Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||||
| 17278 | 10/01/2003 | 10004922 | Excessive front brake pad wear, front brake creep/groan noise, front brake dust and/or rotor wear. *tt | 01/20/2004 | |
| 16926 | 06/01/2003 | 10002637 | Stability assist (advancetrac/ivd) systems may not be recalibrated properly using wds. *tt | 09/09/2003 | |
| 16685 | 03/01/2003 | 10001938 | Excessive front brake pad wear, front brake creep/groan noise, front brake dust, and/or rotor wear concern. *tt *jb | 07/28/2003 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT | |||||
| 17302 | 10/01/2003 | 10004943 | Vehicles not equipped with anti-lock brake system (abs) may have the red brake light and amber abs light on after hybrid electronc cluster (hec - instrument cluster) replacement. *tt | 01/21/2004 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||||
| 05105 | 06/07/2005 | 10017934 | Rear brake squeal. *tt | 12/07/2005 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | |||
| 12/24/2012 | 35500 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph and applying the brakes, the brake pedal traveled completely to the floorboard. the vehicle also would not stop. the contact was able to avoid a crash. the vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the brake pads had become detached from the metal plate. the contact attempted to call the dealer but was unable to do so. the contact then replaced the brakes and rotors on both the passenger and driver's side of the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and current mileage was 35,500. | |||
| 12/24/2012 | 35500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph and applying the brakes, the brake pedal traveled completely to the floorboard. the vehicle also would not stop. the contact was able to avoid a crash. the vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the brake pads had become detached from the metal plate. the contact attempted to call the dealer but was unable to do so. the contact then replaced the brakes and rotors on both the passenger and driver's side of the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and current mileage was 35,500. kmj | |||
| 12/24/2012 | 35500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph she applied the brakes and the pedal went completely to the floor and the vehicle did not stop. the driver was able to avoid a crash. the contact father inspected the vehicle and found that the brake pad had become detached from the metal plate. the attempted to contact the dealer but were unable to do so. the contact then replaced the brakes and rotors himself as the other side had the same failure.. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the vehicle had been repaired. the failure and current mileage was 35,500. dt | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - INTERCONNECTING ASSEMBLY(WIRING) | |||
| 04/15/2005 | 16000 | 4 | 11/08/2003 |
| Brakes turn to sponges and goes to floor dealer says cannot duplicate problem and kicks it out now three more problems have arisen motor shuts off at slow u-turn speed and trans downshifts hard into low gear causing a face plant in the steering wheel, lastly the air bag light comes on and then goes off after 3 hours of driving. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 11/15/2003 | 1 | 9 | 10/31/2003 |
| . the national highway traffic safety administration. on october 31 of 2003, i purchased ford focus se, brand new.. for five month i own this vehicle, i was in the shop for all kind different problems 9 times. it was: constant very strong vibration while driving at any speed, constant grounding noise comes from engine site and transformed to an ultrasound noise at hire speed, the squealing has intensified and sounds horrible! transmission locked up while i drove on the highway at 70 mph, had to use tow track.( dealer sad they cannot duplicate the problem ) ,but transmission still locks and jerking constantly, squeal noise from breaks, (dealer replaced front pads and resurface drum, but refused to repair rear breaks and noise and pulsation is still there., dealer found defective rims, defective tires, throttle problems, brakes problems. problems with my car intensified. i got my cruse control accelerated by it self in the middle of a highway, transmission locks up and jerking intermittently, brakes squealing and pulsate the ford dealer sales and service people said that i should not return for service and waist any bodys time, he said that what i hear and fill in my ford focus is normal . ford warranty is not worth a paper it is written on. so, ford wont fix my car and i cannot do it other wise. as a result of strong vibration and squealing noise i am loosing balance, have severe headache, all body eking, i have pain in booth of my arms, and i have difficulty to walk and my right leg become num. i have to use walking cane and knee and ankle support. i scared to even drive it anymore. i am pleading to you, to help .me to get a full refund from ford motor company for its defective product, plus a compensation for all expenses incurred as a result of this ordeal. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - PADS | |||
