Problems with 2000 Ford Focus ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact noticed a strong odor when the vehicle was shut off. the vehicle was started and after driving two blocks, smoke was seen coming from the engine. the contact opened the hood and found that a fire had started near the engine. the fire department was called to extinguish the fire. the dealer was not notified of the failure. the manufacturer was notified and the contact was awaiting a response. the current and the failure mileages were 130,000. a report was taken by the fire department.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. while the vehicle was parked the vehicle would not start. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. the mechanic stated there were fractures in the head gasket and the engine would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 130,327.

Tl*the contact owned a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated that smoke began to rise through the vents while they were driving the vehicle at an unknown speed. the contact also stated the vehicle stalled and the brakes would not engage when they were applied. as a result, the vehicle coasted to a stop. the contact looked under the hood and noticed the engine was on fire. the police and fire department appeared on the scene to extinguish the fire. the vehicle was towed the contact's home where it was clasified as destroyed. the vehicle was not inspected. the contact also stated that the brake booster was completely destroyed. the failure and current mileages were 120,000.

Total loss of ford focus 2000 due to the car fire. no signals of overheat prior to the accident, all fluid levels fine. i was driving for 30 min; when returned home and stopped the car, noticed a white smoke coming from the front of the car. i decided to figure out what happens but did not have time to do that - after i left the car, it was already on fire. used 1 fire dispenser on it, it did not help; called 911, by the time the fire department came (in about 10 min), the car was burned to the ground. *tr

Daughter bought the 2000 ford focus on 03/01/2011 from a dealership in wichita, kansas. in april 2011 the rod went through the side of the engine, nearly causing an accident with 3 other cars on the highway between wichita and towanda, kansas. tow truck took the car to the dealership and was told we would be responsible for 1/2 the cost of another engine and labor, which was over $4,000.00 (our share would be over $2,000.00). still having to pay the loan on a car that is not running and full coverage insurance, cause the car is on a loan through the dealership. i've called a number of times to the dealership about this problem with no help. i've tried to find out if there was any recalls on the rods going though the engines on this year, make and model of this car. no luck. i looked up the kelly blue book value of this car, in fair condition is only: $1,375.00 for trade-in-value. please help if you can!!!!! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the vehicle stalled while driving approximately 45 mph; yet, there were no warning lights before the failure occurred. the contact stated that he experienced the failure several times. the vehicle will be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the failure and current mileages were 69,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact stated there was a noise coming from the engine where there was a hole in the back of the engine block. this causes the engine to lock -up. the dealer was contacted who stated there are no recalls or warranty on this failure. the manufacturer was contacted and stated there are no recalls or warranty for this failure. they offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 94,530 and the current mileage was 95,000. form returned no change

Engine sometimes stalls while entering the freeway or making sharp turns. this has happened several times. the battery cables also get hot and the battery goes dead. *tr

I cannot even begin to explain the issues i have had with my 2000 ford focus zts. this car needs to be taken off the market and ford needs to reimburse all owners... my engine is now cutting off with no warning at any speed and i am afraid for not only my own life but my 7 year old and newborn daughters as well.... cannot find a problem with the car and after all the problems before this such as overheating, smoking engine, fried fuel system, valves, sensors, resistors, motors, hoses, wires, fuses, cooling/heating, door latches and this car practically speeding up on its own and not stopping... i feel someone needs to help us all.... please... i am begging!!!! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford focus. the contact heard a grinding noise in the engine when she started the vehicle. the vehicle then stalled and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure and current mileages were approximately 130,000.

Engine hesitation, loss of power and surging. i lost power and was escorted off the highway by a sheriff deputy . *tr

I went to start my 2000 ford focus after the big snow storm to be sure it started and it did, i let it run for a while and when i shut it off and take the key out it was stuck, this is not the first time this has happened. it has not been fixed yet because frankly i just don't have the money to keep sinking into this lousy car. *tr

2000 ford focus se, purchased new 04/2001 --- 06/02 - car died on fathers day, replaced battery with one from auto zone; ?/03 - at service call for recall of harness wiring, complained about led lights flickering, no problem found; 10/05 - car died, towed to ford, battery replaced; 12/06 - service at ford, complained about led lights flickering again, no remedy; 06/07 - car died, towed to chrysler dealer (my employer), could not locate prob, charged battery, 06/07 car died, replaced battery; 06/07 car died, towed to chrysler - replaced alternator; 09/08, ignition locked/replaced; 02/09 car died, towed to ford, replaced battery; 06/09, electrical system warning light illuminates at 35-40 mph. positive battery cable insulation melted. service at dodge (employer) - reroute positive cable directly to bolt on connector to battery, problem continues - carried to ford, they advise alternator is bad and must be replaced. ---- 9 years, 5 batteries, 3 alternators, problem not corrected. dealer continues to treat the symptoms, not cure the disease. something is causing this to happen continuously. numerous focus owners at least through 2003 experience same issues. service advisor admitted to me that they ...

I was driving at 45 mph with no signs that there was a problem with the car when the engine suddenly stalled. i was able to coast safely to the shoulder where i tried to restart the engine. the engine never restarted after several attempts, so i had to call a tow truck. the next day, the car was given a jump and the engine started, but something didn't seem right because the engine was running much louder than usual. the problem is in the process of being corrected, it will be brought to a mechanic tomorrow. *tr

It started with a ticking noise i could hear when it just idled, then i got home started it back up and it made a loud noise like something had fallen into the engine. i shut the car off and then we had somebody look at it they said there was no compression in the # 4 piston. they had said something had fallen off the piston and made a bunch of dents and dangs so now we have to replace the engine. it is in my driveway now waiting to be repaired. *tr