Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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, AIR - ANTILOCK | |||
| 08/09/2004 | 2000 | 4 | 06/28/2004 |
| While slowing to attempt to stop, depressing brake became very hard, and car would not stop. the engine speed increased momentarily while foot on brake, tachometer showed increased rpm, car moved foward faster, and hit another vehicle. this was 4th time this occurred with new vehicle, within first 2000 miles. first three times no collision occurred due to luck. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC | |||
| 05/17/2005 | 1500 | 08/17/2004 | |
| Brake on new 2004 ford focus has large ridges and rim is covered with brake dust. was told that this was how it was suppose to look. car has 2300 miles | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 01/31/2005 | 30000 | 3 | 05/11/2004 |
| 3 months after buying a 2004 ford focus lx, the brakes and calipers had to be replaced. approximately, 3 months later again. then again 5 months later but yet to include my rotors were destroyed. everytime i ahve complained that this shouldnt have happened and the dealerahip acted as if everything would be ok. i was in a small accident during this time because my brakes completley gave out. i was the only person involved in this accident. my front bumper is messed up becasue of this. all of these parts have been replaced everytime!!i have spent over 400.00 dollars in rentals ahving to drive them while my car was being fixed. im sick of having to constantly have the same problem corrected. i don't know what else to do. my friend drives a focus and had the same problems. hers was returned immediately when she found out how many times it happened to me. i cant return my vehicle until damages are fixed, which i don't feel is my problem. i would never reccommend this car, and try not to drive it in fear im going to hurt myself or another. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 01/31/2005 | 30000 | 3 | 05/11/2004 |
| 3 months after buying a 2004 ford focus lx, the brakes and calipers had to be replaced. approximately, 3 months later again. then again 5 months later but yet to include my rotors were destroyed. everytime i ahve complained that this shouldnt have happened and the dealerahip acted as if everything would be ok. i was in a small accident during this time because my brakes completley gave out. i was the only person involved in this accident. my front bumper is messed up becasue of this. all of these parts have been replaced everytime!!i have spent over 400.00 dollars in rentals ahving to drive them while my car was being fixed. im sick of having to constantly have the same problem corrected. i don't know what else to do. my friend drives a focus and had the same problems. hers was returned immediately when she found out how many times it happened to me. i cant return my vehicle until damages are fixed, which i don't feel is my problem. i would never reccommend this car, and try not to drive it in fear im going to hurt myself or another. | |||
| 03/25/2005 | 20000 | 01/28/2004 | |
| Rotors gone bad hansel ford said at 9200 miles the squeaking was normal, then at 13000 i called they still said it was normal but now the warranty was up, then at 20000 miles they check it because it was doing it more, now the rotors have groves beyond repair, yet the brake pads still had between 65% and 90% left to them, i had to replace both rotors and pads for safety for my daughter. | |||
| 07/25/2004 | 4800 | 04/21/2004 | |
| Car was purchased new in 4-04 at 4800 miles brakes groved, dealer said no problem; rotors cut & new pad at 10,000 and at 12000 grinding is back, also a flopping rubbing noise in front right which i think is because the rotor were cut too far and now there is too much play between pads and rotor, also electrical problems, lights, dash icons, door locks go on and off even without a key. gem module & battery replaced but instrument cluster does not work and is on national backorder. no speedometer, no odometer, gas gauge etc. while driving, door locks lock and unlock at will, dash occassionaly flashed on for 15 seconds and then goes out again. agency thinks it's the instrument cluster but because they can't get one to replace it, we can't be sure. the computer was kicking out codes for equipment that isn't even on the vehicle. dealer says never saw this problem before. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 10/28/2010 | 71000 | ||
| Noticed hydraulic brake fluid leaking from clutch master cylinder which is mounted behind the clutch pedal under dash. clutch system shares brake fluid with brake system. fluid drips on clutch pedal and floor creating a very slick surface and drop in fluid level in brake reservoir. this creates a severe safety issue in my opinion. this appears to be a common problem with ford focus manual transmission cars. the only remedy was to replace the clutch master cylinder. also needed to replace the clutch pedal rubber foot pad which had disintegrated from exposure to the brake fluid. | |||