| 06/16/2005 | 18000 | 1 | 12/31/2003 |
| I drive to work at the speed limit and i use the brakes very softly. i was parking at work and my brakes started to really grind. took the car into the deealership and sure enough the car which had 18,000 miles on it, had to get new brake pads. | |||
| 11/15/2003 | 1 | 9 | 10/31/2003 |
| . the national highway traffic safety administration. on october 31 of 2003, i purchased ford focus se, brand new.. for five month i own this vehicle, i was in the shop for all kind different problems 9 times. it was: constant very strong vibration while driving at any speed, constant grounding noise comes from engine site and transformed to an ultrasound noise at hire speed, the squealing has intensified and sounds horrible! transmission locked up while i drove on the highway at 70 mph, had to use tow track.( dealer sad they cannot duplicate the problem ) ,but transmission still locks and jerking constantly, squeal noise from breaks, (dealer replaced front pads and resurface drum, but refused to repair rear breaks and noise and pulsation is still there., dealer found defective rims, defective tires, throttle problems, brakes problems. problems with my car intensified. i got my cruse control accelerated by it self in the middle of a highway, transmission locks up and jerking intermittently, brakes squealing and pulsate the ford dealer sales and service people said that i should not return for service and waist any bodys time, he said that what i hear and fill in my ford focus is normal . ford warranty is not worth a paper it is written on. so, ford wont fix my car and i cannot do it other wise. as a result of strong vibration and squealing noise i am loosing balance, have severe headache, all body eking, i have pain in booth of my arms, and i have difficulty to walk and my right leg become num. i have to use walking cane and knee and ankle support. i scared to even drive it anymore. i am pleading to you, to help .me to get a full refund from ford motor company for its defective product, plus a compensation for all expenses incurred as a result of this ordeal. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 07/20/2006 | 5 | 09/08/2003 | |
| Several parts failures, including alternator, brakes, muffler,transmission, and ignition lock cylinder | |||
| 08/28/2004 | 2 | 02/21/2003 | |
| Every since i bought the car the brakes have squeaked. when i took it in for the first service, i informed the mechanic of my concern about the squeaking brakes and the overwhelming amountof brake dust on my wheels and rims. after that check up i was told my brakes were fine and i pleaded with the mechanic to be sure and again and again he told me everything was fine. this past saturday, august 28 2004, just over 16,000 miles, i took my car in for service and again complained of the brake dust and sqeaking sound and now grinding sound i here. i have been informed that i need new front brakes metal to metal pads and the front rotors must be replaced!!!! this is craziness and i am outraged!!!*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 03/04/2012 | 1205000 | ||
| Manufacturing defect places the plastic inner fender against the front left brake line. the plastic inner fender is allowed to rub a hole in the front left brake line. the front left brake line leaked due to wear caused by the plastic inner fender. loss of brakes due to a hole in the front left brake line. | |||
| 03/03/2012 | 118365 | ||
| Leaking brake line. the leak was caused by the front left plastic inner fender rubbing against the brake line. i have digital pictures available. | |||
| 10/27/2009 | 68000 | ||
| Brake lockup under abs. when the vehicle is engaged in a braking event sufficient to activate the abs system, all four brakes lockup and do not release until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. this has happened under winter conditions (snow/ice), in the rain and in the dry. the incident in the rain occurred when attempting to take an exit ramp off of an interstate. the car briefly hydroplaned enough for the abs to activate, and then went out of control with the tires locked up. the car slid off of the exit ramp and into the grass, where it finally came to rest. luckily no one was hurt. the incidents in the dry took place during an auto-cross on a closed course and were sufficient to severely flat-spot the tires. this happens every time abs is engaged under hard braking. occasionally, it is possible to down-shift and drive through the brakes without coming to a complete stop. there is no dash light or anything to indicate a problem. the rear-wheel tone rings have been replaced and the front-wheel tone rings have been cleaned. all four sensors have been cleaned and electrical connections checked for looseness. | |||
