The rear passenger bearing has failed on my vehicle. The bearings appear to be recalled on the year and make of my vehicle but the dealership refuses to replace them. NHTSA campaign #01I017000,

- South Bend, IN, USA

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

The 2000 Ford Focus started making a grinding noise 3 weeks after purchasing it. The back riders side wheel bearing was bad. It has now been changed 3 times in less than 1 year and 6000 miles! we found there had been a recall on this same thing back in 2001, and was fixed. So its still going bad and Ford wont stand behind it! also the door handle wont work and that was a recall that was fixed too, also to bad so sad! Ford has turned into a very bad company to do business with!we have always had Ford, but that's about to change!

- Clinton, WI, USA

The accident occurred on a hill at 10:30 P.M. I suddenly lost all power and control of the car near the crest of this hill. The car drifted back almost in a straight line. The brakes and engine weren't working as the car picked up speed in reverse under its own power I.e., from the slope of the hill. It continued backward until coming to a sudden stop with severe impact. The car was stopped by a storm sewer culvert (ditch) to the side of the road. The left rear of the car and undercarriage were severely damaged I.e., catalytic converter, muffler, rear axle, etc. The car was in excellent condition, was well maintained and had recently been inspected. The car was deemed a complete loss by the insurance company. I can provide more detailed information including a police report if requested.

- Trappe, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated the rear end off the vehicle would feel loose driven over 20 mph. The contact stated that the failure felt similar to the vehicle attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the rear wheel bearings failed. The mechanic told the contact there was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 00V303000 (wheels: Lugs/nuts/bolts) yet when the contact spoke with the manufacturer, he was advised that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall in 2002. The contact was concerned because the bearings failed even after the recall repairs. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 1470,000.

- Ashland, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, she heard a noise from the driver side rear tire. She pulled over but could not find a failure. She smelled smoke but there was none visible in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing where the contact was informed that the driver side rear tire was not bolted to the wheel. The tire bearing and drum needed to be replaced. The brake pads also burned as well. The contact found recall 00V303000 (wheels: Lugs/nuts/bolts) which seemed to be directly related to the failure. The current and failure mileages were approximately 57,000. Updated 05/18/10.

- New York, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving 50 mph, there was a bumping sound and the vehicle started slowing down. He noticed that the wheel separated from the vehicle and rolled away. The tire was not securely fastened onto the wheel. He managed to stop the vehicle without crashing. The vehicle was towed and the tire and rim were replaced. There was also damage to the front fender. The failure and current mileages were 196,400. Updated 06/08/09 the center of the rim remained bolted to the vehicle, but a larger portion of the rim separated from the vehicle. Updated 06/18/09.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

Left rear wheel bearing disintegrated at 109,563 kilometers (68,000 miles). Luckily stopped immediately and checked cause of noise. Wheel was wobbling, and would have shortly fallen off, or seized, potentially causing car to serve into oncoming traffic. Removed wheel and replaced bearing myself. Roller bearings in pieces, wheel hub very hot. There is a recall for this defect but apparently my car was not included as I never received a notice. Recall should be extended. 2000 Ford Focus SE sedan.

- Calgary, 00, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. Sporadically, the contact would hear a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle along with a vibrating sensation. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the rear driver's side wheel and brake drum assembly were abnormally loose. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 00V303000 (wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 129,000.

- Glen Dale, MD, USA

Left wheel fell off on the free way and 2 passengers were injured.

- Cumberland, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While the contact's spouse was driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle began to pull to the right. He slowly drove the vehicle home and discovered that the nut backed off the hub on the rear driver side wheel. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 00V303000 (wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts). The current mileage was 88,056 and failure mileage was 88,040.

- Bonisferry, ID, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving between 35-45 mph, the rear wheels began to wobble. The mechanic stated that the rear wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 00V303000 (wheels, lugs, nuts/bolts); however, the failure has recurred. The contact inquired about NHTSA safety improvement campaign number 01I017000 (wheels, lugs, nuts/bolts) and was informed that the campaign was over. The failure mileage was 170,000.

- Elyria, OH, USA

2000 Ford Focus #1 car has been owned by me since 2001 (bought from a dealer with 13K miles on it), it gets used lightly and never goes on long trips. I use it just for local driving, to and from work. (about 5 miles a day, car has 80K miles on it) this car is a lemon! I have had some of the strangest problems and gone through more recalls then anyone should have to. #2 problems I'm having currently: Suspension car's front passenger side spring has broken, makes very loud crunching noises when turning, needs repair. Electrical car has smelled of burning rubber, and electrical system has started smoking on more then one occasion, have come very close to going up in flames. Turning the car off then disconnecting the battery terminal cures the problem temporarily. Was also told by local mechanic front axles are bad, and need to be replaced soon but do not know much more about it. Problems I've had: Fuel pump recall, door latch recall, and battery cable recall. Have also had problems with the rear bearings of the car, paid out of pocket to fix those, because dealer told me there was no recall on them. After reading NHTSA campaign #01I017000 I have since learned otherwise. #3 all the problems I'm having with the car currently are not fixed. All the other ones were repaired by the dealer with the exception of the rear wheel bearings. The front spring is still available as is still on the car, and he electrical system is still intact. I will have to replace the spring soon but I'll hold on to it. The same goes for the front axle's.

