Front brake pads and rotors for my 2001 ford focus wagon need to be replaced after just 37,700 miles. The brakes on the car have squealed almost since day one (we purchased it new in august 2001), have had it in to the dealer for checking and repairs numerous times (mcmahon ford, norwalk, ct) and they said it's normal for brakes to squeal, or that they can't replicate the problem, or that it's due to dust, or denied that they squealed at all. The repair place says the rotors cannot be turned and that the brakes were made to barely minimum standards. They are returning the worn parts. There was never any indication that the brakes were failing (for one thing, because of the permanent squeal) and the dealership did not find this problem the last time we had it in for a checkup before it went out of warranty, which is of the most concern to me.
2001 Ford Focus brakes complaints
Page 3 of 8: complaints 41 to 70 of 199, newest first, as owners wrote them.
At a routine oil change/alignment I was informed that my front brakes were 95% worn and that they and the rotors needed replacing. At first I thought I was being had -- I've only put 24,000 miles on my car, all very gentle driving. Then I discovered that I'm one of the more fortunate -- many ford focus owners are replacing brakes and rotors at 15,000 miles! There wasn't an accident, but there certainly could have been a brake failure if my mechanics had not alerted me to the problem.
The consumer stated that the front brake pads on the vehicle were wearing out prematurely. The consumer stated that the pads were wearing down at less than 8000 miles. The dealer stated that it was normal wear for this type of brake pad.
Vehicle was making loud grinding sounds when brake was engaged, so I took it to dealer to have it checked and was told that brake pads and rotors were worn and would have to be replaced. Parts were not replaced because, according to ford, this is normal wear. At 32,500 miles, rotor damage is not normal wear, especially when grinding sound begins once failure has occurred.
2001 ford focus front brakes and rotors severely worn after 25,000 miles. Rotor and brake pads had to be replaced on both front tires by ford dealer.
Parking brake latch failed at 35000 miles, prevented driver from securing vehicle.
Left brake pad and rotor completely worn after 24000 miles of gentle driving. Ford refused to cover the pads and rotor under the warranty. Customer service was not helpful or flexible.
While driving 50-55 MPH consumer applied force to brakes to avoid a collision. Driver's side brakes locked up, causing vehicle to sway off the road into a ditch, and vehicle struck a tree head on. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy.
I purchased my 2001 ford focus in october 2001. In april 2003, I had to get the front brakes, pads, shoes and rotors replaced. This is after I had always taken my car in for scheduled maintenance. I was told that none of this was covered. I was out of over $400. The same thing has happened again 13 months later. Everything needs to be replaced. The majority of my driving is highway and I can't get an explanation from ford. I purchased a lemon. The switch also broke on my turn signals. It would not automatically turn off. This happen in feb. 2003. Again, a year later, the same thing has happened. Someone needs to look into this.
At around 36,000 miles I was told that my ford focus needs new rotors with the brake job. This is the first time I hear of rotors needing to be changed at this low milage. I had to pay for the new rotors.
Consumer complained about brake rotors problem. Rear brakes rotors were replaced on three separate occasions, but problem recurred.
Excessive wear on the front brake pads and rotors,only 16,900 miles on car
While driving at any speed, the vehicle intermittently stalled. The dealer informed the consumer that the fuel pump module was defective. Also the brake rotors pads, and calipers needed to be replaced. *ak the engine light had come on due to the fuel pump being inoperative. Ford made the repairs but failed to replace the o rings which caused the pump to fail again. Ford had fuel pump recall #03no1 but the same exact part went bad. The rotors were warped due to the calipers seeping fluid, binding the pistons. *sc
Front brakes and rotors; I had 21k+ miles on my 2001 ford focus, the car would vibrate when braking, and specially downhill. I was informed by the dealer that I needed new brake pads, and "most likely rotors". That's ridiculous for such low miles. Fearing for my family safety I did replace the pads and rotors, but not with the dealer.
In dec,of 2003 I had cause to go to ford and complain about the brakes on my car,this was the 4th time I had complained to them. At this time they said the front brakes were worn to 0.I was into ford just 2 months before for the same thing and nothing was said at the time,now they decided that we were going to pay for the whole thing rotors included I was shocked because I was told that the cheap brakes that ford puts on only last for less then 12,000 miles we paid to have them replaced because ford gave us no choice,now we are having problems with the back brakes making a loud squiling noise I am so unhappy that they choose to do nothing.
2001 ford focus 34500miles; automatic transmission unexpectedly drops out of gear at highway sppeds and under load . Also brakes and rotor shot at 345oo miles. Ford claims this is normal. Cannot believe it.
I purchased a 2001 ford focus in jan/2001. After 16000 miles my rotors cracked and had to be replaced along with other brake parts this repair was done on 10/15/02 and was covered by my warranty. After 30000 miles I began to hear a squeaking noise whenever I applied the brakes. At 30528 miles, on 03/05/04, I was informed by the oasis ford dealership (old bridge, nj) technician that my rotors had to be replaced along with other brake parts and because this was a wear problem, it was not covered by my very expensive warranty. I told him that the rotors were replaced only 14000 miles ago. He said that the problem was with the rotors provided by ford motor company. He said they were too thin and could not be machined because that would reduce them below "specs". This repair would cost me $360.00 now and, presumably, any future brake repair. The rotors appear to be of inferior quality and perhaps a safety issue. Please investigate. I am available for any follow-up questions you may have. Thank you for your assistance. Regards, ed barry.
