2002 Ford Focus Suspension Problems

Your car has about 108,000 miles and you've recently replaced the tie rods, control arms, and sway bar on the front suspension. Your mechanic found that the front subframe is severely rusted and warned that the engine could fall off if the vehicle isn't serviced immediately. The subframe corrosion is a critical structural issue that needs urgent attention before driving the car further.

Your check engine light is on, and you're experiencing multiple electrical and lighting issues: your headlights don't work consistently, your trunk won't latch securely even when closed, and a false warning light indicates the trunk is ajar. Additionally, your windshield wipers get stuck in the up position and won't return down. A diagnostic test found several fault codes and low battery voltage. Your mechanic has also recommended replacing inner tie rods and control arms/bushings.

When driving at speeds above 40 mph on uneven road surfaces or over bumps like manhole covers, the rear of your car sways and shimmers side to side in an extreme manner. The problem seems worse after installing new tires with good grip. A professional inspection found all vital suspension parts appear okay, and a 4-wheel alignment didn't fix the issue. You suspect there may be a design problem with the upper control arms that prevents proper camber adjustment. Fixing this may require suspension component replacement or specialized alignment work to address potential design limitations.

While driving at highway speeds (50-60 mph), the front driver's side suspension spring broke in half, creating a sharp edge that punctured and shredded your tire. The vehicle had to be towed, and both the tire and spring were replaced. This type of failure can happen suddenly and affect vehicle control.

Your rear coil spring has cracked and needs to be replaced. This was discovered during a service appointment at around 38,000 miles. While your car wasn't in a crash, a broken spring can affect your suspension's ability to handle bumps and support your vehicle's weight properly. The repair will involve replacing the damaged rear coil spring.

2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5. BRAKES WERE REPLACED AND FIRST TIME IT WAS DROVE THERE WAS A NOISE FROM FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL AREA. FOUND THE COIL SPRING IS MOVING AND MAKING POPPING NOISE. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE SPRINGS BREAKING AND DAMAGING TIRES OR CAUSING ACCIDENTS AND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL? TRYING TO FIND OUT FOR MY MOM. THIS IS HER CAR BUT I AM GIVING MY CONTACT INFO. *TR

LAST INSPECTION IT WAS REPORTED TO INSPECT THIS YEAR THE CROSSMEMBER/SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION RESEARCHING THIS I'VE FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ALSO I SAW RECALL OF MORE SUSPENSION ISSUES OCCURRING NOW.. 40 K MILEAGE IT HAS LAST YEAR HAD TO REPLACE SWAY BAR BECAUSE IT LET LOOSE WHEN I DROVE HOME PUNCTURING MY TIRE ALMOST WENT INTO THE RIVER THIS NIGHT . *TR

IN 2004 FORD ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THIS WAS CALLED: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 03M02. THEY KNEW THE PART HAS BEEN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AND THE COIL SPRING WOULD BREAK DUE TO CORROSION. THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED TO 150,000 MILES OR 10 YEARS. MY COIL SPRING BROKE ON JULY 26 2013 WHEN MY CAR ONLY HAD 56,193 MILES BUT IT WAS 11 YEARS OLD. THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I THINK THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AND FOR THE OTHER FRONT COIL SPRING SINCE THE PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL SINCE THE COMPANY KNEW THE PART HAD NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY. *TR

THE FRONT SUB FRAME ON MY 2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND UNABLE TO SUPPORT THE FRONT SUSPENSION. I ALSO HAD MY CAR INSPECTED BY A FORD DEALER WHO PASSED IT AND TOLD ME NOTHING ABOUT HOW DESTROYED MY SUB FRAME WAS. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC THEY TOLD ME IT WAS SO BAD I SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE BOLTS WHERE EVEN RUSTED OUT OF THE SUB FRAME. ITS BELIEVED THAT THIS ALSO CAUSED MY MOTOR MOUNTS TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. CAUSE SUCH BAD VIBRATION THAT IT RUINED ALL MY SHOCKS, STRUTS, AND ALL 4 OF MY TIRES. THE TIRES WHERE ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD AND ARE DESTROYED. *TR

THE FRONT SUBFRAME STRUCTURE ON MY 2002 FORD FOCUS IS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT NO LONGER SUPPORTS THE FRONT SUSPENSION IT WAS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT NO OTHER IT ON THIS VEHICLE IS AS RUSTED AS THE VERY IMPORTANT PART. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP AND HEARD A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE COIL AND STRUT ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,800.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,900.

