Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. After restarting, the contact noticed there was an abnormal burning odor and smoke came from the side of the engine where the battery was connected. Afterwards the vehicle ignited into flames. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had its battery replaced. The fire department had to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed totaled. The fire investigator informed the contact that the fire started from the battery cable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle caught fire and heavy smoke appeared. The contact stopped the vehicle and jumped out. There were flames under the bottom of the vehicle near the engine. A police report was filed and the fire department extinguished the fire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and the engine stalled. The contact stepped out of the vehicle as it filled with smoke and then caught fire. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 81,450.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor in the vehicle. He pulled the vehicle over and opened the hood, but did not find any smoke. In addition, the coolant temperature was fine; however, he felt is was extremely hot under the hood. He entered the vehicle and noticed that the service engine light was illuminated on the instrument panel. He has not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed by a mechanic. Through online research, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 02V288000 (electrical system:battery:cables) for the same symptoms he was experiencing in his vehicle. He had also been experiencing loss of power and hesitation in the vehicle while traveling at low speeds. He discovered NHTSA campaign id number 05V030000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. When the contact started the vehicle, all of the instrument panel lights illuminated as normal, including the check engine light. She stated that the check engine light illuminated a few days after purchasing the vehicle and has remained on ever since. The dealer stated that there was failure with the fuel tank. When the gas tank cap is not secured properly, the check engine light will illuminate. The dealer removed and replaced the gas tank cap and the check engine light dimmed; however, it illuminated again a couple of days later. The last time the contact attempted to start her vehicle, it would not start. She waited a couple of hours and when the vehicle finally restarted, it made a loud rumbling noise. White smoke appeared under the hood and the vehicle failed to restart. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,757.
Dt: the contact stated the ignition switch failed three times within a year and a half. The first time, she went to start the car, the ignition would not turn over. The car was towed and repaired. The second failure was approximately one year later and the same thing happened. The car was towed and repaired for the second time. The third failure happened this week, went to start the car and it would not start again. It is being repaired now. The dealership stated it could possibly be the starter along with the ignition switch. In dec 2001 the consumer was involved in an accident due to a problem with the tires and the rear axle. The transmission cooler lines were replaced. The brake lights and heater did not work. The EGR tube was replaced. The wiper arm was broken. The engine light stayed on all time. The driver side mirror had to be replaced. Updated 01/11/06.
We have a 2000 Ford Focus. I have been having problems with this car ever since September to present date. No one can figure out what is wrong with this car. Ever sense September this car has been through 4 dealerships. (pomoco smithfield, pomoco Lincoln Mercury, pomoco Jeep, and freedom Ford) 2 recall notices were performed.(fuel delivery module and the pinch bolt battery cables or "steering linkages".) the car has cut off on me a total of 16 times that I can definitely recall. I hit a curb due to engine failure. The underside of the passenger side of the car was damaged. I also almost got into 2 accidents as a result of engine failure. I also got a ticket for failure to stop at a red light because of the car puttering and almost completely stalling at red lights. My engine light came on yesterday. (March 1, 2005) for the second time.
Tl 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.
2000 Ford Focus lx sedan - well maintained and cared for. At approximately 58,000 miles and without warning went to start up and heard a loud bang under the hood followed by a lot of metallic sound and then stalled. Attempted to restart and heard more metallic sound. Turned off engine had towed to mechanic. Mechanic diagnosis is #4 valve seat drop failure causing extensive shrapnel damage. Engine would need to be replaced. After internet research see that this is an issue that Ford knows about the Focus sohc 2l engine valve seat defect and they wont do anything about it.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Engine stalling
The primary concern of this pe is loss of engine power.stalling May occur at low speed or high speed.at the time of occurrence the average vehicle mileage is 30,000 miles.because these vehicles stall and/or hesitate unpredictably, an increased risk is inherent to these vehicles.if a driver expecting this vehicle to perform as designed, is trying to cross an intersection or merge into traffic when the vehicle stalls…
Engine complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 490 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Ford Focus, 13% of the model year's 3,686 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (170 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Focus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Ford Focus, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Focus engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 37 fires and 7 injuries and 4 deaths to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.