The front brakes on my 2000 Ford Focus have made a squeeking and grinding noise intermittently since the second or third day after I drove it off the lot. I took the car to the dealership multiple times and they were unable to resolve the issue. They told me they sanded the break pads and that would reduce the noise and that it was normal. Of course, that didn't help. At 22,000 miles I had to pay to replace rotors and pads. The mechanic noted that the rotors and shoes were warped from the heat of applying the breaks and there was still plenty of life in the break pads. He stated that he had seen this before in the Focus. I checked your complaints site and saw 48 other complaints about similar problems so I decided to file a complaint.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

While applying the brakes vehicle had a grinding noise coming from the front of vehicle.

- Seattle, WA, USA

Consumer states brakes wear prematurley wearing out which produces a grinding noiuse. Dealer states this is normal for the brakes.

- Saddle Brook, NJ, 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

The front and rear brakes, the fuel pump, fuel injector, heater chamber, half shaft bearing, third brake light and speedometer cluster were all replaced.

- Alameda, CA, USA

My son had a wheel stuck on the curb of our driveway. He opened the door and, with his foot on the brake, looked out to see the position of the wheel. The brakes failed and the car rolled down the driveway hill, hopped the curb, crossed the street, went over an embankment and landed with the rear end of the car against a tree. The car was totaled. When Ford was contacted they said they had not received any other complaints about brakes on the Focus. Our mechanic spoke to an associate with Ford who will deny speaking to him. The Ford associate said they are aware of a problem with the brakes failing, they just don't know how to fix it so they can't issue a recall. It seems this ball belongs in your court! our car was totaled, our son suffered only minor injuries; the next person may not be so lucky.

- Newark, OH, USA

Mr

- Lewisville, TX, USA

After 3,000 or 4,000 miles brakes start jumping. Need chanche disc(L, R)serviced. Reported they said need to send to machine shop.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

Consumer states of having problems with the brakes and the rotors dealer was contacted.

- Santa Maria, CA, USA

Brakes squeaked badly since the day purchased. Contacted dealership they said they were new and it would eventually stop. About 3 months later I had to take the vehicle in for a recall and told the dealership about the brakes. They told they were aware of a problem because of the number of complaints, but were anticipating a recall. Now I have to have my front pads and rotors replaced. The mechanic told me he too was aware of a number of vehicles like mine that were being serviced for the same problem. I cnatcted the customer service dept. At Ford and told me until an official recall was implemeted they could do nothing.

- Harper Woods, MI, USA

Sub frame bolts loose from factory, transmision slips, brake rotors warped and replaced 3 times, dlr advised that because this veh is built in germany its a high performance veh and the brakes will not last more than 12,000 miles without having to do a complete brake job, Ford has been contacted on several occassions and have repeatdly denied that they have any brake issues with this vehicle.

- Hillsboro, OR, USA

Front brake pads and rotors needed replacement after 30000 miles. There was no indication of wear until grinding sound was heard from the front brakes. By that time rotors could not be repaired, and needed to be replaced.

- Apple Valley, MN, USA

At 65 to 70 mph when applying brakes vehicle shakes and makes a grinding noise upon slowing down.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

I have had to many problems with this car for it to have been bought new in 2000. This problem with the ignition switch is unbelievable. When we talked to the dealership they referred us to a locksmith. The locksmith told us that he knew exactly what the problem was because he had done over 300 of these in the last year or so. When we had a tow truck to come and tow it to the dealer, he told us that he tows 2 or 3 of these cars a day for the same problem. I think it is absolutely upsurd and totally unfair that Ford hasn't recalled this part. Also, I had to replace the front rotors and pads on this car Dec. 2000, and I am being told that my brakes need to be done again. Something needs to be done about this car. Especially the 2000 model. I have been on the internet and have found a number of other people having the exact same problems and more with this car.

- Lithonia, GA, USA

Front brake rotors and brake pads are completely worn out with low mileage accumulation.

- Cambridge, MD, USA

Consumer took the vehicke in for brake noise and grinding. Dealership claimed brakes wer fine. Once again, consumer took brakes in for grinding noise and dealership informed consumer that the vehilce needed new brakes and rotors.

- Steger , IL, USA

Both front rotors and pads needed to be replaced at 32,000 miles of wear. Dealer has been notified.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

While driving out of town brakes failed at 1300 miles. Brakes were grinding, and consumer had to replace front brakes/pads and resurface rotors.

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

Purchased my car in 2000. My car currently has 51,000 miles on it now. Since that time, I have purchased two brand new sets of tires and have had my car aligned two times.. ihave also needed my trunk latch replaced and although my brakes have been replaced they continue to squeal. Recently, whilr driving on an interstate mt car sputtered and shut down. I waited two hours at which point it was able to be driven. I took it to Ford and they believed I need my fuel pump replaced. This occurred one more time approximately three days later.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

A grinding sound from left front wheel would occur when brakes are applied. Vehicle taken to dealer, and informed consumer that rotors and pads needed to be replaced. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Beverly Hills, CA, USA