1999 Ford Focus problems

General information about Ford-Focus
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Ford Focus is a compact car (C-segment in Europe) manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1999. It was created under Alexander Trotman's Ford 2000 plan, which aimed to globalize model development and sell one compact vehicle worldwide. The original Focus was primarily designed by Ford of Europe's German and British teams. Production of the fourth generation Focus began in 2018 in Germany and China.

Naming

The decision to name the new car the "Ford Focus" was made in early 1998, as Ford's senior management had been planning to keep the "Escort" nameplate for its new generation of small family cars. A last-minute problem arose in July 1998 when a Cologne court, responding to a case brought by the publisher Burda, ordered Ford to avoid the name "Focus" for the cars in the German market since the name was already taken by one of its magazines (Focus). This eleventh-hour dispute was resolved, however, and the car was launched with the name Focus.

First generation (C170; 1998)

Ford of Europe introduced the Focus in 1998 to the European market as a replacement for the Ford Escort. The Focus Mk 1 was awarded the 1999 European Car of the Year award. The project manager for the Ford Focus at Dunton was Rose Mary Farenden.

Ford of North America began marketing the Focus in September 1999 for the 2000 model year, with some changes from the European version. The car was launched as a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door wagon; a five-door hatchback debuted in 2001.

In 2002, Ford launched its highest performance version of the Focus, called the Focus RS. It came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged Duratec RS engine, a Quaife ATB limited-slip differential, an AP Racing clutch, and a revolutionary design front suspension strut system called "Revo-knuckle"- as marketed by Ford, Sachs Racing dampers Brembo brakes, 18” O.Z Racing alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and a host of other performance changes, combined with a much more aggressive appearance, and was available only in Ford's Imperial blue. Tickford Engineering won the engineering contract for the research, development and to oversee production of the Mk 1 Focus RS. Tickford made substantial modifications to the base unit, with up to 70% of the base components either updated, re-engineered or completely redesigned. Despite the development being carried out in the United Kingdom, Ford produced the Focus RS in the Saarlouis plant in Germany between 2002 and 2003 making a limited run of 4501 cars only. This original Focus RS was only available in Europe; just under half (2147) of these were sold in the UK.

For decades, in the U.S., small cars like the Focus were seen as a tool to draw in younger buyers looking for a cheap basic transportation and to increase auto makers' fleet average fuel economies to meet U.S. federal standards. Ford was said not to be concerned about losing money on the Focus so the company could sell gas guzzlers for big profits. However, recent sales of new Focuses have been able to maintain lower or overall discounting incentive rates than many competing vehicles in its class. Many industry insiders view cars like the Focus as 'compliance cars' because of their role in helping to bring up the corporate fleet average fuel economy to meet current fuel-economy standards.

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Common 1999 Ford Focus problems

The Ford Focus, a popular compact car that has been in production since 1998, has been known to have several common problems over the years. These issues include engine misfires, airbag problems, brake hose problems, oil filler cap problems, and door latch issues.

One of the most common problems with the Ford Focus is engine misfires, which can affect all petrol versions of the Zetec with a 1.6-litre engine. Replacing these sensors can be a challenging task and should be done by a professional.

Airbag problems have also been reported in the Ford Focus, particularly in the model built in March 1999.

Brake hose problems have been reported in the Focus RS, built in December 2002.

Oil filler cap problems have been reported in many Focus models built from March 1998 onwards.

Door latch problems have been reported in some Focus models built between September and November 1998.

In addition to these common problems, the Ford Focus has also been known to have issues with its alternator, particularly in models built between June 1998 and March 1999.

The Ford Focus model built between 1998 and 1999 has also been known to have problems with the key getting stuck in the ignition.

Overall, while the Ford Focus has been a popular compact car, it has had its share of common problems over the years. These issues include engine misfires, airbag problems, brake hose problems, oil filler cap problems, and door latch issues. It is important for Ford Focus owners to be aware of these problems and to address them promptly to avoid further damage to the vehicle.

What is the most common problem with Ford Focus?

The Ford Focus' dual-clutch automatic transmission often causes problems. The most common Ford Focus problems include fluctuating engine revolutions per minute (RPM), pre-ignition at low speeds, and engine stalling. Many issues can also develop in the exhaust, fuel system, transmission, steering, and ignition key.

Are Ford Focus a reliable car?

Reliability Survey, the Focus came ninth in petrol form and 11th in diesel form – the total pool was 29 in the family car class. Based on this, the Focus is more reliable than the rival 2013-2020 Volkswagen Golf, but less reliable than the 2013-2020 Seat Leon and 2013-202o Skoda Octavia.

Which Ford Focus engine is most reliable?

What's the best Ford Focus engine to get? For its blend of performance and economy, and its sheer availability on the used market, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is our pick of the range. Halfway through the car's life, mild-hybrid technology was added to the range to marginally improve fuel consumption.

How long will a Ford Focus engine last?

With proper care, Ford Focuses should be able to make it to 200,000 miles with ease. There shouldn't be much trouble in a well-cared-for used Focus over 100k, and it won't drain your pockets.

What is the common problem of Ford Focus?

The most common Ford Focus problems include fluctuating engine revolutions per minute (RPM), pre-ignition at low speeds, and engine stalling. Many issues can also develop in the exhaust, fuel system, transmission, steering, and ignition key.

Is A Ford Focus a reliable car?

Which Ford Focus engine is most reliable?

