Brake Disc Rotor Problems of Ford Focus - part 2

Front brake pads and rotors for my 2001 Ford Focus wagon need to be replaced after just 37,700 miles. The brakes on the car have squealed almost since day one (we purchased it new in August 2001), have had it in to the dealer for checking and repairs numerous times (mcmahon Ford, norwalk, CT) and they said it's normal for brakes to squeal, or that they can't replicate the problem, or that it's due to dust, or denied that they squealed at all. The repair place says the rotors cannot be turned and that the brakes were made to barely minimum standards. They are returning the worn parts. There was never any indication that the brakes were failing (for one thing, because of the permanent squeal) and the dealership did not find this problem the last time we had it in for a checkup before it went out of warranty, which is of the most concern to me.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Focus 🔎.

The rotors and brakes have had to be replaced before 35,000. This car is not safe. We took the car in because it was making noise for brake pads. The called and told use the rotors were damaged. This is took soon to have this part replaced.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Focus 🔎.

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.

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2001 Ford Focus, w/ only 17,900 miles - brake pads and rotors shot. Ford will not cover under warranty, because they haven't determined this to be a defect. Ford Focus break/rotor defect.

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.

I purchased a new Ford Focus in July of 2001. My wife uses the car to drive on the highway to and from work. We have had the car for 18 months and took the car to the laird noller dealership in lawrence for the 30,000 check up with 33,000 miles on the car. After spending $300 for the check up, we were told that the brake pads and rotors need to be replaced. I have spoken with two mechanics and have been told that the rotors should not need to be replaced on a car that is driven primarily on the highway since there is not a lot of stop and go driving. There a dozens of listings on the intert and the NHTSA website of the same complaint on their Ford Focus vehicles. I was told by the dealership that Ford puts thin rotors on the Focus to begin with so they have to be replaced very early. I was also learned from an employee at the dealership that the person that performed the service on our Focus has had trouble meeting his quota of upselling repairs on cars that come in for their check up. After picking up the car, the entire dashboard was shaking and the front tires were making noises. When we brought the car in it was fine , after we picked it up it sounded horrible. We called back up to the dealership and were told to drive it for a few days and it should be fine. After waiting the two days, the brake pads began to grind into the rotors and the car did not drive well at all. I have spoken with Ford and with the dealership and they have told me that there is nothing they can do for me and that I am responsible for the repairs. Ford knows that there is a problem with the rotars they are using on the Focus, but is not willing to do anything about it. I am worried that are not other problems with the car that may make it unsafe. I have two small children and am worried about driving them around in the car. I believe that with the number of complaints I have seen, Ford should be told to initiate a recall on the rotars.

Brake rotors are wearing out. When applying the brakes vehicle will have heavy vibration and extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.

The front rotors were worn, which caused extended stopping distance.

The front brake rotors were worn, which caused extended stopping distance.

Ford Focus brake pads and rotor problems since 11,500 miles on vehicle, inspected and told nothing wrong, normal squeeking and grinding. My daughter feels that while driving the car the brakes are grinding and giving under her. We take it in for the 15k service and they tell us the brakes are fine at 15,600 miles inspected and told nothing wrong, normal with change of weather. Yesterday my daughter said the brakes were not holding and we took the car in for a wheel bearing recall for the rear brake system and at 18,000 miles, dealership says brake pads and rotors are completely gone! I have talked to the dealer and Ford who say they will "cover" this $400 repair. My complaint is that this should have never occurred and could have cost my daughter, my son who rides in the car or me our lives. I feel they are very aware of this problem and chose to overlook their responsibility that could have cost my family our lives. Someone needs to make them accountable including the dealership who "inspected" the brakes and chose to lie to us on 2 other occassions. If Ford has a problem then the dealerships are only compounding the problem with the possiblity of loss of life.

Front brakes grinding. After taking for a brake inspection was told the car needs front rotors and pads and new cylinders on the back as it is leaking brake fluid. Ph.

The vehicle brake rotors are wearing and when the brakes are applied a heavy vibration can be felt followed by extended stopping distance. The dealer has been notified.

Apple Ford service department inspected my brakes and told me that the rear brake rotors were shot and needed to be replaced. The service department also told me all the brake pads, front and rear, had to be replaced. I have never had a new car whose rear brake rotors failed and needed to be replaced. My Focus was less than 2,000 miles out of warranty and Ford motor CO. Refused to help with the bill, $643. 00.

While applying the brakes there was a squeaking noise coming from the front/rear of the vehicle. The pedal had gone down and made a squeak noise. The front end bounced and vibrated due to the pinch bolt that retained the steering knuckled to the lower ball joint. (may not have the proper torque) there was a problem with the front end and rear. The wheel was replaced, the flat tire was balanced and the beam worked okay. The vehicle made noise when released from park mode, stop, and was intermittent. (has been adjust 3-4 times but would go back to the same thing).

Excessive wear on front brakes. Consumer did all highway driving, and had to replace rotors at 30000 miles.

Fumes in passenger compartment whenever heat or air conditioning on. Dealer claims smells nothing and also rotors on brake drums are minimum required by law without having to be replaced even though they have never been machined or scarred. Dealership says they are aware of problem but Ford has done nothing about it and rotors aren't under warranty even though they are defective.

Dealer indicated that front rotors were defective, having deep ridges, causing different thickness through the rotors. Rotors couldn't be turned due to such bad shape. Brakes were squeaking excessively prior to taking vehice in. Dealer aware of problem. Please provide more information.

Rotors and pads wear excessively. Vehicle has no problem stopping, but squeals when brakes are applied. Vehicle was taken in for front brake problem. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information.

When applying brakes they were squeaking , dealer replaced front rotors. Please provide additional information.

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.

Front brakes began to squeel. Upon inspection at brake shop it was found that although the front pads were in good shape, both front rotors were warped and needed replacement. Vehicle was purchased from the Ford dealer approximately 10,000 miles ago. The right rear brake drum also needed replacement because of excessive wear. The vehicle had been into Ford for a recall on the rear bearings at 23,757 miles at which time the rear drums were removed but apparently the drums were not warped or the mechanic did not inspect prior to replacement. . Read more...

Premature failure of front disk rotors. This appears to be a frequent and well documented problem with Ford Focus. Ford customer service claims the failure of the rotors is "normal wear and tear" yet owners are reporting frequent failures. There is even an internet site devoted solely to this defect, which Ford has not acknowledged.

Consumer states the front rotors were replaced due to vibration.

Consumer states, the rotors and brakes pad worn excessively. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts.

While driving would step on brake pedal and brakes would malfunction at time of operation, had taken vehicle to dealer and they replaced rotors five times the brakes squeak often, both the rotors and brake pads had to be replaced due to warping, the vehicle has 31,800 miles.

Brakes wae making a grinding noise. Took to dealer, and had rotors repaired, but problem still exists.

Rotors are prematurely wearing and have been replaced three times. When brakes are applied at any speed a loud noise occurs, cause unknown. Dealer has been contacted. Please give any further details.

When braking vehicle would vibrate, dealer replaced front rotors due to warping. Then replaced rotors again on 15 Sep. 2001 for the same problem. Nlm.

Front rotors were replaced due to vibration and squealing when applying brake. Replaced a second time in February 2002 for the same problem.

Consumer traveled on highway alot and vehicle started making grinding noise. Brake rotors and drums on the left were crumbling. Manufacturer's recalls 00s20 and 00s31 did not affect consumer's vehicle due to VIN.

I have had 3 sets of brakes,3 sets of tires and my rotors shaved(that helped for about 2 months). Seventy percent of my mileage is interstate driving,therefore,not using the brakes that much. The only way to stop the vibration of the wheels is to replace the rotors, which happens to be wearing out my tires with there 50,000 mile warrenty. In otherwords, the brakes and rotares on this car are of the poorest quality I have ever seen. So much for american pride, I'm going back to my Honda!.

Noise in left front. Pedal pulsation. Dealer turned rotors. Noise didn't leave, pulsation did. 3k miles noise still there, pedal pulsation again. Replaced rotors. Noise didn't stop, pulsation did. 4. 9k miles noise and pulsation, dealer replaced rotors and left caliper. Both stopped. Add'l 200 miles, noise began. 6. 7k miles pulsation is back. Dealer says problem not with car but will investigate.

While traveling on highway vehicle shakes and vibrates. Rotors are warped. Also, they are under sized. Dealership is aware of the problem.

Squeaking brake, extreme wear and tear of front tires, back tires with wear and tear issues, alignment issues on front tires and cruise control issues.