DETROIT – 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 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.