WHILE USING A HIGHWAY ON RAMP, I HEARD A POPPING SOUND. I'VE BEEN GETTING A RATTLE FOR A FEW WEEKS. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH TODAY. THE PASS SIDE REAR COIL SPRING IS BROKEN AT THE TOP. THE DR. SIDE REAR COIL SPRING IS BROKEN OFF AT THE BOTTOM. I DRIVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY, 10 MILES A DAY BACK AND FORTH TO WORK, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WOULD BREAK. MY FRONTS WERE REPLACED A FEW YEARS AGO BY FORD DEALER WHEN THEY BROKE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PROBLEM IF ALL 4 COIL SPRINGS BREAK OFF THE SAME VEHICLE. *TR

2002 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DENIAL OF REIMBURSEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IN MAY 2011, THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE BOTH THE LEFT AND FRONT SPRING/STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER LEARNED FORD HAD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ADVISING DEALERS THAT CERTAIN FOCUS VEHICLES INCLUDING HIS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FRONT SPRING FRACTURE FAILURES DUE TO INADEQUATE CORROSION PROTECTION. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT, BECAUSE HE DID NOT TAKE HIS VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *JB

MY 2002 FORD FOCUS WAGON NEEDED BRAKES BECAUSE THE FRONT END WOULD SHAKE WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES. ALSO NOTICED A WHIRLING NOISE FROM THE BACK OFF CAR BUT DID NOT MENTION THAT TO MY MECHANIC. HE TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND ASKED IF I NOTICED THE WHIRLING NOISE TOO. HE SAID HE WAS CONCERNED AND CHECKED THAT 1ST. MY RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS FROZEN AND NOT TURNING, THAT'S WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM. IT HAD TO BE CUT OFF IN ORDER TO BE REPLACED. HE TOLD ME THAT THE WHEEL COULD HAVE BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING AND COULD HAVE KILLED ME, I HAD THAT REPAIRED, ALONG WITH FRONT END BRAKES AND REPLACED WARPED ROTORS. THEN JUST 2 DAYS LATER BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND BROKE A FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING. A YEAR LATER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. AND LAST WEEK JUST HAD TO PAY FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION, BECAUSE WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY, UPON OBSERVATION THE TRANSMISSION HAD METAL CHIPS IN TRANSMISSION FLUID AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CANT BELIEVE NO RECALL ON THIS CAR!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE. DURING ROUTINE TIRE MAINTENANCE THE MECHANIC STATED THE COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BEARINGS SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SIX TIMES. ON ONE OCCASION THE CONTACTS REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BROKE OFF CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE CONTROL ARM. THE DEALER DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED FREQUENTLY WITH THAT MODEL YEAR VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE AND WAS DRIVEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SWAY BAR, STRUT MOUNTS AND THE LINKS HAD ALSO FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE COIL SPRINGS WERE COVERED UNDER A VOLUNTARY RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED, BUT THEY DECLINED TO REPAIR THE OTHER COMPONENTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/29/11*LJ UPDATED 2/07/2012 *LN *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANGING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM WAS FRACTURED AND STRIKING AGAINST THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 04/05/11*LJ UPDATED 04/05/11

CORROSION OF THE FRONT COIL SPRING, THE SPRING FAILED AT THE POINT OF THE CORROSION, DAMAGE TO THE FENDER RESULTED. PARTIAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, CRASH AVERTED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTING THE PROBLEM, HE NOTICED THE LEFT STRUT SPRING COLLAPSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

MY FORD FOCUS LEFT TIRE FELL OFF BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL BEARING BREAKING. WITH NO WARNING OR NOISE MY TIRE DETACHED DURING DRIVING. MY TIRE WAS FOUND 40 YARDS AWAY WITH THE LUGS NUTS STILL ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE DRUM BRAKE. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. *TR

2002 FORD WINDSTAR REAR AXLE PROBLEM WE WERE DRIVING ON 78E AND WERE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE ALLENTOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A CRACK, SMELLED SMOKE, AND HEARD METAL SCRAPING. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND MY HUSBAND VIRTUALLY HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THE WINDSTAR REPEATEDLY CROSSED 2 LANES AND ALMOST HIT THE MIDDLE BARRIER AND THEN FISHTAILED TOWARD THE OTHER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OR IN BACK OF US AND WE WERE AT A SLIGHT UPHILL. FINALLY, MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN AND PULL OVER TO THE SMALL SHOULDER WHICH WAS BARELY BIG ENOUGH TO FIT THE VAN. WE CALLED 911 AND AAA. WHILE WE WAITED ON THE SIDE, WE FEARED THAT WE COULD GET HIT IN THE EVENT THAT A TRUCK OR CAR SWERVED TO THE SIDE. WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CRACKED AND THE REAR TIRES WERE CAVED IN. MY AUTO DEALER GILBOY IN WHITEHALL OFFERED TO TOW AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ONLY AT MY EXPENSE. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS NO COVERAGE FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH GILBOY AND FORD TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE. I HAD 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR, 2 OF WHICH WERE MY OWN. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE AS I FEARED WHAT POTENTIALLY COULD HAPPEN. LUCKILY, SOMEONE FROM ABOVE WAS LOOKING AFTER US BUT I FEAR THE NEXT FORD WINDSTAR OWNER MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED BEFORE TAKING ACTION. PLEASE HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ALERT ALL FORD WINDSTAR OWNER OF THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 5 TO 10 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. SHE DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AXLE LOOKED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO BREAK. SHE SAFELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AGAIN. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT BOTH FRONT AXLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALER ADVISED HER ON THE THIRD VISIT THAT THE FRONT AXLES THAT WERE REPLACED WERE DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN EXHAUST LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN TWO WHILE HE WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 5 MPH. HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. HE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM WAS CRACKED AND ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE. BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF BREAKAGE. LOSS CONTROL OF CAR OVER BUMP AT LESS THAN 20 MPH SPEED! *TR