| 01/04/2010 | 48000 | 1 | |
| After a two-week vacation, i was going to drive my 2003 ford focus to work. as i was backing out of the garage, i noticed that the brakes were extremely soft. the repair shop that diagnosed and repaired the problem told me that i had a total failure of the master cylinder which controls both the clutch and brakes. they also said that this is the second incident that they were aware of. repair included a new master cylinder and replacement brake fluid. i do not know if it was coincidence or not, but they also discovered that my rear wheel cylinders had also exploded. repair required cylinder and disc replacement. old parts have been retained. *tr | |||
| 03/05/2009 | 1 | ||
| Rotors and brake pads wear down faster than i can afford to fix them. rotors only last 1-2 months then before warping then i ride them out for another month (no money to keep replacing) this has been an ongoing problem for 2 years. i have receipts and mechanics proof. its crazy. i have also verified same problem on other car complaint web sites with people and ford focus' - brakes pads and rotors should not wear out monthly. i cant afford the repairs but i cant afford to have my brakes go out completely and risk the harm to myself and others on the road. please help *tr | |||
| 07/01/2006 | 1 | 12/29/2004 | |
| Owner of a ford focus/2003. ignition switch locked up and had to get my car towed ($45.00) as well as pay for repairs ($183.00). called ford headquarters and talked with a representative about being reimbursed. i also mentioned the problem i was having with my gauges. upon starting car, gauges are all out of wack, swinging back and forth and landing on zero. after being on the road for about 15 or 20 minutes they will positioned at the right place. the representative seem to only care to hear about one of the problem (ignition switch) and not the other one. i was put on hold for a while and when rep return she told me to call company that was repairing my focus and they will help me in this matter. i called the company and the guy that eagerly took my money stated that he will do a claim for me and he stated that i will get some of my money but not all of it back. in checking the recalls i see ignition switch lockup is one of them. i only have had my car for a little over a year. my windshield is cracked and insurance says i must pay $250 before they fix it, when turning on air conditioner, driving seem difficult (hard to pull), liftgate water leaks, and upon purchasing my car, brakes were squeaking; i mentioned this to the dealer and he told me not to worry about it that the brakes were new and had to be broken in. well they are still squeaking after a year in a half. i need all of these things fixed on my car, right now i am a month behind in car payments (good record on making my payments), had to use the money to get the ignition switch repaired. *jb | |||
| 03/23/2006 | 63645 | 1 | 10/19/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated after driving for 30 to 45 minutes the rear passenger side hub is hot to the touch. the rear brakes are making a squealing noise. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where both rear brakes and wheel bearings were replaced. however this did not correct the problem. the dealer and manufacturer have been alerted. | |||
| 11/28/2005 | 1 | 09/15/2004 | |
| In april i had my 30,000 mile maintenance check-up. at the end of november my speedometer failed and i took my car to the dealership. i was told i needed my brake pads replaced, which i agreed to. they also replaced my rotors. when i questioned the dealership with regard to the rotor wear, which i could not understand since i had the car inspected 3,000 miles earlier and the brakes were fine, i was told that this kind of wear is normal on this vehicle, and to expect to have to replace my pads and rotors every 15,000 miles. this problem is a safety hazard and needs to be resolved. in addition, i found out today that there are two tsb's (16685/17278) addressing this issue. *jb | |||
| 11/20/2005 | 41000 | 5 | 09/09/2003 |
| I only owned the car for about 2 months before the problems started i was told that there was nothing wrong. the transmission wouldn't change gear, they say this is normal. also, the windshield was never sealed in they told me that it could be fixed. the front wheels click when driven. the brakes went out quick. the back hubs are sealed from rust. and now i can't even get my disabled child to the doctors because the ignition has gone completely out. the locksmith said i was lucky i was parked. *jb | |||
| 05/24/2004 | 1 | ||
