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2000 Ford Focus brakes complaints

Page 2 of 15: complaints 11 to 40 of 424, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2000 Ford Focus brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 22, 2006 · Brakes, Suspension · 107,000 miles · NH

I was going about 15 MPH when I hit a small pot hole in the road. Soon after I began to hear a clicking noise when I would take turns. After bringing the car to a mechanic I was told that both front coil springs had shattered. After having these fixed as they were under extended warranty by the manufacturer I am told that coincidently I have new front suspension and ABS issues which though most likely were caused by the coil string malfunction will not be covered as subsequent damage and I am on my own. Had the damage to the coil spring not occurred there would have been no issues with the ABS or front suspension.

Filed May 5, 2006 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · IN

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH the brakes locked up without warrant. The brake pedal was not depressed; smoke erupted from the passenger side rear wheel. The vehicle was pulled off the road without incident. Upon inspection the rim was black and there were metal pieces on the inner side of the wheel. The vehicle was driven very slowly 25 miles to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic was unable to remove the wheel hub due to the damage caused by the brakes locking up.

Filed Apr 24, 2006 · Brakes, Wheels · 69,700 miles · MN

For almost one month, loud humming in front right and both rear wheels and loud rear squeaking on braking revealed, after 4/20/06 inspection, failed wheel bearings in our ford focus se 2000 in right front and both rear wheels. Both rear cylinders were leaking fluid and right brake drum was failing. Many of the ford focus vins issued during 2000-2001 manufacturing years had wheel-bearing failure issues and consequent recalls. We were informed by "maria" at ford motor company, today that our VIN was not one that had a wheel bearing issue. How, then, could three of our four sets of wheel bearings fail? Ultimately, failed wheel bearings can lead to wheel failure and detachment leading to injury or death. Why isn't the federal safety agency addressing this serious issue with ford, as the manufacturer appears to be sidestepping its ethical and legal responsibility in this matter. We spent over $1,000 on this repair. Nine months ago, our front coil springs failed, which could also have LED to a fatality. Ford assisted us then, but is doing nothing to help us now. Please note that because on ongoing teamsters strike, most ford dealer shops were unavailable to service customer service or supply needs at the time we sought service. We seek reimbursement for repair of wheel bearings, rear drums and cylinders/lining. Wheel bearing service reimbursement is essential.

Filed Mar 15, 2006 · Brakes · 60,200 miles · GA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was a loud popping noise and loss of brake power. The contact down shifted the transmission to stop the vehicle, and noticed brake fluid leaking from the rear driver side wheel. The vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop, where it was determined the rear brake shoe broke and severed the brake line. The rear wheel bearings, brake lines, shoes, and cylinders were replaced. The rear brake drums were resurfaced. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Jan 20, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · 275 miles · VT

Dt: the consumer stated there were multiple problems with the vehicle. The brakes make noises and pulsated when the pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer where the brake light switch and ignition cylinder switches were replaced. The dealer also turned the drums, replaced the brake pads and resurfaced the front rotors. There was a vibration in the front end when braking. The lower ball joint, right wheel bearings, right front sway bar link, bone socket, steering rack column and tie rod ends were replaced in an attempt to remedy the problem. The tail light covers retained moisture and condensation built up. The dealer replaced the tail light covers and fuses that were blown due to the moisture. Lastly, the contact noticed the rear seat was loose and upon inspection the dealer discovered an anchor and hinge problem. The back hinge and pillar were replaced.

Filed Dec 29, 2005 · Brakes, Seat belts · 28,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Dt: the contact stated while waiting at a stop light the vehicle in front of put on the brakes, this in turn caused the contact's vehicle to rear end the other vehicle. The seat belt did not restrain the contact. She hit her chest on the steering wheel. The vehicle was driven to the dealership to have this problem checked. No repairs were made.*ak updated 1/25/2006 - the dealer determined that the passenger side seat belt was also faulty.

Filed Dec 12, 2005 · Body, Brakes · 66,000 miles · KY

Brakes will not work when car first driven in morning. Have to stand on the brakes to avoid hitting someone. Ford will not fix this. This car is extremely dangerous along with the water leak, bad ignition key tumbler and poor gas mileage. It has been rotten from the get go. Needs to be recalled!

