Problems with 2000 Ford Focus FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Ford issued a safety improvement campaign, campaign number: 03v482000, in november 2003, which stated that contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module would eventually lead to blockage of the system. the replaced the fdm in my car in 2004 because my car was experiencing all the symptoms of the advisory. however, 2 years later, i am experiencing the same problems because the fix did not work. the filter once again became contaminated and the fuel pump once again needs to be replaced. i spoke to a customer service rep at ford and although he was very understanding, the fact is the advisory was not a recall and they took care of the fdm. i am not sure what else can be done at this point because, this first recurrence happened while trying to merge onto 60+ mph traffic and my care refused to accelerate beyond 30 mph. if ford says that the problem is fixed, then a repeat of the problem should not occur two years later. *jb

I bought a used 2000 ford focus and i will be driving about 50-55 mph and go to slow down or stop and when i go to give it gas and it hesitates and jerks and my mechanic said there was a concern with this vehicle about the fuel pump and i was just wondering if the dealer is doing anything to prevent this. i still have about 4000 till my initial warranty runs out and purchased the extended warranty for the vehicle please help me out eric peters. *jb

I received a notice from ford in 2005 stating that the fuel pump on my 2000 ford focus had some design issues. it also stated that not all vehicles had been affected but should you have any issues with the fuel system to bring it to a dealership for repair at no charge. last month my check engine light kept turning on and i took the car in to have it inspected and my mechanic informed me that there was an issue with the fuel pump and it was spewing raw fuel into the wheel well. he also mentioned that this part was under recall from the manufacturer and referred me to a dealer near by. upon arrival at the dealership, they disputed the recall notice that i had and denied me service. i was forced to pay out of my own pocket to repair the recalled item. *nm

The day the problem began my car was idling very oddly. the rpm's would race up, like i was accelerating then the next second it seemed like the car was going to die. the car had over a 1/4 of a tank of gas in it. then the car just quit while i was driving down the road. to find out it was completely out of gas even though the gas gage read 1/4. *nm

I bought my 2000 ford focus in october 2005; in january i had to have the ignition cylinder replaced. this was after i had to have the fuel pump replaced after it went out. i was at school in another county when the ignition locked up. i had to get the car towed to the local ford dealership to get it replaced along with another key. i did not think any thing about it until i found a receipt from the previous owner who had the same part replaced a year earlier. that is the third ignition that has been replaced in my car counting the initial one that came in the car. well the third one that i know of. i have recently read hundreds of other complaints of focus owner's who have the same complaint. ford should issue a recall to correct the problem. *jb

2000 ford focus se, engine will stall with no warning causing a complete stop of the vehicle in the middle of the highway almost causing an accident. since the problem didn't show any prior symptoms i consider this a major safety problem due to that when it happened to me in a 5 line highway at night with heavy traffic only luck helped me avoiding a major accident. i received a letter from ford back on 2004 related to a fuel pump problem and a replacement program to vehicles having symptoms listed on the letter. at that time my vehicle was working fine so i follow the recommended action that was to take no action and safe the letter in case of something happening in the future. how good is the letter if this problem no give any warning signs it happen at any given time. please follow up on this problem that had been reported by many owners. *jb

Dt: the contact states there is an nhtsa recall campaign 03v482000 concerning the filter in the fuel delivery module (fdm). this vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to vin. the vehicle has not been repaired.*ak

Brakes will not work when car first driven in morning. have to stand on the brakes to avoid hitting someone. ford will not fix this. this car is extremely dangerous along with the water leak, bad ignition key tumbler and poor gas mileage. it has been rotten from the get go. needs to be recalled! *nm

Dt: the contact stated there was an electrical problem. the dealer said it was a problem with the sensors within the fuel pump. the dealer said they would need to replace the sensors to remedy the problem. due to the numerous attempted repairs that have not corrected the problem he was not going to have the vehicle repaired at this time. the contact already spent enough money having the vehicle repaired, and should not be out any more money for attempts to repair the vehicle. *ak

Dt*: the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be inspected. the dealer determined that there was a recall on the vehicle regarding the fuel tank assembly (nhtsa recall, #06v025000). the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available at the local dealership. the manufacturer confirmed that the parts were not available. the fuel pump has been replaced twice. the ignition switch has been replaced three times. updated 3/9/2006 - *nm

Failing fuel pump for the second time in traffic only one year and four months after original replacement. *jb

The fuel pump in the consumer's 2000 ford focus failed at 39200 miles. *nm the consumer was never informed of a recall regarding the fuel pump. the consumer stated within the first few months of owning the vehicle it needed a new transmission. *jb

