Ford Focus 2000–2007 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (North America) · C170 (Mk1)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20268,818 complaints, 5,036 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 200061kmedian
- 200158kmedian
- 200252kmedian
- 200356kmedian
- 200453kmedian
- 200560kmedian
- 200660kmedian
- 200752kmedian
The 2000 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 61,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 3,686
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2000
- Electrical system1,343 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system474 reports · median 57,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit406 reports · median 32,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering — linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2001 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 58,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,761
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2001
- Electrical system496 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Fuel system277 reports · median 52,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system243 reports · median 52,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering — linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2002 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 52,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 971
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2002
- Electrical system283 reports · median 63,000 mi
- Suspension112 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system106 reports · median 40,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors · Vehicle speed control — cruise control
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 977
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2003
- Electrical system522 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Latches and locks82 reports · median 67,000 mi
- Steering73 reports · median 70,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 53,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 387
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2004
- Electrical system183 reports · median 53,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit31 reports
- Steering29 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 441
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2005
- Electrical system113 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Airbag system51 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Latches and locks50 reports · median 71,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — doors
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 205
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2006
- Electrical system47 reports · median 59,000 mi
- Airbag system40 reports
- Throttle and speed control25 reports
The 2007 Ford Focus
Close- Median failure report
- 52,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 391
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2007
- Airbag system118 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Electrical system85 reports · median 54,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline43 reports · median 53,000 mi
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2000; earliest: the 2002, and the 2000 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2000–2007 Ford Focus reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 58,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 124,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 5,036
- Recalls
- 13
Most reported
- Electrical system34.8% of complaints · median 61,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system10.7% of complaints · median 53,000 mi
- Suspension8.8% of complaints · median 59,000 mi
Documented problems
- Vehicle-wide (recall History)2000–2002
- Rear Suspension / Wheel Bearings2000–2004
- Ignition System2000–2007
- Transmission2000–2007
Owners filed 8,818 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000–2007 Ford Focus; the electrical system leads with 34.8% of them, and half of the 5,036 that record an odometer reading came by 58,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 36,000 to 89,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2000–2007 Ford Focus last?
On the 2000–2007 Ford Focus, half of the 5,036 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 58,000 miles and 90% by 124,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
233 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 45 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Focus reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Focus 2000–2007 · 5,036 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 304 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 45 complaints (0.9%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 15,000
- 25%
- 36,000
- Median
- 58,000
- 75%
- 89,000
- 90%
- 124,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 212 | 4.2% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 122 | 2.4% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 143 | 2.8% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 147 | 2.9% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 169 | 3.4% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 176 | 3.5% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 208 | 4.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 304 | 6.0% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 295 | 5.9% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 276 | 5.5% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 288 | 5.7% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 219 | 4.3% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 279 | 5.5% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 214 | 4.2% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 202 | 4.0% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 186 | 3.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 204 | 4.1% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 149 | 3.0% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 160 | 3.2% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 114 | 2.3% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 145 | 2.9% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 91 | 1.8% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 87 | 1.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 66 | 1.3% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 81 | 1.6% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 63 | 1.3% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 72 | 1.4% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 51 | 1.0% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 45 | 0.9% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 35 | 0.7% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 39 | 0.8% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 21 | 0.4% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 26 | 0.5% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 19 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 17 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 12 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 20 | 0.4% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 9 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 13 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 12 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 45 | 0.9% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Focus problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Focus 2000–2007
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Hydraulic brake circuit765 reportsmedian 24,000middle half 13,000–42,000
- Transmission and driveline550 reportsmedian 42,000middle half 21,000–70,000
- Fuel system755 reportsmedian 51,000middle half 35,000–80,000
- Engine and its cooling system941 reportsmedian 53,000middle half 30,000–86,000
- Airbag system691 reportsmedian 58,000middle half 30,000–97,000
- Suspension778 reportsmedian 59,000middle half 31,000–89,000
- Electrical system3,072 reportsmedian 61,000middle half 42,000–88,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3,072 | 34.8% | 61,000 | 42,000–88,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 941 | 10.7% | 53,000 | 30,000–86,000 |
| Suspension | 778 | 8.8% | 59,000 | 31,000–89,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 765 | 8.7% | 24,000 | 13,000–42,000 |
| Fuel system | 755 | 8.6% | 51,000 | 35,000–80,000 |
| Airbag system | 691 | 7.8% | 58,000 | 30,000–97,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 550 | 6.2% | 42,000 | 21,000–70,000 |
| Latches and locks | 518 | 5.9% | 70,000 | 49,000–100,000 |
| Steering | 447 | 5.1% | 56,000 | 34,000–89,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 387 | 4.4% | 60,000 | 30,000–92,000 |
Known problems with the 2000–2007 Focus
Vehicle-wide (recall History) 2000–2002
The MY2000 Focus was one of the most-recalled vehicles of its era, with roughly a dozen NHTSA recall campaigns in its first two years covering front suspension, wheels, fuel system and electrical items. Early-build cars carry disproportionate complaint density and should be expected to skew the generation's totals.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Bearings 2000–2004
Rear wheel bearing and rear spindle attachment failures, producing noise, play and in NHTSA recall cases the risk of wheel separation.
