Problems with 2000 Ford Focus SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Brakes replaced at 20000 miles, trunk release and pwr doorlocks stopped working, headlights developed moisture, trunk wont shut w/out slamming, numerous other problems

Brakes are sqeaking and making knocking noise. dealership is aware of problem.*ak

After 3,000 or 4,000 miles brakes start jumping. need chanche disc(l,r)serviced. reported they said need to send to machine shop. mr

Nuts and studs have stripped, and drum cannot come off when taken to dealer the first time. vehicle has had that problem since then. currently, consumer needs to replace drum. *ak

Engine just stalls every 3 months while driving. have had the same problem happen 4 times! the last time i wasnt under warranty and it cost me 500+...they replaced many things but it still continues. also after only 23000 miles my left caliper slipped causing extreme wear and tear on the brakes and rotors. cost 300 to fix that. *ak

When applying brake pedal it would go to the floor, also brakes will grind. rotors had to be turned, and brakes were replaced 7 times, but the problem reoccurred. *ak transmission slips and jerks and rpms jump. no problem found. consumer hears loose gravel sound from right front wheel area. dealer found wheel well loose. dealer found serpentine belt failed causing whistle squeal under hood. gas light on with full tank and door ajar light is on. dealer replaced battery. evaporative hose loose. dealer removed and installed fuel tank. cigarette lighter not working. r-cup hold bubbling. driver side mirror knob falls off. rear child seat latch cover in broke. front driver seat metal fell out. both headlamps moulding fall out. sunvisor mirror/bracket moulding on passenger side between door / dash loose. broken. right outer ac vent broken. loose carpet on right front floor. pillar trim coming off. deck lid wire harness had tp be replaced. clicking noise from l/h front of vehicle. egr valve replaced. left rear tail lamp is out. engine light is on. problems with rewind button for am/fm cassette. *tt

While applying brakes vehicle accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in a collision. dealer is inspecting vehicle. *ak

Transmission is sticky while shifting into 2nd gear with clutch fully engaged. the brake pedal intermittantly gets very hard giving reduced braking action. *slc

I have had to many problems with this car for it to have been bought new in 2000. this problem with the ignition switch is unbelievable. when we talked to the dealership they referred us to a locksmith. the locksmith told us that he knew exactly what the problem was because he had done over 300 of these in the last year or so. when we had a tow truck to come and tow it to the dealer,he told us that he tows 2 or 3 of these cars a day for the same problem. i think it is absolutely upsurd and totally unfair that ford hasn't recalled this part. also, i had to replace the front rotors and pads on this car dec. 2000, and i am being told that my brakes need to be done again. something needs to be done about this car. especially the 2000 model. i have been on the internet and have found a number of other people having the exact same problems and more with this car. *ak

While driving about 30 mph and when stepping on brake pedal to slow speed down, brakes did not work, causing consumer to hit guardrail. vehicle was towed away, and dealer couldn't explain what happened. *ak

Vehicle experiences problems with brakes, the front rotors, front brake pads, and rear shoes have been replaced due to vibration when brakes applied. *slc

Recall 00v303000/ manufacturer's recall 00s31 vehicle has made squeaking noises since purchased. consumer thought it was because it was new. dealer inspected vehicle, and braking system would have to be repaired. recall only covered rear brakes & not front. *ak

Brakes make a squealing noise when trying to come to a complete stop. when contacting a dealer , dealer changed otors/drums, and pads. *ak

Brakes don't hold when applied, almost causing an accident. unable to stop vehicle. had part replaced several time. also, front end shakes and there is a knocking noise under gas pedal. *ak

After 400 miles brakes start to squeak, can hear them a mile away. brakes have been replaced 3 times, last time was 2 weeks ago and there was squeaking agan. currently, vehicle at repair shop for a fourth brake repair. consumer fears that brakes may go out at anytime. *ak

When slippery out, the brakes will not grasp properly. therefore, the vehicle will slide. dealer can not duplicate problem.*ak consumer also experienced these difficulties as followed, power steering system (exploded, w/3-4 week repairs), trunk lock was broken, keyless entry system works improperly, the trunk lock has been replaced twice, the radio has been replaced 3 times & still occurs, the winshield arm recently broke, and concludes that the vehicle also slides in dry weather. consumer adds that she had filed a complaint w/ board of ford, the case was lost after recieving a loaner car (due to taking vehicle in for repairs) and says that she cannot afford to buy out the lease (will have to wait until oct 2002) *scc