While driving my 2000 ford focus, i came to a four way stop and the car ceased to work, as if i had turned off the key...no sputtering, just stopped. i restarted the vehicle and it lurched forward, died again, just as before. as i looked out the front windshield, i observed smoke coming from the hood of the car. i exited the car and flames were coming from the wheel wells. i immediately called 911. people began spraying water on the car from garden hoses, two people stopped with fire extinguishers and nothing put out the flames. when the fire department arrived, within 10 minutes, the entire front of the car was destroyed. pieces in the engine compartment were melting and falling off the engine onto the ground. police arrived to direct traffic. the car was towed to wendle ford, and my insurance company removed the vehicle to their premises the next day. i still have no idea what could have caused this problem in a five year old vehicle with no prior problems. as i have seen several other incidents of fire in this vehicle, the government should make ford motor company investigate why this is happening before someone gets killed! *jb

I searched in your page and you already have a campaign. the official nhtsa page concerning recall is #03v48200 and the nhtsa campaign is #02v28900. the engine of my car already crashed and i want to know where i can searched for the car's serial number that are included in this recall. *tr

Did a right turn to get on the freeway and lost most power. hobbled along the shoulder at 20 mph for 1/2 a mile, then it stalled. waited 1 minute, restarted and then it ran fine. no check-engine nor other lights came on until it stalled. occured after driving 3 miles in july (paritally warm) with about 2 gallons of gas. drove to kemp ford and asked service dept about any recalls. seemed to have no knowledge of similar incidents. suggested possble fuel pump problem. the car has lost power three times previously at the same location for about 3-5 seconds, and then recovered.

(1) my car began surging, hesitating, and losing power. (2) my car will shut off without warning at any time and could cause a traffic accident. (3) the fuel pump was replaced as per recall and now 16 months later my car is exibiting the same symptoms and ford motor company will not replace the fuel pump again.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. the contact stated that the front and back doors would not latch and are being held together with a ratchet strap. while driving 20 mph around a bend, the back doors flew open. currently, the front doors will not open from the outside. in the event of a crash, no one would be able to open the doors from the outside. the contact received a recall notice in march of 2005. the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 05v030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch); however, the failures persist. the dealer will not replace the latches again. the failure mileage was 176,631. updated 10/03/08 *bf the engine stalled. a new fuel pump was installed. updated 10/06/08. *jb

I have had this car since 2003 and it has been nothing but trouble. i have had it into the shop for many of the previously stated repairs- ignition lock, revving/ gas line sticking, broken windshield with no outside cause, cracked side mirrors from cold, etc. this week my rear window fell into the door and would not roll up. the estimate is close to $400. i have had other problems, so many i can't recall them all now. i would advise others to avoid ford products in the future- i certainly will. *jb

'recall campaign; issued for possible engine stalling in ford focus. *bf *sc the fuel pump was replaced. recall #03v482000. *sc

While driving at any speed engine stalls. dealer states the fuel pump needs to be replaced. *ak

Nhtsa campaign 00v303000/rear wheel hub nuts. owner was driving and heard a rattling noise in the rear of the vehicle. owner took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the left rear wheel and brake drum assembly began to seperate. owner also contacted the manufacturer. although this year make and model is currently being recalled for this defect, due to the vin this vehicle was excluded and the owner received no assistance from the manufacturer. provide further details.

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. *jb

Please look into the fuel systems of the 2000 ford focus. my son and his friend were killed in an automobile accident on 12/8 in detroit, mi. early that morning, they struck a fire hydrant and the car exploded (back of the engine fire). earlier, in the summer of 2004, i had driven the car home, turned off the engine, and gone in the house. about 5 minutes later. i came out to go to dinner with my wife...the car wouldn't turn over. when i got out, i found gas spewed all over the street. i hosed down the area, and had the car towed to bill brown ford-livonia, mi. the car was repaired, and i was assured that all was well. now, 5-6 months later, this accident occurred. i am not suggesting that the accident (hitting the hydrant) wasn't my son's doing. however, the speed at which the accident occurred (est. at 35 mph) shouldn't have resulted in a fuel line break and fire. please check into the incident. the incident report number (detroit police department) is [xxx]. the vin number of the car is [xxx]. the service record at bill brown ford will note a long history of fuel system problems, including the issue noted above (gas on the street). more than anything i want to prevent another tragedy. please look into this matter. *jb updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Fatality vehicle fire, dec. 8 2004. my husband is the original owner of a 2000 ford focus, subject to numerous service visits to bill brown ford, livonia mi for: ignition, steering column, wheel bearing, brake, rear window control, seat belt &trunk latches, overhead light and engine light. the vacuum line & fuel pump & valve assembly were replaced 2/03, followed by stalling. in 6/03, a/c compressor & manifold line replaced. fuel line & pump failure in 8/03, resulted in gasoline spill on residential street minutes after parking. bogging followed repairs, pcm reprogrammed & leaking pvc tube replaced 1/04. fuel pump again replaced. in 8/04, our 24 year old son took ownership of this problematic car. we are uncertain as to whether vehicle malfunction caused a 35 mph collision with a fire hydrant. an immediate engine explosion and fuel fed fire trapped my son and his passenger. described by police as a relatively minor crash which would not be expected to claim lives, the subsequent unexplained engine fire claimed two young lives. a malfunctioning driver's airbag was also detected. this incident was originally reported to nhtsa by my husband (#10104088). i am supplying these additional facts for your clarification. please correct your posting of "0" injuries as there were 2 fatalities. please take effective action to save lives, as these trouble plagued vehicles seem to become more lethal as they age. confirmation of receipt of this information is requested. *nm *sc *jb

