Problems with 2001 Ford Focus SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Ford says there is not problem with brake failure of rotors, pads and calipers at 30000 miles, and refuses to warranty repairs under the 36 mo/36000miles bumper to bumper plan. this brake job will cost me in excess of $300. i drive mostly highway miles to an extent of 100 per day. i have never owned a vehicle that needed complete brake service at such low mileage. with the amount of complaints of this nature i believe the file for recall on this vehicle should be re-examined. *ak

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. please provide more information.*ak

After only 15000 miles brakes are squeaking, and there is extended stopping distance. contacted dealer. *ak

This car has been returned to the dealership on three occasions for brake squeal. sounds like metal to metal. this is a major squeal not just a squeak. dealerships repeatedly refuse to fix the problem because they say it's a "normal noise". i've driven cars for 20+ years and never has a brake squeal been normal. it's been taken to the dealership at 7,000, 15,000 and 16,500 miles. *nlm

While driving applied brakes, they went to the floor and didn't hold.*ak

brakes needed to be replaced due to brakes making noise when driving and extended stopping distance. *ak

Brakes have failed to stop the car, they didn't lock, and i don't have abs. radio loses power intermittently. then clears up and is good for a while. had incidences of car jerking/stuttering when coasting at surface street speeds has happened three times. have taken car to dealership and told nothing wrong. deal with jones west ford, bought car from internet auto sales. dt

Consumer reported battery failure. on another occasion the brakes failed. *tt *jb

Brakes will make squeaking noises when applying brakes. also, there is extended stopping distance. contacted dealer. *ak

This vehicle was listed as used but had only 600 miles on it when we purchased it. we have not suffered significant damage, but i feel that the brake system should not need to be replaced at 14,800 miles on a new car. the service manual states that you do not need a brake inspection until 15,000 miles, however, my car already has rotor damage. the dealer as well as ford motor company told me it was my problem and the dealer said the manual is "wrong." i feel that this is a safety concern when brake systems give out, without warning, well before the industry standard. i am having my brakes fixed today elsewhere since the dealership wanted to charge me $500 to fix the damage. there is a website out there called www.fordfocusbrakeproblems.com where you can find a large amount of consumers suffering the same problems with their ford focus. *ak

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.

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.*ak

Consumer states that brake adjusters on the rear brakes having been adjusting improperly causing the brake pads to wear out several times. nlm

brake pads and rotors wearing at an unusual speed. (model-zx3) scc

While driving 35 mph, brakes malfunctioned, resulting in an accident. both driver and passenger were injured. *ak *slc

Steering wheel vibrates violently when applying brakes at more than 55mph. took to dealer when car had 10k miles on it. dealer replaced front pads and machined rotors. i asked dealer why were the rotors not replaced, was told the rotors were fine. problem started again about 3 months later (at 16k miles) was not able to take car to dealer until august. car now has 22k miles. dealer advised that warranty will not cover, probably rotors are warped. explained to dealer that rotors should have been replaced at the same time the pads were replaced and dealer insisted that the rotors were fine. submitted this same info to a law firm in california that has class action lawsuit in progress against ford for faulty brakes and/or inferior materials used.*ak

I have reported numerous problems to you with this lemon. the dealer was told when the car had 5000 miles, that there was a brake problem. several experts have noted that there was a faulty caliper causiing the brakes to fail and the tires to continually blow out, resulting in numerous roadside emergencies. the dealer has reused to either repair, or replace the car from the beginning stating they will not lose money and that the same thing has not occurred often enough. the car is inoperable since the defective caliper, the rotors, and the shoes are all severely worn. the repair shops state that the car is too new to get the parts and that only fordd can get the parts. they want me to pay $200 minimum for each item of at least four, saying they will have nothing to do with it. this is what they have been stating since my complaints began. i have reported these facts to you before, numerous times, as well as by telephone. i have gotten no results. i am disabled and have spent the last week home alone without the ability to get my medical care, and other needs. this cannot go on.*ak

Consumer states there is a vibration in vehicle and steering wheel at speeds over 55 mph. vehicle sways back and forth, also vibration when braking. dealer has replaced and balanced tires. vehicle has been taken to dealer 6 times could not remedy problem.*akthe spindal was stripped affecting brakes and causing vibration and pulsation. it was stated that the spindal appeared to be defective from the manufacturer. the engine stalls. *jg

Driver experienced catastrophic brake failure resulting in crash. *ak

There is premature wear of front brake pads and rotors. dealer has replaced brake pads and rotors. please provide additional information.*ak

The vehicle engine stalls without warning. the initial occurrence resulted in my wife crossing into the left lane due to her inablity to drive or brake effectively without the power assist.