MY 2002 FORD FOCUS HAS ONLY 41,000 MILES ON IT AND THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING BROKE ON ME LAST WEEK. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT CRASH OR LOOSE MY BRAKES BUT IT HAS POTENTIAL FOR A CATASTROPHIC EVENT. I AM HOPING FORD WILL RECALL THESE AS THEY DID WITH THE EARLIER MODELS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION. HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION. HE CALLED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $800. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE COMPONENT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT HAS POSSESSION OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 07/28/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE EXCESSIVE CORROSION WAS THE RESULT OF NOT HAVING ADEQUATE CORROSION PROTECTION AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURING AND IT WAS IN DANGER OF FAILING. UPDATED 07/31/09.,*JB

DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE AND I HEARD A SNAPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE STATION THEY LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAID IT IS A BROKEN SPRING AND IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR

2002 FORD FOCUS ZX3 FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILURE...TOP 7" OF SPRING SNAPPED OFF MAKING THE CAR DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. INCIDENT OCCURRED 1 BLOCK FROM HOUSE BUT NOT IMMEDIATELY INVESTIGATED UNTIL I FOUND BROKEN SPRING PIECE IN THE ROAD AFTER WORK. HIGHWAY TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A BAD CRASH DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL. I PURCHASED REPLACEMENT PARTS (FORD SVT SUSPENSION KIT 397-M-3000-ZX3) AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE BECAUSE I DO NOT TRUST THE REMAINING UNBROKEN SUSPENSION PARTS. CAR HAS ONLY ABOUT 50000 MILES AND IS NOT ABUSED. FAILURE APPEARS TO BE DUE TO EXTENDED FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION INSTEAD OF AN ISOLATED CATASTROPHIC EVENT. THERE IS OLD RUST ON THE SPRING BREAK POINT SURFACE ALONG WITH FATIGUE CRACK STYRATIONS INDICATING A LONG FAILURE TIME. POSSIBLE CAUSE WOULD BE SUB-STANDARD MATERIAL OR HEAT TREATMENT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE AND MILEAGE. FORD WOULD HAVE HAD A HUGE LAWSUIT IF THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN MY INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

LOUD SNAP FROM UNDER HOOD , FOLLOWED BY RUMBLING SOUND WHEN TURNED RIGHT OR LEFT. CAR WILL PULL IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS , RELATING TO THE LAST DIRECTION STEERED. THE CAR DOES SET LOWER NOW BUT IS NOT RUBBING . THE CAUSE IS A BROKEN RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING , AND POSSIBLY OTHER DAMAGE. *TR

FORD FOCUS 2002 ZX3 HAD TO HAVE THE COIL/SPRING ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO THE SPRING RESTING ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. FROM ALL THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE ON THE WEB, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE NHTSA. I FOUND THE INFORMATION FOR THE 2000 FORD FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE JUST TO REFERENCE HOW MANY PROBLEMS THERE ARE WITH THESE COIL/SPRING ASSEMBLIES. BEFORE FORD HAS ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH DEATHS OCCURRING WITH FAULTY PROBLEMS, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT INVESTIGATED. AND TO MY DISSATISFACTION FORD DID NOT SEND ANY WARNING OUT NOR CONTACT ME VIA THEIR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM THAT WAS OFFERED TO THE DEALERSHIPS. FURTHERMORE, I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP. *TR

THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED. THE BOTTOM OF THE UPPER PIECE OF THE COIL CAME DOWN AND RESTED ON THE TOP OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND DESTROYED THE TIRE. THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AND THERE WAS NO INCIDENT. BUT EVEN AT LOW SPEED, THE TIRE WAS DESTROYED IN ONLY A FEW FEET. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE NEAR SIMULTANEOUS PULL, SUSPENSION SAG, AND TIRE DESTRUCTION COULD EASILY CAUSED A WRECK. FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM WITH THESE SPRINGS IN EARLY MY FOCI AND EXTENDS THE WARRANTY ON THESE SPRINGS. WHAT THEY DON'T ACKNOWLEDGE IS THE POTENTIAL HAZARD FROM SUCH A SPRING FAILURE. *TR

