While driving the dash light began to flicker then the vehicle shut down suddenly while in gear. Campaign id number : 00V411000. The consumer was told that the power cable to the battery was the result of the problem. Campaign id number : 02V288000. The consumer was told by the service department that this is a problem because the vehicle could explode. The warranty company turned the consumer down stating that the problem was not part of the warranty. The key gets stuck in the vehicles ignition and would not come out. The doors would not close properly and remained open while the vehicle was in gear. When the tire was removed the consumer noticed that the wheel was missing a lug nut. Campaign id number : 00V303000 the air vent did not stay open when the A/C was on high. The brakes howled like a wounded dog from the time of purchase. Pads and rotors needed to be replaced.

- Woodbridge, Ontario, DC, USA

Front brakes are not compatible with the vehicle, once the vehicle hits 10, 000 miles the brakes become defective, the rotors and the pads wore out to the metal.

- Ridley Park, PA, USA

While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud squeaking noise, and the vehicle failed to stop completely. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that brake rotors and pads needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times. However, the problem recurred.

- Monroe, NY, USA

Brake pads on 2000 Ford Focus. (nar) the consumer also requested to be reimbursed for $446.44 in original repair, also would like to have a written explanation from the dealership of how the problem could be remedied to avoid excessive maintenance cost.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

Front brake and rotor replacement at 25,000 mile service, no warranty coverage.

- Portland, ME, USA

I bought my Focus in 2000. Since then I have suffered 2 blowouts that neither Ford or Firestone would fix. I've had brake pads replaced once and now have to have brakepads and rotor replaced. Sometimes the key won't turn the ignition. And of course this morning (one of the coldest days we've had) something has gone wrong with the heater.

- Louisville, KY, USA

After getting the state inspection on the car done, the service technician told us that the car had failed due to the rotors and pads needing replaced. Upon contacting the dealership, the service manager told us that this was normal wear and would cost us 695 to replace. The vehicle has less than 36000 miles, this should not be normal.

- Spotsylvania, VA, USA

Brakes/rotors/pad have worn and/or malfunctioned more than three times in the two years I have had this car. The first time was within two months of ownership, dealer repaired, but only after pressing the point. Had to replace the above twice already. One time brakes failed as my wife drove my children and nearly resulted in a serious accident. Brake problems happening yet again. Why is this not a recalled issue? I am out hundreds of dollars for this.

- Burlington, VT, USA

We had to place the 6th set of tires on our car. We haven't had a single set of tires last longer than 20,000 miles. We have our tires rotated and balanced and front-end aligned regularly. We have replaced the front brake pads 5 times. We have had all 5 recalls repaired on the car. When I had the rear bearing replaced under warranty the technician told me that they had to order emergency bearings overnight because it was not safe to drive. When I inquired about a rental car, he offered to reassemble my car and let me drive it home (even though it was unsafe)! this has always been a loud car, but a week ago there was a loud roaring, grinding noise up front that gets especially loud when I turn to the right. After having a technician look at it, he says the front bearings are gone and the front rotors and brake pads also need to be replaced again. I am in the same situation as everyone else: Because this car has had so many problems and complaints it is only valuing at $3000 after 3 years. Ford should be forced to do something to satisfy all of these dissatisfied customers.

- Centerville, TN, USA

Has been to shop for 26 days in the past 4 months. Repeated failure of clutch (manual transmission), failure of brake pads, resulting in minor crash. Have had to had ball joints replaced. Cruise control was disconnected from accerator/brake. Key would not go into ignition and resulted in key ignition switch having to be replaced. Numerous recalls and trips to shop since bought brand new in August 2003

- Redmond, WA, USA

Brake pads and rotors replaced at 27,000 miles on my 2000 Focus. The Ford dealership I take my car to for service said that replacing the rotors on this car is 'normal'. they said that the rotors are soft and tend to wear-out fast and that is was not covered under the warranty. They said the Ford escape had this issue also. I took my car to les schwab for the repair because they provide a 2 year 36,000 mile warranty on the brakes.

