Ford Focus • Fires • Brakes • Ignition • Stalling, Sputtering • Transmission • Water Leaks • Everything! News • Another Recall: Back Door May Come Open • Ford To Replace Focus Fuel Modules • Feds Probe Focus Fires • Focus Setting Recall Record • Focus Recall (Oct. 2000)

October 17, 2000
Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 351,000 Focus subcompacts. There are three potential problems with the cars -- involving the cruise control, rear wheel and brake drum assemblies and the A-pillar interior trim. There have been no reports of accidents resulting from the possible defects.

Owners of 33,225 model year 2000 Focus cars will be asked to return them to dealers to have the cruise control cable inspected and, if necessary, replaced. Ford has received 12 reports of the throttle sticking open following wide-open throttle application, the statement said.

Owners of 260,390 model year 2000 Focus vehicles will be asked to have the vehicles' rear wheel hub assemblies inspected and replaced if necessary. Ford said it has received 15 reports of rear wheel and brake drum assemblies separating when the hub retaining nut that secures the rear wheel bearings became loose.

Ford also asked owners of 351,102 Focus vehicles to have them upgraded to meet new federal standards for interior head impact protection. Dealers will install new A-pillar trim panels with improved energy-absorbing material.


The automaker will notify owners of the affected vehicles to arrange with dealers for free repairs.

The latest recall adds to Ford's recent problems. Last week, a California state judge ordered Ford to recall 1.7 million Fords in that state to check ignition systems. Ford is also involved in recalling 6.5 million Firestone tires -- standard equipment on Ford Explorers -- that are being investigated in connection with more than 100 highway deaths. -- -- --

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