THE FRONT SPRINGS ON THE 2002 FORD FOCUS ARE FAULTY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SPRING WAS CRACKED , AND TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR TO GET REPAIRED, SINCE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY (INCLUDING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED). I THEN LETTERED FORD, AND THEY SAID IN NOVEMBER 2004 THEY MAILED A NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS ( WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED) NOTIFYING THEM OF F THE PROBLEM WITH THE SPRINGS. THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL, BUT THEY ARE REPAIRING UNDER A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. THEY SAID I SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED FOR FREE. THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME. I EVEN TRIED TO NEGOTIATE AND ASKED THEM TO AT LEAST REIMBURSE ME WHAT THEY WOULD HAVE PAID THEIR DEALER BUT THEY REFUSED. THIS CAR ALSO HAS DEFECTIVE BRAKES AND ROTORS. WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER THE ORIGINAL 3 YR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY , THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FORD SAID THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE ROTORS OR CUT THEM, AND BRAKES AND ROTORS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE WARRANTY. IT COST ME OVER $ 500 FOR BRAKES AND ROTORS ON A LESS THAN 2 YEAR OLD CAR. A FEW YRS LATER, SAME THING, FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS , AND AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THE ROTORS CAN'T BE CUT, THEY ALWAYS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR

WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-95 THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING SUDDENLY FRACTURED AND IN THE PROCESS WEDGED INTO THE TIRE DESTROYING IT AND THE STRUT. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO MANY FOCUS'. *TR

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS I EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WHICH CUT OPEN LIKE A CAN OPENER ONE FRONT TIRES AND DAMAGED THE OTHER. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH TIRES AND SPRINGS REPLACED. IF I WAS TRAVELING MORE THAN 15 MPH I FEAR I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY.*CN

THE 2002 FORD FOCUS SE COMFORT WAGON HAS BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM OF NOT STAYING IN ALIGNMENT (NAMED THE REAR WHEELS WORST THAT THE FRONT) FOR MORE THAN 5000 MILES BEFORE NEEDING ADDITION ADJUSTMENTS. TIRES HAVE LASTED LESS THAN 20,000 MILES (REGARDLESS OF MANUFACTURER) BEFORE TOTALLY WORN OUT AND NEEDING REPLACEMENT. *TR

ALL FOUR WHEELS BEARINGS ON A 2002 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ONE INCIDENT INCLUDED A WHEEL FALLING OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THESE BEARINGS. *TR

2002 FORD FOCUS ZTS FIRESTONE TIRES WITH FLAT SPOTS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE FLAT SPOTS WOULD MAKE A NOISE AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY NO LONGER CARRIED FIRESTONE TIRES AND THEY COULDN'T HELP HIM. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE TIRE PRO-RATED, HOWEVER THE NEW TIRES STARTED TO EXPERIENCE CUPPING. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS LOOSE, THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, FRONT LINK PINS, REAR SUSPENSION BAR, REAR SIDE BRACKET AND FRONT STRUTS WERE ALL REPLACED. *JB

I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 FORD EXPLORER 2WD. AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER THE VEHICLE STARTING MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. COME TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A MAJOR WHEEL BEARING ISSUE. I HAVE RECENTLY GOTTEN ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE FORD COMPANY TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST NOT ONLY YOUR LIFE BUT THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR PASSENGERS. HOW CAN COMPANIES CONTINUE TO SELL THEIR UNSAFE VEHICLES TO THE PUBLIC. IT IS ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING MY 1 YEAR OLD TO AND FROM HER NANA'S WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING HIT BY SOMEONE, BUT TO WORRY THAT ANY MOMENT YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT YOU EVEN BEING AT FAULT BECAUSE OF FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE, CAN SOMEONE WITH ANY KIND OF DECENCY DO SOMETHING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO RECALL EVERY VEHICLE WITH FAULTY PARTS. COMMON SENSE WOULD SAY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. *TR

LEFT FRONT STRUT COIL SPRING BROKE AT APPROX. 45,000 MILES CAUSING THE FOCUS TO BECOME UNDRIVABLE. IF THE BROKEN SPRING WOULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE TIRE, IT WOULD HAVE ALSO DESTROYED THE TIRE. THE COIL SPRING IT'S SELF COULD NOT BE REPLACED. THE STRUTS MUST BE REPLACED IN PAIRS. BOTH FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $595. *JB

THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE DOING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE COIL SPRING DUG INTO FRONT TIRE. LOCKING OF FRONT TIRE FORCED ME OFF THE ROAD. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A REST IN THE BORROW PIT. *AK

FRONT STRUT SPRING BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR

FRONT SPRINGS ASSEMBLY POPPED OUT OF PLATE AND PUNCTURED MY TIRES. *TR

BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS DEFECTIVE PARTS. FORD WAS WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS COST OF THE REPAIR. *AK

REAR COIL SPRING ON 2002 FORD TAURUS BROKE AND DAMAGED THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ACCIDENT.