- Seattle, WA, USA

Constant squeaking noise when the brakes are applied. I've already replaced the rotors, brakes, brake pads, and drums on several occasions since buying this Focus about 3 years ago. Also my steering wheel locked on me one day in April of 2002 the key would not fit into the ignition to start the car I have no idea why this would happen from one day to another. I had my vehicle towed to the Ford dealership and they didn't know what the problem was caused by. They said that they needed to update the lock cylinder. Luckily I purchased the api extended warranty that cover the car for 100,000 miles. So the cost of the work done for this was $427.20. All but $50 of which was my deductible was cover by this warranty. The problems didn't stop here. I also have had to get the cd systems that came installed in the car replaced. The was a constant clicking noise with the cd player and 90% of the time the cd's wouldn't even play. I called the dealership and they said that they could replace it for me but that it wouldn't be coverer by the warranty so I would have to pay for it out of my pocket. I ended up having a new system installed but not from the Ford dealership, I took it to circuit city. Recently this month July 2003, my car has been staling and shutting off at stop signals and stop light also just shut completely off on the freeway thank god no accident occurred. I called the dealership to report this problem also my check engine light would come on and off several times and they said to bring it in and they would check the engine light but that I would have to pay $165. 00 just for them to check the light and it would be more $$$ to repair what ever problem it was. I was fed up by then.

- San Jose, CA, USA

Consumer states has had to replace brake pads 13 times since vehicle purchase. Pads were wearing excessively every 2000-3000 kilometers.

- Kingsville, 00, USA

Consumer states that vehicle only has 1700 miles on it, but hearing a metal to metal "grinding" noise when brakes were applied. Dealer diagnosed that brake pads, rotors and front discs, all needed to be replaced.

- West Covina, CA, USA

Premature brake wear (4 wheels) rear brakes not functioning as designed, wheel bearings replaced (4 wheels, rear on recall, front under warranty).

- Carbondale, IL, USA

I sent this letter to Ford in may of 2000 I purchased a Ford Focus, thinking it would be a safe, low maintenance car, considering it had been in europe since 1997. I would think this would be plenty of time to work out any bugs you may have. Or, should I call them recalls. I think a car that has 16 recalls, most of them which I would consider safety issues, should be recalled entirely. I have had other issues with this car as well. My key would not turn, seat belts locking for no reason, door handles not opening the door (this is all happening again). And one that has not been addressed, brakes. I am now on my third set of front rotors since I have purchased the car. The same thing has happened every time. The driver side rotor and pad will wear completely down yet the passenger side will be just fine. I have talked to other Focus owners and the same thing is happening. I still have my last set of rotors just to prove it. I got smart this time and bought replacements that were not made by you. Stop tech cross drilled rotors and ebc greenstuff kevlar pads. I also replaced the driver side caliper with a non-Ford replacement. I want out of this car because I feel it is unsafe. I also would like to warn other Focus owners that this car is unsafe. You also had better not send me to the dealership again. What does the dealership have to do with the production of an unsafe car? nothing, except that they sell it. I am not putting up with Ford pushing me around or giving me the run around either. This car is extremely unsafe and should not be on the road. I did not do this before but this time you leave me no choice. This letter will be sent to as many bad product websites as I can find. It will also be sent to NHTSA, consumer reports and the better business bureau. You did not do anything with my previous complaint and now there are more issues with this product that not only concern safety, but the life of the car. Something will be done.

- Bristol, TN, USA

The brakes screeched very loud when applied, pads were replaced at 12000 miles, however problem still existed. Brake effectiveness was not reduced. Dealer advised the screeching noise was normal due to brake pads being semi-metallic.

- Astoria, NY, USA

Consumer states that rear brake cylinder is leaking fluid. The brake pads have large metal deposits in them and the front rotors are worn excessively and not able to be turned because the are under specifications.

- Granger, IN, USA

Brake pads have warped at 14000 miles. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer five different times to get brakes fixed, but problem still occurring. Also, extended stopping distance and noise when braking. Contacted dealer.

- Derby, CT, USA

Brakes squeak whenever theyare applied. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Mandeville, LA, USA