2003 Ford Focus: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Mar 7, 2009 · Brakes · MI

Rotors and brake pads wear down faster than I can afford to fix them. Rotors only last 1-2 months then before warping then I ride them out for another month (no money to keep replacing) this has been an ongoing problem for 2 years. I have receipts and mechanics proof. Its crazy. I have also verified same problem on other car complaint web sites with people and ford focus' - brakes pads and rotors should not wear out monthly. I cant afford the repairs but I cant afford to have my brakes go out completely and risk the harm to myself and others on the road. Please help

Filed Feb 27, 2006 · Suspension, Tires · 31,500 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated there was premature wear on the rear tires. The tires have been replaced twice, and need replacing a third time. The brand of tire has been changed. The manufacturer determined the tires should be rotated every other oil change, but the tires had never been rotated. Updated 3/17/2006 - the first set of tires went bald at 22568 miles. The second set went bald at 31500. The dealer aligned the rear to specs and aligned the front end and straightened the steering wheel.

Filed Dec 13, 2005 · Brakes · SC

In april I had my 30,000 mile maintenance check-up. At the end of november my speedometer failed and I took my car to the dealership. I was told I needed my brake pads replaced, which I agreed to. They also replaced my rotors. When I questioned the dealership with regard to the rotor wear, which I could not understand since I had the car inspected 3,000 miles earlier and the brakes were fine, I was told that this kind of wear is normal on this vehicle, and to expect to have to replace my pads and rotors every 15,000 miles. This problem is a safety hazard and needs to be resolved. In addition, I found out today that there are two tsb's (16685/17278) addressing this issue.

Filed Feb 12, 2005 · Brakes · 24,000 miles · WI

My 2003 focus ztw wagon has been in for brakes 3 times in the last year. Ford standing by this as a "wear" item not covered under warranty. Could I have 2002 parts in my vehicle? I have had brake inspections done with oil changes indicating everything in the "green zone". The rotor warping is sudden and unpredictable. 3 brake jobs in one year is excessive and problematic. I do not feel safe in this vehicle even with the brakes being fixed.

Filed Sep 24, 2004 · Brakes · 32,988 miles · MN

Ford focus 2003 rotors wear out incredibly fast.. Took my car in for a 30,000 inspection and had to have new rotors and breaks I was told that many focus's are coming in at 30,000 that need new rotors. Why??? Unless they are defective in the first place.

Filed Jun 19, 2004 · Suspension · 13,000 miles · ID

At about 13,000 miles my 2003 ford focus began to vibrate in the front (steering wheel and gear shift). I took it to my local dealership and they told me that I had a tire out of balance. I then took my car to my local tire center and had the tires balanced. I then went on vacation in my car. The car continued to vibrate through the trip. When I returned I took my car to a second dealership. I was then told that my goodyear integrity tires have premature wear causing the vibration. My tires also have scalloping, but the dealership stated that the aligment was within ford specifications. I now have a car less than a year old and just over 16,000 miles in need of new tires. I am concerned about the rapid wear of the tires and that this may cause accidents with other drivers of the 2003 ford focus. My dealership told me that this was a common problem with the 2003 ford focus because the goodyear tires had a very soft rubber compound. I have been told that this is not a manufacturers defect, but premature wear and that I am responsible for replacing the tires at my expense. I am now planning on going to my local tire dealer and replacing the tires.

Filed May 14, 2004 · Brakes · 40 miles · NJ

Brake pads and rotors wear out prematurely. When the brake pedal is depressed it makes a metal to metal noise. Dealership replaced the brake pads and rotors 3 times.

Filed May 7, 2004 · Suspension · 3,000 miles · CA

Squealing brakes, grabbing brakes, grinding noises from brakes, premature wear in front rotors, knocking noise from rear suspension, loud sqeaking noises from all suspension. Brought car into 3 different service departments a total of 10 times for all and no solution. Service didn't care enough and very rude.