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY BRAKE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND IT FELT LIKE MY BACK END WAS FISHTAILING. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED AAA. AS AAA WAS TOWING MY VEHICLE, THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF. THE WHEEL COULD NOT BE LOCATED AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE DID NOT CAUSE ANY ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES TO OTHER VEHICLES. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING HAD FAILED AND THE REPAIR BILL WAS IN EXCESS OF $2,900, INCLUDING THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED TO THE REAR SPINDLE, CONTROL ARM AND SUSPENSION. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD FOCUS. THE PREVIOUS 2 MODEL YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *NM

PURCHASED A USED 2002 EXPLORER IN 12/2005. IN 2/2007, A GRINDING NOISE APPEARED WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. TOOK IT IN THE SAME DAY (I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED). THEY TOLD ME THE BEARING WAS BAD AND THAT I NEEDED ABOUT $1100 IN PARTS AND $600 IN LABOR TO REPLACE, AND THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT THE WHEEL DID NOT FALL OFF. HE STATED THAT, "THIS IS COMMON ON MOUNTAINEERS AND EXPLORERS," AND THAT HE HAS DONE SIMILAR WORK OTHER TIMES. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE OTHER BEARINGS, BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL GOING TO GO AT SOME TIME. I FEEL THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. *JB

IN LATE OCTOBER 2006 I TOOK MY 2002 FORD FOCUS FOR VIBRATION/GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. FORD WALKER IN CLEARWATER, FLORIDA SAID THAT MY ENGINE/TRANS. MOUNT WERE WORKING PROPERLY. FORD KEPT MY CAR FOR 1 WEEK AND I STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO FORD THE VERY NEXT DAY BECAUSE OF THE SAME PROBLEM. AGAIN THEIR SERVICE MANAGER AND REGIONAL MANAGERS TOLD ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR. FORD CHARGED ME $100 FOR MY DEDUCTIBLE AND DIDN'T FIXED MY PROBLEM. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER PLACE WHERE THEY REPLACED MY RIGHT SIDE ENGINE MOUNT WHICH WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. THE VERY SAME PIECE FORD WALKER LIED TO ME STATING IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY. *JB

I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES ON JULY 31,2005. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING LIKE THE WHEEL IS WOBBLING, AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIFT SUDDENLY ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. I'VE BEEN ALSO EXPERIENCING A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS IN THE VEHICLES WHEN THE HEAT WAS NOT IN USE. *JB

1. I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 FORD FOCUS WAGON BACK FROM A CAMPING TRIP AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY 2. ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A "CRACK"/"BANG" FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR, DRIVERS SIDE, THE CAR CONTINUED WITHOUT JOLTING/SWERVING (I.E. NO AFFECT TO THE DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE), HOWEVER, AFTER ANOTHER FEW MILES THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WAS MAKING A HIGH PITCHED SOUND, PLUS CRACKING, PLUS SOME JOLTING AS THE BEARING REALIGNED ITSELF AT TIMES. I STOPPED THE CAR AND THE HEAT FROM THE WHEEL WAS INCREDIBLE, ONE COULD HAVE FRIED AN EGG ON IT (THIS WHEEL WAS MUCH HOTTER THAN THE OTHERS). UNFORTUNATELY THIS HAPPENED ON A STRETCH OF ROAD WHERE THERE ARE NO TOWNS, NO CELL PHONE SIGNAL, ETC, I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THE CAR TO A TOWN, MAX OF 40 MPH ON A 60 MPH STRETCH OF ROAD, I HAD A BABY IN THE CAR AND WAS SCARRED THAT SOMETHING WOULD HAPPEN TO HER. IN THE TOWN, I LEFT THE CAR, HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO DRIVE ME HOME. I MUST SAY IT WAS THE MOST UNPLEASANT FEELING IN THE WORLD. IN ADDITION, THIS HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY NIGHT, WHERE ALL CAR SHOPS ARE CLOSED! 3. REPAIR SHOPS OPEN TOMORROW, THE REPAIR IS YET TO TAKE PLACE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, AT 45 MPH, THE SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BEND ON IMPACT WITH THE ROAD. THE BENT WHEEL AND ALL SHOCKS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A SERVICE BULLETIN CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION DIRECTING THE DEALER TO REPLACE SPRINGS ONLY IF BROKEN. WHEN THE MANUFACTURE WAS CONTACTED, REPLACEMENT SPRINGS WERE OFFERED AT COST.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45MPH THE VEHICLE VEERED TOWARD THE RIGHT. A CLUNKING SOUND CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THE FRONT COIL SPRING NEEDED REPLACED.

