Problems with 2001 Ford Focus SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while attempting to depress the brake pedal at speeds of 5 mph, the pedal fell to the floorboard and would not engage. the emergency brake was utilized in order to bring the vehicle to a halt. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised the rear-brake knuckle line had failed. the repair was performed at the owner's expense. the dealer was contacted and advised filing a complaint with the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 149,000 and the current was 152,000.

I was driving from home to go to my parent home. i had to slow down due to traffic. my brakes failed. i was able to slow down by down shifting and hand brakes and had the car towed to the repair garage. the repair garage found that the passenger side rear brake cylinder had blown out and was squirting brake fluid all over. this the second time this had happened. the first time was in july 2007 when the driver side rear brake cylinder had failed on the freeway, causing major damage - odi # 10304293. please investigate and take action to recall this serious life damaging component on a otherwise good vehicle. *tr

I will start with the fact the car is on it's fourth battery. it has had the wiring harness replaced along with every sensor in the car some twice. there was a steering column recall done on it. the two back windows tracks have been broke a total of six times. the door handles brake three so far. the stereo is broke for the second time. i have had to do the brakes twice so far and all this and the car only has 63,498.8 miles . *tr

2001 ford focus has a defective brake system. this causes the brakes to wear prematurely. *kb

I was driving on the freeway and the vehicle in front of me slowed, therefore, i used brakes. the brakes failed. i had barely enough time and space to move to the next lane and thereby hitting other vehicle. the car was towed to the repair garage and body shop. the repair shop determined that the driver side rear brake cylinder blew out and therefore brakes failure. there was brake fluid on the freeway. i avoided killing myself and others due to my safe driving training at the barber school, given to me by my parents when i turned 18. please do something to recall these vehicles so other people will not die or get seriously injured. *tr

Brakes have been failing frequently. after taking it to be repaired the first time in june, i attempted to make a stop at a red light and the car was nearly ii the intersection before the brakes worked. the problem is repeated and i feel as though the car is unsafe to drive if the brakes can not be repaired properly by even the dealership. *tr

I own a 2001 ford focus ztech. my car was stalling at random in the middle of driving and finally wouldnt start at all. i took it to a dealership. they said my battery cables were melted, so they replaced them, rerouted them, along with my clips, etc. they couldn't figure out why my cables would be like that and said that is probably why my car doesn't start all the time, but they couldn't be positive so they recommended that i replace my starter as well. they charged me $998. this also happened to me in previous years. i went to the vehicle recall site and see that ford started a recall in 2003 on this very same problem. why didn't i receive recall information on my car? i've stalled before in the middle of traffic last year for the same problem and had my battery replaced. this happens too much. i have small children's safety to worry about. what bothers me in addition to that is that the ford dealership that i used should have noticed this recall and related it to my vehicle's problem. i feel this is a terrible safety issue, and i can't afford to keep getting new batteries/cables and starters. also, my key keeps getting stuck in the ignition, and ford won't do anything about that either, even though my dealer said it's a very common problem with this product. they said it would cost me at least $400 to fix it. i've already gotten stuck at a store twice. it just works when it wants to. *nm

Ignition not turning on 2001 ford focus. i have read a message board that this has been happening a lot with this type of vehicle. also, brakes have been a constant problem. i have been a loyal ford buyer but am considering changing to a different make. *nm

Brakes had to be replaced at less than 24,000 miles; continues grinding and squeaking continue even following brake replacement and turning of rotors; at have replaced all four tires two times, with less than 20,000 miles on each set of tires; ignition switch malfunctioned - i could get the key into the ignition, but it would not rotate; now at only 41,000 miles, the engine attempts to stall in idle - the whole car shudders - and has stalled twice while i was stopped at traffic lights. this presents a dangerous situation, not only for myself, but for my two children and others on the roadway. in reviewing this site, i am obviously not the only one experiencing these same problems. why doesn't the nhtsa issue recalls on ford focus for these and other problems? ford should recall the whole line and issue refunds to customers or cancel their remaining loan payments. i am a single mother with two children, who cannot afford costly repairs. the attitude of the service personnel at the ford dealership here is awful, and they have treated me badly every time i have gone in there, so that i don't even want to take the car in with this latest problem.*ak