2000 ford focus fuel pump failure. i was driving my focus down the street, two minutes from getting on a busy highway when the fuel pump gave out without warning. *ak

Consumer noticed on numerous occasions that fuel gauge would indicate that fuel tank would be half or more filled. then, vehicle stalled. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that fuel tank needed to be replaced. consumer informed the mechanic that fuel tank was replaced five or more times but problem recurred. *ak

While driving any speed, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to the dealership, who repaired the alternator. *ak the car cut off several times while backing our of the driveway. the car continued to stall while driving. *eh the fuel pump was replaced. *jb

My husband and i was a trip to paintsville, ky, approximately 80 miles away from home. the car began to spit and sputter and progressively grew worst the farther we drove. the engine light came on and the car was stalling. we were stranded in paintsville, ky for several hours.*ak

Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in nhtsa recall 03v482000 concerning fuel pump failure. in some vehicles, contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module (fdm) can reduce, and eventually block, the flow of fuel to the engine. dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak

While driving the vehicle stalled. *nm the consumer remembered receiving a recall notice in the mail regarding the fuel pump. when the consumer was able to read the recall she discovered that it described that exact same problem that she had experienced. *jb

The vehicle stalled while driving. this failure is possible related to recall 03n01. *nm recall number number (03v482000) the consumers vehicle experienced engine problems (engine hesitation, loss of power, and surging)as a result of a faulty fuel pump. the consumer was able to minimize the problems by keeping the fuel tank 3/4 to full as set forth in the notice. *tc

On sunday, august 29, 2004 my son & i were traveling in the city of madison, wisconsin in a speed zone of 30 mph. all of a sudden my car lost power & died in a busy intersection. i thought it might be the battery. so i shut off the engine & tried starting it again - it continued to not start back up; however, we started smelling gas & we couldn't get out of the car due to traffic all around us. finally a police officer came & asked us to immediately get out of the car - there was gas pouring out all over the road. it appeared that the fuel pump was malfunctioning. in december 2003 i had the recall of the fuel pump replaced at the dealership. however, the police officer indicated that it appeared to be the fuel pump because every time you turned the ignition - gas started pouring out. i had my car towed at my expense of $84.00 to the dealership. i also lost a full tank of gas which cost me $17.00. i called the dealership & they directed me to ford custmer relations. i spoke with an anthony on 08/30/04 @ 7:22am (cst). he indicated that the fuel pump could be replaced again that it was a warranty by ford. however, when i asked about the other expenses of towing, rental car (currently without a car & cannot go to work) , replacement of gas lost - he said ford does not have any way of reimbursing these. the customer service person indicated that was nothing that ford could do about this. my great concern is that my son & i inhaled a lot of gas fumes - we could have been blown up in the car (according to the police officer) - and ford is not be helpful in this matter at all. i feel that the 2000 ford focus is not a safe car to drive. plus i there is another recall for the coil on the car & you can't get this replaced because the coils will not be released until december 2004. this seems not responsible of the ford motor company at all. *ak

Car stalls out and took in for fuel delivery module problem with 2000 focus and they didn't even hook up to computer to find problem as they said it was cheaper to just replace the fuel pump. still stalling and hard to start and ford claims alot of time it is not the fuel pump but in the electronics and ford is not covering this problem at this time. *ak

While driving vehicle lost power, stalled. and sometimes cut completely off. consumer experienced this problem since august 2004. consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who changed the fuel pump. however, problem recurred. *ak the consumer was informed that the throttle position sensor was the problem. the fuel pump was replaced in september 2004, but the vehicle continued to lose power, especially when going up a hill. *sc

Refund due for the fuel pump that was installed in 2000 ford focus pursuant to recall program 03n01.*mr (lawyer on behalf of consumer annon shomlo) *jb

While driving up a hill, the vehicle will shut off. the dealer stated that the fuel pump is effective. a recall has been honored for this vehicle and part; however, consumer stated vehicle is "worse than before." *la