| 12/18/2007 | 48000 | 1 | |
| The ignition lock and the key would not come out. had to be towed at midnight from the hospital in 18 degree weather. dealership said manufacture part at a cost of $455.00. brake noise no one can find. replaced the windshield wiper arm twice. will never buy ford again!!! *tr | |||
| 12/12/2008 | 77000 | 1 | 03/01/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. while backing out of the driveway, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle did not move. there were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was towed to the authorized dealer for inspection. the failure was related to the brake shoe material separating from the shoe, which resulted in the wheel locking. the vehicle was repaired. updated 1/26/09 *cn updated 01/26/09. *jb | |||
| 04/09/2008 | 131000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. while driving approximately 70 mph, the tires wobbled and flames erupted from the rear tires. the failure occurred without warning. the fire department was not called to the scene. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they stated that the failure was related to the tire bearing. the rear brake system was replaced. recently, the contact experienced an identical failure. the passenger side rear tire detached from the vehicle and smoke erupted. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the passenger side rear brake system. the current mileage was unknown and the failure mileage was 131,000. | |||
| 07/03/2007 | 50759 | 2 | 07/03/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. while driving 55-70 mph, the vehicle and the steering wheel both began to shake. when the speed is below 55 mph, the shaking will stop or decrease. when applying the brakes while driving, the contact heard metal on metal from the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. the dealer stated that the brakes were fine. the current mileage was 54,019 and failure mileage was 50,759. updated 01/02/08 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle squeaked and vibrated and when the brakes were applied there was a grinding noise. the engine mount was replaced, due to it being broken. the shifter squeaked. the rims were bent and the tires were out of balance. updated*jb | |||
| 04/20/2007 | 41500 | 5 | 09/12/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus zts. the contact stated that the brakes worked intermittently. the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop when the brake pedal was depressed. the dealer changed the brake pads. upon leaving the dealer the failure recurred. also, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck. on several occasions the contact had to release the accelerator pedal and then depressed it again for the vehicle to respond properly. weather and speed were not factors. the current and failure mileages were 41,500. *ak | |||
| 02/22/2007 | 1 | ||
| Attempted to stop at a red light, brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle did not fully stop. my car entered intersection and was struck by another vehicle causing extensive damage to my car. *nm | |||
| 10/03/2006 | 27747 | 2 | 06/09/2005 |
| Front end collision, air bag put out powder and light indicates deployment, however no deployment of airbag occurred. my daughter was injured and the state trooper stated that the air bag should have deployed. this appears to be an obvious defect and it was noted that there are several other complaints on nhtsa website. vehicle is currently at dealer for crash repair i have yet to hear their determination regarding the air bag non-deployment. additionally, the brakes on the vehicle faded and failed to stop the vehicle, this is the second brake fade problem i have had with this vehicle. it has been to the dealer once for the problem and they found air in the brake system. *nm | |||
| 02/20/2005 | 15000 | 1 | 06/30/2004 |
| At 15,000 mile i replaced my rear brake shoes and then two days after that they started to squeal very badly like they where worn out again. i returned to the ford dealer in which i purchased the car and who had replaced the brakes they reapplied lube to the shoes and drum. that worked for three days and now once again they squeal again. i have replaced the brakes again at 25,000 miles and they still squeal and no one knows what to do. both times the brakes where replaced they were done at a ford dealership. i have been told to maybe purchased new drums even though there is nothing wrong with the current ones but i don't see the need to do such a thing on a car that is barely 2 years old. please help. *nm | |||
| 05/05/2005 | 9500 | 1 | 09/09/2004 |
