1999 Ford Focus LX from North America - Comments

The spring to the driver side window wiper blew off at 3500 miles.

Shortly after the gas tank cover broke off.

Before 10,000 miles I had already replaced the back brake pads and rotors.

At 25,000 miles I noticed the lining around the windows and head lights were badly worn and needed to be replaced.

Before 30,000 miles the center dome light went out.

The driver side parking light went out.

At 40,000 miles the ignition switch went out.

I began to experience sever shaking of the entire car when applying the brakes.

Now at 60,000 miles I have replaced the battery.

The starter went out.

I cannot operate the door locking control from the driver side. Each door must be manually locked and unlocked.

The air conditioner is blowing out warm air.

The latch to my trunk works when it wants to.

I sometimes cannot get the trunk to close at all.

The right headlight is much brighter then the left headlight.

The seats are extremely uncomfortable.

The small cabin makes it very hard to see the blind spot when attempting to make lane changes.

The back seat of the car is too small for a regular sized person.

You cannot comfortably fit an infant rear facing car seat in the middle.

This car is unreliable.

I would not recommend this car to anyone.

I have had many of the same problems with my Ford Focus including; Brake squealing noise at 8000 miles, trunk latch will not lock so trunk flops open, auto door locks are extremely annoying, auto transmission slips, front brakes had to be replaced at 15,000 miles, problems with the interior dome light either not going off or won't come on, severe vibration from the front end, ignition defective and car had to be towed, etc. Many of her comments were right on target.

Oh great tonight I went out to start my 2000 focus zx3 and guess what? The key wouldn't go in all the way so it wouldn't turn... No start? So I had to jump in old faithful my 1972 340 duster... And I got to where I had to go!!

After reading all the reviews, it is certainly time to put the focus up for sale.. If anyone buys it at all it will be a miracle.. I wonder what the ford reps. drive?

Problems

1. First week the passenger side windshield wiper blew off on interstate 75!

2. Fuel pump went out at 7,000 miles

3. Too many recalls to list...

4. Brakes squealed after first week and still do after fresh brake job.

5. Front end vibrates at 65 mph..

6. replaced tires at 10,000 miles

7. drivers door handle sticks

8. driver side brake light lens blew off... lost it..

9. A/C had to be fixed at 15,000 miles...

10. service techs scratched the car and ripped a hole in the door panel.. never got back with me to fix it..

11. Passenger floor board gets wet from something?

12. All in all looks like I have more troubles ahead...

Best thing about the car is: The radio is awesome!! Good thing because I can crank it up to block out the squealing brakes!!! Or it's good for keeping me company while waiting for the tow truck to arrive... Good thinking "FORD" (not)!!

I hate my 2000 Focus. I would not recommend this car to anyone. I have heard that the later years (2002, 2003) are not so bad. I have had 5 or 6 recalls, and have had to have my Focus taken to the dealer several times for the brakes--they wear out very, very quickly (as in, less than a full year for pads and rotors).

The trunk only closes if I slam it down very, very hard. The rear defroster doesn't work (might not be Ford's fault though...I'm not sure yet).