2002 Ford Focus: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 26, 2013 · Engine · 118,184 miles · CA

When starting my car from my carport in the morning, the engine made a rattling, grinding noise. I had the vehicle towed to the ford dealership. They determined that the valve seat had dropped, damaging the cylinder head and two of the pistons.

Filed Apr 4, 2008 · Engine · 117,000 miles · CA

1. Two days before the engine died I noticed it was having problems starting first thing in the morning, like a sputtering. Then it would go away and the car would drive fine. The car had a transmission fluid leak and so I continued to make sure it was at the right levels. 2. The day when the engine died it had been running normally. I had stopped at the store. When I got back in my car and turned it on the engine made a popping noise and then the engine "turned over" and started making a thwaping noise, like cardboard in contact with a fan blade. After towing it to a mechanic (it wouldn't start, it kept making thud-ish thwaping noises), who had worked for ford previously, he said that the 4th piston had broke and was grinding on the side of the engine block (he had taken a look at the timing belt - ok- and was testing the gears that the timing belt attached to. 3 turned with the right torque but the final one at the bottom of the engine block didn't turn unless torque greater than what was normally needed was applied. When it turned there was a thwap sound inside the engine). What made me wonder is he said that this always happened with this model on the single overhead cam engines at around 90 to 120 thousand miles. He said that he repaired numerous similar incidents with this type of engine, even guaranteeing that opening up the engine would show that the 4th piston (farthest on the right facing the front) broke. I hate to think what would have happened if I had gotten on the freeway and the piston had broke. 3. The cost to replace with a new oem engine was more than the value of the car if I were to personally sell it (based on kelly blue book) and so was the cost for a used engine ($1200 was the lowest, compared to the duel overhead cam engines for the focus which I found used for $500. Seems the demand for that style engine is high). I have not repaired it. I am considering selling it to a scrap yard.

Filed Nov 22, 2006 · Suspension · FL

In late october 2006 I took my 2002 ford focus for vibration/grinding noise coming from front end. Ford walker in clearwater, florida said that my engine/trans. Mount were working properly. Ford kept my car for 1 week and I still had the same problem. I took the car back to ford the very next day because of the same problem. Again their service manager and regional managers told me that nothing was wrong with my car. Ford charged me $100 for my deductible and didn't fixed my problem. I then took my car to another place where they replaced my right side engine mount which was completely broken. The very same piece ford walker lied to me stating it was working properly.

Filed Nov 27, 2005 · Brakes · 35,500 miles · LA

At around 35,000 miles my father noticed a grinding noise on the front of his focus. Thinking that it was the screech of a warning indicator he parked the vehicle until he could have me look at it. Both front rotors were severely ground down with the left inside pad being totally down flush with the metal. This shouldn't be normal wear. Back brakes showed signs of normal if not less than normal wear. This should not be normal wear and tear on a vehicle with this few miles on it. I had to replace both rotors prematurely. We will keep the old parts for thirty days in case they are needed.

Filed Nov 21, 2005 · Body, Brakes · TX

I recently purchased a used 2002 ford focus. I have been having trouble with the brakes, the radio, and water leaking in through the front passenger side. The brakes squeak everytime I apply them. The radio only works for one minute and then it fades out, all you can hear is static. The most important of these problems is the leak. It has rained really hard three times in the past month, and all those times I have found the carpet in the front passenger side soaking wet. I have taken it back to the dealership from which I bought it, but they say that it is not covered under the 90 day warranty. I have reaserched on the web and have found that there are many complaints like mine. The ford company should be made responsible since they are the manufacturers of the car.

Filed Jun 6, 2005 · Brakes · OH

Squealing - grinding sound from the front tires - front brakes replaced and rear brake rotors were turned and cleaned

Filed Jun 6, 2005 · Brakes · OH

Squealing - grinding sound from the front tires - front brakes replaced and rear brake rotors were turned and cleaned

Filed Nov 30, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 45,000 miles · TX

Vehicle stalled and the ignition tumbler was defective whereby consumer have to leave the key in the vehicle. The ignition was replaced four times. Also, front brakes squealed, and did not stop the vehicle. Pads were replaced four times.

Filed Aug 14, 2004 · Brakes · 10,777 miles · CA

2002 ford focus zx5. Brakes grind and squeal. At 10,777 miles (10,000-mile service), ford dealership said front brake pads and rotors are completely worn out and need to be replaced at cost of $500. Car is unsafe to drive without replacing brakes.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 5,000 miles · NC

My 2002 ford focus started having problems after 5000 miles. It started with a noise coming from the front left wheel area. From there the steering seemed shakey at times at highway speeds. Once, the car pulled to the left suddenly on the highway. The dealership has changed the transmission, front bearing, and knuckle, on the car in the past two months. The car is still not fixed. The most noticeable problem is the howling grinding noise coming from the front left wheel. It can be heard mostly around 50 to 60 MPH. It is still unknown what is wrong with the car.

Filed Nov 21, 2003 · Brakes · NY

I bought my 2002 fordfocus in august 2002 from universal ford dealership in long island city, new york. About one month later of having the focus my brakes started squealing. My new car only felt and drove like a new car for one month. I took back the car for service and they told me the car is normal. I recently changed my brake pads and had my rotors checked out and still am having brakes squealing.

Filed Sep 11, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 20,678 miles · TX

I have a 2002 ford focus zx5 4 dr hatchback my problems started on 7/21/03 when my brakes lights, headlights, turn signal and radio stopped working. I took it into the dealership and it was repaired however now the radio will no longer response to me turning the vol. Up or down as well as I only only set the time on military time. Now on 9/7 my brakes have started to grind. On 9/11 my car now vibrates when I accerate at 60 MPH +. In the past week I have also noticed that my car will accellerate and hesitate when in motion. In the last three months my gas mileage has slowly declined as well. I am taking it into the dealership tonight - but thought I need to report. Seems there are many others like me.