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Ford Focus premature wear problems

54 of the 22,112 owner complaints about the Ford Focus describe rotors or pads wearing out early, most of them for the 2000 model year.

owner complaints
54
worst model year
2000
typical mileage
24,156
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Transmission · OH

The affected vehicles are 2011 to 2016 fiestas and 2012 to 2016 focus models. The powershift transmission is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, and complaints about the gearbox include stumbling, shuddering, rough shifts, hesitation, and premature wear.mar 6, 2020 does this apply towards my car make & model????

Filed Oct 1, 2019 · Brakes, Transmission · VA

2016 ford focus. Consumer writes in regards to brake and transmission issues with vehicle. *ld the consumer stated the brake pads were prematurely worn. The transmission would shudder/clank and did not shift properly. It has been to the dealer four times due to this failure.

Filed Sep 25, 2015 · Transmission · 18,500 miles · ME

I am aware this vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch automatic transmission, though the behavior of this vehicle is outside the bounds of safety and acceptability. The car acts, at random intervals, like a vehicle with a manual transmission in which the driver "popped" the clutch, to cause the drive wheels to spin in place. This ford focus does this, randomly, at traffic lights. I have nearly smashed into the car in front of me four times. Also, at the ripe old age of 18,500 miles, the clutch slips, and will need to be replaced (under warranty). This is covered under warranty, but clearly there is a serious design flaw, creating multiple safety concerns in the transmission of this car. In summary, these are: randomly revving high and popping the clutch (think drag racers) and premature wear and slipping so bad I am unable to safely merge into traffic. Ford must be held accountable.

Filed Aug 9, 2013 · Suspension, Wheels · 52,645 miles · CA

I noticed a vibration that seemed to increase over time of about 2 weeks. I took the vehicle into the dealer where they replaced a wheel bearing and recommended I replace the rear tires due to severe cupping. The tires are continental contacts with about 10,000 miles on them and should have lasted the next 5 years. I went to the tire shop where they told me that ford focuses are known to have alignment problems and will destroy their tires prematurely. Researching the internet I found 47 such complaints over the years relating exactly to what I experienced. The problem is the rear suspension is cambered in too much at the top and ford never made the suspension adjustable. Mine measured 1/4 inch difference between the top of the 15 inch rim compared to the bottom. This sits the car on the inside edge of the tire creating the premature wear. Ford must know this problem exists.

Filed Apr 10, 2013 · Suspension · 200 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle began to vibrate severely. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was being driven. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where both the passenger and driver side stabilizer arms were installed. Prior to the repair, both rear tires were replaced twice due to premature wear. In addition, the air filter was replaced even though the vehicle was designed that the component did not require replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 200.

Filed Dec 8, 2011 · Tires · 850 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ford focus with kumho solus tires, size 205 50/16, dot number: c0117. The contact stated that the tires were wearing prematurely. The passenger side tire was replaced twice and each time, there was only 1,000 miles accrued on the tire. The contact stated that the premature wear was caused by the tread of the tire. The failure mileage was 850 and the current mileage was 4,400.

Filed Aug 31, 2011 · Brakes, Suspension · 38,200 miles · MA

My 2002 ford focus wagon needed brakes because the front end would shake when I applied brakes. Also noticed a whirling noise from the back off car but did not mention that to my mechanic. He took it for a test drive and asked if I noticed the whirling noise too. He said he was concerned and checked that 1st. My right rear tire was frozen and not turning, that's where the noise was coming from. It had to be cut off in order to be replaced. He told me that the wheel could have broke off while driving and could have killed me, I had that repaired, along with front end brakes and replaced warped rotors. Then just 2 days later backed out of my driveway and broke a front right coil spring. A year later replaced the alternator. And last week just had to pay for a rebuilt transmission, because would not shift properly, upon observation the transmission had metal chips in transmission fluid and needed to be replaced. I cant believe no recall on this car!

Filed Jul 20, 2011 · Suspension · 27,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 ford focus. The contact stated the tread on the rear tires was wearing faster than the front. The contact stated the wear was on the outside of the tires but they replaced the rear tires for the third time. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told there was nothing that could be done to the rear alignment of the vehicle. The dealer stated the contact had to try and manage the premature wear of the tires. The failure mileage was 27,000 and the current mileage was 57,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2010 · Body · 132,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford focus. The contact stated all four tires would exhibit premature wear due to the frame alignment failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times where the tires have been replaced and several alignments were performed but the tires continued to wear prematurely. The dealer inspected, aligned and changed all four tires and the problem continued to recur. The manufacturer advised the alignment specifications were correct and advised that the failure was possibly caused by the contact's tires. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 132,000 and the current was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed May 19, 2009 · Brakes · 42,000 miles · NY

The inner brake pads on the front axles are prone to binding due to rust. The clearances are very tight. This causes premature, uneven brake and rotor wear once the pad rusts up and stops floating. My pads just failed after 42k miles; yet the outer pads were over 1/4" thick. I propose a several-part remedy (first 3 to be done by servicing technician): 1. Examine the pads more frequently than the usual once a year required by typical safety inspections; pull the wheels and check for movement of the inboard pads. The pads may have to be retracted with a c clamp so they have room to move. 2. If the pads are frozen, remove brake disk and pads and remove rust on the sliding surface down to bare metal with a flat file, until pads slide freely. 3. Lubricate surfaces with molykote or similar anti-seize compound. 4. The manufacturer should review the design with brake vendors to come up with a solution which could be incorporated into replacement pads. If slightly shorter pads are the answer, they should include anti-rattle measures. Also, a squealer spring should be added to contact the brake disk when the pad is almost gone to give an audible warning to the driver. These work well on chryslers (I don't know who makes them).

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Ford Focus premature wear

Which Ford Focus years have rotors or pads wearing out early problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2000 (19 complaints), 2001 (9 complaints) and 2003 (8 complaints).

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