do so until 11-15-03. Please advise the process for filing complaint against Ford Motor Company - so I can recover my expenses. The mechanic will give me the defective part. I do not think that village Ford ever changed the part or did the repairs under the earlier recall. VIN [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Grand Blanc, MI, USA

problem #22

Oct 012003

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a 2000 Focus. I experiance hesitation when the fuel tank is about 1/4th full, it died once while turning around an offramp cloverleaf. Also when coming to stops it idles rough. When starting and waiting while in or out of gear, idling is rough. Turning corners I occasionaly get creeks from the front and rear. Sometimes I hear thumps from the rear when riding over bumps on occasion. I hear and feel a growl while the engine is running regardless of being in or out of gear or in or out of motion. It feels more prominent when the temp. Is below 60 degrees. I can feel it vibrating in the steering wheel while turning and it seems to stop while turning left but continues when the steering reaches center. While going up or down inclines or small depressions in the road it becomes even more noticeable and you can feel it in the floor. The drivers side rear door lock sometimes clicks in and out of the lock postion erratically when the electronic door lock/unlock button is depressed. This handle is also extremely tough to open. Sometimes power is lost to the radio, I remove the detachable aniti-theft piece and replace it, sometimes it works, sometimes I need to do it numerous times before the radio will turn back on. I had experianced warped rotors on the front when I first bought the vehicle numerous times, but I switched them with slotted rotors so I no longer have this problem. My rear brake drums are stock (but the pasds are not) and they squeal quite frequently, possibly due to excessive dust. I had noticed that sometimes the power window control would not work for windows other than the drivers. This has not happened in about a year or 2. I have just recently experienced water in the passenger well. Last, occasionally the transmission will hesitate while driving. It almost feels like the transmission is shifting into neutral, but more like it was a human with a cluthc out a bit who cannot make up their mind about what gear to use.

- Independence, MO, USA

problem #21

Jun 172003

(reported on)

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,600 miles
Consumer experiencing noises coming from vehicle after replacement of rear wheel bearings.

- Alameda, CA, USA

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