Wiring problems of the 2000 Ford Focus

Plastic insulation of electrical connector that connects right headlight bulb with wiring overheated, melted and caused smoldering fire that led to damaging smoke deposits in headlight assembly. Fire stayed contained to headlight housing.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact noticed that the battery wiring and case were melted. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 02v288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) but was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not included in the recall and offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 42,650 and the failure mileage was 42,400.

For the third time since I've owned the car, the rear tail 'running' lights have blacked out. At the same time, dashboard lights do not function. Nhtsa campaign 00v411000 covers this for about 75,000 Focuses identical to mine, but for some reason, mine is not covered by the recall. I've had the same problem three times. Each time, the wiring harness and fuses have to be replaced. Once, the multifunction switch needed replacing, too. The repairs have cost me nearly $1,500. I contacted Ford the third time, but the representative said there was nothing Ford could do to help with repair costs, as my specific VIN did not fall under the recall. My concern is the random nature of the tail light loss. It happens when I'm driving home at night, and I need to put my hazards on any time I drive after dark. It is extremely dangerous, and I am afraid of being struck from behind.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. His vehicle failed state inspection for poor exterior lighting functionality. He contacted the dealer in reference to recall # 00v411000 (electrical system:wiring). Upon contact he was advised that since his vehicle identification number was excluded from the recall, he was ineligible for a free remedy. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and was in the process of being repaired at an expense of $179. 00. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 165,000.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact took her vehicle for routine inspection and was informed that the deck-lid wire harness fatigued and developed damaged wires in the bend area of the wire harness. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 00v411000 (electrical system:wiring); therefore, they would not assume any responsibility for the repairs. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 188,000. Updated 06/03/09 updated 06/04/09.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 25 mph on normal road conditions, the instrument panel failed to illuminate and the parking lamp and tail lamps were nonfunctional. The contact replaced the fuse on five separate occasions and the failure recurred. The vehicle's power lock system also failed to operate. She discovered the failure was contributed to the deck lid harness. The vehicle has not been inspected by a certified technician. Nhtsa campaign id number 00v411000 - electrical system;wiring is related to the failure; however, the VIN number was excluded from the recall. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 50,300. Updated 11/06/09. The consumer stated while driving, she noticed the dashboard was not lit and she was unable to read the speedometer. The headlights were working. The consumer replaced the fuse and the dashboard lit up properly. However, a short while later the fuse blew again. The consumer also discovered the tail lights and parking lights were not working as well. Also, the power door locks failed. The consumer discovered 4 wires had been completely severed, and all the others had bare patches where the insulation had rubbed off. The consumer stated a recall had been issued for the exact problem, but her VIN was not included. Updated 11/10/09.

Starting 2 years ago rear hatch would intermittently unlock when brake pedal was depressed. Problem was worse in cold weather. Within last two weeks, rear brake lights no longer work when brake pedal is depressed, and the rear windshield wiper no longer functions. All symptoms point to a failure in the wiring harness leading from the car body to the rear hatch lid. Online forums of Focus owners document broken insulation and wires in this wiring harness. A similar problem was the target of a NHTSA recall of Focuses from this model year, but apparently only applied to the sedans. I have an appointment with my Ford dealer to repair, but without a recall I will be forced to pay out of pocket. Please investigate this issue and report a recall soon if appropriate. The brake light failure and spontaneous opening of the rear hatch while driving are serious safety hazards. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. In July of 2007, the door locks on the vehicle began to malfunction. The contact changed the fuse, but this did not correct the failure. The tail and brake lights also began to malfunction, followed by the rear hatch. The dealer advised him not to drive the vehicle because a fire had taken place in the wiring. The contact is currently awaiting the vehicle diagnosis. The current mileage was 42,338 and failure mileage was 42,000.

I drove a 2000 Focus zx3 for 3 years without a single problem. On March 2007 (90000 miles) the car stalled and died completely in the middle of a California freeway. After 5 min I was able to restart the car and drive to my mechanic (not a Ford dealer). Computer analysis showed a faulty mass air flow sensor. He replaced it ($450). Two days later, the car stalled again in a residential area (20 mph and full tank of gas). The car restarted and I drove back to same mechanic. He didn't find anything wrong and suggested I should drive to a Ford dealer. They replaced the fuel delivery module at no cost because of Ford recall #03n01. After that the car stalled (and died) again while pulling out of a parking lot (5 mph and full tank). Ford technicians drove the car for 150 miles while hooked up to a "flight recorder" and found nothing. I drove it for 20mi with a "flight recorder" and it stalled right away. I tried restarting it and it stalled again (4 times in a row). I was able to record the data using flight recorder. For the first time the check engine light was on (code p1237). The Ford dealer inspection all the electrical wires looking for a faulty connection ground. After re-wiring they test-drove the car again. They think the car is ok now. This has been my third week without a car. I was renting a car in order to go to work (paying to go to work). I can't afford to spend more money on more surprises. I have been stressed emotionally and financially. Even if the car is ok now, I don't feel safe driving it (or any other Ford). At this point I decided to sell the Focus to the same Ford dealer. I'm complaining about the Ford Focus and Ford in general (as a corporation and a brand) for allowing such a flaw to be sold to the general public. I have been very well treated by the service department at the Ford dealer.

