Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 06/15/2012 | 25000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. while driving approximately 55 mph, the contact noticed a humming sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. additionally, the contact noticed a vibration in the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician stated that the driver and passenger rear tires would have to be replaced and an alignment would have to be performed. after the repair, the failure continued. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the rear tires were replaced twice. the contact stated that the tires were wearing excessively from the inside. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 25,000. kmj | |||
| 06/15/2012 | 25000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. while driving approximately 55 mph the contact noticed a humming sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. additionally, the contact noticed a vibration in the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician stated the driver and passenger rear tires would have to be replaced and an alignment would have to be performed. after the repair the failure continued. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the rear tires were replaced two different times. the contact stated the tires wear excessively on the inside. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 25,000. da | |||
| 03/13/2012 | 35000 | 1 | |
| It first started when i was driving down the highway and i started to feel my steering wheel shake. nothing major, i just thought it was out of alignment. days later, i had my front windows rolled down when i was pulling out of my drive way and i could hear my front and rear suspension creaking really bad. and now even when the cars turned off and not moving at all its still making a high pitched screeching noise coming from the suspension noise...no clue how that's even possible. i know its not coming from the engine cause the cars turned completely off, and i've tested it out with the hood open to see if i could possibly hear it better but im still hearing it from the front and rear suspension area. i've googled ford focus suspension problems and tons of other people have had similar problems with their suspension from focuses from 2000-2011.i did more reading and peoples camber will start to change to the point where they're buying new tires every year...im just saying i don't want a front suspension part to break apart down the highway when im driving 70 and have me crash into a ditch or a truck or something like that. definitely something to check out. *tr | |||
| 03/13/2012 | 35000 | ||
| It first started when i was driving down the highway and i started to feel my steering wheel shake. nothing major, i just thought it was out of alignment. days later, i had my front windows rolled down when i was pulling out of my drive way and i could hear my front and rear suspension creaking really bad. and now even when the cars turned off and not moving at all its still making a high pitched screeching noise coming from the suspension noise...no clue how thats even possible. i know its not coming from the engine cause the cars turned completely off, and ive tested it out with the hood open to see if i could possibly hear it better but im still hearing it from the front and rear suspension area. ive googled ford focus suspension problems and tons of other people have had similar problems with their suspension from focuses from 2000-2011.i did more reading and peoples camber will start to change to the point where theyre buying new tires every year...im just saying i dont want a front suspension part to break apart down the highway when im driving 70 and have me crash into a ditch or a truck or something like that. definitely something to check out. | |||
| 12/08/2009 | 20000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. while driving approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel and front end of the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. in addition, there was a strong burning odor inside of the vehicle. the speed was reduced and the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. the contact noticed the front passenger's side tire completely deflated. there was no flames present. the roadside assistance replaced the defective tire with a spare. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer three times for the similar. the technician stated the defect was related to faulty suspension. the repairs were performed on different occasions which consisted of replacing the front lower control arm, front rack and pinion. in addition, a four wheel alignment and camber kit installation was performed. the failure recurred after the repairs. there were a total of six set of tires replaced on the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000. the vin was unavailable. | |||
| 12/08/2009 | 20000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. while driving approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel and front end of the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. in addition, there was a strong burning odor inside of the vehicle. the speed was reduced and the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. the contact noticed the front passenger's side tire completely deflated. there was no flames present. the roadside assistance replaced the defective tire with a spare. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer three times for the similar. the technician stated the defect was related to faulty suspension. the repairs were performed on different occasions which consisted of replacing the front lower control arm, front rack and pinion. in addition, a four wheel alignment and camber kit installation was performed. the failure recurred after the repairs. there were a total of six set of tires replaced on the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000. the vin was unavailable. kmj | |||
| 12/08/2009 | 20000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. while driving approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel and front end of the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. in addition, there was a strong burning odor inside of the vehicle. the speed was reduced and the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. the contact noticed the front passenger's side tire completely deflated. there was no flames present. the roadside assistance replaced the defective tire with a spare. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer three times for the similar. the technician stated the defect was related to faulty suspension. the repairs were performed on different occasions which consisted of replacing the front lower control arm, front rack and pinion. in addition, a four wheel alignment and camber kit installation was performed. the failure recurred after the repairs. there were a total of six set of tires replaced on the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000. the vin was unavailable. js | |||