| I currently have a 2003 ford focus, which in general has been a pretty good car to me, if you take away the worries i've had about stopping! the brakes have squeaked since about 6 months after i got the vehicle (brand new) and when i took it in they said the pads and the rotors were gone. not surprised since i had grinding and squeaking, but yet amazed that the car was so new with so little miles and the brakes are already having an issue. when the car was finished, it didn't squeak or grind for a couple of days - but then went right back to grinding and squeaking. i talked to another girl with an 03 focus with the same issues. why can't all of us with the 2003 ford focus get together and complain together? i am still worried everytime i drive it that one day it won't stop or something. this should not be an issue, for i pay for this vehicle every month and it should be serviced correctly. i also encounter many ford engineers in dearborn michigan that say they have heard many reports such as this. can i ask why nothing has been done about it? they say that the newer models have better break systems... how does that help the 2003 model owners?????? something should be done about this. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2005 | 1 | ||
| Request reimbursement for brakes and fuel filter replacement on 2003 ford focus. *bf the consumer traded the vehicle. *jb | |||
| 12/01/2004 | 12 | 03/01/2003 | |
| Three transmission failures and replacements. the engine, starter/ignition and 1 gear shift all replacements and other various problems. *bf four cd player replacements, the brakes failed, and 1 alarm failure. *sc the engine was also replaced. *jb | |||
| 07/12/2004 | 17000 | 3 | 07/09/2004 |
| Te consumer is experiencing a problem with extended stopping distance when applying the brakes in a sudden stop. intermittently the pedal would feel soft when this occurred. the vehicle has been to the dealer on several occasions and they were unable to locate a problem. *jb | |||
| 09/07/2004 | 6980 | 3 | 09/17/2003 |
| The temperature had become colder and the accelerator would not depress without force. the problem would occur whenever the vehicle sat overnight or for several hours. the consumer would depress the accelerator until it would move downwards. the vehicle would lunge forward. it would take 4-5 depressions until the accelerator would move downward. other problems were the brakes squealing and the vehicle suffered from not starting at times, either the panel lights would engage or the starter would grind. *ak *sc | |||
| 08/19/2004 | 1 | ||
| While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. the driver heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. the mechanic informed the consumer that the brake pads and rotor needed to be replaced. the consumer told the mechanic that this problem has occurred more than once and the problem still has not been resolved. please fill in additional information. *jb | |||
| 03/07/2004 | 100 | 2 | 03/06/2004 |
| On saturday morning i bought the car - a brand new 2003 ford focus se wagon. on sunday morning, i was traveling about 50mph when i applied the brake due to the traffic conditions of the moment. instantly, the back end of the car swerved to the right in a jack-knife manner. the car spun around and threw itself onto the shoulder of the road. the front end wound up pointed in the direction of the oncoming traffic. fortunately the car landed in a sandy spot with no damage to the vehicle or to me. it was as if i had hit black ice, except that driving conditions that day were perfect - 50 degrees, sunny and dry with good road surface. in my opinion, this incident may be the result of poor design: that is the rear end of the focus se wagon is too light to hold the road when the brakes are applied at highway speeds, or the brakes failed, causing the car to spin. in any event, this was a near death experience for me. i think that this car is a death trap for me and a hazard for everyone else near it on the road. *ak | |||
| 11/07/2003 | 1 | 08/23/2003 | |
| When brakes get wet, they make a whistling sound; this problem occurred before when turning; the rotors have been cut and the brake pads replaced; the car has less than 4,000 miles on it. *ak | |||
| 08/26/2003 | |||
| While driving brakes failed, causing vehicle to crash. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 09/16/2005 | 30000 | 4 | |
| Dt: the consumer had problems with the vehicle since purchase. the vehicle caught on fire on september 16, 2005. the motor was off, and it burst into flames. the fire department came and they said it look like it started from the wiring harness. the vehicle stalled before it caught on fire. was having the same problem two weeks before, and took it to dealer. they replaced some ignition items. also, was having latches, brakes, and engine problems. *ak | |||
| 03/31/2005 | 1 | ||
| Abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained. driver noticed that while applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor, and vehicle skidded off the road. driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle. took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem . *ak | |||
| 01/27/2005 | 2 | ||
| While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. driver applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor. driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated. *ak the dealer told the consumer that the brakes are not the problem. *tc | |||
| 09/10/2004 | 1 | ||
| I purchased a 2003 focus from a dealer who had used it for a demonstration vehicle. the car was obtained on or about march of 2004 with about 5,600 miles. at the time the brakes seemed fine. two weeks ago i heard a noise at 16,800 miles. when i pulled the wheels to inspect the brakes, i found the inner disc pads down to metal and the outer pads with about 1/8 - 1/4 remaining. the rotors are scored on both sides. how is this possible? i had the same problems with my taurus. anyone else having these kind of problems? i am starting to think that there is a definite problem with ford's front disc brakes, or that the read drums are hopelessly under powered.*ak | |||
| 05/26/2004 | 22900 | 1 | |
| While coming out of the driveway and coming to a stop consumer depressed the brakes and heard a grinding sound. vehicle did not stop, and it side swiped a sign post near a school zone. the police did not investigate the incident nor were there any injuries. vehicle experienced some dents , and the loss of the exterior driver's side mirror. *ak | |||
| 07/20/2003 | 512 | 1 | 07/16/2003 |
| Brake failure;i was driving in heavy stop and go traffic in seattle, wa. i was keeping about two car lengths behind other cars. that strategy proved to be a mistake because a large one ton dodge van scooted into the gap ahead of me. we were going about ten or twelve miles per hour when the large van suddenly stopped. i hit the brake pedal very hard and held it to the stop (floor?) and my ford focus continued to move forward about twelve feet without any feel of slowing or stopping. the large dodge van ahead stopped me.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 03/14/2005 | 20000 | 1 | 08/01/2003 |
| When braking at low speed there was extended stopping distance. dealership repaired the front/rear brake system. *ak the brakes vave consumer problems since they brought the car. had new rotors, never stopped like they should. finally all the brakes went out. dealer kept saying they kept getting the wrong parts. still don't drive as it should. defective master cylinder. *bf | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 07/18/2004 | 10453 | 2 | 11/28/2003 |
| My calipers have failed twice on my 2003 ford focus sedan. i bought it new in 2004 as a end of model year and have lots of brake and acceleration issues. my brake light comes on all the time when i am driving. the car won't accelerate and makes a loud revving noise. i have about 27k miles on it and the calipers failed at 10k and the second time at 22k. it was covered under warranty but the ford mechanics said they didn't know why it has happened. so the reason it fails has never been repaired but they replace the calipers. how they have failed to repair the brake lights from coming on was to replace the parking brake (but didn't fix the problems). the brakes make a squealing metallic noise and i was told that was 'normal' by the mechanics. after bringing it to the dealership over 10 times i was told by the mechanic to bring my problem to ford co. when i said the car is not safe and that i want it repaired or for them to buy it back they said i was 'doing' something to make the calipers fail. i was also told that they would not cover it under the warranty! *jb | |||
| 07/30/2004 | 20000 | 1 | 11/29/2002 |
| 2003 ford focus - front brakes caused overheating of rotors and severe wear of pads - at 20,000 miles. *ak | |||
| 10/17/2003 | 5987 | 2 | 03/14/2003 |
| The brakes are squeeking and making thumping noises at only 6000 miles. *la | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 05/11/2006 | 44000 | 1 | 11/29/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated there was a rumbling noise coming from the front brakes at various speeds. the dealership determined the front brake pads were worn out on the inner side and only half worn on the outer side. both the pads and rotors were replaced. 06/01/06 updated - consumer believes brake calipers are defective. *tt | |||
| 03/06/2006 | 26800 | 2 | 02/10/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while applying the brakes, there is a metal to metal sound. at 10,000 miles the pads were replaced. the vehicle is making the same metal to metal noise again. an independent mechanic determined the outer pads were at 35%, but the inner brakes were metal to metal. the pads were replaced a second time. | |||
