The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating several possible defects with Ford Motor Company's 2000 and 2001 Focus. The NHTSA initiated their inspection after reports of possible airbag malfunctions in both models emerged. Sixteen Ford Focus owners have suffered second and third degree burns from searing gases that were emitted when the vehicle's airbag deployed. According to dozens of complaints filed with the NHTSA, the car's airbag can also inflate without an accident.

The inquiry was expanded after it was reported that in the 2000 model, rear wheel bearings can fail and the vehicle's engine can suddenly catch fire.

Since its introduction in 2000, the Focus has been recalled eight times for a variety of defects.