| Dt: consumer experienced brake failure with his 2004 ford focus. the manufacturer stated that the part was not available locally, but they were trying to locate it nationally. the brakes made a racket, there was a weight that adjusted the counterweight, and needed other parts replaced as well, but they have to wait on the weight to come in before the work could be done. they stated that there were six other dealers that have ordered the part, and it was sent out in the order that it was requested. consumer stated this has been happening for approximately a month and a half to two months. when on vacation he took the vehicle in for a squeaking noise, and they resurfaced the brakes, which eliminated the squeaking noise. by the time they returned from the trip, approximately 1100 miles, the squeaking noise came back, and the racket started. consumer had the vehicle serviced before going on the trip, and was told the vehicle was okay to drive.*ak | |||
| 01/21/2005 | 7 | ||
| While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably with out warning. the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove to the dealer. the mechanic informed the driver that the problem can not be duplicated. the driver informed the mechanic that this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. please provide additional information. *nm | |||
| 08/05/2004 | 2 | 06/21/2004 | |
| While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a squeaking noise coming from the rear and the vehicle jerked. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, an d mechanic determined that the brake pads needed to be replaced. *ak the vehicle was taken back to the dealer on october 7, 2004 to have the rear brakes replaced. the dealer indicated that the replacement of the rear brakes would make the noise subside. as of november 5, 2004 the vehicle still makes noise. *nm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 11/26/2007 | 41000 | 1 | 04/28/2004 |
| One month ago i needed to have brakes replaced, and assumed that because the light came on this was an indicator. after brakes were replaced, brake fluid was still disappearing. i also found a drip on my pedal from somewhere under the dash, after my foot slipped on the clutch from slick brake fluid, and nearly wrecked my car on i-70 when i needed to shift into a lower gear after my foot slid right off the pedal. turns out the master cylinder is leaking. my car is only 3.5 years old, and only has 41,000 miles on it total. i have taken it to mechanic, it is a ford manufactured only part, and with parts and labor is costing me $450+ to repair this on a relatively new car not even paid for yet. still not a safe situation when you can't keep your foot on the pedal. *tr | |||
| 08/28/2004 | 12333 | 6 | 05/17/2004 |
| The brakes have been replaced 6 times since i purchased the car. they go out every 3 to 4,000 miles. i hit a tree with the side of my car because i had no brakes at all at on point while i was driving. the car gives no warning with the brakes. i talked to ford about who was going to be liable if i wrecked and somebody got hurt. they say it my problem. i'm not getting anywhere with the dealership. they just tell me i don't know how to drive. i feel my car is very unsafe on the road. i also have a 4year old that i won't dare put in the car. just for the fact that there may no brakes when i stop. o do admit in the first 6,000 miles i used it for business. they stated my job was the cause of it. but i no longer use this car for my business. and everytime i call the ford hotline about my car's brake problem. they just also blame it on my job. i told them i no longer do the job in this car. they just assume i do. i do use my car for errands and just driving around. *ak | |||
| 10/20/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving 45 mph applied the brake pedal and the brakes failed. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. however, the cause had not been determined. *ak | |||
| 11/04/2004 | 1 | ||
| Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. the air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 08/24/2004 | 12 | ||
| Vehicle is having a problem with the brakes. driver has to pump the brakes and jam the brakes to the floor then the vehicle will stop. the brake problem is intermittant. owner says that an engineer from the manufacturer came to test the vehicle and the problem did not duplicate itself. provide further details. | |||
| 07/31/2004 | 1200 | 1 | |
| While attempting to stop at a traffic light brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. consumer had to apply excessive pressure in order for the vehicle to stop.*ak | |||
| 06/24/2004 | 11886 | 1 | |
