Three problems related to other fuel system fuel gauge have been reported for the 2000 Ford Focus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the 2000 Focus.
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.
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.
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.