2008 Ford Focus suspension problems

Filed Mar 20, 2024 · Engine, Suspension · 159,625 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and a corroded subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe was significantly thin due to corrosion and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,625. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jan 4, 2019 · Electrical, Suspension · 119,000 miles · GA

Car tries to drive itself when my foot is on the brake ( stationary) & the malfunction almost caused a accident in the city.lights have malfunctioned since purchase. No backseat lights working.car isles randomly and will not stop until stitch to neutral and then it gives me control to drive again.please look into this issue

Filed Nov 21, 2017 · Suspension, Wheels · 95,000 miles · IL

I have replaced the tires on this vehicle 5 times in 6 years. The car was purchased in 2010, only 2 years old, and the first set of tires was replaced in 2011. Each time the tires are replaced it's because there is abnormal wear on the inside of the tires; so much damage, the steel radial from tires is sticking out. I was told I needed new sway bar links; replaced those as well, but have since put another new set of tires on this car. When I replaced these tires, I also had to replace 3 lug nuts which were broken as well. I have researched this problem; many others are experiencing this same issue. Two mechanics have tried to figure out what is causing the tires to wear prematurely and unevenly, and I still have no answer. My tires which are supposed to be good for 45,000 miles or more, depending on what I buy, and no matter what brand I buy, none have lasted 20,000 miles. The only option I have is to replace my tires approximately once a year which is unacceptable. I refuse to spend money replacing parts trying to fix the problem by "process of elimination" because no one seems to know what the root cause of the problem is. The premature, uneven tire wear is simply a "symptom" of a defect that no one seems to be able to identify. The first thing you will notice is the vibration; which continues to get worse even after alignments and tire rotations. Also, the low tire pressure light will go on because the tires lose air since they are wearing prematurely and unevenly. Once this starts happening, you may as well start saving for a new set of tires; unless ford comes clean and admits the defect and does a recall; but don't hold your breath. On this form, there is a question that says "when did this happen?" I had to choose a year so I just picked one; it has happened in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Filed Oct 9, 2015 · Acceleration, Steering · 60,000 miles · FL

This is a ongoing problem with this vehicles suspension since I have had this vehicle I have replaced the tires on it 4x the rear suspension cups the tires and makes it bounce I have had multiple alignments and I bought it a 52.000 miles n for the last 4 yrs I have bought many types of tires and this car has ruined them all, also strut replacement and tie rods and I just got a new rackon pinion for the steering was affected and the fluid leaked out and I highway drive, it would not perform over 65mph without shaking terribly I see more complaints about this car and this supension problem and steering and idol jerks me forward and feels like its going to stahl, the moter mounts an trani mounts are always loose or need to be replaced, an the AC went on it an because it's behind the dashboard the housing unit for the evaporator it cost 1000 to replace because it is hard to get too, the intermitten fan does not come on at all it never cycles so it smells like burnt engine coming in thru the vents that makes me sick, I have had nothing but problems since day one after I took it back after 2mons they wanted to keep it and re-do the whole engine and told me I would have to pay for it , thats when I should of reported it as a lemon, is ford going to wait until someone has a major blow-out an flip the car an die this should be a automatic recall for safety this car is so unsafe, the frame is all wrong and the rear is not aligned from the factory this is an in house problem .

Filed Apr 27, 2015 · Suspension, Wheels · OH

The car suspension is easily unaligned and causes the car to go through tires at an alarmingly above average rate. 30,000+ mile tires do not make it 20,000 without severe damage and wear. After owning the car and taking it to many different shops the results are always the same that my cars suspension is not correct. I have had to replace 5 sets of sway bar links and at least 8+ sets of tires in the 100,000 miles I have drove the car. I have receipts for 90% of my purchases for repairs, parts, and service that all relate back to the cars suspension not functioning properly and wearing abnormally.

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 17,000 miles · LA

I have had the vehicle since it first hit the car lot with 15 miles on it. Since purchase, I have changed the wheel bearings 9 times! This is scary as the bearings can break apart and cause my vehicle to lose control. I have had enough! Now, the bearing is bad again, just changed in april 2014.

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Suspension · 6,000 miles · OH

I have read many complaints about the 2008 ford focus and most compare to mine. The suspension on these vehicles are terrible. The car will vibrate, rumble and ruin tires. This problem has been happening since I purchased the car with only 6,000 miles on it. I have done multiple alignments, rotations and balances to try and fix the problem with no luck. I am on my second pair of tires and they are wearing down fast. There is also a "clunking" noise when backing out of my driveway that I assume is related to this problem. Because there are so many others having the same trouble as me, it leads me to believe that this is a defect on the vehicle. If I continue to get the "run around" from ford motor company I will never purchase another vehicle from them again. I am very displeased with the lack of understanding and carelessness ford shares for their customers. Ford needs to own up for their failure to create a reliable vehicle like the 2008 ford focus.

Filed Apr 17, 2014 · Suspension, Wheels · AK

I experience premature tire wear on my focus. I have had this issue for several years. I have taken it to a ford dealer numerous times to get it fixed but they tell me nothing is wrong. The car also handles horribly in wet or wintery weather regardless of the type or condition of the tires. I feel unsafe driving this car in these conditions. I have done research on this issue and have found that this is an alarmingly common complaint with ford focus owners. Body style years of roughly 2007-2010. It is a dangerous issue and needs to be addressed for all ford focus owners with the same issues before someone gets seriously hurt or dies.(myself included.)

Filed Sep 27, 2013 · Electrical, Suspension · 68,000 miles · MA

I am having major issues with starting my vehicle. I will turn the key and nothing happens. I have to forcefully turn my steering wheel back and forth before my vehicle will start. This is happening with both keys that I own. Also I'm on my third set of tires as they are wearing on the inside very quickly. I've had alignment after alignment done and nothing is fixing the issue. This is my second focus and this 2008 compared to my 2000 is a piece of junk. I shouldn't be having so many issues with this vehicle.

Filed Mar 23, 2013 · Suspension, Wheels · 35,000 miles · WV

The vehicle has had the rear wheels misaligned since new purchase. Dealership has never omitted the problem is with the vehicle and continues to insist it is a tire issue. The misaligned wheel causes multiple flat spotting and excessive wear on tires, which leads to heavy vibration and noise at highway speeds. There is a class action lawsuit in california resulting from this problem.