I own a 2000 Ford Focus. For about 18 months I have been experiencing a fuse blowing which runs my brake lights. I continue to replace the fuse, but now it won't hold anymore. There is a recall #02313: deck lid wire harness fatigue, but my VIN didn't get recalled. My car is experiencing these recall 'symptoms' and should be covered!.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the rear tail lights failed on his vehicle. There is a safety recall # 00v411000 (electrical system:wiring). The recall repairs were performed two years ago. The manufacturer stated that the recall does not apply to his VIN. The contact is currently experiencing loud noises and vibrations in the engine. The failure occurred at speeds of 60 mph and greater. There is also a related service bulletin for the failure. The VIN is unavailable. The current mileage is 107,000 and failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact stated the deck lid wiring harness wires of the electrical system fatigued and broke. There was NHTSA recall campaign 00v411000, regarding the electrical system wiring. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was seen by a dealer, and the deck lid wiring harness was replaced. Ford was unwilling to pay for repairs. The contact agreed that it was the exact same problem as the other 2000 Ford, Focus, but they would not comply as it was made shortly after they ended the recall date for this particular problem.

12/03 -- rear driver side window regulator broke on a 2000 Ford Focus; window not used much 9/7/05 -- rear passenger side window regulator failed on same car as rolling down to clear morning condensation off and on since I've had the car, the driver side window and rear driver's side window have not worked due to a so called "short" the 2 regulators were replaced; the short has never been found or repaired and is a nuisance.

My 2000 Ford Focus would not start on 6/29/05 so I had it towed to town & country Ford on 6/30/05. Prior to the tow truck leaving, I checked the lights, horn, etc to make sure all worked before Ford worked on the car. They did. When they service man johnny gardner called me that afternoon to tell me what was wrong with the vehicle he stated " the ground scrap wire , and ignition switch need to be repaired" I told him that was impossible about the ignition switch when I had it repaired 1 month earlier. Johnny then changed the story stating " just the ground scrap wire needs to be repaired". I had them fix that part and went to pick up the car. While driving down the street a car swerved into my lane and when I went to blow my horn it did not work. I slowed down and my brakes made a hard grinding noise. I immediately called town & country Ford asking them why was my car horn not working, and the brakes were making a grinding noise. They replied " I could bring the car back and pay to have it fixed". I took the car to an independent auto repair shop who stated the horn could not be fixed because someone unhooked the componets under the hood, and to fix it Ford can only get the parts. They also told me that the axle on my right brake wheel was split. Prior to taking this car to town & country Ford I had no brake problems. I was told by town & country Ford to check my replace the relay switch to the horn. I did and the headlights, interior lights, and windshield wipers do not work. The car will not go in reverse. My car was fine prior to town & country Ford's work.

(1) I parked my 2000 Ford Focus on a hill with the wheels turned (2) the key ignition would not turn even after playing around with it for 4 hours! I had to leave my vehicle behind. There was no advance signs that this problem was about to occur. While this is not a moving safety issue, this can be a very serious problem since it can strand you without any warning in an unsafe area. (I carry spare gas, jumper cables, car jacks, antifreeze, extra oil etc. . I even had enough tools to take apart the steering column and try hot wiring the car, but to no avail. ) this is a serious mechanical defect. (3) I later bought an owners manual to try fixing the problem myself. But the first step to removing the broken ignition cylinder is to turn the key!! a catch 22.

When turning the vehicle off consumer smelled smoke coming from inside of the vehicle. Consumer towed the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that the wiring harness melted.

On Wednesday March 31 2004 my husband noticed that our parking lights and dashboard lights were not coming on. Then we discovered that they would work only if the rear defroster was on. We took the car to our mechanic who suspected a short and discovered broken and exposed wires in the hatch. He rewired the car. I went on line and found that 2000 Ford Focuses had been recalled for this type of problem (NHTSA campaign id number: 00v411000). I called Ford's customer service hotline and was told that this recall did not apply to my vehicle's VIN number but to hold on to my receipt in case the recall was broadened. When I asked him why my car wasn't included even though other Ford Focuses had the same problem he said that it was probably just a coincidence.

While driving 65 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. The mechanic noticed that wires and spark plugs needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

Vehicle is having the same defect with the wire harness as stated in recall number 000 v 411 000, but their VIN number is not included. Ts brake lights inoperative at times also abs light comes and dash and dome light go off intermittently. Trunk release inoperative. Latch assembly replaced.