| I rented a ford focus 2004 with just under 12,000 miles in san francisco from fox rent a car. the brakes were making noises when i would come to a stop. when i took the car down lombard street the car smelled like burning wires but at that time i was not sure if the smell was coming from our car or another acr. two days later i drove on the highway and exited, drove on the service raod going now about 25miles/ hour then as i came to the other cars i tried to slow down to a stop to make a right hand turn. i was pressing on the brake but nothing was happening. i looked down to see if my foot was on the brake and it was and still the car was not stopping. i then put my foot all the way to the floor on the brake and still nothing happened. i then gently rolled into the car infront of me. fox rent a car staded it was my fault because it is impossable for a newer car to have brake problems. i then contacted my local ford dealer who stated ford has never had any problems with the brakes. later i searched on google and found i was not alone. *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 06/15/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving at unknown speed, consumer noticed that when brakes are being depress, the vehicle would sway to the left flowing a loud noise. dealership service vehicle and replace brakes pads and rotors. *la | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 04/28/2005 | 7850 | 1 | 09/05/2004 |
| Brakes failed on our 2004 ford focus zx5 4 door hatchback as my wife went to stop at a stop sign leaving our development and was broadsided by a truck. this resulted in a total loss of vehicle and injuries sustained to my wife. police and medical personnel were on the scene. she was transported to hospital. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 10/24/2006 | 1 | ||
| I had my car in the garage for a fuel problem which was solved by a computer update and while it was there, i had the dealer do an oil change. for some reason they checked the brakes and found that my left front brakes where gone. they replaced the front rotors and pads and i told them to put the old parts in my car. upon my own inspection of the old parts, 3 of the pads still had about 1/4 inch of pad left while the inner driver side pad had nothing left to it. the driver side rotor also had significant wear to it while the passenger side still looked and felt fine. *nm | |||
| 04/28/2005 | 7850 | 1 | 09/05/2004 |
| Brakes failed on our 2004 ford focus zx5 4 door hatchback as my wife went to stop at a stop sign leaving our development and was broadsided by a truck. this resulted in a total loss of vehicle and injuries sustained to my wife. police and medical personnel were on the scene. she was transported to hospital. | |||
| 03/16/2005 | 1 | ||
| Driver's side wheel made a loud grinding noise when applying the brakes. when taken vehicle to dealer for service the front left brake pad wore out faster than all other three. the cause of why this was happening was undetermined.*ak | |||
| 02/16/2005 | 14478 | 5 | 06/15/2004 |
| Car was purchased new 6/15/04 with 317 miles. there has been over $1500 worth of factory work done on this vehicle from brake pads, rotors, sensor being replaced on transmission. now the car is constantly jerking when accelerating at 20 mph and stalling. on february 16th, my car wouldn't start and was jerking. i had it towed to my home. on friday, february 18th the radio came on without the key being placed in the ignition. i have filed the lemon law and suggest others do it as well if there problems aren't resolved. i was told my car has an electrical shortage, but don't want it back. i have a small child and am afraid something terrible will happen.*ak | |||
| 04/20/2004 | 150 | 250 | 03/26/2004 |
| About 1 month after i bought my car the brakes started to squeak every time i would apply they brakes. it has continuted to do so up until even this morning. the rotors now have grooves in them ,and the brake pads still have well over 50% of the pad remaining. so far nothing has been done other than to say it must be moisture.*ak | |||
| 11/04/2004 | 5000 | 1 | |
| When braking at any speed consumer heard a squeaking noise coming from brake rotors/pads. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 03/22/2006 | 22000 | 2 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. the contact stated that the brakes began to squeak. the mechanic diagnosed the failure as needing new front rotors and made the repair. one month later, the brakes began squeaking again. a piece of the front rotor fell off while the vehicle was in motion. a local mechanic replaced the front rotors again. the powertrain, purchase date, and engine size were unknown. the current mileage is 23,400 and failure mileage was 22,000. | |||
| 10/24/2006 | 1 | ||
| I had my car in the garage for a fuel problem which was solved by a computer update and while it was there, i had the dealer do an oil change. for some reason they checked the brakes and found that my left front brakes where gone. they replaced the front rotors and pads and i told them to put the old parts in my car. upon my own inspection of the old parts, 3 of the pads still had about 1/4 inch of pad left while the inner driver side pad had nothing left to it. the driver side rotor also had significant wear to it while the passenger side still looked and felt fine. *nm | |||
| 07/15/2005 | 6000 | 0 | 03/21/2004 |
