Ford

Focus (1st)

2000-2007 · Compact Sedan ยท 3 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.7)
8,655 NHTSA Complaints
20 Recalls
235 Fire Reports
696 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Ford Focus → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

2.3-I4-Gas

2.3L 4-cyl / 148 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
90 complaints 18.0 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 130 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
6,310 complaints 788.8 per year Gasoline
187 fire reports 19 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
2072
engine
782
fuel system
704
cooling
693
body
653

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (2,072 complaints)
Engine Issues (782 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (704 complaints)

Same engine used in

+119 more
AUDI A5 (2018-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X3 (2011-2017)KIA Sorento (2016-2020)SUBARU Impreza (2017-2023)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)HYUNDAI Tiburon (2003-2008)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)KIA Forte (2014-2018)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)DODGE Dart (2013-2016)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)BMW X1 (2013-2015)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)AUDI A3 (2006-2013)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)BMW X2 (2018-2023)CHRYSLER Crossfire (2004-2008)FORD Edge (2015-2024)BMW X4 (2015-2018)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)INFINITI Q60 (2017-2022)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Tucson (2005-2009)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Metris (2016-2023)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)AUDI TT (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)AUDI Q3 (2019-2025)KIA Sportage (2005-2010)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)BMW X1 (2023-2025)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)AUDI Q3 (2015-2018)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)AUDI TT (2016-2023)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2025)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)BMW Z4 (2009-2016)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)BMW X2 (2024-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2022-2025)FORD Escort (2000-2003)VOLKSWAGEN Routan (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-Class (2012-2020)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Eos (2007-2016)DODGE Durango (2004-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)FORD EcoSport (2018-2022)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2009-2017)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)FORD Maverick (2022-2025)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)FORD Focus (2008-2011)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)AUDI TT (2008-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Arteon (2019-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN CC (2009-2017)CHEVROLET Cruze (2011-2019)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)BMW X1 (2016-2022)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)LINCOLN MKC (2015-2019)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)FORD Escape (2020-2025)

Ford Focus Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.0)
2,230 complaints 278.8 per year
42 fire reports 4 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
868
engine
235
cooling
216
brakes
193
safety systems
172

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (868 complaints)
Engine Issues (235 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (216 complaints)
Show 8 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl / 145 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.6)
7 complaints 1.4 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
1
brakes
1
fuel system
1
suspension
1
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

+91 more
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5.4T-V8-Gas

5.4L 8-cyl Turbo
โœ… Recommended (3.8)
6 complaints 6.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
1
transmission
1
fuel system
1
suspension
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (1 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

3.8-V6-Gas

3.8L 6-cyl / 150 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.2)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
2
transmission
1
body
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (2 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

2.5-V6-Gas

2.5L 6-cyl / 170 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.4)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

1.3-I4-Gas

1.3L 4-cyl / 63 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

4.6-V8-CNG

4.6L 8-cyl / 175 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Focus regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (2,972 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (1,028 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (910 complaints)
cooling critical
Fuel System Issues (708 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Body/Trim Issues (664 complaints)
body critical

Recalls (20)

12E007000Feb 23, 2012serious
Equipment

RIDE CONTROL, LLC (RIDE CONTROL) IS RECALLING CERTAIN READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES, P/N 746641MT AND 746646MT, WITH CORRESPONDING AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER PART NUMBERS: GABRIEL G56944 AND GABRIEL G56945, AND PRIVATELY BRANDED PARTSMASTER WITH PART NUMBERS G68944 AND G68945. THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2000 THROUGH 2005 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A NUT WITHOUT THE NECESSARY WASHER. THE ABSENCE OF THE WASHER CAN ALLOW THE READYMOUNT ASSEMBLY TO PULL APART THE TOP MOUNT.

09E025000Nov 4, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

08E050000Nov 7, 2008serious
Exterior Lighting

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

06E049000May 23, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E026000Mar 22, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E056000Jun 12, 2006serious
Fuel System

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

05V030000Jan 1, 2005cosmetic
Latches/Locks/Linkages

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH FOUR OR FIVE DOORS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A BUILD-UP OF CORROSION AT THE PAWL PIVOT AREA OF THE REAR DOOR LATCH CAN CAUSE A BINDING CONDITION OF THE PAWL THAT MAY AFFECT PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PAWL INTO THE CATCH. THE OCCUPANT MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY OPENING OR CLOSING A REAR DOOR, AND EVENTUALLY THE REAR DOOR MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

03V482000Nov 18, 2003serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.

02V289000Jun 10, 2002serious
Steering

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS THAT SECURE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

02V288000Jun 10, 2002serious
Electrical System

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ZETEC ENGINES, LOOSE OR BROKEN ATTACHMENTS AND MISROUTED BATTERY CABLES COULD LEAD TO CABLE INSULATION DAMAGE.

01I017000Nov 28, 2001cosmetic
Wheels

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000-2001 FORD FOCUS PASSENGER VEHICLES, ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIOM, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, WHERE SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS IN THE WINTER, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEAL RACE CAN EXPERIENCE SURFACE CORROSION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS.

01V108000Mar 27, 2001cosmetic
Seats

PM CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE SEAT BACK RECLINER HANDLE SPRING COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING AN IN-PROCESS TEST AND THE OCCUPANT MAY NOTICE A CHUCKING, OR PERCEIVED LOOSENESS OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK, OR THE SEAT BACK COULD UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE.

01V258000Aug 7, 2001serious
Visibility

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

00V418000Dec 13, 2000serious
Seats

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS AND 3-DOOR VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A FOLDING 60/40 SECOND SEAT THAT BECOMES A LOAD FLOOR IN THE FOLDED POSITION. WHEN THE 60% PORTION OF THE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN AND A LOAD IS APPLIED TO THE FRONT EDGE OF THE LOAD FLOOR, THE OUTBOARD HINGE PIVOT COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE HINGE.

00V303000Dec 9, 2000serious
Wheels

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.

00V302000Dec 9, 2000serious
Vehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. A SPEED CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE A CORE WIRE THAT IS LONG ENOUGH TO CATCH ON THE SLEEVE AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE CABLE DURING WIDE-OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION.

00V218000Nov 7, 2000serious
Structure

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE RESULTANT HIC(D) VALUE AT ONE TARGET LOCATION AP1, LOCATED ON THE TRIM PANEL AT THE JUNCTURE OF THE A-PILLAR AND ROOF SIDE RAIL, MAY BE GREATER THAN DESIGN INTENT.

00V411000Jun 11, 2000serious
Electrical System

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DECKLID WIRE HARNESS CAN FATIGUE AND DEVELOP BROKEN WIRES IN THE BEND AREA OF THE WIRE HARNESS.

99V346000Mar 11, 1999serious
Vehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE END FITTING CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO ASSEMBLY. IF THIS OCCURS, CORROSION IN THE SERVO ASSEMBLY COULD DEVELOP AND CAUSE INTERMITTENT SPEED CONTROL OPERATION OR PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2007 Ford Focus problems?

The 2000-2007 Ford Focus has accumulated 8,655 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Focus engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2007 Ford Focus was offered with 11 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.3L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2007 Ford Focus a good used car?

The 2000-2007 Ford Focus can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 8,655 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2007 Ford Focus have?

The 2000-2007 Ford Focus has 8,655 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2007 Ford Focus?

There are 20 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2007 Ford Focus vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Focus?

Before buying a used Ford Focus, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Focus have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2007 Ford Focus. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 8,655 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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