- Cushing, ME, USA

Rear wheel bearings failed on my 2000 Ford Focus. The right rear wheel literally almost came off while I was driving on the interstate. There was no advanced warning that this was going to happen. I simply heard a whining noise (and a couple of clicking sounds) moments before I lost control of the vehicle.

- Dekalb, AR, USA

I've had this happen three times now. I get a flat tire. Pull over, jack up the car, take off the lug nuts, then find myself unable to remove the wheel. It is like the wheel rim has frozen or seized onto the hub. This happened most recently just yesterday night. I was driving on a dark highway when front driver's side tire went flat (nail in the tire). I was alone, and I'm a female - with good upper body strength. It was very scary when, after 30 minutes of trying with all my strength to pull the wheel off so I could put on the spare, a truck pulled over and a strange man offered to help. This guy was big, like arnold schwarzenneger, but even he was unable to pull the wheel off! thank god he was a nice person and not some freak rapist or murderer. He called a tow company for me, who towed me to a service station where they had to use a small jack-hammer like thing to remove the wheel. This should not happen! and this is the third time I've had this problem in the three years I've owned it.

- Calhan, CO, USA

For almost one month, loud humming in front right and both rear wheels and loud rear squeaking on braking revealed, after 4/20/06 inspection, failed wheel bearings in our Ford Focus SE 2000 in right front and both rear wheels. Both rear cylinders were leaking fluid and right brake drum was failing. Many of the Ford Focus vins issued during 2000-2001 manufacturing years had wheel-bearing failure issues and consequent recalls. We were informed by "maria" at Ford Motor Company, today that our VIN was not one that had a wheel bearing issue. How, then, could three of our four sets of wheel bearings fail? ultimately, failed wheel bearings can lead to wheel failure and detachment leading to injury or death. Why isn't the NHTSA addressing this serious issue with Ford, as the manufacturer appears to be sidestepping its ethical and legal responsibility in this matter. We spent over $1,000 on this repair. Nine months ago, our front coil springs failed, which could also have led to a fatality. Ford assisted us then, but is doing nothing to help us now. Please note that because on ongoing teamsters strike, most Ford dealer shops were unavailable to service customer service or supply needs at the time we sought service. We seek reimbursement for repair of wheel bearings, rear drums and cylinders/lining. Wheel bearing service reimbursement is essential.

- Minnetonka, MN, USA

The consumer had numerous repairs performed on her 2000 Ford Focus. Recall campaign#02V288000 & 00V411000. Repairs that have taken place within one year: 14 new tires because of a problem with the wheels, engine, transmission jerking, re-wired, battery, overheating and muffler.

- Norcross, GA, USA

This complaint is concerning clarification of our previous complaints to NHTSA regarding the 2000 Ford Focus : #10104088 and #10107840. I am extremely concerned about the misinterpretation of data collected by your Agency and posted for public review. Deaths are not posted, nor are they included as injuries. This misrepresents the seriousness of the vehicle and equipment failures reported.

- Redford, MI, USA

While driving 50 mph the rear driver side wheel separated from the vehicle without warning. As a result the vehicle fish tailed severely, however, the driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The cause has not been determined. Please provide additional information.

- Haymarket, VA, USA

I purchased my 2000 Ford Focus SE from merlin motors in saskatoon. Production date - May 2/2000, stock no. PP24941, R.O. no. 155631. I believe this car was previously owned by someone in british columbia. Here is a chronological breakdown of repairs. April 17/01 - took car in because driver mirror vibrated badly when driving - so badly that I could not look into it, it was shaking that much. Also, the trunk would not open from the release inside the car. Parts were ordered at this time. Vehicle kilometers- 32854. June 19/01 - they checked for driver mirror vibrating when driving and replaced driver side exterior mirror. The also checked for trunk not opening from the release inside the car, they replaced the trunk stop and adjusted. Vehicle kilometers- 35222 June 20/01 - they checked for power steering leak and replaced steering rack and set toe. Vehicle kilometers- 37782?? (this is obviously an error - I know I did not drive 2, 560 km in one day!) I also did not complain about the power steering and don't recall why my car was in there at the time. Sept 21/01 - they repaired rattle in right front going over bumps, tightened all assemble bolts in front end, removed right caliper and rotor, lubed all bushing, adjusted front splash shields, found tie rod bolt loose and tightened. They also fixed molding on window belt, which was loose and checked inside rear view mirror and found it flawed - part on order. Vehicle kilometers- 43170. Nov 3/01 - we were driving in saskatoon when engine started to boil. We knew this because of steam coming from the hood, all gauges in the car read normal! we took car to merlin - they could find nothing wrong with the car after their checks, and told us to bring it back if it happened again! work order for this date states: Customer saw steam coming from under hood, antifreeze pooled on engine, gauge read normal, steam coming from overflow tank - fill with A/freeze, pressure test for leaks, no leaks found.

- Langham, UN, USA