This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
About six months ago, while I was driving on the highway going about 65mph, my back door opened. This situation progressively got worse, and started occuring more often, and now with both doors. I notified the dealer, where I bought the vehicle, and they informed me that there was no problem that Ford was responsible for, and suggested that I spend almost $1000 to have this repaired. I also contacted another dealership, and Ford Motor Companies 800 number, and they advised me that there were no problems with the back door locks. I can close the doors, although they will not stay closed, nor lock.
Vehicle was parked and consumer was unable to unlock all four doors to gained entry inside of the vehicle. Consumer will contact the dealer the next day for an appointment.
For several weeks my driver side passenger door would engage sporadically. At times it would not engage at all. Finally, the door opened while I was making a right hand turn and while my three children were occupying the back seats! fortunately no one was hurt because we use seat belts. The interior latch mechanism was replaced at our expense (276.18); however, the mechanic said to keep our receipts because he had seen many such cases and it should be recalled. To date it has not, and if this is not a safety issue I don't know what is. Also, this is not a matter of maintenance so such a young (4 year old) car should not have problems such as this or others I have encountered.
My 2000 Ford Focus SE has faulty rear door latches. They will not stay closed. They started to become difficult to latch in 2003. Ford was notified but refused to pay for fixing the doors. Now I use bungee cords to keep the doors closed while driving.
- Beaver, PA, USA
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Consumer states rear door child locks will not disengage. Consumer referred to the owners manual which stated that a special key was needed to disengage child locks, however dealer did not provide consumer with a key for that purpose. Consumer was concerned that in event of an emergency passengers will be trapped.
Rear door problem experienced with 2000 Focus door latches. While making a left turn into a driveway the right rear door flew open. A passenger was sitting in that seat and was luckily wearing the seat belt. The consumer has had problems with the doors prior to this incident. The consumer has had to slam the doors several times for them to close properly. The consumer also noticed while driving the door ajar light would illuminate on the dash.
2000 Ford Focus driver's side back door doesn't stay closed. Very difficult to get the door to stay shut. Door has opened while driving. This has been happening over the last several months. The vehicle has 44,000 miles on it. Our school has 3 2000 Ford Focus vehicles that are used with a family program and does Transport children and families. Took vehicle to local dealer who replaced drivers rear door latch and cable.
Doors not latched properly and swinging open while driving. Right door sticking as well. Consumer unable to drive the vehicle because of the risk of door swinging open.
Both rear door latches do not close, causing doors to swing open on turns. This is consistent with your investigation ea 04-023. As I understand, this investigation has been upgraded on 8/24/04. Will there be a recall?
On 09/26/04 opened the driver's side back door of my 2000 Ford Focus sedan to place something in the back seat. I closed the door and proceeded to start the car and drive away. It was then I noticed the door ajar light on and pulled to the side of the road. Found the driver's side back door would not latch. The latch would lock sometimes if pushed with my finger but not when closing the door normally. At that point I drove home with my son holding the door closed until we could use a bungee cord to hold it shut. The car is presently at elyria Ford in elyria, Ohio being repaired. I have called Ford Motor Co and filed a complaint also after investigating on the internet and finding that a probe has been launched into failing door latches on 2000 Ford Focus the VIN no is [xxx], mfg date 02/00. The car has 32000 miles on it. Updated 07/24/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving, the consumer noticed that the rear passenger door opened on its own. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. The consumer closed the door and the door opened on its on again. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, the mechanic determined that the locking mechanism needed to be replaced. The consumer stated both rear doors were inoperative.
Opened rear (drivers side) door and placed groceries on back seat. Closed doors and left grocery store lot. Upon making a turn, en route, the rear door swung opened and some items tumbled out! pulled off the road and tried to close rear door. Was unable to. Got home and used a screwdriver to work the latch to the open position. Was difficult to get the door to stay closed. I try not to use this door even now.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Andover, NJ, USA