2004 Ford Focus: brake failure

Filed Oct 24, 2008 · Engine · 57,000 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford focus. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a vacuum leak due to brake failure. The dealer repaired the failure and stated that ford had to upgrade the computer in his vehicle, which meant that it had to be reprogrammed. Once the contact entered the vehicle, the idler increased to 1,200 RPM's and then dropped to 1,000 RPM's. He placed the vehicle in gear and it sped off. He could not stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal because the engine was pushing against the brakes. The contact drove 20 MPH around the parking lot for approximately 20 minutes with no brakes. The dealer is aware of the failure and called the manufacturer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was designed that way to be compliant with the epa regarding the catalytic converter. While driving 60 MPH, the gears do not change or decrease to a lower RPM. The failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2007 · Brakes · CA · crash

Attempted to stop at a red light, brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle did not fully stop. My car entered intersection and was struck by another vehicle causing extensive damage to my car.

Filed Jul 8, 2005 · Brakes · 9,500 miles · WA

Dt: consumer experienced brake failure with his 2004 ford focus. The manufacturer stated that the part was not available locally, but they were trying to locate it nationally. The brakes made a racket, there was a weight that adjusted the counterweight, and needed other parts replaced as well, but they have to wait on the weight to come in before the work could be done. They stated that there were six other dealers that have ordered the part, and it was sent out in the order that it was requested. Consumer stated this has been happening for approximately a month and a half to two months. When on vacation he took the vehicle in for a squeaking noise, and they resurfaced the brakes, which eliminated the squeaking noise. By the time they returned from the trip, approximately 1100 miles, the squeaking noise came back, and the racket started. Consumer had the vehicle serviced before going on the trip, and was told the vehicle was okay to drive.

Filed May 2, 2005 · Brakes · 7,850 miles · NJ · crash · 1 injury

Brakes failed on our 2004 ford focus zx5 4 door hatchback as my wife went to stop at a stop sign leaving our development and was broadsided by a truck. This resulted in a total loss of vehicle and injuries sustained to my wife. Police and medical personnel were on the scene. She was transported to hospital.

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Brakes · CA

While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably with out warning. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the problem can not be duplicated. The driver informed the mechanic that this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. Please provide additional information.

Filed Nov 25, 2004 · Brakes · 12,333 miles · CO · crash

The brakes have been replaced 6 times since I purchased the car. They go out every 3 to 4,000 miles. I hit a tree with the side of my car because I had no brakes at all at on point while I was driving. The car gives no warning with the brakes. I talked to ford about who was going to be liable if I wrecked and somebody got hurt. They say it my problem. I'm not getting anywhere with the dealership. They just tell me I don't know how to drive. I feel my car is very unsafe on the road. I also have a 4year old that I won't dare put in the car. Just for the fact that there may no brakes when I stop. O do admit in the first 6,000 miles I used it for business. They stated my job was the cause of it. But I no longer use this car for my business. And everytime I call the ford hotline about my car's brake problem. They just also blame it on my job. I told them I no longer do the job in this car. They just assume I do. I do use my car for errands and just driving around.

Filed Nov 19, 2004 · Brakes · NC

While driving 45 MPH applied the brake pedal and the brakes failed. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. However, the cause had not been determined.

Filed Nov 4, 2004 · Brakes · VA

Consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. The air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Acceleration · CA · crash · fire · 1 injury

While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 90 MPH. The consumer attempted to apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down. Consequently, the consumer rear ended another vehicle. The police indicated to the consumer not to drive the vehicle and was towed. Please provide further information. *jb at the time of impact the engine stalled, the power steering and power brakes went out. The consumer would like ford to pay for the expenses. *tc