Ignition System 2000–2007
Coil pack failure on the 2.0L Zetec/Duratec causing misfire, rough running and stalling; a routine high-mileage failure item on this generation.
Transmission 2000–2007
4F27E 4-speed automatic failures - harsh or slipping shifts and internal component wear, typically at higher mileage.
Before you buy a 2000–2007 Focus: the 3-minute check
Generated from 5,036 mileage-tagged complaints, 13 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check vehicle-wide (recall history) on 2000–2002 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check rear suspension / wheel bearings on 2000–2004 cars.
- Check ignition system on 2000–2007 cars.
- Years differ here: from 205 to 3,686 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Focus problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi51% below | At 90k mi75% below | At 120k mi88% below | At 150k mi95% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 42,000–88,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 30,000–86,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 31,000–89,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 13,000–42,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 35,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 30,000–97,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 21,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Focus 2000–2007 · 5,036 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 51% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 75% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 88% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 95% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2000–2007 Ford Focus recalls (13)
NHTSA records 13 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around throttle and speed control (3), the electrical system (2), seats (2) (why one area can repeat).
Feb 2005 · 2000–2005 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesIf not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion.
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio…
What can happen. If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will have a lower rocker seal added to the door and have the rear door latches evaluated free of charge. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A…
Nov 2003 · 2000–2001 · Fuel System, GasolineThis may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module (fdm) can reduce, and eventually block, the flow of fuel to the engine.
What can happen. This may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms. Over time, the filter may become sufficiently blocked to cause the engine to stall, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. This action is deemed a safety improvement campaign and is not being conducted under the safety act. All owners will be notified of the problem, and dealers will replace the fdm with a new design at…
Nov 2002 · 2000–2001 · SteeringLoose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the…
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
What can happen. Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. Owner notification began february 10, 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable…
Nov 2002 · 2000–2001 · Electrical SystemThis, in turn, could cause the battery cables to short resulting in heat damage to the cables.
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles equipped with zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage.
What can happen. This, in turn, could cause the battery cables to short resulting in heat damage to the cables. Besides heat damage, the "check engine" light may illuminate, the vehicle may fail to start, or smoke…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the battery cables for the condition of the cable insulation and proper tightening of the terminal ends. As necessary, cables will be rerouted, retaining clips installed, and…
Apr 2002 · 2002 · Vehicle Speed ControlIf this condition were to occur, it may be necessary to depress the clutch and apply the brake to bring the…
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles built with manual transaxles, there is the potential for the speed control cable to hang up at the throttle body bracket during high, wide open throttle operation, preventing the throttle from returning to the closed position…
What can happen. If this condition were to occur, it may be necessary to depress the clutch and apply the brake to bring the vehicle to a stop.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the throttle body and check for proper operation. Owner notification began april 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date…
Aug 2001 · 2000–2001 · VisibilityLoss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper…
What can happen. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. Owners…
Mar 2001 · 2001 · SeatsIf the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car is being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle…
The defect. Pm certain sedans and wagons, the seat back recliner handle spring could have been damaged during an in-process test and the occupant may notice a chucking, or perceived looseness of the front seat back, or the seat back could unexpectedly recline.
