Ford recalls 2000 and 2001 Focus compacts because of safety issue

DETROIT (AP) _ Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it is recalling 279,646 of its 2000 and 2001 model year Focus compact cars because of a problem that could cause the rear wheels to wobble. <br><br>Road salt

Tuesday, November 27th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DETROIT (AP) _ Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it is recalling 279,646 of its 2000 and 2001 model year Focus compact cars because of a problem that could cause the rear wheels to wobble.

Road salt could corrode rear-wheel bearings causing them to wear prematurely, Ford spokesman Mike Vaughn said.

``It's not a safety issue. This is a high-corrosion issue,'' he said.

The recall covers cars sold in or currently registered in 21 northern U.S. states and six Canadian provinces where road salt is used to melt snow and ice.

The cars were built between July 1999 and June 19, 2001, Vaughn said.

No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of such damage, he said. Notices will be sent to all affected customers early next month, Vaughn said.

The Focus has been hit by a string of quality glitches during the past two years. The 2000 model year has undergone seven safety recalls since it was introduced in mid-1999. Yet the model still has managed to lure a younger audience than Ford's previous compact, the Escort.