While driving the vehicle stalled. the driver tried to restart it, but was unsuccessful. the driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic replaced the fuel pump due to a mixture of gasoline and corrosion. please fill in additional information. *jb

Our 2000 ford focus has had so many problems.the most recent has been an ongoing problem that has been getting worse. it started with stalling out occasionally when coming to a stop or making a hard right turn and usually when there was little gas in the tank. about a month ago our check engine light came on after we filled the tank with gas. since then wemore frequently experienced hesitation problems and stalling. two weeks ago our car started hesitating badly while idling, causing the whole car to shake and then it would stall, no matter how much gas was in the tank.it also has power surges mainly at low speeds. we called thomason ford and let them know of the problems we have been experiencing and that we recieved a letter from ford regarding the fuel pumpbeing defective causing the fuel filters to become clogged. we took our car in to have the fuel pump replaced. when we picked up the car is worse then when we took it in.*ak

First problem started with vehicle stalling- found out that fuel pump was faulty. pump was replaced because of recall. second problem started with no warning- remote for door locks/hatch back/anti-theft stopped working and automatic door locks also stopped working. even after replacing battery in both remotes still does not work. at the same time keyless entry stopped working i noticed that when i turn on my rear windshield wiper the rear hatch opens. i fear that this could be a safety issue because if driving during rain can't use rear wiper or hatch can open and anything in rear of vehicle could fall out causing an accident. please notify me if this is a re-occurring problem and what can be done to remedy it. *jb

While driving check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection and mechanic determined that the gas tank needed to be replaced due to a crack. *ak *nm the consumer was told that the gas tank collapsed (imploded), breaking the tank at the o-ring area. the tank and o-ring assembly were replaced. *nm

Washed car at local car wash, and car ran fine. got home to do finishing touches and kept car running. low on fuel, a little under the 1/4 line, but ran fine. went back out about four hours later to go grocery shopping, and car would not start. all the lights and dinging would come on, but the engine wouldn't turn over. for 2 days my car sat in the parking lot not starting. i would go out in the morning to try and start it, and it would almost start, but wouldn't. i had aaa tow my car to a repair shop and when it got there, they called me and asked what i was trying to do. they got the car off the truck and it started right up. they are keeping my car over night to try and start it in the morning. i feel really dumb now and bad for wasting their time. what could the problem be?

I have a 2000 ford focus that is experience 2 issues that relate to saftey recalls. ford is saying they will not repair due to the car having a branded title, they will only address emissions related issues.*ak since these are safety related (fuel pump and rear bearing), is there anyway to have ford correct these issues? i can not even buy the parts myself from any parts store only from ford.

After the dealership performed the engine stalling recall 03v482000, the vehicle stalls. the dealership inspected the vehicle, but cannot locate a problem. *nm

While driving engine check light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. consumer received a recall notice for replacement of the fuel rail pump assembly. *ak

This is a crap car, i can only hope for the best of the next few years as i have paid off the [xxx] thing. 2000 ford focus. fuel pump failed and replaced at dealership who in return refused to give back the full tank of gas i thought i had (i filled up that morning and brought it straight there) another malfunction??? they say i brought it in at 1/4 tank???? the car still sputters!!!! what the [xxx]. also>>>>>paint is horribly peeling off trunk. my car will be green in no time. again dealer wont even answer phone calls because i am off warranty (as if driving miles would actually have anything to do with the peeling of paint) moisture in the front headlight never goes away. and quite frankly i don't feel like replacing the rotors and pads every 15000 miles!!!! chevy here i come! *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Smelled fuel strong smell after parking the vehicle overnight. unsuccessfully attempted to start resulting in fuel spraying from the top of the fuel tank over underside of vehicle . *ak

Consumer received recall 03v482000 concerning fuel delivery module: dealer claimed that the consumer needed to pay a diagnostic fee before the recall work was done. the recall notice clearly stated that the fuel filter was to be replaced free of charge if the vehicle was experiencing certain symptoms. *ak

While driving vehicle stalled. vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the fuel pump due to a defective part. a week later, consumer received a recall notice for the replacement of the fuel pump. downtown ford, 809 south fifth street, louisville, ky 40203 . 502-584-9731. service manager kevin wheat. *ak

consumer received nhtsa recall 03v482000 concerning a fuel delivery problem. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they honored the recall. left the vehicle at 9:00 am, and at 10.00 am consumer picked up the vehicle. five minutes later, the vehicle stalled. consumer took back the vehicle to the dealer, the floor manager indicated nothing they could do. *ak

The dealership wanted to run a diagnostic test to determine if the engine hesitation was due to the fuel delivery module (fdm) before installing a new fdm. if the fdm was not defective. the dealership would charge the consumer for the diagnostic test. *ak *sc