It started last fall when I was getting a Wheel Alignment. The mechanic told me that he couldn't do the rear wheels because they were "Way-Out". I needed the Dog Bones changed. He said it was a "flaw" in the design of the Focus. The dog-bones hold the tables for each wheel. It cost me about $450 to change them. Lots of labor as the old parts were all rusted on. Even then, one back wheel was still a little out. The mechanic suggested to start looking for another car!

Last week I heard a rumble from the back wheels. My mechanic said it was probably a wheel bearing. He suggested I drop by early next week to change it. By Saturday morning I couldn't drive the car as the back wheels had seized! After the $50 tow to the garage Monday, I was told the wheel bearings were shot on both sides and so were the brake drums. He also adjusted my front-end suspension saying that the struts were loose. It cost me $550. I've put about $2,000 into this car since last October! Definitely my last Ford product"

I bought this car used 9/15/05 with 42,000 appx. miles. Just 2 months later it started to grind and shimmy in the back end. Took to dealer, wheelbearings were completely shot due to design flaw of dust covers which have a hole designed into them. dealer informed me of "new and improved" design for replacement covers in other words no holes in these to allow dirt & water to get into the bearings. No recall of course. I had to pay full price. This was a sign of things to come. since then i have had to replace and of course pay for- heater blower resistor, cigarette lighter socket, four tires, sway bar linkage, head light, windshield wiper motor because wipers did not return to park position, and now it is smoking under the hood due to power steering pump leaking onto the exhaust manifold which could potentially start a fire. None of this has been covered by recall i have had to pay for it all. I bought this car for my wife while a year earlier i bought a 2002 Chevy Malibu for myself. I have had no trouble with the Malibu and had to swap cars with my wife because i did not feel this car was safe or reliable enough for her so now i am stuck with this cheep piece of junk car that i cannot wait to get rid of. I will never buy another ford in my life and only hope this helps some future consumers.