What can happen. If the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car is being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle control.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the seat back recliner handle spring for the driver and front passenger seats. Owner notification began april 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on…
Dec 2000 · 2000–2001 · SeatsIf the seat is then returned to the upright position without re-engaging the hinge pivot, the seat and seat…
The defect. Vehicle description: station wagons and 3-door vehicles. The subject vehicles have a folding 60/40 second seat that becomes a load floor in the folded position. When the 60% portion of the seat is folded down and a load is applied to the front edge of the…
What can happen. If the seat is then returned to the upright position without re-engaging the hinge pivot, the seat and seat belts may not provide the intended level of performance in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge pivot.
Dec 2000 · 2000 · Electrical SystemThis could result in either a loss of individual lamp functions, or in the case of a short of the broken…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A decklid wire harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the wire harness.
What can happen. This could result in either a loss of individual lamp functions, or in the case of a short of the broken wires that causes a fuse to open, in the loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function. Loss of stop…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the decklid wire harness.
Oct 2000 · 2000 · WheelsThis condition could result in a vehicle crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear wheel hub retaining nuts can loosen and allow the left rear wheel and brake drum assembly to separate from the vehicle.
What can happen. This condition could result in a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rear wheel bearings and install a rear wheel retention cap to prevent left rear wheel separation. Owner notification began october 12, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to…
Oct 2000 · 2000 · Vehicle Speed ControlA throttle that does not return to idle could result in reduced vehicle control and, potentially, a vehicle…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with speed control and automatic transmission. A speed control cable could have a core wire that is long enough to catch on the sleeve at the throttle body end of the cable during wide-open throttle…
What can happen. A throttle that does not return to idle could result in reduced vehicle control and, potentially, a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect these vehicles and, if necessary, replace the speed control cable. Owner notification began october 12, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed…
Aug 2000 · 2000 · StructureIn the event of a crash, an occupant contacting that location may not be provided the interior impact…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact." The resultant hic(d) value at one target location ap1, located on the trim panel at the juncture of the…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, an occupant contacting that location may not be provided the interior impact protection intended.
The free fix. Dealers will remove the left and right side b-pillar and a-pillar trim panels, revise the headliner edge near the tops of the a-pillars to accept the new a-pillar trim panels with their energy…
Dec 1999 · 2000 · Vehicle Speed ControlA throttle that does not return to idle could result in unexpected acceleration, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with speed control. The speed control cable end fitting can allow water to enter the speed control servo assembly. If this occurs, corrosion in the servo assembly could develop and cause intermittent speed…
What can happen. A throttle that does not return to idle could result in unexpected acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the speed control cable (with a new cable that incorporates a glass-filled end cap) and inspect the assembly for internal corrosion. Servos with evidence of corrosion will also…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 8,818 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 715 (8.1%)
- Fires
- 235
- Injury reports
- 464
- Fatality reports
- 15
Focus problems by model year
The 2000 drew the most complaints of this generation, 3,686, most of them about the electrical system, and the 2006 the fewest, 205. A typical year drew about 706.
That makes the 2000 stand out at roughly 5.2 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3,686 | 1,568 | 61,000 | Electrical system (1,343) | 11 |
| 2001 | 1,761 | 951 | 58,000 | Electrical system (496) | 7 |
| 2002 | 971 | 629 | 52,000 | Electrical system (283) | 2 |
| 2003 | 977 | 750 | 56,000 | Electrical system (522) | 1 |
| 2004 | 387 | 292 | 53,000 | Electrical system (183) | 1 |
| 2005 | 441 | 344 | 60,000 | Electrical system (113) | 1 |
| 2006 | 205 | 172 | 60,000 | Electrical system (47) | 0 |
| 2007 | 391 | 330 | 52,000 | Airbag system (118) | 0 |
What Focus owners reported
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were three clicks before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 10 minutes. The contact stated…
2004 · 200,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the steering wheel became stiff, and the contact heard scraping sounds emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the residence and inspected. The contact observed…
2007 · 198,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the road. The contact allowed the vehicle to sit for several minutes and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed…
2000 · 202,000 miles · Wheels
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, a vehicle crashed into the front of the contact’s vehicle. Additionally, two other vehicles crashed into the side and rear of the contact's vehicle; however, the air bags failed to deploy. No warning lights were illuminated.…
2007 · 104,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 5,036 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Focus generations
- Focus 2008–2011 725 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Focus 2012–2018 9,107 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline