9.5

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$940
Average Mileage:
69,650 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. online research points toward abs hcu (1 reports)
  3. replace drums and rotors with non ford parts (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #4

Mar 062012

Focus ZX3 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 145,000 miles

It seems the Ford Focus brake problems go through MANY year models! There can be several things that combine with brake problems. I believe there is something (unknown) that begins the problem. It could be electrical (low voltage perhaps?) or something that may cause a problem around the ABS - and the ABS HCU. Some point towards the PCV and PCV hose (a HUGE pain to replace on my engine as you must remove the intake manifold to get to that!). I replaced both items. The problem continued. Some say the calipers stick. I had one stuck. Replaced both. Problem continued. Online research points towards perhaps the brake master cylinder. I'm told that during a brake issue (when the front brakes come on) I should stop by a mechanic's shop, have them take the brake line loose from the master cylinder. If fluid squirts out (pressurized) then replace the master cyclinder. If not fluid squirts out, then the ABS HCU is bad. I have not seen the ABS warning light come on during these problems. I have watched when cranking the engine that the light does come on so I know the light is still working. I'll continue in my quest to fix my brake problem.

- gallman, Prattville, AL, US

problem #3

Feb 012010

Focus SE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

How is it I can identify a problem on my Ford Focus that Ford mechanics cannot? I just had my rotors and brakes replaced, but they cannot find out why they are wearing out so soon. We are talking 3

- Michael G., Indpendence, MO, US

problem #2

Oct 112006

Focus ZXW 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

I had a squeeky brake problem when the car hit 8,000 miles. Took it to the dealership they said it was normal. It sounded bad, like a mack truck stopping at a red light. So I shrugged it off and said f*ck it, I'll let the brakes get low and then replace them somewhere else. Well over the next few months I noticed that my steering wheel would start to shimmy at 50 MPH. I took it to the dealer and they said that I needed to have the rotors shaved. I got it done and not even 3 weeks after it started all over again. I thought to myself this is insane. So I took it back and they replaced the rotor's at no charge because it was under warranty. 2 months later the same f*cking problem. I took it to Monroe brake and muffler and told the guy my problem and he recommended that I have the rotor's replaced by a brand that they stand by. The drums were shot to so he replaced those as well and put new breaks all the way around. I had to shell out $1500.00 dollars to continue to drive my not even 2 year old car. Needless to say I was not happy.

- turbomorph, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #1

May 042007

(reported on)

Focus ZX4 V-4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,500 miles

MY BRAKE, S KEEP WEARING OUT MESSING UP MY ROTOR EVERY 2TO4 MOUTH, S TAKE IT TO FORD DEALER THEY FIX THE PROBLEM WITH IN TWO WEEK, S MAKING SOUND AGAIN IVE TOOK IT BAKE SEVERAL TIMES JUST TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN THEY FIX THE BRAKE, S FIX THE ROTOR BUT CANT FIND THE PROBLEM THE LAST TIME I TOOK IT THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME A WORK ORDER IT SEEM, S LIKE THERE TRYING TO HIDE SOMTHING IM NOT GOING TO NAME NAME, S (BARTOW FORD BARTOW FLRIDA) BECAUSE IM NOT LIKE THAT (BARTOW FORD)I DON, T THANK IT WOULD DO ANY GOOD TO SAY THERE NAME (BARTOW FORD BARTOW FLORIDA) THEY WORKED ON IT FOR THREE YEAR, S UNTIL MY WARRANTY I THINK I NEED A CHEVY. LEROY PICKETT POLK COUNTY FLORIDA.

- leroypickett, frostproof, FL, US