Filed Nov 22, 2005 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · PA · crash · 2 injuries

My car was kept up to date on maintenance and recalls. Approximately 2 days before my accident, my husband experienced a slight delay in brake response on one occasion while driving. He checked all fluids and looked for leaks. Everything seemed good. No indicator lights or warning lights indicated a problem. On the day of my accident, I drove to work and most of the way home. I was less than a mile from my destination when I applied my brakes to make a 90 degree turn. This is the first and only time that I had knowledge of a total loss of brakes, with no indicator or warning lights being activated to alert me of a brake problem. As a result, I crashed into a utility pole, injuring myself and my passenger. My 2000 ford focus se is totaled.

Filed Oct 27, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · TN

My 2000 ford focus would not start on 6/29/05 so I had it towed to town & country ford on 6/30/05. Prior to the tow truck leaving, I checked the lights, horn, etc to make sure all worked before ford worked on the car. They did. When they service man johnny gardner called me that afternoon to tell me what was wrong with the vehicle he stated " the ground scrap wire , and ignition switch need to be repaired" I told him that was impossible about the ignition switch when I had it repaired 1 month earlier. Johnny then changed the story stating " just the ground scrap wire needs to be repaired". I had them fix that part and went to pick up the car. While driving down the street a car swerved into my lane and when I went to blow my horn it did not work. I slowed down and my brakes made a hard grinding noise. I immediately called town & country ford asking them why was my car horn not working, and the brakes were making a grinding noise. They replied " I could bring the car back and pay to have it fixed". I took the car to an independent auto repair shop who stated the horn could not be fixed because someone unhooked the componets under the hood, and to fix it ford can only get the parts. They also told me that the axle on my right brake wheel was split. Prior to taking this car to town & country ford I had no brake problems. I was told by town & country ford to check my replace the relay switch to the horn. I did and the headlights, interior lights, and windshield wipers do not work. The car will not go in reverse. My car was fine prior to town & country ford's work.

Filed Sep 28, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 21,101 miles · VT

Wheel bearings in my 2000 ford focus have been replaced 8 times already. All parts have been ford factory parts. Recall from 2000 on the wheel bearings had been performed in 2001 but problem has persisted. Ford motor co. Has been contacted repeatedly in regards to this but no action has been taken. Dealership has also been contacted but the keep referring back to ford. Copies of all repair bills is available. It appears that wheel bearing #9 is about to go also. Breakdown as follows: right rear 3 times left rear 2 times right front 2 times left front 1 time in addition, rear drums have been replaced 3 times already (on the average of every 18-20 months). Most recent replacement of wheel bearing on 3/4/05 can you please help!

Filed Sep 27, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 12,685 miles · VA

Purchased 2000 ford focus, VIN [xxx] from croft ford on dec. 19, 2001; mileage was 12,163 (car was still under warranty); have been unable to walk since march of 2002 (mileage on car is now just over 13,000; last 200 plus miles has been put on by ford dealerships attempting to fix car). Have had this car in to several ford dealerships; none of which can solve problem of engine surges; dash lights sweeping; transmission bolting; etc., etc., etc. This car is not safe to drive; I have notified ford motor company; the dealerships, etc., and feel that it should be covered under "manufacturer warranty" .. Instead latest was that ford dealership wanted $500 to replace alternator and could not guaranty that would fix problem; I already paid $105; plus $110 and the same problems are happening. The car has been at the ford dealership in woodbridge, va, for over 2 weeks, which leaves my family without a car to transport me. This is not right. I told todd croft of croft ford that I needed a good, dependable, safe car because this would be the last car I ever purchased. He knew that I did not drive much at all and I feel that he sold the car (with an existing problem) to me thinking that I would never know. My daughter was the one who realized this car had a serious defect and took it to croft ford to be fixed several months ago; to date, it still is not fixed; is a danger to drive, not only to the person/occupants of the car, but to any vehicles near when the power surges occur and the transmission bolts. *jb updated 07/18/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Sep 22, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · 83,451 miles · ID

Within two weeks of purchasing the 2000 ford focus the air bag sensor broke, the brakes began to squeal and less than a month later the ignition locked. The car cannot be started or moved due to the locked ignition. Nothing was done about the brakes. The airbag light was replaced at a cost to me of $280.27. The ignition has not been repaired or addressed by the dealer.

Filed Aug 24, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 200 miles · MD

Dt: contact stated ignition locked and will not turn. This was the second time this happened. The first time it happened in 10-2000. Vehicle was towed, and a new ignition was put in, and had to order another set of keys. Contact continued to have the same trouble with it starting vehicle. Ignition failed again. Contact did not talk to a dealer, but planed to do so.. The dealer ,where contact bought the vehicle had it towed for her in 2000. She is going to have to have it towed. There were no lights that came on prior to the ignition locking. *ak a year after the vehicle was purchased the brakes and rotors had to be replaced.

