Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
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 with a failed passenger's side rear-wheel bearing, and a failed brake drum. The contact was informed that the passenger's side rear-wheel bearing, and brake drum needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that within a week the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times, and two times the vehicle had to be towed. The contact stated that a local dealer owner went to the residence and inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the rear passenger's side wheel had a lot of play. …
My son was almost killed along with drivers on the freeway below the overpass he was on when a 2 week old tire blew and he instantly lost control of the vehicle. In viewing this tire, I found it to look as if it has dry rot all around it. Little tiny holes underneath the treads all around as if eaten away by termites or something. For a new tire it is older looking than the other 6 month old tires. I know no one who would lab test the material, but in my gut something is very wrong with it. It blew from underneath a thick new tread that has no punctures on top. It is a Firestone/firehawk p205/50r16, dot# w2w11tb0804. My car is a total loss, but my son made it through OK thank god. I took it to the dealer mgr I purchased it from and he outright disagreed and started to take the tire from me saying he would have thier lab test it, but I have little trust for thier lab. …
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.
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.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, she heard a noise from the driver side rear tire. She pulled over but could not find a failure. She smelled smoke but there was none visible in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing where the contact was informed that the driver side rear tire was not bolted to the wheel. The tire bearing and drum needed to be replaced. The brake pads also burned as well. The contact found recall 00V303000 (wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts) which seemed to be directly related to the failure. The current and failure mileages were approximately 57,000. Updated 05/18/10.
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
Consumer states while driving at 65 MPH, the front left tire came completely off of the vehicle. Consumer loss control hit a guard rail before coming to a stop on the shoulder. Please provide any further information.
Many problems, the radio started shorting out almost immediately. I have to replace my tires at least once a year (10,000 miles.) at 37000 miles after the bumper to bumper ran out, my air conditioner and heater fan only worked on 4, 1, 2, and 3 did not. I took it to Ford, the diagnosis was an open circuit which cost me $409.00. ( I think I was ripped off) last month I took a road trip and whenever I would climb steep inclines the car sputtered and eventually died. There was no indication of my car overheating. After about 5 minutes or so the car would start and continue to sputter up the hill. This made it extremely unsafe for me and my family resulting in a near collision with a truck. This week, my car wouldn't start at all, there was some corrosion on the battery terminals so I cleaned them w/a wire brush. I also noticed that the cables looked burned. …
I own a 2000 Ford Focus. The wheel bearings have been replaced 3 times. It appears that they will fail every 20,000 miles. I have notified Ford motor co. And they have advised me that they cannot help at this time. I assumed when I purchased this car that it was safe and reliable. I am sorry to say that I was wrong. I find it hard to believe that any car in michigan would need to have the wheel bearings replaced every 20,000 miles. The first failure occurred before the recall when my daughter was driving the car. The tire was shaking and almost fell of the car. The second failure occurred during the recall. The third failure occurred when my daughter noticing a loud humming from the rear of the car. I have contacted Ford motor co. Customer care center twice and they have informed me that due to the mileage of the car (68,000) that they are unable to help me at this time. …
For almost one month, loud humming in front right and both rear wheels and loud rear squeaking on braking revealed, after 4/20/06 inspection, failed wheel bearings in our Ford Focus se 2000 in right front and both rear wheels. Both rear cylinders were leaking fluid and right brake drum was failing. Many of the Ford Focus vins issued during 2000-2001 manufacturing years had wheel-bearing failure issues and consequent recalls. We were informed by "maria" at Ford motor company, today that our VIN was not one that had a wheel bearing issue. How, then, could three of our four sets of wheel bearings fail? Ultimately, failed wheel bearings can lead to wheel failure and detachment leading to injury or death. Why isn't the NHTSA addressing this serious issue with Ford, as the manufacturer appears to be sidestepping its ethical and legal responsibility in this matter. …
Related recalls
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
Rear wheel bearing
There is no summary currently available
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2000 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 194 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2000 Ford Focus, 5% of the model year's 3,686 complaints. The component named most often is lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (56 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Focus wheel & tire problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-303 (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, Oct 12, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Focus wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries and 2 deaths to wheels & tires 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.