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2004 Ford Focus brakes problems

40 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 14,478. 11 crashes reported.

owner complaints
40
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
14,478
crashes
11
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    9
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    7
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    6
  • Disc: rotor
    3
  • Foundation components: drum: drum
    1
  • Foundation components: disc: caliper
    1
  • Foundation components: disc
    1
  • Disc: caliper
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Focus brakes problems in other years

19992005201020152018

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Ford Focus brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Grinding brakes 15Brake failure 9

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2004 Ford Focus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 10, 2020 · Body, Brakes · 125,000 miles · TN · crash

In january, I was involved in a traffic crash. I applied the breaks to my vehicle (giving plenty of time to come to a stop and only traveling 20 MPH ) but the vehicle did not come to a complete stop. As a result, I hit a vehicle in front of me. I do not know what the vehicle would not stop. It was as if the breaks were not working correctly.

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 125,550 miles · MA

My battery light seems to flash when the car is off. Car has stalled several times while driving try to accelerate over 50 miles an hour car will shut off. Back hatch on wagon seems to release itself while driving well unlock automatically. Have replaced three thermostat and thermostat housing due to overheating car will not tell me is overheating it will boil in the overflow return tank pressurize and shoot the cap off?...

Filed Aug 11, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 116,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The failures occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Feb 13, 2014 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · IL

It happened sporadically and once in a while. When backing out of my parking spot, the brakes barely worked. The pedal was very hard to press and it took a lot of force to bring the vehicle to a stop. Today, it happened again when I was on the "drive" mode. There is no way to predict when it would happen. The only pattern here is it happened shortly after starting the car. It could be in the reverse or drive mode. The frequency seemed increased recently when it was very cold.

Filed Oct 30, 2010 · Brakes, Transmission · 71,000 miles · IL

Noticed hydraulic brake fluid leaking from clutch master cylinder which is mounted behind the clutch pedal under dash. Clutch system shares brake fluid with brake system. Fluid drips on clutch pedal and floor creating a very slick surface and drop in fluid level in brake reservoir. This creates a severe safety issue in my opinion. This appears to be a common problem with ford focus manual transmission cars. The only remedy was to replace the clutch master cylinder. Also needed to replace the clutch pedal rubber foot pad which had disintegrated from exposure to the brake fluid.

Filed Jan 27, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 48,000 miles · WV

The ignition lock and the key would not come out. Had to be towed at midnight from the hospital in 18 degree weather. Dealership said manufacture part at a cost of $455.00. Brake noise no one can find. Replaced the windshield wiper arm twice. Will never buy ford again!!!

Filed Dec 16, 2008 · Brakes · 77,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. While backing out of the driveway, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle did not move. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the authorized dealer for inspection. The failure was related to the brake shoe material separating from the shoe, which resulted in the wheel locking. The vehicle was repaired. Updated 1/26/09 *cn updated 01/26/09.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Brakes · 131,000 miles · MD · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the tires wobbled and flames erupted from the rear tires. The failure occurred without warning. The fire department was not called to the scene. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they stated that the failure was related to the tire bearing. The rear brake system was replaced. Recently, the contact experienced an identical failure. The passenger side rear tire detached from the vehicle and smoke erupted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the passenger side rear brake system. The current mileage was unknown and the failure mileage was 131,000.

Filed Nov 30, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 50,759 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. While driving 55-70 MPH, the vehicle and the steering wheel both began to shake. When the speed is below 55 MPH, the shaking will stop or decrease. When applying the brakes while driving, the contact heard metal on metal from the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. The dealer stated that the brakes were fine. The current mileage was 54,019 and failure mileage was 50,759. Updated 01/02/08 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle squeaked and vibrated and when the brakes were applied there was a grinding noise. The engine mount was replaced, due to it being broken. The shifter squeaked. The rims were bent and the tires were out of balance. Updated

Filed Nov 26, 2007 · Brakes · 41,000 miles · OH

One month ago I needed to have brakes replaced, and assumed that because the light came on this was an indicator. After brakes were replaced, brake fluid was still disappearing. I also found a drip on my pedal from somewhere under the dash, after my foot slipped on the clutch from slick brake fluid, and nearly wrecked my car on I-70 when I needed to shift into a lower gear after my foot slid right off the pedal. Turns out the master cylinder is leaking. My car is only 3.5 years old, and only has 41,000 miles on it total. I have taken it to mechanic, it is a ford manufactured only part, and with parts and labor is costing me $450+ to repair this on a relatively new car not even paid for yet. Still not a safe situation when you can't keep your foot on the pedal.

Questions about the 2004 Ford Focus brakes

Does the 2004 Ford Focus have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Ford Focus, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Ford Focus brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 14,478 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Ford Focus brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Focus have bad brakes?

The Ford Focus model years with the most brakes complaints are 2000 (424 complaints), 2001 (199 complaints) and 2002 (72 complaints).

Other 2004 Ford Focus problems

Electrical 183Engine 35Steering 29Locks 28Airbags 24Transmission 20Acceleration 18Suspension 17Body 14Fuel system 13Visibility 11Lights 8Seats 8Tires 7Seat belts 5Wheels 4Driver assistance 1

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