Are Ford Focus expensive to repair?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Focus is $569, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models.

1999 Ford Focus car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Focus problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Electrical system problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Ford Focus vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1999 Ford Focus complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Ford Focus.

2006-10-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-10-04
VIN: 1FAFP33P8YW
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS RESTARTED BUT STALLED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND LATER DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 11/14/2006 - THE FAILURE A AY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CODES INDICATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR, AND O2 SENSOR WAS OUT, AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SWITCH WAS OUT OF RANGE. *NM

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2006-04-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER REQUESTING RECALL INFORMATION ON 1999 FOCUS. *TS THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED EMISSION PROBLEMS. *JB

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2004-10-12

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-05-10
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: HEAD IMPACT TUBES (OFLEX TUBES) ARE BEING INSTALLED THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME BY HAND ON HEAD LINERS AT FORMER EMPLOYER GRUPO ANTOLIN-WAYNE 47440 MICHIGAN AVE. SUITE 130, CANTON, MICHIGAN 48188. THE HEAD IMPACT TUBE ARE TO BE MEET FEDERAL REGULATED SAFETY STANDARDS, THEY ARE TO BE PUT ON BY A FIXED FIXTURE THAT I BROUGHT TO THE COMPANY'S ATTENTION. THE COMPANY HAS NO MASTER TOOLING TO CHECK SPECIFICATIONS FOR FINISHED PRODUCT. *NM

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2004-05-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-05-04
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION., AND MECHANIC REPLACED SOLENOID SWITCH. *AK

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2003-08-15

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL ENGINE STALLED. DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER. *AK

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2003-06-25

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2FMZA5247XB
Components: STEERING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6/25/2003. DEALER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RACK AND PINION, AND THE TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

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2003-03-04

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-02-20
VIN: 2FTZX1722XC
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: THE VEHICLE IMPACTED A POLE AT 25 MPH. AS A RESULT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BENT BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. *NLM

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2003-02-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-02-17
VIN: 1FACP5241MG
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A CRACK IN THE ENGINE HEAD AND THE MOTOR MOUNT BEING BUSTED.*JB

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2003-02-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-01-30
VIN: 1FAFP3835YW
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE WILL STALL. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH

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2001-08-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-07-19
VIN: 1FALP65LXTK
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE ENGINE MELTED COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY WARNING. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THIS WAS DUE TO A FAILED IMPELLER IN THE WATER HEATER. IT WAS ON ITS WAY INTO THE SHOP FOR THE USUAL REPEAT PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER (THAT IS WHY THE READING IS 11,000 BUT THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 99,000 MILES). SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF THE ENGINE AND IT STOPPED COMPLETELY. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE IMPELLER BROKE, CAUSING THE WATER PUMP TO FAIL AND THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND MELT INSIDE. THE ENGINE IS NOW USELESS. THE CAR IS SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP IN PARTS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT IS WORTHLESS NOW AND THAT EVEN A REBUILT ENGINE COSTS MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH. THE ENGINE DID NOT SHOW THAT IT WAS HOT (HOWEVER, THIS IS ON THE SAME INSTRUMENT PANEL AS THE MALFUNCTIONING ODOMOETER/SPEEDOMETER). THERE WAS NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. IT IS UNSAFE FOR ENGINES TO SUDDENLY MELT WHILE ONE IS DRIVING. THE CAR HAS HAD ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND RECALLS. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE FOR A CAR THIS AGE. THE $3,600 PROPERTY DAMAGE EXTIMATE IS MY ESTIMATE OF THE VALUE OF THE CAR. I SEE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEM. IS FORD FIXING THIS OR NOT? CONTOUR OWNERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE THAT THEIR ENGINES MAY SUDDENLY MELT, OR THE IMPELLERS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD LOOK INTO THIS FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE DRIVING CONTOURS AND THOSE DRIVING BEHIND THEM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT MY CAR, IT IS AT PALMER MOTORS IN PIECES.

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2000-03-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
VIN: 3FAFP3138YR
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKES SQUEALED WHENEVER BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS WAS NORMAL, AND NOTHING WOULD BE DONE. *AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1999 Ford Focus problems:

Ford Focus Mk1 Common Problems Thread - Ford Focus Club ...

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/48275-ford-focus-mk1-common-problems-thread/

Oct 9, 2013 ... 5 Focus could help us out and list any common faults or things to look for when purchasing one of these cars? Basically what I am trying to do ...

Ford Focus 1998-2022 Reliability: Problems, Running and ...

https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/advice/how-reliable-is-the-ford-focus

1998 to 2004 Ford Focus common faults and running costs · Estimated Running Costs · Alternator fault · Loss of engine power · Faulty door latch · Oil filler cap.

Ford Focus Mk1 Common Problems Thread - Page 7 - Ford Focus ...

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/48275-ford-focus-mk1-common-problems-thread/page/7/

Oct 9, 2013 ... I have a 1999 Focus 1.8 Petrol. Over the last few weeks I've noticed the speedo drops to zero but picks back up after a minute or so. But today ...

SVT reliable daily driver? | Ford Focus Forum

https://www.focaljet.com/threads/svt-reliable-daily-driver.621333/

Jan 16, 2010 ... However, the previous mention of the common problems being cheap and easy to fix is not all that correct. ... 1999 Pontiac Formula (LS1/6spd) 1988 ...