I have a ford focus se 2001 and there is a design flaw in the front brake pads. The pads are not sufficient enough to support the weight of this vehicle, therefore the brakes are wearing at a rapid rate in 8 to 10,000 miles. I had an accident in july of 2003 because the brakes wore almost gone and I could not stop in time and hit a vehicle in front of me. The brakes on the focus need to be investigated and I am sure I am not the only owner who is having problems. So far ford has replaced my brakes twice and my car has 33,000 miles. Now they are lying to me and telling me my brakes are fine and I know that they need to be replaced, but they won't do it again under warranty. I have service records to prove that the brakes have been a problem since I bought the car. Please investigate this problem these should be recalled and ford needs to design a brake pad to support the weight of this vehicle. This is a serious issue and I could not prove my accident was a result of these faulty brakes.
My wife owns a 2001 ford focus zx3 with anti-lock brakes. It now has almost 29,000 miles and the front brakes are still squeaking and grinding almost with every use. It has been to 2 different dealers since it was purchased in july 2001. They have made 4 repair attempts under warranty, but the brakes still make a lot of noise and brake dust. The pads and rotors have been replaced and various other brake parts also. The service manager (richard) at adams ford in belton, mo informed me today they would do no more to fix the problem. He laughed and said feel lucky you don't own a mercedes because their brakes sounded like a dump truck stopping.
While braking, the consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the brake rotors. The dealership informed the consumer that the front brake rotors were worn. The mechanic tried to repair the vehicle, but the problem continued.
Fuel system-stall out at freeway speeds-and at any long right hand turns-contacted dealer/out of warranty,to many miles to consider. Brakes-rotors and pads worn out at 24,000miles-dealer stated maintenance issue,normal for the ford focus- they directed me to call ford motor co.to complain...
I bought my focus used, it had 38,000 miles, on a trip the engine began to act up. It was revving all the way up but would not go above 40 MPH. After calling a tow truck the check engine light came on, the dealership that I took it to had it for over a week and had difficulty locating the problem. It started and drove just fine for them. I had the fuel pump and filter replaced, as well as the fuel system flushed. While it was there they performed recall work on my battery cable routing, and my one of my engine control arm bolts. Everything was fine for a few months, then I had a tire throw tread, the front passenger side. 1 week later it was back to get the other tire replaced because it had a bubble in it, after learning that I got the rest of the tires replaced. A few weeks ago my brakes started squeling, I had the pads checked they were fine, after they kept making noise I insisted that they were changed. After driving about 100 miles I started hearing a spinning thump. That became very loud. Back into the shop, they replaced a brake caliper, and also I had to get yet another fuel filter, it was begining to become restricted, again. The brake problem even though it had been doing it for a while since I did not have a ford dealership do it was not covered under my warranty, and I am sure that something else will go wrong. Yay!
My security system basically went nutty...it even sounded funny when the horn sounded, the cruise would also stick or not work at all when it should have been turned on. I have had the hego sensor or the front oxygen sensor replaced 3 times, one at my own cost...I had a huge bulge pop out on my tire early on, firestone replaced it at no cost...the brakes have intermittantly squealed since the vehicle had few miles on it, when I took it in to get it fixed, it basically felt like they had loosened them because you had to press on the pedal harder to stop, soon after they started squealing again, all ford will tell me is that I need new brake pads at my cost because it is road hazard...should a car with 40,000 miles need brake pads? I think not. The last complaint that I have is that the car will stall with no apparent reason why...no matter what the speed is or if I have just started it or have driven it all day it does not matter, I will just be stuck until it decides to start again.
My warranty was 36,000 which is up. Fixing the brakes was no problem but I dont feel my wheel bearings need replaced this quickly without having some kind if default in them from the start. My car is making this loud, roaring sound, which is driving me crazy. I'm writing to see if there's anything the headquarters of ford can do. There are recalls on 2001 ford focuses but just so happen not on my car and why is that when im having complications with it. It sounds like a tractor and ive only had the car for 16 months. I was a student in dallas and that was the only traveling I did. I'm not hard on vehicles at all. The wheel bearing are gone bad on my car and I hope there's something someone can do. Its the front ones. By the way it doesn't seem as if my transmission is changing the correct # of gears.