| 06/01/2005 | 5 | 05/01/2003 | |
| Dt: 2003 ford focus. when the vehicle was first purchased front window came out. the dealership fixed it. then, the trunk started popping open, the vehicle was fixed at the dealership where she purchased it. the vehicle was taken to another dealership, because she moved. they stated the vehicle needsednew brake pads. te consumer told the dealership the vehicle made a noise on the passenger side by the front tire. the dealership did nothing about it. the vehicle was then taken to a tire company, they found the front rotors wore out, and this was a manufacturering problem. the vehicle was taken back to the dealership and they stated the vehicle needed new rotors and brake pads. also a piece was coming off the vehicle between the two doors on the driver side between the windows. this vehicle just went over 15,000 miles when she was leaving the dealership. in addition, there iwas something wrong with the steering wheel, it was too hard to pull back, and it swerved in the other lane. the trunk was still coming open.*ak | |||
| 04/04/2005 | 3 | ||
| While applying the brakes a loud squeaking noise came from the vehicle. driver took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that left and right brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *ak | |||
| 11/20/2003 | 12000 | 2 | 08/20/2003 |
| There is serious problems w/ the front end of this vehicle. it was purchased approx. 17 months ago. since then, i have had 3 major brake jobs. twice, the pads were replaced and once both the pads and the rotors have had to be replaced. the vehicle also resonates at high speeds. everything shakes including the sterring wheel and the states. it appears my two front tires are out of round. ford originally said it was defect in the tire, which i replaced, however the new tire is out of round as well. an independent garage says that there is a problem with the front struts. ford has numerous complaints from me reguarding both the brakes and the suspension system. also the vehicle is very loud and it appears to be air coming in when. ford initially resealed the windshield, however the problem has persisted.*ak | |||
| 10/23/2004 | 18000 | 1 | 07/17/2003 |
| Back at about 18000, i took my car to the dealer to have the brakes checked. they were squeaking and had excessive dust on rims. at times i would get a grinding noise. they said all was fine. i took my car back again with the same issues, at about 20000 miles and was told that i needed new brakes and since the rotors were so thin they needed to be replaced also. i asked about the service bulliten that is out on this issue and was told that ford was not going to replace them. i am mad beyond belief that there is a bulliten on this issue and they refuse to fix it. this new of car should not have gone threw the brakes this quick. that is exactley what i was told on my independent evaluation. now i am stuck paying for this even though ford is well aware of this problem.*ak | |||
| 08/28/2004 | 2 | 02/21/2003 | |
| Every since i bought the car the brakes have squeaked. when i took it in for the first service, i informed the mechanic of my concern about the squeaking brakes and the overwhelming amountof brake dust on my wheels and rims. after that check up i was told my brakes were fine and i pleaded with the mechanic to be sure and again and again he told me everything was fine. this past saturday, august 28 2004, just over 16,000 miles, i took my car in for service and again complained of the brake dust and sqeaking sound and now grinding sound i here. i have been informed that i need new front brakes metal to metal pads and the front rotors must be replaced!!!! this is craziness and i am outraged!!!*ak | |||
| 40 | 3 | ||
| Brake pads and rotors wear out prematurely. when the brake pedal is depressed it makes a metal to metal noise. dealership replaced the brake pads and rotors 3 times. *ak | |||
| 06/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| When applying brakes at any speed a squeaking sound was heard. dealer replaced front pads, then on second occurrence, front rotors were replaced. this did not resolve the problem.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 04/29/2004 | 700 | 1 | 04/09/2004 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the starter failed. there were no warning signals for the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the flywheel and the starter had to be replaced. after the first incident, the contact took the vehicle to the dealer thirty times for the following failures: brakes rotors were replaced four times; battery and alternator had to be replaced; the transmission had to be replaced after the second attempt to repair it. the electrical wiring under the dashboard had to be rewired. the air conditioning was repaired three times with the replacement of defective valves; the rear door latches were repaired according to recall # 05v300000. the dealership had not corrected the noises from the steering column. the manufacturer was contacted and refused to cooperated in finding a suitable resolution. the last problem found by the dealership was the required replacement of the engine heads. the engine heads were attached to the vehicle frame. | |||
