Rear Suspension problems of the 2002 Ford Focus

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 60 mph, the contact heard an abnormal banging from the rear of the vehicle. The failure would occur when driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for inspection. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the rear passenger side trailing arm was fractured and striking against the brake line. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. Updated 04/05/lj updated 04/05/11.

Premature rear tire wear. 6 tires were replaced before 27,000 miles. Dealer says alignment is at Ford specifications. Dealer said rotation at 3000 miles is required on this vehicle to prevent this problem. Overheard tech telling service manager that these cars don't have enough adjustment for camber. Tires can not be rotated after 5000 miles because they cup out and when moved to the front cause severe vibration.

Left rear wheel tipping in at top so much that you could see it before 3500 miles. This causes the rear end to be much "looser" than is normal or aceptable. Ford provides no adjustment for camber in rear and this caused left rear tire to have a cupping pattern on the inside edge. Apparently if the camber isn't correct to begin it will throw off the whole alignment. One dealer checked and said it was in spec. At 15,000 mi. Found dealer who understood the problem and installed a just released shim kit. Ford refusing to cover kit, alignment, or tire under " bumper-to-bumper" warranty (trying to claim it is a normal wear item, or a tire problem, other tires are fine!). Had to pay $142 + tire so that the rear end doesn't come around cause an accident.

The vehicle loses control where it pulls to the right side, especially from the rear when driving over a rough road or on a smooth road upon driving over a slightly recessed manhole cover. Vehicle has been back to the dealer 2 times for 4 wheel alignment, wheel balance and replacement of rear shocks. No improvements in condition after both visits. Alignment data shows the rear wheels are at higher levels of negative camber, which is not adjustable, and toe. Driving vehicle in icy, rainy weather is unsafe if current handling characteristics are not, or can not be corrected. Dt.

Purchased car new may 2002. Focus zts. In August took car to ontario canada on roadtrip from missouri. Way back from trip, noticed vibrations from back of car at highway speed. Didn't think much of it because of similar experience with escort. Took car on trip to myrtle beach in may 2003 and the vibration was more then obvious at 55mph. When returned from trip took car in for service. Driver side rear bushing on tire arm was worn. Wheel was tilted and tire was wearing wrong. Dealership replaced arm and tire. Took car on another trip March 2004 noticed extreme vibration still coming from same side/back of car. Shakes plastic bags in backseats. Vibrates driver seat and steeringwheel. Because most of my driving is on regular roads it's not something that becomes obvious right away. Will be taking car in again ASAP. Also had a problem right after purchasing the car with the passernger side front floor wet after huge rain. Took it in for repair and I don't think there has been a noticeable problem since.

Backed out of driveway and rear wheel buckled. Now rubbing on front of firewall.

I had noticed that the rear suspension of my car was very wobbly and all over the place when driving. Real bad going around curves on freeways. Do not feel safe. Took to dealer and they said they did a "rear" alignment. It's not any better, afraid to drive car especially on michigan's bad roads. Passengers in back seat say they're thrown all over the place.

Rear end very unstable is snow-more than normal. Dealer said he has had 3 other complaints - dealer says does not know what to do.