I purchased my 2001 Ford Focus in October 2001. In April 2003, I had to get the front brakes, pads, shoes and rotors replaced. This is after I had always taken my car in for scheduled maintenance. I was told that none of this was covered. I was out of over $400. The same thing has happened again 13 months later. Everything needs to be replaced. The majority of my driving is highway and I can't get an explanation from Ford. I purchased a lemon. The switch also broke on my turn signals. It would not automatically turn off. This happen in Feb. 2003. Again, a year later, the same thing has happened. Someone needs to look into this.

- Dayton, OH, USA

I have had "brake issues since day one of owning my 2001 Ford Focus station wagon. From the very beginning there was moaning sounds when I braked. The salesman & service dept told me "it's because they are new", @ around 13,000 miles they began to make more prominant "moans" I was told that it's "normal". at 16,500 miles severe moaning & grinding, then not being able to stop easily, I brought it in to an independant mechanic, since my bumper to bumper warranty does not cover "normal wear & tear items" such as brakes & I was told I would have to pay a diagnostic fee, also not in my warranty, to determine what the issues are, & this mechanic told me that I was metal to metal, I needed new front rotors & pads, $250.also that the Focus has brake problems & was not designed well. Here it is 3 months later & @19,800 miles my back brakes start squealing & screeching loudly, I bring it in again & the shoes are completely worn down & I needed the rotors machined, it was another $135 (which was I bargain since I called the Ford dealer & they wanted @$300 for that work). He told me that his shop does all the fleet work for a neighboring enterprise rental car office & the Focus' are constantly in there for brakes. I called Ford's customer satisfaction line & reported the issue. I am mailing a letter to Ford's dispute resolution board & I am hoping that you will help us Focus owners with bad brakes get retribution from Ford for this faulty system. Thank you

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

Consumer states vehicle has problem with pads & rotors, dealer notified. Please provide further information,

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

Violent shaking of stearing wheel when breaking due to warping of break roters. Roters were replaced at 5000, 11,000, 20,000 miles and recently turnrd at 31,00 miles. The rate of failure of the roters is unacceptable and a hazzard.

- Bethel, CT, USA

Front brakes and rotor with premature wear

- Aurora, CO, USA

The Firestone firehawk tires, has had terrible road noise for the past 6,000 miles. Even though I had the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Last night after the dealership put a new set of tires on from a new car, to prove to me that it was the tires. I am not happy! also, the informed me that I would need new brakes...okay, that is possible. However, they also told me that I would need new rotors. Nothing that they could be turned...just that I need new ones. When I still have brake pads. How can that be" are they made of soft metal that they don't last? that Ford counts that as a wearing problem, so the cost is on me"

- Fredericktown, OH, USA