| 05/30/2005 | 23000 | 1 | 09/21/2003 |
| I purchased this car in sept. 2003, brand new. this spring, with only 23000 miles on it, the car began making an awful grinding noise. i took it to the dealership the next day, and they had to replace the front rotors, at a price tag of near $400. of course my warranty did not cover it. i am very disappointed in this car, and in ford for selling a car that obviously has a faulty, poorly made braking system. only 4 months after the initial repair, i have begun having problems with the car again. i will absolutely never purchase another ford again. i am very unimpressed with them. *nm | |||
| 06/01/2005 | 5 | 05/01/2003 | |
| Dt: 2003 ford focus. when the vehicle was first purchased front window came out. the dealership fixed it. then, the trunk started popping open, the vehicle was fixed at the dealership where she purchased it. the vehicle was taken to another dealership, because she moved. they stated the vehicle needsednew brake pads. te consumer told the dealership the vehicle made a noise on the passenger side by the front tire. the dealership did nothing about it. the vehicle was then taken to a tire company, they found the front rotors wore out, and this was a manufacturering problem. the vehicle was taken back to the dealership and they stated the vehicle needed new rotors and brake pads. also a piece was coming off the vehicle between the two doors on the driver side between the windows. this vehicle just went over 15,000 miles when she was leaving the dealership. in addition, there iwas something wrong with the steering wheel, it was too hard to pull back, and it swerved in the other lane. the trunk was still coming open.*ak | |||
| 08/02/2005 | 23454 | 1 | 07/19/2003 |
| I have had two front end aliments in 20,000 miles and my car has 23.454 miles on it . also now it needs new brakes and rotors and they refuse to replace them under warranty . this is an ongoing problem with ford focus that should be fixed . *nm | |||
| 04/04/2005 | 3 | ||
| While applying the brakes a loud squeaking noise came from the vehicle. driver took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that left and right brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. *ak | |||
| 05/03/2004 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle was taken to dealer for regular check up, and results showed that the rotors needed to be replaced because they were worn out. consumer will notify manufacturer.*ak | |||
| 02/04/2005 | 24000 | 3 | 12/01/2003 |
| My 2003 focus ztw wagon has been in for brakes 3 times in the last year. ford standing by this as a wear item not covered under warranty. could i have 2002 parts in my vehicle? i have had brake inspections done with oil changes indicating everything in the green zone. the rotor warping is sudden and unpredictable. 3 brake jobs in one year is excessive and problematic. i do not feel safe in this vehicle even with the brakes being fixed. *jb | |||
| 11/27/2004 | 18000 | 1 | 09/17/2003 |
| 18,000 miles on a 2003 ford focus and the brake pads and rotors are ruined, the dealer told me i can expect this with a focus or a escape because of center mounted rotors. the car was inspected by the dealer 2500 miles ago. state police can't help me due the time that has passed since inspection. *ak | |||
| 10/23/2004 | 18000 | 1 | 07/17/2003 |
| Back at about 18000, i took my car to the dealer to have the brakes checked. they were squeaking and had excessive dust on rims. at times i would get a grinding noise. they said all was fine. i took my car back again with the same issues, at about 20000 miles and was told that i needed new brakes and since the rotors were so thin they needed to be replaced also. i asked about the service bulliten that is out on this issue and was told that ford was not going to replace them. i am mad beyond belief that there is a bulliten on this issue and they refuse to fix it. this new of car should not have gone threw the brakes this quick. that is exactley what i was told on my independent evaluation. now i am stuck paying for this even though ford is well aware of this problem.*ak | |||
| 09/17/2004 | 32988 | 2 | |
| Ford focus 2003 rotors wear out incredibly fast.. took my car in for a 30,000 inspection and had to have new rotors and breaks i was told that many focus's are coming in at 30,000 that need new rotors. why??? unless they are defective in the first place. | |||
| 09/07/2004 | 1 | 05/15/2004 | |
