: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the starter failed. There were no warning signals for the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the flywheel and the starter had to be replaced. After the first incident, the contact took the vehicle to the dealer thirty times for the following failures: Brakes rotors were replaced four times; battery and alternator had to be replaced; the transmission had to be replaced after the second attempt to repair it. The electrical wiring under the dashboard had to be rewired. The air conditioning was repaired three times with the replacement of defective valves; the rear door latches were repaired according to recall # 05V300000. The dealership had not corrected the noises from the steering column. The manufacturer was contacted and refused to cooperated in finding a suitable resolution. The last problem found by the dealership was the required replacement of the engine heads. The engine heads were attached to the vehicle frame.

- Playa Del Rey, CA, USA

I purchased this car in Sept. 2003, brand new. This spring, with only 23000 miles on it, the car began making an awful grinding noise. I took it to the dealership the next day, and they had to replace the front rotors, at a price tag of near $400. Of course my warranty did not cover it. I am very disappointed in this car, and in Ford for selling a car that obviously has a faulty, poorly made braking system. Only 4 months after the initial repair, I have begun having problems with the car again. I will absolutely never purchase another Ford again. I am very unimpressed with them.

- Watauga, TX, USA

2003 Ford Focus. When the vehicle was first purchased front window came out. The dealership fixed it. Then, the trunk started popping open, the vehicle was fixed at the dealership where she purchased it. The vehicle was taken to another dealership, because she moved. They stated the vehicle needsednew brake pads. Te consumer told the dealership the vehicle made a noise on the passenger side by the front tire. The dealership did nothing about it. The vehicle was then taken to a tire company, they found the front rotors wore out, and this was a manufacturering problem. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership and they stated the vehicle needed new rotors and brake pads. Also a piece was coming off the vehicle between the two doors on the driver side between the windows. This vehicle just went over 15,000 miles when she was leaving the dealership. In addition, there iwas something wrong with the steering wheel, it was too hard to pull back, and it swerved in the other lane. The trunk was still coming open.

- West Bend, WI, USA

I have had two front end aliments in 20,000 miles and my car has 23.454 miles on it. Also now it needs new brakes and rotors and they refuse to replace them under warranty. This is an ongoing problem with Ford Focus that should be fixed.

- White Settlement, TX, USA

While applying the brakes a loud squeaking noise came from the vehicle. Driver took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that left and right brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion.

- East Stroudsburg, PA, USA

Vehicle was taken to dealer for regular check up, and results showed that the rotors needed to be replaced because they were worn out. Consumer will notify manufacturer.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

My 2003 Focus ztw wagon has been in for brakes 3 times in the last year. Ford standing by this as a "wear" item not covered under warranty. Could I have 2002 parts in my vehicle? I have had brake inspections done with oil changes indicating everything in the "green zone". the rotor warping is sudden and unpredictable. 3 brake jobs in one year is excessive and problematic. I do not feel safe in this vehicle even with the brakes being fixed.

- Hales Corners, WI, USA

18,000 miles on a 2003 Ford Focus and the brake pads and rotors are ruined, the dealer told me I can expect this with a Focus or a escape because of center mounted rotors. The car was inspected by the dealer 2500 miles ago. State police can't help me due the time that has passed since inspection.

- Dallastown, PA, USA

Back at about 18000, I took my car to the dealer to have the brakes checked. They were squeaking and had excessive dust on rims. At times I would get a grinding noise. They said "all was fine." I took my car back again with the same issues, at about 20000 miles and was told that I needed new brakes and since the rotors were "so thin" they needed to be replaced also. I asked about the service bulliten that is out on this issue and was told that "Ford" was not going to replace them. I am mad beyond belief that there is a "bulliten" on this issue and they refuse to fix it. This new of car should not have gone threw the brakes this quick. That is exactley what I was told on my independent evaluation. Now I am stuck paying for this even though Ford is well aware of this problem.

- University Place, WA, USA

Ford Focus 2003 rotors wear out incredibly fast.. took my car in for a 30,000 inspection and had to have new rotors and breaks I was told that many Focus's are coming in at 30,000 that need new rotors. Why"?" unless they are defective in the first place.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

2003 Ford Focus brakes are wearing uneven, rubbing, and squeeking. The front rotors have groves beyond allowable limits while 40% of pads remain. Looks as if the front pads are eating the rotors. When taken to Ford they say its normal wear, what a lie.. this could cause a terrible accident, im surprised Ford hasnt learned their lesson from past experience. Since for has refused to take action on their faulty brakes, there are a lot of folks that really wish you guys would step forward and make them before people get killed.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

Brake pads and rotors wear out prematurely. When the brake pedal is depressed it makes a metal to metal noise. Dealership replaced the brake pads and rotors 3 times.

- Colonia, NJ, USA

When applying brakes at any speed a squeaking sound was heard. Dealer replaced front pads, then on second occurrence, front rotors were replaced. This did not resolve the problem.

- Lafayette, AL, USA