general problems of the 2000 Ford Focus - part 2

While driving consumer noticed black smoke coming from the engine. Consumer pulled the vehicle over, opened the hood, and noticed that engine was on fire. Consumer was unable to put out the flames. Consumer was driving at 25 mph when smoke was noticed.

The engine fall out (engine bolts broke). Please provide further information. Ph.

While driving my 2000 Ford Focus one day I noticed a ratcheting sound in the engine compartment and antifreeze smell inside the car. All of which resulted in a complete replacement of the water ump, bulley and gasket. My car only had 38,000 miles.

The main concern I have is that I have had this car in 4 times now for rear wheel bearings. My other issue is that when the actuator in the rear drivers door went out that all the locks and windows freeze up in the locked position it that is where they were at when it dies. Not the key, manually or remote will wor. This to me is a saftey issue, you could potentially be locked into your vehicle with no way out.

While driving and with no warning vehicle would shut off. Dealer notified.

Takes off real hard like it wants to die but won't, then stops. When car is ran for a while it starts doing. We are not the only Focus with this problem. There are others along with their reverse going out or first gear. Every one who takes it in doesn't get it fixed.

Extreme amount of problems and recalls, vehicle has low mileage. In addition to listed problems, severe rear tire cupping at 7000 miles, may be attributed to loose rear wheel bearing. Power steering pressure hose leaking, a/c still not fixed correctly cold lasted for about a month drivers door lock wont lock interm. Rear trunk latch wont release from inside car. Fuel gauge erratic, caused driver to run out of gas on a bridge. Maf sensor failure, caused driver to be limited to 15 mph on freeway till next exit. Vheicles radio stuck on with key removed causing battery drain---happened twice and was fixed. Vehicle is a lease due back for return in August. Cant wait to be rid of this headache but feel sorry for whoever buys it. . . I would still like Ford motor CO to reimburse me for the lease payments made for the amount of downtime and time vehicle spent at the dealership to fix some of these problems. . . . . . Thankyou.

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

Consumer noticed after vehicle warms up vehicle starts bucking during acceleration. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information. Ts.

This is a salvaged vehicle. Consumer received a recall notice from Ford. However, dealership refused to honor the recall, claiming it was not a sfety recall.

Problem started in mid-February 2003. When the fan speed level for the heat is turned to the 3rd position the fan noise drops down & then a very acrid burning odor is emitted. Can not put the level higher than the 2nd level due to the burning (wire?) odor and concerned that a wire is burning. Our mechanic told us that we needed a new heater switch which he proceeded to order but was told by a Ford dealership that the item is backordered due to a high demand for this part. We still don't have the problem fixed yet & now am concerned about use of the air conditioner. I have spoken with a Ford dealer who says there isn't a recall or TSB, I have called the nhsta, & I've checked the alldata. Com website with no luck. I suppose, given the problems we continue to have with the rear tires, this could be considered a minor problem, however I don't think so. My only other comment is that I definitely do not feel safe driving this vehicle at highway speed due to the vibration of the wheels & how wobbly they feel. We have to replace tires often because they cup. Any information you can give me or any direction you can point be would be appreciated. Thank you, cindy l. Emery.