2000 Ford Focus SE review from North America

A/C leaking into floorboard on both sides.

Grinding sound in rear of car. (recall related)

Squeaky brakes during first 3-4 braking instances of the day.

Ten recalls for this car.

In 2002, I took the car to the dealership due to water leaking into the floorboards. Apparently, a wasp of some kind had built a nest in the A/C drain tube under the car. Problem solved.

In 2003, same problem started with heavy water leakage into the floorboards. Took the car to the dealership. They said the evaporation box seal was leaking and they took it to another repair business to re-seal it. The dealership didn't charge me for the diagnosis, but the re-seal was $60. Next day, same problem.

The service department quoted $250 plus labor to replace the evaporation box. They informed me that this particular part was not covered under the ExtraCare Service Plan extended warranty we purchased. The items that ARE covered include the compressor, condensor, evaporator, A/C compressor head, A/C compressor/clutch switch, A/C clutch and clutch bearings, compressor seals, pulley and field coil.

I've found several personal stories on the web about the A/C leaking, but apparently this isn't an issue Ford will deal with under warranty.