Brake line failure, bracket fell off and wore brake line in two no warning. brakes failed on freeway at 70 mph. no previous indication of problem, total brake loss. 2001 ford focus 120000 miles. i could have been killed or killed someone else due to this failure.*ak

Went so sears auto center at 9570 south west freeway houston texas 77074. for a tire change they charge 156.00 and also told me that my car rotors were broken and need shoe/pad to be replaced. and car not to be driven. total amount 571.00. called next morning to cancel work because i decided to take to dealer ford. but that time car wasn't fixed yet cause they told me to pay first but i didn't have a credit card with me that night so i left it there and took bus. they charge 271. next morning for some shoe/pad which i took my car the the regular mechanic and they told me that sears did not change anything on my car. so i pay that many my car is still not fixed. i have to drive my car because i don't have another way to move. so please help me to to get my money back or to get my car fixed. *jb

Dt: 2001 ford focus the actual brake pedal bolts broke, causing the consumer to crash. she states that while her son was driving the vehicle the bolts that holds the pedal on broke off, causing the actual pedal to swing. the consumer says that she still owns the vehicle. the air bags deployed, and the car is now totaled. his neck is fractured due to the accident. police report is available as well as photographs.*ak

2001 ford focus rotors (front driver and passenger side) were shredded. the brake pads were only half worn.*mr *jb *nm

My wife called me at work and said she had no brakes and ran through a stop sign. she was able to go to my job. after looking for the problem, i noticed that the driver's side front wheel well had been rubbing on the front brake line. it had worn itself into the wheel well about a 1/4 inch. it finally cracked the brake line, causing fluid and loss of pressure. i am in the process of ordering a new brake line to install, and have a very hard time finding this part.*ak

I have replaced my rotors and brakes 3 times already and now they are starting to make that sound again where it starts to drag. i just replaced my brakes in may of 2004 and i have only driven it 8,000 miles. i still have 4,000 miles left on the warranty. i took it in to bill pierre ford and they told me it was normal to have this niose and that there is plenty of brake left. i am thinking that they are wanting me to drive it until the warranty is up so i will have to replace the rotors and brake pads and pay out of my pocket instead of just replaceing them now! i am very irritated now cause i can not get any help and it is going to cost me another $600.00 dollars!! i have already replaced them 3 times out of my pocket . what the hell is going on with ford how can they get away with this!*ak

2001 ford focus requires complete brake replacement (including rotors) every 20,000 miles. *ak

So many problems don't know where to start, ok lets talk about the doors. we bought the car new in 2001 and almost immediately started experiencing difficulties. the trunk wouldn't latch and the door light would be on or it would latch but wouldn't come open we complained to the dealer they would "adjust"it. however, the problem would be back in a day or two, and it was getting worse. the doors started to jam,and fly open while moving. took it to the dealer and they told us to call ford company complaint line and they said it was a mileage problem,and they explicitly said they would not help. we have called the dealer and the ford motor co. many times and they are no longer helping,even though the mechanic at the dealer said the doors had internal damage. please understand this has been an on-going problem and the last time our 9 yr.old would have fallen out of the car had he not been wearing his seatbelt. oh,yes then there is the seatbelts,brake lines, door knobs,brake rotors,fuel pump,wheel bearings the list goes on we have a lemon please contact us to help. *jb

My brakes failed due to lip and warpage created on front rotors. brakes failed within 10,000 miles of normal driving. brakes were replaced again and old lipped rotors available. this was the third set on my car with only 50,000 miles. *nm

Rear brake pads had to be replaced by the dealership because the consumer would hear a squeaking noise when braking. *ak

Brake pad and rotor failure. *nm

At a routine oil change/alignment i was informed that my front brakes were 95% worn and that they and the rotors needed replacing. at first i thought i was being had -- i've only put 24,000 miles on my car, all very gentle driving. then i discovered that i'm one of the more fortunate -- many ford focus owners are replacing brakes and rotors at 15,000 miles! there wasn't an accident, but there certainly could have been a brake failure if my mechanics had not alerted me to the problem. *ak

Vehicle was making loud grinding sounds when brake was engaged, so i took it to dealer to have it checked and was told that brake pads and rotors were worn and would have to be replaced. parts were not replaced because, according to ford, this is normal wear. at 32,500 miles, rotor damage is not normal wear, especially when grinding sound begins once failure has occurred. *la

