2000 Ford Focus

The 2000 Ford Focus was a popular compact car known for its European-inspired handling and fuel efficiency. Engine options included the 2.0L Zetec inline-4 engine, producing around 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, and the less common 2.0L SPI (Split Port Induction) inline-4, which produced around 110 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were primarily a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praised the Focus for its nimble handling, sporty feel, and affordability. Common complaints included issues with reliability, particularly regarding engine and transmission problems, as well as electrical issues.

Engine

2.0L Zetec Inline-4

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls intermittently, especially when warm. Check engine light illuminates with a code related to the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idling, whistling noise from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV valve and any damaged hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L SPI Inline-4

• Rough Idling/Poor Performance
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine idles roughly, hesitates during acceleration, and may lack power. Often linked to vacuum leaks or issues with the SPI system.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair any vacuum leaks. Inspect and clean or replace the SPI valve assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Erratic Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, shifts harshly, or fails to shift at all. Can be accompanied by unusual noises.
  • Solution: Transmission service including fluid and filter change. If the problem persists, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid/filter) to $1500+ (rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, especially under light acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly, clunking noises coming from the suspension, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the broken coil spring(s). Recommended to replace in pairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per pair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises when going over bumps, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges flicker, fail to read correctly, or stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster or have it professionally repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks fail to lock or unlock electronically.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the rocker panels, quarter panels, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per panel, depending on the severity and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sagging Headliner
  • Description/Symptoms: The fabric headliner detaches from the roof and sags down.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner fabric or the entire headliner board.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Door Handles
  • Description/Symptoms: Interior door handles break easily, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $100+ per handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Ford Focus, while praised for its handling and design, is prone to a variety of issues common with older vehicles. Engine problems (particularly with sensors and vacuum leaks), transmission issues (slipping and erratic shifting), and electrical faults (instrument cluster and door locks) are common areas of concern. Suspension components like coil springs and control arm bushings can also wear out. Addressing these issues can range from relatively inexpensive sensor replacements to more costly transmission overhauls, with a potential repair cost of $30 to $1500+. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to safety concerns affecting driveability.