Filed Aug 2, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · NY

Consumer is afraid to drive the 2000 ford focus due to all the problems that have developed with this vehicle.***no answer required***.*mr the rear brakes, drums and shocks were replaced.

Filed Jul 11, 2005 · Brakes · 34,000 miles · IL

Dt: the brakes make a noise like it is a dump truck stopping. When the consumer hits the brakes the vehicle does not stop immediately. He changed the brake shoes twice and then took the vehicle to the dealership. While at the dealership, they found a service bulletin and the consumer has to pay to replace the lining and magnets. The problem with the brakes has always occurred, but it is not every time you hit the brakes. This vehicle is still under an extended warranty and it is not covered. Consumer has called the federal trade commission and has a reference number, 6397393.

Filed Apr 20, 2005 · Brakes · 47,000 miles · AL

Vehicle experienced a catastrophic brake failure. While driving at approximately 45 MPH driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor and vehicle continued to move forward. Driver tried to pump the brakes but it did not help. Owner contacted the manufacturer, who told the owner that there was no known recall for this defect, and there was nothing else they could do.

Filed Apr 6, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · MI · crash · fire

Fatality vehicle fire, dec. 8 2004. My husband is the original owner of a 2000 ford focus, subject to numerous service visits to bill brown ford, livonia mi for: ignition, steering column, wheel bearing, brake, rear window control, seat belt &trunk latches, overhead light and engine light. The vacuum line & fuel pump & valve assembly were replaced 2/03, followed by stalling. In 6/03, A/C compressor & manifold line replaced. Fuel line & pump failure in 8/03, resulted in gasoline spill on residential street minutes after parking. Bogging followed repairs, PCM reprogrammed & leaking pvc tube replaced 1/04. Fuel pump again replaced. In 8/04, our 24 year old son took ownership of this problematic car. We are uncertain as to whether vehicle malfunction caused a 35 MPH collision with a fire hydrant. An immediate engine explosion and fuel fed fire trapped my son and his passenger. Described by police as a relatively minor crash which would not be expected to claim lives, the subsequent unexplained engine fire claimed two young lives. A malfunctioning driver's airbag was also detected. This incident was originally reported to the federal safety agency by my husband (#10104088). I am supplying these additional facts for your clarification. Please correct your posting of "0" injuries as there were 2 fatalities. Please take effective action to save lives, as these trouble plagued vehicles seem to become more lethal as they age. Confirmation of receipt of this information is requested. *nm *sc

Filed Mar 19, 2005 · Brakes · 64,000 miles · TX · crash · 2 injuries

For the events of the final failure; I was attempting to stop at a red light that I did not see at first. Though I had plenty of room to stop my vehicle before hitting someone I was not able to stop due to the brakes locking up. I had at least two and a half car lenghts between me and the intersection. I believe as a result in the brakes locking up I was unable to stop and t-boned another car. My car was totalled. I have had other problems with the brakes locking up and nothing was done to repair the problem because the service people could not duplicate the problem so they did not know what to fix.

Filed Feb 20, 2005 · Brakes, Wheels · 130,000 miles · OH

On 19 feb 2005 I went to have my rear brakes replaced on my 2000 ford focus. When they went to replace the rear brakes, they found that the rear wheel bearings were seized to the rear spindle. I had recall #01b85b done on 27 dec 2001 to prevent this. But it did not help.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 15,000 miles · DC

While driving the dash light began to flicker then the vehicle shut down suddenly while in gear. *nm campaign id number : 00v411000. The consumer was told that the power cable to the battery was the result of the problem. Campaign id number : 02v288000. The consumer was told by the service department that this is a problem because the vehicle could explode. The warranty company turned the consumer down stating that the problem was not part of the warranty. The key gets stuck in the vehicles ignition and would not come out. The doors would not close properly and remained open while the vehicle was in gear. When the tire was removed the consumer noticed that the wheel was missing a lug nut. Campaign id number : 00v303000 the air vent did not stay open when the A/C was on high. The brakes howled like a wounded dog from the time of purchase. Pads and rotors needed to be replaced.