While driving on interstate 5, in the greater seattle area, the electrical system in our 2000 Ford Focus failed. Dash lights, including the air bag light came on inappropriately. I began immediately to move from the left traffic lane to the right to exit the interstate. Before I was completely off of the exit, the car died. I sat for a couple of minutes then was able to restart the car and travel a couple of miles to a safe parking lot before the car again died. The car was cutting out, dash lights flashing on and off, the speedometer would peg out at 140 mph (traveling at 35), etc. The car was unable to restart. We towed the car to the Ford dealership where we purchased the car new in 2000. They diagnosed the problem as a faulty, melted heater switch, along with the wiring harness burning up near the alternator, causing complete failure of the alternator. Wiring was completely replaced at the alternator. Also the car needed a new alternator and heater switch. The car still has less than 90,000 miles on it, this should not happen with a 3 year old vehicle! what investigations are ongoing with wiring issues? why is Ford not being held accountable for this. After being a "Ford man" for 50 years, I will never buy another Ford car. The dealerships service departments and customer service departments are condescending and disrespectful. It is time they are made to produce a product that is not dangerous.

Consumer states while driving at 55 mph vehicle started to stall, then caught on fire. Dealer notified.

Nhtsa 00-v-411-000 vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A deck lid wire harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the wire harness. Consumer has the same problem. However this vehicle was not part of recall due to VIN.

My complaint is all the problems we have had with the Focus. We have had numerous recalls and work done from the drivers seat collapsing, wiring harness replaced, bearings in front, and rear, brake assembly, sway bar, and have had to replace 3 sets of tires, and line up 3 times because they will not make good and the car eats tires. Now we have 52,000 miles on the car, and a pin has come loose and gone through the transmission, and case. Altough the dealer has been very good, we bought a new car so we would not have this hassle, and that is all we have had.

After parking vehicleovernight next morning it would not start. After getting vehicle started consumertook it to dealer, and was told that wiring had melted, causing battery not to charge. Consumer heard something on tv that NHTSA was investigating such problem.

Vehicle was going 40mph and shut down without warning. After vehicle pulled over consumer heard a boom explosion noise, and vehicle caught on fire. The battery/ alternator, and cable wires were burned. The dealer gave no explanation to what the fire was caused by. Please provide more information.

Car stalled while at a stop signal, then re-started, then stalled again and fire was seen coming from under the hood. Extinguished by towels and water. Damage noted to be a melt-down at battery and both pos and neg cables. Some melted and burned components adjacent. Insurance fire investigator noted damage in starter area.

The insured noticed that the check light had illuminated, once the hood of the vehicle was opened there was a noise and then smoke began coming from the battery and the fire started with the wiring near or on the battery. (claim#28-3088-224).

While consumer was driving gas tank cover blew off the tank and gas was spilling every where. Consumer states vehicle has experienced problems with the sending unit and gas gauge. Wheel bearings on the left rear failed. Transmission fluid leaks, consumer states this is causing slippage and shifting problems. Vehicle experiences a burning oil smell. Wiring harness failure. Light failure (consumer did not specify). Gas leaks. Failed suspension parts (consumer did not specify). Tires wear prematurely (consumer did not give tire information). Splash shields broke. Brocking wires in central locking system.

There were no parts available for recalls oov-218 and 00v-411. Nlm.

Received recall notice (00v-303) October 2000, part(s) not available to correct campaign, received recall notices (00v-218) & (00v-411) December 2000, appointment made for January 2nd to correct all 3 campaigns, waited four hours at dealership, claimed vehicle, invoice showing "parts necessary to correct" recall campaigns (00v-218) & (00v-411) not there. Cj.

Car had been sitting for about 6 hours when it bursted into flames. Consumer had car towed to impound yard.

Consumer called compliaining about having problems with the wiring harness wich affects the back up lights and the cruise control on the vehicle. Dealer and manufactured were contacted and direct consumer to our hotline. Mr.

The vehicle experienced problems with the wiring, transmission-(jump out of gear), fuel gauge level is inoperative, and the motor would race. The shifter and cable was removed, and the center console was removed to replace the shifter assembly. The dealer could not duplicate the fuel gauge problem. Mr scc.

While driving vehicle stalled. When this occurred vehicle lost power. Also, at 54,000 miles brake light continuously stayed on, even if the brake pedal hasn't been depressed. Recall 03v482000 was issued for fuel system, and recall 00v411000 for the wiring harness . However, this vehicle was not involved in the recalls due to VIN.

Vehicle caught on fire while idling at a stoplight, Ford consumer affairs stated that the fire was caused by the wiring harness that touched the engine, melted the insulation, causing current to flow through the ground wire, and an imbalance shorted the battery cable.