THE FRONT RIGHT BEARING AND SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE BEARING WAS FROZEN AND THE SPRING WAS POPPED OUT SO FAR IT ALMOST POPPED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. THE CAR IS A 2002 FORD FOCUS - NOT THAT OLD TO HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS CORRODE AND ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I DIDN'T SEE A RECALL ON ANY OF THE PARTS FOR MY CAR OR ANYTHING SUGGESTING SHIELDS SHOULD BE INSTALLED SO THAT IF THE SPRINGS POP AT A HIGH SPEED AT LEAST IT WON'T PUNCTURE THE TIRE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL ON THE PARTS OR HAVE THE NHTSA REQUIRE THAT SHIELDS BE INSTALLED. I SPENT $578 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM - REPLACED FRONT RIGHT STRUT, MOUNT AND BEARING, SPRING, AND ALIGNMENT. *NM

PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING IS FRACTURED. *JB

I PURCHASED MY 2002 FORD FOCUS IN JANUARY OF 2005. I LOVE MY CAR, HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT OF THINGS THAT COULD GO WRONG LATER. RIGHT NOW I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY FRONT WHEELS. I HAVE PUT SIX USED TIRES ON THE FRONT SINCE I PURCHASED THE FOCUS. IN NOVEMBER I HAD TWO BRAND NEW TIRES PUT ON PLUS IN MAY I HAVE HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE. THE CAR STILL SHAKES VERY BAD. FOUND OUT I NEED MY WHEEL HUB BEARING REPLACE, PLUS I FOUND OUT THERE MAY BE A RECALL ON THE REAR BEARING WHICH I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE THINGS TO BE DONE. *JB

DT: CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A NAIL IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S TIRE. UPON REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRE THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING BROKE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING. *AK

WE NOTICED A SLIGHT RUBBING WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNING TO RIGHT WHILE ON VACATION. WITHIN 2 DAYS IT BECAME WORSE, THE THUMPING AND RUBBING SOUND WERE VERY LOUD AND FELT IN THE CAR. WE OPTED TO LEAVE THE CAR. LUCKILY WE DID, AS THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED US THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED, AND NOTED THIS IS NOT COMMON. WE WERE TOLD THAT HAD WE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HOME, THE WHEEL WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF ON THE HIGHWAY, AS IT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THIS IN TURN DAMAGED OUR BACK BRAKES, RESULTING IN NEW ROTORS AND PADS, AND THE SHOP WAS UNABLE TO GET THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BACK ON AS THEY WERE RUSTED ON THE CAR. *NM

I PURCHASED NEW AN 2002 FORD FOCUS WITH A SERIOUS SUSPENSION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS WORN THROUGH TWO SETS OF TIRES UNEVENLY ON THE INSIDE OF THE TREAD. ONE SET HAD ACTUALLY WORN DOWN TO THE STEEL BELT BEYOND THE RUBBER CAUSING ITS FAILURE AT 18,000 MILES. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WHEEL, WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL AUTOMOTIVE ALIGNMENT SHOP, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS WELL WITHIN FORDS SPECIFICATIONS. AFTER CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEIR SPECIAL VEHICLE TEAM THEY BOTH SAID THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. I AM LUCKY THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITHIN THE LAST 30,000 MILES AND TWO SETS OF TIRES. I FEEL THIS SAFETY OVERSIGHT IS DUE TO FORD AND ITS FAILURE TO PROPERLY ADJUST THEIR SUSPENSION PARAMETERS TO WORK PROPERLY ON OUR 2002 FORD FOCUS. REPLACED ONE FACTORY WHEEL, INSTALLED SUSPENSION CAMBER ADJUSTMENT PARTS, FOUR NEW TIRES AND HAD VEHICLE RE ALIGNED OUT OF FORDS FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. *NM

COMPLAINT REGARDING 2002 FORD FOCUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.*MR THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER BUT HASN'T RECEIVED A REPLY YET. *NM

DT:THE TIRES ON THE CONSUMER'S 2002 FORD FOCUS 2002 WERE SHOWING SEVERE SIGNS OF WEAR AFTER ONLY 17000 MILES. THE FIRST SET OF TIRES WERE REPLACED AT 5000 MILES DUE TO WEAR. AFTER ABOUT 12000 MILES THE SAME WEAR PATTERN REAPPEARED. THESE TIRE WERE RATED AS 60000 MILE TIRES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY ON IT'S THIRD SET OF TIRES. ONE OF THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN #.03-13-5 ON FORD'S COMPUTER THAT COVERED ALL MODELS OF FORD FOCUS 2000-2004 THAT EXPERIENCED INNER TIRE WEAR. THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS OF THIS MODEL WERE ENGINEERED INCORRECTLY CREATING ADVERSE CAMBER TO THE REAR TIRES. THE REMEDY WAS A RESTRUCTURED CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM KIT. THE NEWLY RESTRUCTURED CONTROL ARM :UPPER ARM KIT WOULD ONLY BE SENT TO THOSE WHO WERE ELIGIBLE UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY,3 YEAR, 36,000 MILES. CONSUMER FELT THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT WITH A FACTORY DEFECT. *AK *NM

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WENT FLYING OFF CAR. NO TROUBLE PRIOR TO THIS DATE. THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR.