2001 ford focus rear brakes squeals loud noise. sound likes metal to metal, i replaces brakes pad had the creep and groan removed, lube job and etc. ford brake shoes cost over 130.00, not affordable for customers. squealing about to drive me crazy. need a recall, my friends own 2001 - 2003 focus's same problem. something need to be done about the front and rear brake squealing and wearingr of pads and etc. fast. *ak

While driving 50-55 mph consumer applied force to brakes to avoid a collision. driver's side brakes locked up, causing vehicle to sway off the road into a ditch, and vehicle struck a tree head on. upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. *ak

The brakes went out and transmission went out at the same time.*ak

Left brake pad and rotor completely worn after 24000 miles of gentle driving. ford refused to cover the pads and rotor under the warranty. customer service was not helpful or flexible. *ak

2001 ford focus front brakes and rotors severely worn after 25,000 miles. rotor and brake pads had to be replaced on both front tires by ford dealer. *jb

At around 36,000 miles i was told that my ford focus needs new rotors with the brake job. this is the first time i hear of rotors needing to be changed at this low milage. i had to pay for the new rotors. *ak

Consumer complained about brake rotors problem. rear brakes rotors were replaced on three separate occasions, but problem recurred. *ak

While driving 75 mph vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that brakes and tires needed to be replaced, and replaced them. however, the problem recurred. *ak

The consumer stated that the front brake pads on the vehicle were wearing out prematurely. the consumer stated that the pads were wearing down at less than 8000 miles. the dealer stated that it was normal wear for this type of brake pad. *jb

2001 ford focus 34500miles; automatic transmission unexpectedly drops out of gear at highway sppeds and under load . also brakes and rotor shot at 345oo miles. ford claims this is normal. cannot believe it.*ak

I purchased a 2001 ford focus in jan/2001. after 16000 miles my rotors cracked and had to be replaced along with other brake parts this repair was done on 10/15/02 and was covered by my warranty. after 30000 miles i began to hear a squeaking noise whenever i applied the brakes. at 30528 miles, on 03/05/04, i was informed by the oasis ford dealership (old bridge, nj) technician that my rotors had to be replaced along with other brake parts and because this was a wear problem, it was not covered by my very expensive warranty. i told him that the rotors were replaced only 14000 miles ago. he said that the problem was with the rotors provided by ford motor company. he said they were too thin and could not be machined because that would reduce them below "specs". this repair would cost me $360.00 now and, presumably, any future brake repair. the rotors appear to be of inferior quality and perhaps a safety issue. please investigate. i am available for any follow-up questions you may have. thank you for your assistance. regards, ed barry. *ak

Front brakes and rotors; i had 21k+ miles on my 2001 ford focus, the car would vibrate when braking, and specially downhill. i was informed by the dealer that i needed new brake pads, and "most likely rotors". that's ridiculous for such low miles. fearing for my family safety i did replace the pads and rotors, but not with the dealer.*ak

While braking, the consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the brake rotors. the dealership informed the consumer that the front brake rotors were worn. the mechanic tried to repair the vehicle, but the problem continued. *jb

While driving at any speed, the vehicle intermittently stalled. the dealer informed the consumer that the fuel pump module was defective. also the brake rotors pads, and calipers needed to be replaced. *ak the engine light had come on due to the fuel pump being inoperative. ford made the repairs but failed to replace the o rings which caused the pump to fail again. ford had fuel pump recall #03no1 but the same exact part went bad. the rotors were warped due to the calipers seeping fluid, binding the pistons. *sc *jb

My daughter slammed on the brakes at 40mph and the vehicle steering wheel jerked to the right and she felt a drop in the left front side of the car, the car started sliding and hit a curb. when the car came to a stop the front left wheel was broke off. a tow truck took it to the ford dealership. they said it needed a control arm; hub assembly; tie rod end; tire & wheel; axle; brake line; brake pads & rotor; trans pan and inner tie rod. they concluded it was in an accident and it was her fault and the cost would be $2,387.77 just for the mechanical only. she purchased the car september of 2002, putting over $8,000.00 down on the day of purchase with a remaining balance of $6,000.00. at the time of the accident she had no insurance. i beleive there was a problem with car to cause it to go out of control, and feel ford needs to address it.

Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic determined that the rotors and master cylinder needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times due to worn out parts. *ak

2001 ford focus serious brake problems. i bought a new 2001 ford focus se in may 2001. about 6 months after purchase i noticed a grinding noise. ford replaced "cracked brake shoes" on the car and said it was covered under warranty. its now october 2003, my air conditioning suddenly stopped working. also my car was again making little squeaking noises when braking. so, i took it to a local ford dealer who told me that at 22,000 miles my car brakes were totally shot, that it was completely unsafe to drive, i needed all new brakes and rotors immediately, and that i should not drive anywhere. there are several websites all with hundreds of other ford focus owners having the same problems. some brakes are totally failing on cars! www.fordfocusbrakeproblems.com for one with links to several others. this needs to be investigated fast! thanks in advance for your time!*ak

I have had my certified preowned ford focus zx3 for 10 months now. i have run it under normal driving conditions. i started having a a noise coming from the engine compartment and noticed a slight vibration on the steering wheel. i continued to drive it for a week, thinking that it may be a hard spot in the brak pad. i took it to a dealership a week later to have them inspect it, while it was still under new car warranty, and they stated that i needed new pads and rotors, service charge :$10. i checked them myself and noticed that the pads were still at 50%. i replaced the pads and rotors. the noise is still persistent, but the noise, according to ford is normal. i wish there would be an investigation brought forward and a recall for all ford focus trim levels to service brake issues, such as premature wear (states on ordfocusbrakeproblems.com).*ak

Brake rotors needed to be turned at 18000 miles and failed at 23,300 miles. at 23,300 miles the rotors were below the minimum thickness requirement. the brake pads, however, showed only minimal wear. the dealer refused to award warranty to the brake components. *la

The vehicles brakes squeaked frequently. the dealer stated that the front pads needed to be replaced at 37000 miles. the consumer stated it is to early to change pads. both tires also need to be replaced. *nlm

Dt: the contact had to replace the brake pads, calipers and rotors at 30,000 miles in october 2003. then at 47,000 miles on july 29. 2005. the brake pads wore out and the rotors rusted and pitted. the service dealer stated this was normal. the consumer has contacted the manufacturer. *ak *jb

Problem with the 2001 ford focus brakes!!! many complaints. *ak

Premature brake pad and rotor replacements on front of ford focus sedan. brakes replaced at 21,000 miles. i have never had to replace rotors on any car this early. ford owners of focus have listed this problem hundreds of times. yet i know of no recall for this problem. some have had it in less than 10,000 miles. this really needs to be looked into. *jb

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.*ak

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. *ak

Front brake pads and rotors for my 2001 ford focus wagon need to be replaced after just 37,700 miles. the brakes on the car have squealed almost since day one (we purchased it new in august 2001), have had it in to the dealer for checking and repairs numerous times (mcmahon ford, norwalk, ct) and they said it's normal for brakes to squeal, or that they can't replicate the problem, or that it's due to dust, or denied that they squealed at all. the repair place says the rotors cannot be turned and that the brakes were made to barely minimum standards. they are returning the worn parts. there was never any indication that the brakes were failing (for one thing, because of the permanent squeal) and the dealership did not find this problem the last time we had it in for a checkup before it went out of warranty, which is of the most concern to me. *jb

I purchased my 2001 ford focus on august 6 2002. in the last year i have had to replace all brakes and now my ignition is stuck. i took the car to my dealership (citrus ford in ontario california) and after spending an extra 1200 on an extrended warranty when i purchased the car, they told me the ignition cylinder was not covered under my warranty. have they looked at the number of people that are having this problem. i am now spending about 595.00 for a new ignition cylinder. this is a very common problem for all focus owners. why has there not been a recall or at least an amendment so the warranty will cover the cost.*ak

The fuel filter gets clogged which blocks the flow of fuel to the engine, causing stalling. this is the third time that the fuel filter had to be replaced. a recall was issued regarding this problem. *ak recall campaign # 03v482000. there was brake pulsation, the front end creaks really bad and the vehicle would have no power and or stall while going 40-45 mph. *sc *jb