Filed Feb 7, 2005 · Brakes · DC

2000 ford focus se wheel locked up.***no answer required***. *mr dealerships wants to charge consumer $350 for a new cylinder. Consumer feels there should be a recall. *tt

Filed Jan 31, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · GA

The vehicle's brakes had to be replaced about every three months. *nm the rear end was unable to be lined up, if so, the vehicle would fishtail back and forth and the consumer would unable to drive the vehicle. The tires were out of round and the vehicle would run rough, especially when going up hills. *sc

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · LA · crash · 1 injury

While going 65 MPH, a vehicle pulled off the ramp in front of the consumer. The consumer applied the brakes and they failed to work. The consumer lost control of the vehicle. *sc all of the lights on the vehicles digital meters where blinking. The vehicle flipped three times and landed on the roof. Prior to the accident the vehicle had electrical and brake problems. All the digital figures on the dash would blink on and off. *tc

Filed Dec 24, 2004 · Brakes · 13,700 miles · MI

1.) brake light flickered, but brakes worked, on 40 mile commute from work to home. 2.) brakes failed completely (pedal went to floor) as I stopped car in my garage. Inspection revealed front driver brake line cut open by inner plastic wheel well cover-I have digital pictures. Lost all fluid in upper resovoir. Old parts are available. 3.)brake line was replaced, plastic wheel well cover was trimmed away from brake line.

Filed Nov 12, 2004 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · PA

Front brakes are not compatible with the vehicle, once the vehicle hits 10, 000 miles the brakes become defective, the rotors and the pads wore out to the metal.

Filed Oct 22, 2004 · Brakes · 83,000 miles · NV

While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the master cylinder needed to be replaced.

Filed Oct 13, 2004 · Brakes · CA

To whom it may concern, own a 2000 ford focus zx3, I have had this car in for more repairs & recalls then I can count. The most recent visit to the dealer (colley ford, glendora, ca.) for a recall (program) and to have the brakes serviced was on 10/02/2004, I was told after 3 days that the clutch had a burnt smell, the battery had to be replaced, as well as the spark plug wires, some hose, and that the brake rotors would have to be turned (this is the second set of rotors on this car that has 37000 miles). Please help me I am at the end of my rope with this car and don't know where to turn. I cant win with the dealer or ford motor company..... What should I do, what can I do? The fealer will not help & ford will not help. I still have not been able to have the car fit yet, im waiting to hear from the dealer. Please help thank you for your time regards jeri williams 24/7 (626) 272-9518 .

Filed Oct 2, 2004 · Brakes · 50,133 miles · GA

Rear brakes had an extreme noise coming from them. Upon examination I found it to be a loosing of the rear wheel bearing nuts, causing the drum to rub the brake pads. *ak I tightened the nuts as until I replace the brakes.

Filed Oct 1, 2004 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · NY

While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud squeaking noise, and the vehicle failed to stop completely. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that brake rotors and pads needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times. However, the problem recurred.

Filed Aug 13, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 50,000 miles · NJ

Purchased 2000 ford focus 7/2000 2/00 safety recall on rear wheel bearings indicates loud grinding clunking noise. 1/01 recall on the a-pillar trim panels complained about my rear brakes squeaking causeway ford manahawkin nj found nothing however they replaced rear brakes and rotated tires 10/01 recall wiper motor pack I complained about front brakes squeaking ford cleaned and deglazed front brake pads and did another tire rotation 12/01 recall rear wheel bearings constant wobble and grinding noise from rear tires sqeak continues on brakes 6/02 humming noise from tires road test confirms noise coming from front left tire they rotated my tires noise continues ford say I need new tires I am at 31,000 miles 7/02 got a flat firestone repaired patched tire was "ok" 8/02 power steering pump to be replaced 10/02 continuing loud noise in rear traced to failed bearing ford says they did service on a previous recall. 10/02 loud humming noise in front ford inspection revealed a choppy tire they rotated tires front to back 10/02 at 38,400 miles purchased 4 firestone tires 3/03 recall pinch bolt 5/03 brakes continue to squeak, grind, turns out front rotors are shot at 48,000 miles replaced front rotors complete front disc brake job bendix by tranz connection 8/03 alternator to be replaced car dies while driving, stuck in mass. For 4 days precision auto body. 12/03 check engine light on doesnt go out brought to firestone need to reset computer 12/03-12/04 car is stalling close to 1/4 of a tank of gas, I attribute this to not having enough gas in car and try to avoid 12/04 recall on fuel pump 2/04 lower radiator hose clamp to be replaced 7/04 loud humming grinding noise while drivingbring to firestone find a craked coil spring can lead to the tire seperating from the car front right wheel needs strut assembly with coil spring mount bearing bellow with alingment back breaks leaking wheel cylinder.

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