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED HEAVILY. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE WHEEL BEARING. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK

THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINS THE COILS SPRING RECALL AS IF IT'S NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *NM *SC *JB

REAR INNER TIRE WEAR. THE CONTROL ARMS ON TOP WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO RUB AGAINST THE BODY AND REAR TO SWIRVE WHEN RIDING OVER A BUM OR POT HOLE. *AK

COMPLAINT REGARDING FRONT COIL SPRINGS ON 2002 FORD FOCUS.*MR THE CONSUMER REPLACED ONE COIL SPRING ON HIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS BROKEN. THIS SERVICE WAS DONE THE SAME WEEK THE MANUFACTURER RECALLED THE FRONT SPRINGS ON THE SABLE AND TAURUS. *NM

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT 2 TIMES IN 1 YEAR. DRIVER AIRBAG SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. REAR PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK/OPEN. FRONT BALL JOINT CRACKED. GAS COVER/DOOR FELL OFF. THE SMELL OF GAS INSIDE CAR AT ALL TIMES. BLINKER WOULD NOT TURN OFF BY ITSELF. KEY CHIME GOES OFF WHEN THE KEY IS OUT. *JB

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, BALL JOINT AREA ON MY FORD FOCUS 2002 CAME LOOSE AND WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. WHEN CAR HIT WALL THE AIRBAG DID NOT OPEN AND SEATBELT DID NOT TIGHTEN. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE ACCIDENT. THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.*AK

PURCHASED CAR NEW MAY 2002. FOCUS ZTS. IN AUGUST TOOK CAR TO ONTARIO CANADA ON ROADTRIP FROM MISSOURI. WAY BACK FROM TRIP, NOTICED VIBRATIONS FROM BACK OF CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED. DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT BECAUSE OF SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH ESCORT. TOOK CAR ON TRIP TO MYRTLE BEACH IN MAY 2003 AND THE VIBRATION WAS MORE THEN OBVIOUS AT 55MPH. WHEN RETURNED FROM TRIP TOOK CAR IN FOR SERVICE. DRIVER SIDE REAR BUSHING ON TIRE ARM WAS WORN. WHEEL WAS TILTED AND TIRE WAS WEARING WRONG. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ARM AND TIRE. TOOK CAR ON ANOTHER TRIP MARCH 2004 NOTICED EXTREME VIBRATION STILL COMING FROM SAME SIDE/BACK OF CAR. SHAKES PLASTIC BAGS IN BACKSEATS. VIBRATES DRIVER SEAT AND STEERINGWHEEL. BECAUSE MOST OF MY DRIVING IS ON REGULAR ROADS IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT BECOMES OBVIOUS RIGHT AWAY. WILL BE TAKING CAR IN AGAIN ASAP. ALSO HAD A PROBLEM RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR WITH THE PASSERNGER SIDE FRONT FLOOR WET AFTER HUGE RAIN. TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND I DON'T THINK THERE HAS BEEN A NOTICEABLE PROBLEM SINCE.*AK

CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT LEFT REAR BEARING FAILED. *AK

2002 FORD FOCUS, 48,000 MILES AND I AM NOW ON MY THIRD SET OF TIRES ON THE FRONT. CAR SUSPENSION IN FRONT IS VERY LOOSE, EXPECIALLY DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, THROUGH SMALL PUDDLES OF WATER CAR SEEMS TO HYDRO-PLANE, AND ON ICE OR SNOW. THE CAR AT TIMES SEEMS TO BE ALL OVER THE ROAD AND I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE HAD NEW BRAKES, TIRES, AND ALIAGNMENT, AND THE STRUTS CHECKS, AND THE RPOBLEM STILL EXISTS AND SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. PLEASE ADVISE.*AK

ONE OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS CAME APART AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. FORD IS SENDING A TECHNICIAN TO ASSESS THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

