This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Brakes were applied at 35 mph, and brake pedal went to the floor. Consumer was forced to down shift to first gear to avoid an accident, and come to a stop.
Front wheel rotors had to be replaced at 20,598 miles. Brakes were squealing from the time of purchase (new car), but we were told that they would "loosen up" and be okay --- they never did stop squealing..when we inquired about any recall, we were told there were no recalls from the factory where the car was manufactured.
Car is a 2001 Focus with 21,000 miles. Upon braking, steering wheel shudders and vibrates. Was told that car needed new rotors as these were warped. No resolution through Ford Motor Company. No car should require brakes and rotors after only 21,000 miles of driving. Car actually started doing this at about 19,000 miles and has staedily worsened.
Consumer states that since purchasing the vehicle rear brake pads wore out at 8000 miles. Front rotors and pads have been replaced twice. Once at 12000 miles, and 34000 miles. Needs to replace them again.
- Roseville, CA, USA
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Purchased the car in October 17th 2002. I drive usually highway to work on a straight road. My brakes squealed frequently. Changed brake pads and rotors at 19700 miles at the inspections. They started to squeal noisely again 31500 miles. There is always dust in the front wheels. Probably next year, I need to replace them around 38-39 thousand for the second time.
While applying the brakes there was a squeaking noise coming from the front/rear of the vehicle. The pedal had gone down and made a squeak noise. The front end bounced and vibrated due to the pinch bolt that retained the steering knuckled to the lower ball joint. (may not have the proper torque) there was a problem with the front end and rear. The wheel was replaced, the flat tire was balanced and the beam worked okay. The vehicle made noise when released from park mode, stop, and was intermittent. (has been adjust 3-4 times but would go back to the same thing)
2001 Ford Focus, w/ only 17,900 miles - brake pads and rotors shot. Ford will not cover under warranty, because they haven't determined this to be a defect. Ford Focus break/rotor defect.
I purchased a new Ford Focus in July of 2001. My wife uses the car to drive on the highway to and from work. We have had the car for 18 months and took the car to the laird noller dealership in lawrence for the 30,000 check up with 33,000 miles on the car. After spending $300 for the check up, we were told that the brake pads and rotors need to be replaced. I have spoken with two mechanics and have been told that the rotors should not need to be replaced on a car that is driven primarily on the highway since there is not a lot of stop and go driving. There a dozens of listings on the intert and the NHTSA website of the same complaint on their Ford Focus vehicles. I was told by the dealership that Ford puts thin rotors on the Focus to begin with so they have to be replaced very early. I was also learned from an employee at the dealership that the person that performed the service on our Focus has had trouble meeting his quota of upselling repairs on cars that come in for their check up. After picking up the car, the entire dashboard was shaking and the front tires were making noises. When we brought the car in it was fine, after we picked it up it sounded horrible. We called back up to the dealership and were told to drive it for a few days and it should be fine. After waiting the two days, the brake pads began to grind into the rotors and the car did not drive well at all. I have spoken with Ford and with the dealership and they have told me that there is nothing they can do for me and that I am responsible for the repairs. Ford knows that there is a problem with the rotars they are using on the Focus, but is not willing to do anything about it. I am worried that are not other problems with the car that may make it unsafe. I have two small children and am worried about driving them around in the car. I believe that with the number of complaints I have seen, Ford should be told to initiate a recall on the rotars.
I own a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3. I have put 17,100 miles on it since its purchase in may, 2001. At the last service, just before christmas of 2002, the Ford mechanic at price Ford in millington, tn. Stated that my front brakes & rotors would have to be replaced soon. There is no way on earth this amount of wear and tear can occur on a car with only 17,100 miles! I have owned 9 automobiles in my life and I have never heard of brakes wearing out in under 20,000 miles! this must be a defect, or engineering mistake with Ford's brakes! I initially thought the mechanic was high or something because there's no way the brakes can be worn out, but I have nearly wrecked 3 times since then due specifically to the brakes having no affect on the speed of the car. I'm looking at a minimum of $400 to get new rotors and pads and labor to install the new parts. This is crazy! you need to investigate this to see why me and many others are experiencing these issues!
The vehicle brake rotors are wearing and when the brakes are applied a heavy vibration can be felt followed by extended stopping distance. The dealer has been notified.
Apple Ford service department inspected my brakes and told me that the rear brake rotors were shot and needed to be replaced. The service department also told me all the brake pads, front and rear, had to be replaced. I have never had a new car whose rear brake rotors failed and needed to be replaced. My Focus was less than 2,000 miles out of warranty and Ford Motor Co. Refused to help with the bill, $643.
Dealer indicated that front rotors were defective, having deep ridges, causing different thickness through the rotors. Rotors couldn't be turned due to such bad shape. Brakes were squeaking excessively prior to taking vehice in. Dealer aware of problem.
Brakes made noise at 2057miles on 6/22/01 - dealership advised me after inspection "cold pads" - brakes made noise at 2383 miles on 7/3/01 - dealer advised me after inspection "glazed pads" - now at 16,000 miles - (always made noise) brake pads gone - rotors ruined - (tom rivers) at dealership refuses to replace.
Noise in left front. Pedal pulsation. Dealer turned rotors. Noise didn't leave, pulsation did. 3K miles noise still there, pedal pulsation again. Replaced rotors. Noise didn't stop, pulsation did. 4.9K miles noise and pulsation, dealer replaced rotors and left caliper. Both stopped. Add'L 200 miles, noise began. 6.7K miles pulsation is back. Dealer says problem not with car but will investigate.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Pastoria, OR, USA