In november of 2002, I noticed a squeal under the hood of my 2001 focus. The first time I took it in, they claimed they heard no sound. I then told the mechanic you must actually step out of the car to hear the noise.; he did hear the noise and ford had to replace the belt tensioner and serpentine belt. I began noticing that my windshield wipers would function at will. The left headlamp and turn signal was also malfunctioning. I could not get the wipers to turn off at times. I would turn the headlights off and back on again, and the wipers would turn off. This would also work at times when the wipers would not turn on, but not always. I never noticed an absolute consistency as to what would get the wipers to function properly. They also would not function at the correct speed. They would go fast when I wanted them to go slow and vice-versa. I had taken the car in twice to have this problem fixed. They replaced the multi function switch both times. A week following the second visit, I noticed they would not work again. I scheduled an appointment for the third time. In between the time I scheduled the appointment and the actual day of the appointment, I noticed the gas light had come on when I still had about 36 miles worth of gas left in my car. I noticed the light was on for a bit and then it went off. So, I told them about that problem as well when I took the car in. They replaced the fuel pump and sending unit assembly. Also they replaced whatever wires were causing the multi function switch to go out again and again. I left the dealership and made a stop at a convenience store. When I tried to start my car, it would not start. Not a sound or anything. The car was totally dead. I called ford to have them tow the car. This time, they claimed they needed to replace the clutch safety start switch, which they did. My breaks also squeak constantly. They adjusted the breaks and clean them up. They claim the squeaking breaks are normal. Do not buy a ford.
I have had numerous problems with my focus. About 3mo after I bought it, the transmission began to feel like it was slipping, and making a noise. I took it to the purchasing dealership, and a mechanic told me it was the torque converter. They didn't have a loaner car for me, so I made an an appointment for the following week. The next day on my way home from work, the car shut down. I called a tow truck, they took it to the closest dealership. When I called the dealership the next day, they said the fuel pump went out. They told me that the stutter I was feeling in my car was probably that. A few days later, the same problem. Took it back to the selling dealership, and the shop supervisor went out with me. He said I was driving the car out of context. What he meant by that, he wouldn't elaborate, but said there is nothing wrong with my car. I have been driving it since, and the computer will fade in and out, but I won't lose engine power. My car has to have new brake pads every couple of months, new tires, and other maintenance things. At less than 40000 miles, it needed new spark plugs, and wires, which I happily bought. The dealership wanted $300, because the plugs were in the back of the motor. I went to my car, popped the hood, four spark plugs lined the top of the head cover. There was no further explanation of the attempted over charge. My car has several other problems. The positive cable on the battery, has melted back, there is a loud roar in the cab of the car, and three of the four lug nuts on the right rear tire has snapped off. The explanation for the lug nuts, was that the tire was loose, not fastened properly. But this problem occurred 3-4 mo after I bought it. The tires had not been taken off. I am to the point where I hate ford for selling me this car. I will ever buy ford again, but I love the concept of the car
I have had several repairs for this car. In regards to steering, wheel, tire as well the suspension. As the car was under 18000 mile I had so much problem with mentioned above problems. I could not control my car when it rained or when ever the road was not in perfect shape.
There is just to much paperwork to copy out, but would like to mail copies. I am going to pick up car this afternoon just had second fuel pump fitted and new gas tank. To date no recall info received by post. However I have been drenched with gas on more than one occassion while filling car. I have nearly been killed when car cut out at 55mph on highway narrowly missed by two other motorists. Vehicle has 38,000 miles & has had the following repairs. 1/countless engine sensors 2/four new tyres 3/new front brake pads 4/new front brake rotas 5/new front wheel bearings 6/two fuel pumps 7/one fuel tank 8/waiting for third set of a frame plastic covers 9/three stereo players 10/tracklink reset three times 11/still have realy noisy brakes 12/engine sounds like 10 year old car 13/rear passenger window works when feels like it 14/right hand door speaker sounds as if broken 15/new tires fitted showing signs of odd wear 16/tail gate leakes water 17/ thought lincoln/mercury dealer might give better results no just longer wait.
My daughter slammed on the brakes at 40mph and the vehicle steering wheel jerked to the right and she felt a drop in the left front side of the car, the car started sliding and hit a curb. When the car came to a stop the front left wheel was broke off. A tow truck took it to the ford dealership. They said it needed a control arm; hub assembly; tie rod end; tire & wheel; axle; brake line; brake pads & rotor; trans pan and inner tie rod. They concluded it was in an accident and it was her fault and the cost would be $2,387.77 just for the mechanical only. She purchased the car september of 2002, putting over $8,000.00 down on the day of purchase with a remaining balance of $6,000.00. At the time of the accident she had no insurance. I beleive there was a problem with car to cause it to go out of control, and feel ford needs to address it.
The reason some of these are not dated is because the problems keep on persisting they say they can not find out what the problem is. My car dies on me and the can not find the cause. It makes a winding sound when I take off and still they can not find the cause. My gears always wind and as soon as I get it out of the shop about one to two weeks later it is doing it again, when I am driving it jerks like it wants to die or go out of gear(keep in mind I have had these problems a couple of months after I bought it). I have had to replace the tires two times I am on my third set of tires and they are messed up now. I am not a bad driver I know it is not me I have a child that is constantly with me I do not drive crazy to make all of these problems happen. I have had the brake replaced once already and now they are sqeeking again. My car cigarette lighter keeps on burning out. I just get so frustrated that I am spending all of this money for them to work on my car with the warranty and then tell me they don't know what the problem is and now the warranty is out I have to pay for this peice of junk. I have had 2 other cars and they never gave me any problems and know I am stuck unhappy everyday with this car I can not stand to drive, I feel unsafe in it everyday.
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