Battery problems of the 2000 Ford Focus

I have been stranded several times in my Focus. Hoping that every time I get in my car that today is not the day. The key won't turn in the lock and after so many failed attempts, worrying about the cost of repair. The car sat for two months and killed the battery. Unfortunately the car has become such a hassle to drive. I was late to work and got a point on my super strict attendance policy. This problem has put my employment at risk. The car has also been fixed previously for the same issue by the past owner, I found out. Called the dealer where it was fixed and they told me that I was out of warranty and there was going to be an hefty cost. Why won't Ford stand up, and say they put unreliable parts inside what is suppose to be a reliable car.

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.

For no apparent reason while driving home from work, my car battery light came on, then stalled, smoke began emanating form under the hood, then the car went up in flames. I'm very lucky I was not injured. The car was totaled. This car has been nothing but problems since I bought it.

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.

Had my oil changed. Drove to wal-mart. I smelled somthing burning, stoped and looked under the hood didnt see anything, thought maybe some spilt oil was burning. Went inside wal-mart and returned to car and started it and began to drive home. Car stalled and some guys yelled at me to get out of the car. I got out saw flames comming out of the wheel wells opened the hood and put out fire and pushed my car off the road.

Zx3; after shutting off the engine, the driver noticed the steering wheel locked. When the driver tried to start the vehicle the key could not be inserted into the ignition, the steering wheel stayed locked. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. The ignition cylinder and battery were replaced.

Bad brakes, leaking transmission x 2 repairs, numerous electrical probs, one "accident", damage repaired at Ford expense, bad tire, noise from front rt side, "surge" prob, car seemed to "stick" in a gear. I don't have my file with me but I know there is more.

Consumer stated there was excessive corrosion on the positive terminal of battery. Consumer had to clean terminal monthly. Ts.

Consumer stated there was excessive corrosion on the positive terminal of battery. Consumer hads to clean terminal monthly. Consumer also stated the insulation on positive terminal was starting to melt at the point where it connects to battery. Ts.

Consumer states that the some wires melted on the battery causing the car to start. Mr.

Vehicle stalled twice, then engine caught fire in battery area. Please note that I live in canada, and site does not permit canadian address. Actual zip is m4k 1m6 in toronto ontario, canada. Vehicle is total writeoff. Ford dealership denied knowledge of fire or stalling problems with Focus.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

While driving at any speed batteries will die, then engine will start again without turning ignition.

While driving the vehicle at any speed, strong chemical fumes spread through out the vehicle. The dealer has been made aware of the problem. Nlm the tire rod has loosened, the battery had blown, and the engine light had stayed illuminated. Scc.

2000 Ford Focus zts, 4-dr sedan. The engine caught on fire on 3/19/02. Car was totaled as a result of the fire. Fire/police suspected fire originated around the battery.

I purchased my vehicle in February of 2002. Just 2 weeks after purchasing, car shut down and locked up. Had towed to dealership and found out that there were several recalls to be fixed. There was no cost for that work. Then in about April of 2002 the button that turns the air on and off messed up and the air would not work. We went to Ford and since I had no warranty, I was going to have to pay for the repairs, they quoted me at $170. 00 to repair this so I order the part for 12. 00 and fixed it myself. Then 11-4-02 I went to get into my car and start it, and once again it would not start. We had it towed again, causing us to pay for a rental and towing fees. The car was in the shop for 2 days and they said that the ground wires were shorting out????and they said it needed several other things also, but they are yet to get fixed due to financial reasons. I cannot stand this car!!!.

I was south bond on warren and observed, and smelled smoke. I went to pull over and found out I had lost brakes. I applied the emergency brake and came to a stop,.

Many, many problems and defects with this car. . . All problems have been replaced more than twice and still faulty. No safety defect listed.

While working on the vehicle, the mechanic discovered a seal leak in the engine, and a leak in transmission cooler lines. Later,while on the road, the vehicle started to fishtail in the back due to a bolt which held the rear suspension had loosened. In addition, the vehicle had stalling problems, and severe corrosion buildup on the battery.

Engine stalled at 30 to 35 mph. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic, and mechanic stated that battery was defective. Dealer replaced battery. Consumer stated that problem still occuring.

Have had very discerning trouble with 2000 Ford Focus. Things previously fixed are still not working properly. I have had the car since late 2000, and it has been in the service dept. More than I have been able to enjoy it.

Attempted to start vehicle in parking lot and it started sputtering and shaking. Engine check light/ oil light and battery light came on. Then, vehicle just shut off. This happened twice. Contacted dealer, and vehicle was in repair shop for 3 days. But, dealer couldn't find anything wrong. The second time this happened dealer said that fuel pump malfunctioned.

Vehicle expereinced an engine fire that was caused by battery acid that leaked onto the wires which caused an electrical short. (claim#43-r793-314).