# 2000 Ford Focus Engine Problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [September 7, 2008, 5:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-ford-focus-engine-problems/19236 "2008-09-07T05:58:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Marky-B](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/marky-b/32/736_2.png) [@Marky-B](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marky-B)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 5:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-ford-focus-engine-problems/19236/1 "2008-09-07T05:58:43Z")
It is my understanding that the 2.0 Liter, SOHC engine is notorious for having problems that result in engine failure. What is the most likely thing to go bad on them? I had a 1993 Escort with the 1.9 in it and it was still running strong after over 222K and then I had a 1997 Escort with a 2.0 SOHC and the worst thing that happened to it was I had a valve lifter go bad on it. I had about 170K on that car before I got rid of it. Thank you. Marky B ---
**Author:** ![Xebadaih](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/d07c76/32.png) [@Xebadaih](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Xebadaih)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 7:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-ford-focus-engine-problems/19236/2 "2008-09-07T07:59:54Z")
A trusty reliability ratings website indicates that the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor is prone to failure. Also the fuel pump is known to fail, but is covered by a recall, 03N01. No mention of widespread engine failures. I also had a reliable Escort, it was an '89 that I drove for 300k miles before I sold it. Only problem was a little oil leak, but hey, all Ford products start leaking oil at some point! ---
**Author:** ![Marky-B](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/marky-b/32/736_2.png) [@Marky-B](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marky-B)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 9:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-ford-focus-engine-problems/19236/3 "2008-09-07T09:50:11Z")
All cars will develop leaks of one kind or another at some point. I know of a 1991 Chevy van that went over 500K before it blew a head gasket (and, I think its tranny was starting to go). This happened when it was 10 years old. This vehicle had regular maintenance on it. ---
**Author:** ![garyschnid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/958977/32.png) [@garyschnid](https://community.cartalk.com/u/garyschnid)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2008, 6:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-ford-focus-engine-problems/19236/4 "2008-09-11T18:25:22Z")
I have a 2000 Ford Focus, and it started making a terrible noise in the engine. When I went to a garage and told them about the noise they immediately said, “Probably dropped a valve seat.” That is exactly what did happen. It must be a common problem if the dealer knows what is broke without even looking at it. ---
**Author:** ![admitted\_amateur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@admitted\_amateur](https://community.cartalk.com/u/admitted_amateur)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 12:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-ford-focus-engine-problems/19236/5 "2008-09-12T00:55:41Z")
It is my understanding that the late 90s / early '00 2 liters apparently do have a nasty habit of dropping valve seats, as noted in a previous post. My '97 Escort is going great at 220K - BUT at about 140K the engine failed (I put a used one in it) - I never got a true diagnosis, but having learned more by now, I’m guessing it was a valve seat. But, there are other problems that might seem bad but aren’t. I recently thought my used engine was about to go (it was behaving oddly), but it turned out to be a chunk of loose carbon that was occasionally hanging up a valve. If you have the '00 prepare for the worst, but assume the best and look for simpler things first.