Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
My complaint deals with the 2000 Ford Focus . I purchased this vehicle in June of 2001 with 100 miles on the odometer. Since then I have had to bring my car back for a few recals. One of the recals was the rear suspension where my car lost control and I veered off the road....luckily noone was hurt. The reason why I am writing this complaint is because I understand that there is a investigation on the Focus for various problems. I wanted to add to the investigation by saying that I just spent 340 bucks on my ignition switch because it wouldn't turn which I understand is a common problem and I also had problems with my car stalling in the middle of the thruway. I almost crashed into an eighteen wheeler! I have had the fuel pump replaced and my car still idols very rough and occasionaly stalls out when I am stopped. …
The accident occurred on a hill at 10:30 p.m. I suddenly lost all power and control of the car near the crest of this hill. The car drifted back almost in a straight line. The brakes and engine weren't working as the car picked up speed in reverse under its own power I.e., from the slope of the hill. It continued backward until coming to a sudden stop with severe impact. The car was stopped by a storm sewer culvert (ditch) to the side of the road. The left rear of the car and undercarriage were severely damaged I.e., catalytic converter, muffler, rear axle, etc. The car was in excellent condition, was well maintained and had recently been inspected. The car was deemed a complete loss by the insurance company. I can provide more detailed information including a police report if requested.
Vehicle was accelerating from a traffic stop on a four lane city street. At approximately 200 feet beyond stop the vehicle went out of control and began swerving into oncoming lanes. Breaks and steering were ineffectual. Because of slow speed, vehicle stopped withing twenty to forty feet. Initial inspection on site indicated the right front wheel separated from the lower suspension arm and drive shaft. Inspection by a qualified mechanic and insurance adjuster stated that rust had weakened suspension arm causing it to break approximately 5.5 inches inward from the ball-joint attachment point. Because of the slow speed and light traffic there were no casualties or property damage. This vehicle while being fifteen years old has only seventy-six thousand mile and is garage kept.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, she heard a loud clunking noise and smoke emitted from the front end of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that both front coil springs and struts were fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who verified the failure and stated that the front coil springs, struts, and tires needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.
Events, just normal driving. Sway bar link disconnected causing sharp rightward pull at highway speed. Continued smelling of electrical burning from dash panel with intermittent instrument failure, and airbag lights flashing. Smoke came from the vent systems a couple times, but no fire noticed as of yet. Nothing has been done to correct failure, costs too much for me to have Ford diagnose the problem, $500+ for dash labour costs to pull it and inspect.
I was driving ny car about 25-30 MPH when I heard a noise. Low and behold my right wheel was wobbling back and forth. Then it stopped for a moment so I decided to take car to shop. On my way to the shop my barring went completely out. My ABS light came on the everything locked up,got to shop right rear wheel was smoking bad. Shop told me everything burned up coast me 1,200.00 to get back on road. Just one of the many things fixed.
Tl* the contact owns 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while having maintenance performed, the contact was made aware that the coil springs had fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician verified the failure and determined that both coil springs needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,604.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance and was informed that the rear control arms and cradles were severely rusted and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Ignition failed, had to be replaced, tires wear incredibly fast (4 sets of tires at 45000 miles), radio cut out, had to be replaced twice, brakes failed at least three times causing two accidents, dealership said they replaced them, but lied and never did, was forced to spend $500 having them replaced, trunk doesn't close, bad suspension, spun out on an exit ramp
NHTSA investigations
Front suspension lower control arm
There is no summary currently available
Front susp collapse/wheel separation
See attached report.
Suspension complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 390 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Ford Focus, 11% of the model year's 3,686 complaints. The component named most often is front › springs › coil springs (90 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Focus suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 22 crashes, 5 fires and 8 injuries and 2 deaths to suspension 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.