These are the probelems with my car. it is only 8 months old, yet this car has had repeated problems. the first major problem is with the brakes. they continually squeak and i was told by ford that it was due to a safety issue. the brakes and pads were replaced yet the problem has continued since. i have also made numerous complaints and had the breaks deglazed and serviced many times only to have the problems continue. the next problem is with the ventalation. the engine strongly smells of burning oil/fuel. this problem was checked and fixed three times, but this problem also continues. the smell is so strong inside the car that passengers now refuse to ride in the vehicle. the smell is also very strong from out side the car. the third problem with the vehicle is with the driver's side door. the lock and latch are very tight and are some times imbossible to turn or open without exessive force. the door hinges are also stiff. this is a lot of friction in the hinges making lots of noise and not allowing the door to move smothley. the last problem i am reporting is with the suspension. this problem has been fixed more than 5 times and it is still a very big problem. new parts have been put in and the squeaking and humming is still very loud. there are also loud clanking noises coming from the suspension.*ak

Ongoing problem with abs when engage it causes rear wheels to lock up intermittently & momentarily. vehicle been in dealer shop on two occasions, and problem still reoccurring. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak

Brakes noise resulting from larger than normal chunk of metal in pad grooving the left front rotor. transmission- leak at transmission cooler. suspension noise front- thumping while going over speed bumps, rear squeeking. window trim- coming off or squeeking when rolled up. head lamp- dropping black silicon into sealed unit (visible). engine- stalling, dying while coming to a stop or sitting at stop. no help from dealer service dept. only argues with me!. *ak (tiresize: p205r70/15)( dot number: tire size: p205r70/15 )

While trying to stop at a stop sign brake pedal went to floor. also, trunk latch did not work properly. *ak

Ignition switch went out, causing vehicle not to start. dealer has been contacted. *ak brakes also failed, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer for soft brakes, however dealer found no problems and one month later brake failure occured. *slc

Consumer took the vehicke in for brake noise and grinding. dealership claimed brakes wer fine. once again, consumer took brakes in for grinding noise and dealership informed consumer that the vehilce needed new brakes and rotors. *jg

The brakes on this vehical have been replaced several time since my purchase. rotors, calipers pads and shoes once at 12,000 miles , pads and shoes again at 23,000. calipers rotors and shoes and drums at 48,000. something is wrong.*ak

After driving vehicle for about an 1/2 hour consumer parked and shut off engine. after about 15 minutes, consumer restarted vehicle when brakes locked up, and vehicle would not move. *ak

When applying brakes there is noise. dealer has had vehicle for repair, but cannot remedy problem. *ak

Brakes squeak, excessive break dust on the front wheels.*ph the consumer was informed by the dealer, that the brake dust was normal. the rear shoes pad assemblies and rotors were replaced at least four times. the last time the dealer told the consumer the left right ebrake cable spring retainer had popped out the backing plate which caused the shoes to not retract all the way. the dealer put the retainer back and reset the hebraic. also the rear wheel cylinders was leaking and had to be replaced. *jb

This car has giving me nothing but trouble. this is the second one i have owned, the first one ford bought me out of because it was a lemon, and this one is worse than the first one. the ford focus is nothing but a lemon. i will never own another ford for as long as i live. ford needs to stand by their product and take this car back. it is obviously not fixable. i have this car in the shop at least every other week, i only have 5,955 miles on this thing. i hate this car!!!!!*ak

Dt: the consumer stated there were multiple problems with the vehicle. the brakes make noises and pulsated when the pedal was depressed. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer where the brake light switch and ignition cylinder switches were replaced. the dealer also turned the drums, replaced the brake pads and resurfaced the front rotors. there was a vibration in the front end when braking. the lower ball joint, right wheel bearings, right front sway bar link, bone socket, steering rack column and tie rod ends were replaced in an attempt to remedy the problem. the tail light covers retained moisture and condensation built up. the dealer replaced the tail light covers and fuses that were blown due to the moisture. lastly, the contact noticed the rear seat was loose and upon inspection the dealer discovered an anchor and hinge problem. the back hinge and pillar were replaced. *jb