| 06/25/2010 | 25000 | ||
| I have changed tires on this car 3 times since i bought it april 5, 2010. i have taken the car in to our local ford dealer and they informed me the last time i put tires on the car that the focus cars have this type of problem. i asked how they could fix it and they informed me that they would have to remove the rear control arms and replace them, because they can't adjust the arms to align the car properly and it would continue to have this problem if we don't change the control arms on the car, the cost of repair quoted was $600.00. after putting $600.00 worth of tires on i couldn't afford to have the control arms changed. i was told it was a manufactures problem. | |||
| 02/01/2011 | 6500 | ||
| My 2009 ford focus has had obvious suspension issues since 6000 miles. rear tires always slip in wet conditions from a stopped position during a normal initial acceleration. furthermore at speeds greater than (>) 60 mph the steering wheel vibrates and the car shakes. i am a fairly good driver and in countless normal driving conditions my car has gotten into an out of control state luckily i was able to recover. i had taken the car to a ford dealership to be told the tires were causing the problem. i replaced tires, had an alignment performed and again in short order (less than 6000 miles driven) the issues came up again. this is an extremely dangerous safety issue. first of all the need to accelerate without your back tires and rear of vehicle sliding/shifting side to side is essential. furthermore, a car should not vibrate and rattle violently at speeds of only 55 mph. i fear that if i continue driving this car in it's current state, i run the risk of getting into an accident. | |||
| 09/17/2011 | 41000 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problems noted. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 08/03/2009 | 10090 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles in august 2009, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problemsidentified. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 31000 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problems noted. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 08/03/2009 | 10090 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles in august 2009, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problemsidentified. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 31000 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problems noted. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 08/03/2009 | 10090 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles in august 2009, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problemsidentified. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 31000 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problems noted. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 08/03/2009 | 10090 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles in august 2009, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problemsidentified. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 31000 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problems noted. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 08/03/2009 | 10090 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles in august 2009, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problemsidentified. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 31000 | ||
| Car purchased new from out of area dealer in december 2008 - no accidents or pothole contact. at 10090 miles, had right rear tire blowout, tire was replaced. six months later, replaced both rear tires due to uneven wear, competed alignment at quality provider with no problems noted. did not use dealer for the alignment because of local (barstow, ca) dealer's poor customer service and integrity reputation. december 2010, noticed same problem - severe diagonal cupping of rear tires. this time we took to different tire place and was told they could not do 4 wheel alignment due to a rear suspension componant issue. immediately took the car to dealer where purchased, got excellent service however, they said they could not allign either, probably because we ran something over, which we knew we did not. we were not satisfied so they kept the car close to a week for testing, measuring, calibration etc. they finally said upper rear control arms were wrong size (i think they said too short), which they replaced at no charge for the parts, and said they were able to do the alignment, which cost $240. now september 2011, 41000 miles, and again there is severe diagonal cupping of the rear tires, which have to be replaced. we will take the car to the dealer purchased from and update this complaint later. | |||
| 06/18/2011 | 41050 | ||
| Vehicle was purchased used with 34,000 mi. vehicle was brought to local dealer for recommended maintenance at 41,050 mi. and a complaint of wheel vibration. dealer inspected and found severe cupping on inside of left rear tire and recommended 2 new tires and 4 point alignment. we had 2 rear tires replaced and 4 wheel alignment by local tire dealer. front toe-in was corrected. the vibration continued at highway speeds. two front tires were replaced about 2 weeks later. we now have 4 new tires and the same vibration. the vibration feels like a tire is out of balance. | |||
| 07/17/2011 | 26000 | ||
| 2009 ford focus excessive tire wear. front tires are completely down to the steel belts on the insides only and the rear tires (driver side in particular) have severe cupping and this is only at 26000 miles of easy driving since we bought it new | |||
| 04/15/2010 | 25000 | ||
| Pre mature tire wear, right rear tire wore out at 25000 mi. wore out in 3 areas diagonally across tire face. excessive vibration at highway speeds. tires have been balanced 3 different times. new tires rebalanced twice. 45000 mi. on vehicle now. | |||
| 04/10/2010 | 15638 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2009 ford focus. she took her vehicle in for a oil change and the mechanic advised her to take her vehicle to the dealer because both tires on the drivers side was wearing from a suspension problem. she took her vehicle into a authorized dealer and they told her she needed four new tires, new struts, and other repairs but she was not sure what they were doing. the failure mileage was 15,638 and the current mileage was 17,000. vwb | |||
| 03/12/2010 | 17200 | 1 | |
| Near miss. i bought a new 2009 ford focus 7 months ago; it had 25 miles on it. i have put 18,000 miles on it so far, mostly in the last 2 months. the back starts thumping at highway speeds about 1000 miles ago so today i take it in to bill knight ford, where i bought the car (74133) , and they tell me i need a rear end alignment and 2 new tires. amazing enough, they don't have the tires in stock- i'm guessing cause everyone that traded in the clunkers 7 months ago (to buy a focus), already beat me to the dealer ship. is it just me or does the $17,000 car have problems? *tr | |||