Noticed hydraulic brake fluid leaking from clutch master cylinder which is mounted behind the clutch pedal under dash. Clutch system shares brake fluid with brake system. Fluid drips on clutch pedal and floor creating a very slick surface and drop in fluid level in brake reservoir. This creates a severe safety issue in my opinion. This appears to be a common problem with Ford Focus manual transmission cars. The only remedy was to replace the clutch master cylinder. Also needed to replace the clutch pedal rubber foot pad which had disintegrated from exposure to the brake fluid.

- Lisle, IL, USA

The ignition lock and the key would not come out. Had to be towed at midnight from the hospital in 18 degree weather. Dealership said manufacture part at a cost of $455. Brake noise no one can find. Replaced the windshield wiper arm twice. Will never buy Ford again!!!

- Barrackville, WV, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While backing out of the driveway, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle did not move. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the authorized dealer for inspection. The failure was related to the brake shoe material separating from the shoe, which resulted in the wheel locking. The vehicle was repaired. Updated 1/26/09 updated 01/26/09.

- Marlton, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 70 mph, the tires wobbled and flames erupted from the rear tires. The failure occurred without warning. The fire department was not called to the scene. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they stated that the failure was related to the tire bearing. The rear brake system was replaced. Recently, the contact experienced an identical failure. The passenger side rear tire detached from the vehicle and smoke erupted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the passenger side rear brake system. The current mileage was unknown and the failure mileage was 131,000.

- Sharpsburg, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving 55-70 mph, the vehicle and the steering wheel both began to shake. When the speed is below 55 mph, the shaking will stop or decrease. When applying the brakes while driving, the contact heard metal on metal from the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. The dealer stated that the brakes were fine. The current mileage was 54,019 and failure mileage was 50,759. Updated 01/02/08 the consumer stated the vehicle squeaked and vibrated and when the brakes were applied there was a grinding noise. The engine mount was replaced, due to it being broken. The shifter squeaked. The rims were bent and the tires were out of balance. Updated

- Big Bear Lake, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus zts. The contact stated that the brakes worked intermittently. The vehicle failed to come to a complete stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The dealer changed the brake pads. Upon leaving the dealer the failure recurred. Also, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck. On several occasions the contact had to release the accelerator pedal and then depressed it again for the vehicle to respond properly. Weather and speed were not factors. The current and failure mileages were 41,500.

- Stanton, CA, USA

Attempted to stop at a red light, brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle did not fully stop. My car entered intersection and was struck by another vehicle causing extensive damage to my car.

- Upland, CA, USA

Front end collision, air bag put out powder and light indicates deployment, however no deployment of airbag occurred. My daughter was injured and the state trooper stated that the air bag should have deployed. This appears to be an obvious defect and it was noted that there are several other complaints on NHTSA website. Vehicle is currently at dealer for crash repair I have yet to hear their determination regarding the air bag non-deployment. Additionally, the brakes on the vehicle faded and failed to stop the vehicle, this is the second brake fade problem I have had with this vehicle. It has been to the dealer once for the problem and they found air in the brake system.

- Lake Worth, FL, USA

At 15,000 mile I replaced my rear brake shoes and then two days after that they started to squeal very badly like they where worn out again. I returned to the Ford dealer in which I purchased the car and who had replaced the brakes they reapplied lube to the shoes and drum. That worked for three days and now once again they squeal again. I have replaced the brakes again at 25,000 miles and they still squeal and no one knows what to do. Both times the brakes where replaced they were done at a Ford dealership. I have been told to maybe purchased new drums even though there is nothing wrong with the current ones but I don't see the need to do such a thing on a car that is barely 2 years old. Please help.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

Consumer experienced brake failure with his 2004 Ford Focus. The manufacturer stated that the part was not available locally, but they were trying to locate it nationally. The brakes made a racket, there was a weight that adjusted the counterweight, and needed other parts replaced as well, but they have to wait on the weight to come in before the work could be done. They stated that there were six other dealers that have ordered the part, and it was sent out in the order that it was requested. Consumer stated this has been happening for approximately a month and a half to two months. When on vacation he took the vehicle in for a squeaking noise, and they resurfaced the brakes, which eliminated the squeaking noise. By the time they returned from the trip, approximately 1100 miles, the squeaking noise came back, and the racket started. Consumer had the vehicle serviced before going on the trip, and was told the vehicle was okay to drive.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably with out warning. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the problem can not be duplicated. The driver informed the mechanic that this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. Please provide additional information.

- San Diego, CA, USA

While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a squeaking noise coming from the rear and the vehicle jerked. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, an D mechanic determined that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on October 7, 2004 to have the rear brakes replaced. The dealer indicated that the replacement of the rear brakes would make the noise subside. As of November 5, 2004 the vehicle still makes noise.

- Fenton, MO, USA