Front brake system failed, gave no warning from one moment to next the only thing we heard was metal on metal grinding. dealership does not want to cover under bumper to bumper warranty. because the inside pads were worn down to metal and the outter pad had worn down to about half wear the dealer told us it was "negligent abuse" .this way it would not be covered under warranty.cruise control failed after one week of purschase took dealer over two months to call. now keyless entry do not function. dealer very evasive reguarding information available to us the consumer and now owners about recalls and customer complaints involving focus.

Defective front brake rotor. *ph during the inspection the consumer was told that the defect was not covered under the vehicle's warranty. other vehicle components also malfunctioned. the vehicle's trunk latch broke, the check engine light illuminated twice, the cd player became inoperative and the steering wheel locked up. *nm

Rear brakes seem to be grabbing and squeaking and vibrating. *ak

I bought my focus in 2000. since then i have suffered 2 blowouts that neither ford or firestone would fix. i've had brake pads replaced once and now have to have brakepads and rotor replaced. sometimes the key won't turn the ignition. and of course this morning (one of the coldest days we've had) something has gone wrong with the heater. *ak

There was noise in the front and cargo area of the vehicle, the trunk did not close easily, the doors and the brakes squeaked. scc

Interior lights come on intermittently. brakes make noise when applied/ radio will come on intermittently, and dome lights work intermittently. *ak . right front light is brighter than left light. defroster malfunctions. front tires makes squeaking noise, key get stuck in ignition and truck lock when trying to get out. *yh

Since purchased. on four separate occasions my car has stopped while driving. here is a brief rundown of additional physical problems i_x0012_ve had with the car, which include but are not limited to:3 months: the emergency brake went out. the brakes had to be replaced (2 times). the gas gauge stuck on empty (twice). i felt a constant pulsating on the clutch. the dealer told me that all new cars have that for up to 3 months while they get used to new chemicals running through their system. nearly 2 years later, the pulsating is still there. the car exploded. i parked my car on a hill, with the emergency brake up. then i heard some clicking and a large boom. i turned around to see sparks and smoke pouring out of my hood, a horrible smell engulfed the neighborhood, and my car (with the emergency brake up) was rolling down a hill towards an intersection. the oil pressure united had to be replaced. there was a problem with the clutch. the car trunk would not open. 6 months: the brakes had to be replaced again. they still squeaked excessively. they still sounded like they were scrapping. i took it back in to a dealership and they told me the 2000 ford focus had a brake problem and there was nothing that could be done about it. even after replaced, the brakes would take much pressure before coming to a stop and would squeak. the trunk would sometimes not shut. the emergency brake would not always work. the front tire kept going flat. ford said it was my driving. i paid to have it replaced and the new tire kept going flat. they said the new tire was defective and replaced it and the stem. w/in the first 2 years: on at least 11 occasions the car would not start until turned over a couple of times. the car has low pick up. the check engine light was stuck on. engine light was stuck on. the gas tank needed a new part. the stick will not always go into reverse. when the heat is on for over 15 or so minutes a heavy burning smell in car. bearings/shock problem.*ak

Since the purchase of my ford focus 2000, it has been subjected to recalls for wheel bearings, paneling, and the master cylinder. additionally, the trunk latch had to be replaced and the computer reprogrammed. since late sept. 2000, the engine dies at approx. 45/mph when i press the clutch to downshift from 5th gear, slowing from a higher speed. on aug. 21, 2001, i took the the car to maroone ford in margate, florida because it had stall (died) twice in one day. the mechanic said there was nothing wrong with the car and said that i didn't know how to drive it properly. i contacted ford motor dispute settlement board and they came out and drove with me. the car did not stall at that time, and he advised me that i didn't know how to drive the car! i believe i have been lied to by ford and by their representative, maroone ford, margate. i have copies of letters that i sent to maroone ford, and to the board of directors at maroone ford as well as a copy of the initial dispute settlement board application. i have complained over and over again that i fear for my safety, and that i want ford to either fix my vehicle or give me a safe car. i was a full-time nursing student at florida atlantic university in boca raton, florida when this started, i am now a registered nurse still driving an unsafe vehicle. i would appreciate your help.*ak