| Brake problem. at about 2000 to 3000 miles breaks starts to squeal and grind. took it in to service at dealer complaining about problem, as it got worse and was not normal in 6,000 miles. was told no problem, routine break in. then at 12,000 miles still a problem. went to another dealer, said the same thing. now with nearly 18,000 miles, rotors are grooved very bad. evidence and warning was evident in the earlier miles as well. ford has done nothing to help. i feel they owe me a new pair of rotors and pads. also, complained of clutch noise problem. i have heard of a tsb claiming certain 2004 focus have a transaxle misalignment causing pre-mature clutch wear and noise. wiper switch has been replaced by rc lacy ford, better service, but they won't service me anymore, since i did not buy it there, and ravena is so close. i need to contact crossroads about all future warranty issues and complaints. doors in the rear also stick, and wear of door striker is evident. tires have also been worn pretty bad pirelli 195/60 r15. back pair are totally bald, and only have had like 18,000 miles, i think it was a alignment issue, which for a car 17 months old should not be an issue. i noticed wear at around 13,000 miles. during my second tire rotation. have had too many problems with this new vehicle. also issues with extreme chipping around the rear wheel well. also have had a hesitation problem at about 25 mph. #rd gear used to be difficult to engage. please help me resolve these issues. i got nowhere with the dealers myself. the vin is not the appropriate vin. my car is a 2004 zx5 duratec 2.3e 5 spd. almost all options included. thank you. *nm | |||
| 10/01/2005 | 30900 | 3 | 03/01/2005 |
| Dt: the consumer stated that while driving, the cruise control activated by itself and caused the vehicle to accelerate. the acceleration was rapid in nature. the contact was not attempting to use the cruise control at that time, she was approaching a stop sign. the vehicle has not been to dealer or a mechanic for a diagnosis of the problem. *ak the consumer also stated the windshield lining was coming apart, one of the rotors were warped. updated 11/29/05. *jb | |||
| 04/28/2005 | 7850 | 1 | 09/05/2004 |
| Brakes failed on our 2004 ford focus zx5 4 door hatchback as my wife went to stop at a stop sign leaving our development and was broadsided by a truck. this resulted in a total loss of vehicle and injuries sustained to my wife. police and medical personnel were on the scene. she was transported to hospital. | |||
| 02/16/2005 | 14478 | 5 | 06/15/2004 |
| Car was purchased new 6/15/04 with 317 miles. there has been over $1500 worth of factory work done on this vehicle from brake pads, rotors, sensor being replaced on transmission. now the car is constantly jerking when accelerating at 20 mph and stalling. on february 16th, my car wouldn't start and was jerking. i had it towed to my home. on friday, february 18th the radio came on without the key being placed in the ignition. i have filed the lemon law and suggest others do it as well if there problems aren't resolved. i was told my car has an electrical shortage, but don't want it back. i have a small child and am afraid something terrible will happen.*ak | |||
| 04/20/2004 | 150 | 250 | 03/26/2004 |
| About 1 month after i bought my car the brakes started to squeak every time i would apply they brakes. it has continuted to do so up until even this morning. the rotors now have grooves in them ,and the brake pads still have well over 50% of the pad remaining. so far nothing has been done other than to say it must be moisture.*ak | |||
| 11/04/2004 | 5000 | 1 | |
| When braking at any speed consumer heard a squeaking noise coming from brake rotors/pads. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| 06/23/2004 | 100 | 3 | 03/08/2004 |
| I brought car brand new from ford in march 2004. since then the brakes, and calipers, rotors have squealed horribly. i have taken the car back to the shop three times had numerous phone conversations with them and the problem is not fixed. i finally took it to a mechanic outside ford who told me the rotors were warped and glazed. this car is only3 months old. they are at a .8 and should be 1 inch. the front brakes have nver been replaced. i have children that ride in this vehicle with me.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM | |||
| 02/28/2004 | 1 | ||
| I bought the car with 0 miles on it. i heard loud squeaky noise in the brakes at any speed when slowing down. the first week, i took the car back to ford. ford sent me home telling me it was dust in the drums. they said it should wear off in a while. 1 month later and the noise still was present not better or worse. i took it in again, they had the nerve to tell me to just wait longer. 3 months and the noise continued. i then took it back and they put new brake pads. i had the car for 3 months and the brake pad were bad??? they put new brake pads on, and again the noise remained. will they ever fix this problem??? it is now 1 year after and the noise remains. don't buy a focus, even brand new and 100,000 mile warranty and still have problems no one will fix.*ak | |||