Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
I've been experiencing an electrical issue. I have lost power to my break lights completely. There was no warning lights or signs at all. I was pulled over and made aware by a police officer that my break light were out. I proceeded to try to replace the light itself which did not work, it only continues to blow the dust when I try. I had a mechanic inspect it and he told me there seems to be a short or possible broken wire somewhere in the wiring harness.
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.
Dt: the turn signal do not cancel after a turn. The spring broke three times. The trunk does not latch properly. Dealership has taken care of both issues, but the problem recurred. In cold weather the idle speed was too high. When put into reverse it backed out like a rocket. This caused an accident on April 9, 2000. The consumer was backing out with the back door open. It happened so fast he did not have a chance to put on the brakes. The car door hit the garage post. There was no police report. Consumer stated he had mental injuries and lost his job. Vehicle was still idling high in cold weather.
Has been to shop for 26 days in the past 4 months. Repeated failure of clutch (manual transmission), failure of brake pads, resulting in minor crash. Have had to had ball joints replaced. Cruise control was disconnected from accerator/brake. Key would not go into ignition and resulted in key ignition switch having to be replaced. Numerous recalls and trips to shop since bought brand new in August 2003
Plastic insulation of electrical connector that connects right headlight bulb with wiring overheated, melted and caused smoldering fire that LED to damaging smoke deposits in headlight assembly. Fire stayed contained to headlight housing.
I have owned this car since December of 2003 and it has been a very large money pit. This time the car just stopped running. I had taken it to autozone and they told me it need an EGR sensor or hosing for it. When I was turning at a light the car just stopped running when I had just turned onto a main highway. There has been major electrical problems with it since day one. This car has had 5 clutches in it and I have complained about that all in itself because a car should never need that many clutches within 100,000 miles. That is ridiculous and very expensive and I have gotten no where with that even though there are other 2000 Ford Focus's with the same issue. My one head light is not right it never has been there is corrosion on the inside of the headlamp. The rear door latch does not work on the passenger side of the vehicle. …
Dt: the consumer stated there were multiple problems with the vehicle. The brakes make noises and pulsated when the pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer where the brake light switch and ignition cylinder switches were replaced. The dealer also turned the drums, replaced the brake pads and resurfaced the front rotors. There was a vibration in the front end when braking. The lower ball joint, right wheel bearings, right front sway bar link, bone socket, steering rack column and tie rod ends were replaced in an attempt to remedy the problem. The tail light covers retained moisture and condensation built up. The dealer replaced the tail light covers and fuses that were blown due to the moisture. Lastly, the contact noticed the rear seat was loose and upon inspection the dealer discovered an anchor and hinge problem. The back hinge and pillar were replaced.
For the third time since I've owned the car, the rear tail 'running' lights have blacked out. At the same time, dashboard lights do not function. NHTSA campaign 00V411000 covers this for about 75,000 focuses identical to mine, but for some reason, mine is not covered by the recall. I've had the same problem three times. Each time, the wiring harness and fuses have to be replaced. Once, the multifunction switch needed replacing, too. The repairs have cost me nearly $1,500. I contacted Ford the third time, but the representative said there was nothing Ford could do to help with repair costs, as my specific VIN did not fall under the recall. My concern is the random nature of the tail light loss. It happens when I'm driving home at night, and I need to put my hazards on any time I drive after dark. It is extremely dangerous, and I am afraid of being struck from behind.
First one: ignition locked. One night after classes, I went to start my car and the key would not go into or turn the ignition lock. I called my Ford warranty and they sent a tow truck. The tow truck driver informed me that he is familiar with the problem on the Ford Focus, as he had had many calls to pick up cars with the same problem. Second one: after returning home from driving to the store one Saturday, I parked as usual and tried to pull up my hand brake which would not go up or lock into place. I then noticed that the little button you push in the release the handbrake was located all the way into the assembly not allow it to lock. I plan on taking my car in November to be repaired. My Ford warranty will cover it since its a few thousand miles under warranty.
Dt: 2000 Ford Focus. Consumer smelled something burning while driving and continued to drive for about a mile. Stopped vehicle, got out, and there was a strong smell, but was unable to detect from where the smell was coming. A couple days later went to park vehicle in garage and noticed that both headlights were out of place. Upon inspection noted a melting of the mounts and housing, and the bulb holder was loose, spring was not efficient enough to withstand jarring. Consumer felt this happened because consumer had to drive over several railroad tracks, and felt this could have loosened these parts. No repairs done. Took vehicle to dealer for a pricing of the repairs, which was $60 each headlight, and dealer did not specify why this occurred.
Headlight complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2000 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the lights of the 2000 Ford Focus, 2% of the model year's 3,686 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Focus headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries and 2 deaths to lights 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.