The vehicle would not go into gear intermittently. on 01/16/01 the boot around the shifter was torn and the dealer had ordered a new replacement boot cover. *yh

Suspension is hard when driving , vehicle swings from left to right, and there is a rattling noise. also, seatbelt on passenger's side broke, and when applying brakes, vehicle wanders to the left and right. *ak

Brakes do not work and driver uses his clutch to slowdown vehicle. also, front brake drums, and front shocks broke/ vehicle stalls unexpectedly, and the cv axle broke. dealer cannot determine cause any of these problems. please provide further information. *ak

Gas mileage is poor on this size veh--motor kicks into neutral while driving at higher speeds. dealer keeps telling me there is no problem/cannot duplicate, 4 incidents, this is very freighting. especially in heavy traffic & cannot get off the road fast. brakes wear between 16000 and 18000 miles with normal driving. the motor belt had to be replaced at 22000 miles. this never happened so soon with any vehicle i have ever owned. repairs and services are very expensive, many safety recalls and product warnings that take time to repair. the dealer has a problem making sure the parts are available when i make an appointment. the wheel bearings have been replaced several times and sound like they may be going bad again! i do not feel safe in this vehicle. what if something fails while myself or my family are in this vehicle. this vehicle has depreciated at such a drastic rate, that i would be wise to trade it for another vehicle. i feel it is in direct relation to all the safety issues with this vehicle. *ph **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**763169

After driving for 20 miles or more vehicle experienced a problem with brake squealing and vibration when brakes were applied due to brake pads and shoes failure. vehicle been in dealer shop on five occasions, and problem canont be corrected. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.*ak console assembly failed. brake rotors failed. *yh

While traveling on highway vehicle shakes and vibrates. rotors are warped. also, they are under sized. dealership is aware of the problem.*ak

Brake pads and rotors failed, worn out at less than 13000 miles. reported burning smell from brakes at 3700 miles. (dealer refused to place repair under warranty)..replaced both front pads and rotors. at 3700 miles bumping..grinding noise noted had to lower sub frame..upper rack assembly tightened ed bolt to rack and streering shaft. *ak

Rear brake drums squeeking when brakes are applied. three dealer trips-finally fixed. also water on front passenger's floor from airconditioning. dealer found a missing elbow part. fixed... i should have bought a civic.*ak

Ongoing problem with brake system, it causes steering wheel to shimmy or pedal would go closer to floor intermittently, and cause extended stopping distance. vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions and problem still occurring. *ak consumer states the problem is the front disc brakes. *slc

Was traveling approximately 65mph when vehicle went out of control. wheels had felt wobblely and loose. had to swerve to miss several vehicles. managed to get off freeway and stopped vehicle. had vehicle towed to dealership. was informed by mechanic wheel bearings went out. dealership has to order parts. vehicle was repaired previously under recall.*ak screws keep falling out of seat belt and has happened two times. drivers side seat lever keeps breaking and has happened three times. windshield wipers failed while driving during a heavy rain storm, received recall two weeks later, 01v258, dealer replaced wiper motor. turn signal failed, dealer replaced bulb. problems with brakes, rear drum assembly bearing wore into wheel spindle, front brake pads replaced, front rotors resurfaced. consumer feels every bump in the road. bearings have failed twice. side mirror broke. a-pillar trim coming loose after recall repair 00s20. *slc

When driving and using brakes vehicle makes a squeaking noise, took to dealer and they said it was normal. metal that brakes are made of causes brakes to make this type of noise. *ak

Multiple problems: replaced cd player once, three brake jobs, multiple trunk latch repairs, replaced transmission at 40000, 3 recalls, ignition switch locked up. the 2000 focus is clearly a lemon! *ak

Brakes are inoperable. when consumer applies brakes pedal goes all the way down to the floor. *ak

Everytime consumer put on brakes they would squeak. took to dealer, and they said it was normal. consumer took in a second time for the same problem, and they replaced the pads, a few thousand miles later at 3000 miles, there was vibration, took to dealer and rotors were warped. dealer eplaced rotors.*ak