2003 Ford Focus: brake failure

Filed Apr 3, 2012 · Brakes · MI

Manufacturing defect places the plastic inner fender against the front left brake line. The plastic inner fender is allowed to rub a hole in the front left brake line. The front left brake line leaked due to wear caused by the plastic inner fender. Loss of brakes due to a hole in the front left brake line.

Filed Nov 21, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 41,000 miles · SC

I only owned the car for about 2 months before the problems started I was told that there was nothing wrong. The transmission wouldn't change gear, they say this is normal. Also, the windshield was never sealed in they told me that it could be fixed. The front wheels click when driven. The brakes went out quick. The back hubs are sealed from rust. And now I can't even get my disabled child to the doctors because the ignition has gone completely out. The locksmith said I was lucky I was parked.

Filed May 23, 2005 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · AL

When braking at low speed there was extended stopping distance. Dealership repaired the front/rear brake system. *ak the brakes vave consumer problems since they brought the car. Had new rotors, never stopped like they should. Finally all the brakes went out. Dealer kept saying they kept getting the wrong parts. Still don't drive as it should. Defective master cylinder.

Filed Mar 31, 2005 · Brakes · NJ

Abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained. Driver noticed that while applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor, and vehicle skidded off the road. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem .

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · IL

While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. Driver applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated. *ak the dealer told the consumer that the brakes are not the problem.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Brakes, Driver assistance · ID

Three transmission failures and replacements. The engine, starter/ignition and 1 gear shift all replacements and other various problems. *bf four cd player replacements, the brakes failed, and 1 alarm failure. *sc the engine was also replaced.

Filed Oct 30, 2004 · Brakes · 15,102 miles · NV

I have a 2003 ford focus zx5. Bought it brand new in 1/2004. Rear brakes have been squealing for 2 months now. I've taken it to a ford dealer and a brake shop and both have said the brakes are fine. Now there is a definite spongy feel in the pedal and a loud creaking noise from the back, and finally yesterday when I depressed the pedal to stop, the brakes did not work at all for about 5 seconds. I nearly struck a pedestrian crossing in front of me.

Filed Aug 19, 2004 · Brakes · CA

While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The driver heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. The mechanic informed the consumer that the brake pads and rotor needed to be replaced. The consumer told the mechanic that this problem has occurred more than once and the problem still has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information.

Filed Mar 8, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · 100 miles · MA

On saturday morning I bought the car - a brand new 2003 ford focus se wagon. On sunday morning, I was traveling about 50mph when I applied the brake due to the traffic conditions of the moment. Instantly, the back end of the car swerved to the right in a jack-knife manner. The car spun around and threw itself onto the shoulder of the road. The front end wound up pointed in the direction of the oncoming traffic. Fortunately the car landed in a sandy spot with no damage to the vehicle or to me. It was as if I had hit black ice, except that driving conditions that day were perfect - 50 degrees, sunny and dry with good road surface. In my opinion, this incident may be the result of poor design: that is the rear end of the focus se wagon is too light to hold the road when the brakes are applied at highway speeds, or the brakes failed, causing the car to spin. In any event, this was a near death experience for me. I think that this car is a death trap for me and a hazard for everyone else near it on the road.

Filed Sep 4, 2003 · Brakes · NY · crash

While driving brakes failed, causing vehicle to crash.

Filed Aug 13, 2003 · Brakes · 512 miles · WA

Brake failure;I was driving in heavy stop and go traffic in seattle, wa. I was keeping about two car lengths behind other cars. That strategy proved to be a mistake because a large one ton dodge van scooted into the gap ahead of me. We were going about ten or twelve miles per hour when the large van suddenly stopped. I hit the brake pedal very hard and held it to the stop (floor?) and my ford focus continued to move forward about twelve feet without any feel of slowing or stopping. The large dodge van ahead stopped me.