Most common 1999 Ford Focus problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Focus complaints by model year
Best Focus years: 2011, 2006, 2009. Years to avoid: 2012, 2014, 2013, 2016, 2017. Compare all years →
What 1999 Ford Focus owners say
Engine & cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 MPH on the highway the vehicle stalled without warning. It was restarted but stalled again. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and later driven to the dealer. The dealer could not determine the problem. Updated 11/14/2006 - the failure a ay after the vehicle was purchased. Diagnostic testing was done on the vehicle. The codes indicated that the fuel level sensor, vehicle speed sensor, and o2 sensor was out, and the transmission control switch was out of range.
The engine melted completely without any warning. According to the dealer, this was due to a failed impeller in the water heater. It was on its way into the shop for the usual repeat problem with the speedometer/odometer (that is why the reading is 11,000 but the car has approximately 99,000 miles). Smoke started to come out of the engine and it stopped completely. It was towed to the dealership. I have been told that the impeller broke, causing the water pump to fail and the engine to overheat and melt inside. The engine is now useless. The car is sitting at the dealership in parts. I have been told by the dealer that it is worthless now and that even a rebuilt engine costs more than the car is worth. The engine did not show that it was hot (however, this is on the same instrument panel as the malfunctioning odomoeter/speedometer). There was no warning whatsoever. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Ford Focus a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Focus rates better than average: 98% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Focus at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Ford Focus?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the brakes (2) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Ford Focus have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Ford Focus. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Focus?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2006 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2014, 2013, 2016 and 2017. See the full Ford Focus years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Focus problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.