Nine problems related to brake disc rotor have been reported for the 2002 Ford Focus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the 2002 Focus.
At around 35,000 miles my father noticed a grinding noise on the front of his Focus. Thinking that it was the screech of a warning indicator he parked the vehicle until he could have me look at it. Both front rotors were severely ground down with the left inside pad being totally down flush with the metal. This shouldn't be normal wear. Back brakes showed signs of normal if not less than normal wear. This should not be normal wear and tear on a vehicle with this few miles on it. I had to replace both rotors prematurely. We will keep the old parts for thirty days in case they are needed.
Yearly inspection resulted in a failure due to excessive rotor wear on both fron rotors. Although I was informed that the brake pads would have lasted another 5 to 6 thousand miles. No faulty or damage to the front end that would have caused this type of wear. Previous inspection last year at another Ford dealer showed no issues. Also informed of this type of wear being considered normal by the dealers due to the manufacturing process of the original rotors being changed to intice owners to replace rather than turn the rotors when needed. Found that there is a pending class action in California of the same incident. Also located two technical bullitens from Ford showing concern over the issue. Called the Ford corporate and was told that there was nothing I could do due to the factory warrent covering only 12k miles and I was at 34k miles. Called the dealer back, told them of my findings and my disappointment in discovering that it was a known issue after all. The service manager called me back to inform me that it would be covered under warranty since they had overlooked the issue.
The front brake rotors were warped. Dealership notified of the problem, but the problem has not been resolved.
To my Focus in to service Jan 2003 for squeaking brakes, rotors were warped, brake squeaking said to be "normal". They machine straightened the rotors and said Ford engineering looking into squeaks. Aug. 2003 take Focus in for loud vibrating sound. Brakes and rotors completely shot. $440 to fix. 13700 miles on car.
At 14053 miles, the rotors on my 2002 Ford Focus had to be remachined, now at 20k miles, I have to have the same brake problem fixed again. Obviously the rotors are either substandard or defective and or there is a larger problem, master cylinder etc. Also the rear brakes tend to lock up periodically. 1st incident-Jan 03.
Consumer states that brake rotors are wearing out, and when applying the brakes, vehicle will have a heavy vibration and extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.
2002 Ford Focus, only 15000 miles. $500 for brake job because rotors were shot. Mechanic says common problem with Focus.
Brake rotors are wearing out. When applying the brakes vehicle will have heavy vibration and extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.
Consumer states that the brake rotors have gone out at 8,000 miles, in may the consumer had the rotors replaced then in July the same problem occured and finally on the 21-Sep-2002 the consumer had to take the vehicle in again to have the rotors replaced. The dealer cannot find the problem.