When engine was started and gear shift was put into drive position vehicle started rolling backwards unexpectedly. dealership examined vehicle for this problem ,and replaced throttle. after dealership made these repairs and drove on highway brakes failed to stop vehicle when pressure was put on brake pedal. driver for tow truck examined vehicle and determined there was no brake fluid in the vehicle (this diagnosis was confirmed by the dealership. *ak please provide any additional information / documentation.

This car has been taken back for brake failues multiple times. each time the dealer informs me that a switch has failed and my brakes are just fine. i have blown through lights going 45+ miles an hour. the dealer has failed to even inspect the brake system for any failures.

2001 ford focus experiencing problems with the front brakes, fuel pump, battery, sway bars and tires. *mr the consumer replaced the front brakes five times, the radiator went out, the thermostat and sensors pertaining to the engine light ad gone out, the fuel pump and the battery went out and the mechanic could not find the problem. currently the starter showed signs of going out and the vehicle needed sway bars and 4 tires. *sc

Dealer and ford did nothing to try to correct the various problems i have had with the front brakes, and i have had to replace them at my own expense. *ak

Replacement of both driver and passenger side brake rotors and brake pads at low milage. symptoms such as brake squeal and steering wheel shimmy when applying brakes at highway speeds due to rotor warpage with less than 5,000 miles on the car. one week after repairs the same problems are once again present. *ak

Stopping distance has increased, and brake pads are wearing out at only 13000 miles. contacted dealer. *ak

Dt: brakes failed twice since 2001. brakes were replaced in 2001 and 2002. kept repairing the vehicle. the water pump/battery, and tires malfunctioned. on june 11 2005 while driving the car stopped. the car made a popping sound and started smoking. there was a warning, the battery light was on. the engine lights came on right before. car didnt start back up after several attempts. car was towed to home. dealer reported no problem with the vehicle. car was regularly serviced.*ak

While driving 65 mph consumer applied brake, vehicle did not slow down. consumer had to shut off engine to stop vehicle. this happened 4 times. dealer replaced servo speed control. *ak

When applying brake vehicle veers sharply to the left. this causes the rear driver side tire to wear prematurely, tire was replaced twice. dealer found no problem. mr

When brakes are applied there is an extended stopping distance. ford has repaired vehicle once under aversive recall. *ak consumer states that brakes were completely worn out again at 33000 miles. the manufacturer refused to fix the problem. *yh

My security system basically went nutty...it even sounded funny when the horn sounded, the cruise would also stick or not work at all when it should have been turned on. i have had the hego sensor or the front oxygen sensor replaced 3 times, one at my own cost...i had a huge bulge pop out on my tire early on, firestone replaced it at no cost...the brakes have intermittantly squealed since the vehicle had few miles on it, when i took it in to get it fixed, it basically felt like they had loosened them because you had to press on the pedal harder to stop, soon after they started squealing again, all ford will tell me is that i need new brake pads at my cost because it is road hazard...should a car with 40,000 miles need brake pads? i think not. the last complaint that i have is that the car will stall with no apparent reason why...no matter what the speed is or if i have just started it or have driven it all day it does not matter, i will just be stuck until it decides to start again.

Front brakes are putting out too much carbon dust and making noise when brake are applied. dealer notified. feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.*ak

Brakes are not working properly, pedal stiffens up and consumer cannot press down on pedal to apply brakes. contacted dealer. *ak master cylinder replaced. but problem still exist. *tt

Brake failure only on rainy days, loosing air pressure from same wheel(passeger side)vibrating on steering& brake, strong vibration going over 60 miles car drives from side to side. *ak

Brake system is again failing. private shop told me that the whole system is failing. *ak

Malfunction of fuel filter. was replaced on two different occassions. malfunction of steering assembly. was replaced twice on two different occassions. malfunction of braking system. was replaced on two different occassions. all within a 16 month period after purchasing the automobile in may of 2001. it is a 2001 ford focus zx3.