| 2003 ford focus brakes are wearing uneven, rubbing, and squeeking. the front rotors have groves beyond allowable limits while 40% of pads remain. looks as if the front pads are eating the rotors. when taken to ford they say its normal wear, what a lie.. this could cause a terrible accident, im surprised ford hasnt learned their lesson from past experience. since for has refused to take action on their faulty brakes, there are a lot of folks that really wish you guys would step forward and make them before people get killed.*ak | |||
| 40 | 3 | ||
| Brake pads and rotors wear out prematurely. when the brake pedal is depressed it makes a metal to metal noise. dealership replaced the brake pads and rotors 3 times. *ak | |||
| 06/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| When applying brakes at any speed a squeaking sound was heard. dealer replaced front pads, then on second occurrence, front rotors were replaced. this did not resolve the problem.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||
| 03/14/2005 | 20000 | 1 | 08/01/2003 |
| When braking at low speed there was extended stopping distance. dealership repaired the front/rear brake system. *ak the brakes vave consumer problems since they brought the car. had new rotors, never stopped like they should. finally all the brakes went out. dealer kept saying they kept getting the wrong parts. still don't drive as it should. defective master cylinder. *bf | |||
| 05/22/2004 | 3500 | 1 | 09/14/2003 |
| My car when first bought always moaned and groaned upon braking. i bought my car 9/14/2003. the next year in 5/22/04 the rotors and pads had to be replaced with only 3,500 miles on it. the dealer did pay for after a run around. i had to wait a week before being able to take my car in and was told by the service advisor to not drive my car. here i am in december noise is back and rotors are all bumpy again with only 8,100 miles on it. the dealership is working on taking care of it but i am going to file a dispute with ford motor company .*ak | |||
| 09/09/2004 | 19000 | 1 | |
| The consumer heard a grinding noise coming from the rear brake drums. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the rear drum brake pads were defective, parts and compound were missing, trim under the steering column was missing, the transmission was slipping in first, second and third gear, and the ignition was damaged. *sc *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM | |||
| 10/29/2004 | 15102 | 1 | 01/05/2004 |
| I have a 2003 ford focus zx5. bought it brand new in 1/2004. rear brakes have been squealing for 2 months now. i've taken it to a ford dealer and a brake shop and both have said the brakes are fine. now there is a definite spongy feel in the pedal and a loud creaking noise from the back, and finally yesterday when i depressed the pedal to stop, the brakes did not work at all for about 5 seconds. i nearly struck a pedestrian crossing in front of me. *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER | |||
| 12/19/2005 | 30000 | 3 | |
| One day may car just didn't start, the ignition cylinder has been replaced- the car has under 49000- and it has already had several problems! the master cylinder( for the brakes) , the ignition cylinder, and several pieces have already had to be replaced on my 2003 ford focus!!! please recall this car! the parts put in the ford focus 2003 during the manufacturing are obviously defective!!!! at the consumers expense they must replace these parts and deal with all the consequences. the ford company should take responsibility for their mistakes! details on problems: 1- my car shuttered started smoking from the hood a bit- and smelled as if something had burned underneath the hood. ( the ignition light came on ) at almost 30000 miles. took it into the deal- they replaced a coil- name unknown. 2- this took several trips into the ford service dept- because it kept happening- before they would actually replace the coil!!! 3- the master cylinder ( brake system) malfunctioned within 30000 miles as well!!! and had to be replaced. 4- the ignition cylinder- with 49000 miles on the car- now has been replaced- no thanks to ford!!! 5- the trunk has never closed properly. i slam it once to close, then i pull up on it to check it's actually locked, it hasn't- maybe on the third time after slamming it shut- it will actually catch and close. these parts are all defective, and it's unjust to the consumers!!!!! *nm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES | |||
| 10/27/2003 | 10200 | 1 | |
| While applying brakes brake pedal exceeded to the floor and vehicle continued to roll. consumer stated she had to put vehicle into the park position to stop it. *ak | |||
| 05/29/2003 | 1 | ||
| While traveling on the highway and without prior warning consumer applied brake and the pedal went all the way down to the floor. please fill in additional information. *ak | |||