Anti-lock braking system works on a intermittent basis. dealer has been contacted, but has been unable to remedy problem. please provide further details.*ak

Brake light came on. next day, consumer started hearing a grinding noise. dealer stated that there were bad brake calipers on vehicle. dealer replaced calipers. six months later, problem reoccurred. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. please provide any further information.*ak

Purchased car in december 2000 within days brakes squealing and grinding..called dealer said to let wear in..problem persisted..engine light came on ..took car to nearest d dealership..in january 2001..brakes shoes back and pads on front replaced. oxygen sensor, and parking brake replaced ..brakes still had problem engine light still on..took to dealership where purchased..kept 12 days..brakes adjusted and computor and ignition were replaced..light off..brakes still trouble..took back numerous times..for check-ups..at 16,000 told brakes need to be replaced in front and tires where all worn away on inside of tire..bald!! ..manufactor and dealer would not pay for..replaced all four tires, alignment, and new brakes put on front brakes..car still not right with brakes..shaking violently of car while braking at any speed. or going downhill .took back to dealership rotors were no good as well as front brakes. they replaced..inner tires already wearing out...brakes still giving noise and grinding..took back within month..they said fine..took back again when oil changed..brakes where said to be fine..brakes noisy and grinding as usual..3 weeks later brakes failed..had car towed to dealership....they state needs new brakes on front and backshoes cracked and need new rotors...they keep saying its the way we drive car...no way..never had this much problem with any brakes in any car we have owned...car is very unsafe and made with inferior products.. (tiresize: 15)

When braking vehicle would vibrate, dealer replaced front rotors due to warping. then replaced rotors again on 15 sep. 2001 for the same problem. nlm

Some of the brake components are covered in rust, dealer stated that this is a common problem due to a protectant not being used during manufacturing, rust is very severe and alxes are beginning to rust, consumer is very concerned, dealer will not make repairs unless consumer pays for costs or until a recall is issued. *slc

Tired of going to dealer for warranty work on brakes on new car. dt

When braking there is a grinding noise. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated it was normal wear and tear. please provide any further information.*ak

I have had numerous problems with my focus. about 3mo after i bought it, the transmission began to feel like it was slipping, and making a noise. i took it to the purchasing dealership, and a mechanic told me it was the torque converter. they didn't have a loaner car for me, so i made an an appointment for the following week. the next day on my way home from work, the car shut down. i called a tow truck, they took it to the closest dealership. when i called the dealership the next day, they said the fuel pump went out. they told me that the stutter i was feeling in my car was probably that. a few days later, the same problem. took it back to the selling dealership, and the shop supervisor went out with me. he said i was driving the car out of context. what he meant by that, he wouldn't elaborate, but said there is nothing wrong with my car. i have been driving it since, and the computer will fade in and out, but i won't lose engine power. my car has to have new brake pads every couple of months, new tires, and other maintenance things. at less than 40000 miles, it needed new spark plugs, and wires, which i happily bought. the dealership wanted $300, because the plugs were in the back of the motor. i went to my car, popped the hood, four spark plugs lined the top of the head cover. there was no further explanation of the attempted over charge. my car has several other problems. the positive cable on the battery, has melted back, there is a loud roar in the cab of the car, and three of the four lug nuts on the right rear tire has snapped off. the explanation for the lug nuts, was that the tire was loose, not fastened properly. but this problem occurred 3-4 mo after i bought it. the tires had not been taken off. i am to the point where i hate ford for selling me this car. i will ever buy ford again, but i love the concept of the car

While applying brakes pedal is hard, and stays up. dealership is aware of problem.*ak

A/c tends to have smoke and very bad smell coming from vents, brakes constantly squeal and grind, vehicle doesn't always want to start, no pickup or stalling when stopped at lights, etc. engine makes loud grinding noices, engine also makes loud reving noises like it can't get into gear. front passanger seatbelt tightens and locks for no reason. ford manufactor notified via certified letter twice, no contact to date. waldorf ford refuses to fix saying, "if we can't find the problem, we can't fix it." both refuse to fix anymore. in last year in shop 10 times, for over 45 days, and no resolution.*ak

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.*ak

While driving and upon stepping on the brakes front wheels moved back three to four inches. the bushings were too small. upon turning the steering wheel left one could see the front wheels moving back. consumer stated vehicle had been to the dealer fifteen times. dealer put replacement parts five times. tires had to be changed between ten to thirteen thousand miles, and tires were under warranty for 30000 miles. also, ignition switch had been changed twice, but problem recurred. *ak

Consumer stated there was a roaring and grinding noise coming from the front wheels, dealership was aware of problem.*ak consumer stated the fuel cap was loose and not fully installed which caused the check engine service light to come on, front and rear brakes are noisy upon application and there is a vibration when braking. *yd