ON NOVEMBER 23 2002 I WAS IN A ACCIDENT WHERE I BROKE MY NOSE AND HAD NUMEROUS BURISES. THE REASON I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WAS BECAUSE MY WHEEL AND SUSPENSION BROKE & SEEM TO COME APART. I HAD COMPLAINED TO FORD THAT MY WHEEL HAD BEEN SHAKING AND THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAD TAKEN IT BACK 4 TIMES TO GET FIXED BUT EVERYTIME I GOT IT BACK AND IT WOULD SHAKE JUST AS BAD. ALSO WHEN I GOT INTO THE ACCIDENT MY AIRBAGS DIDNT DEPLOY AT ALL I RECEIVED A BROKEN NOSE FROM HITTING MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS SHAKING REALLY BAD AND IT SEEM TO PULL ME OFF THE ROAD THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS LIKE A SNAP AND IT WENT THE OTHER DIRECTION. I FLEW SIDEWAYS UP IN THE AIR AND HIT TWO OAK TREES LUCKLY I DIDN'T DIE FROM THIS ACCIDENT IF YOU WOULD SEE THE PICTURES YOU WOULD THINK HOW DID SHE SURVIVE. IF THE CAR WOULD HAVE HIT THE OAK TREES TWO FEET CLOSER TO MY DOOR I WOULDN'T BE HERE TO TELL YOU THIS. THE CAR SPLIT IN HALF & WAS TOTALED.

THE FRONT DRIVER'S WHEEL BEARING AND HUB WENT OUT AT ABOUT 7,000. THE CAR MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE. FORD REPAIRED THIS PROBLEM. CAR HAD TO HAVE BRAKE PADS AT 28,000 MILES. THE WEAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WAS MUCH WORST THAN THE OTHERS. REPAIR PERSON SAID THAT THE CALIPERS WERE DEFECTIVE. COST 100. DOLLARS. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING AND HUB WENT OUT AT 29,000. I PAID FOR REPAIR OF WHEEL $150. I WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS GOING OUT AGAIN. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THIS CAR. I AM NOW FACED WITH REPAIRS OF THE OTHER SIDE FOR A SECOND TIME AND THE CAR IS ONLY 18 MONTHS OLD. I AM WORRIED THAT THE WHEELS WILL COME OFF.

FROM A CONSUMER PROTECTION SECTION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND ROUNDING CURVES. DEALER FOUND NOTHING. TOOK TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AND FOUND TIRES WERE WORN AND LOOSE REAR SWAY BAR. *LA ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED AND ALIGNED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR COST OF TIRES AND THE ALIGNMENT. IN ADDITION, CONSUMER THINKS FORD SHOULD CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DEFECT AND CORRECT IT. *PH

WHILE DRIVING REAR WHEEL BEARING VIBRATED,MAKING A LOUD NOISE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR. IT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND I COULD NOT START IT. IT HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED TWICE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR WITH MY KIDS IN IT. I DON'T THINK THE PROBLEM IS FIXED AND I'M WAITING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN. NOW I NEED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN BECAUSE THERE IS A BAD VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. I HAD IT THERE PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS ALSO, AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED. EVEN THOUGH IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THEY CHARGED ME $36.00....THE VIBRATION IS WORSE NOW SO OBVIOUSLY THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. OH I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT THE TRUNK WON'T LATCH PROPERLY AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T GO THE WHOLE WAY DOWN WHEN YOU TURN THEM OFF. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP ACTS LIKE THEY HAVEN'T HAD ANY COMPLAINTS WITH THIS CAR! *LA

FRONT END MADE A VERY LOUD CLANGING NOISE LASTED ABOUT 10 MINUTES, PULLED OFF HIGHWAY LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-65 MPH CAR WOULD JERK VERY BAD, DEALER COULD NOT SOLVE OR FIND A PROBLEM, VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP NOW. *LA

ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR

TIRES WEAR OUT EVERY 10,000 MILES HAVE REPLACED TIRES 5 TIMES NOW WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE WE DIDN'T ROTATE. 3 LINE UPS DONE AND ROTATED EVERY 5000 MILES WE ARE NOW ON SET NUMBER 6 OF TIRES AND THE DEALER CAN NOT EXPLAIN WHY WE CANT GET EVEN 1/2 THE LIFE OF THE TIRE. *JB

VEHICLE'S CONTROL ARM BROKE CAUSING STEERING TO FAIL. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

SWAY BAR FAILS PREMATURELY.*AK

PREMATURE REAR TIRE WEAR. 6 TIRES WERE REPLACED BEFORE 27,000 MILES. DEALER SAYS ALIGNMENT IS AT FORD SPECIFICATIONS. DEALER SAID ROTATION AT 3000 MILES IS REQUIRED ON THIS VEHICLE TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. OVERHEARD TECH TELLING SERVICE MANAGER THAT THESE CARS DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ADJUSTMENT FOR CAMBER. TIRES CAN NOT BE ROTATED AFTER 5000 MILES BECAUSE THEY CUP OUT AND WHEN MOVED TO THE FRONT CAUSE SEVERE VIBRATION.*AK

LEFT REAR WHEEL TIPPING IN AT TOP SO MUCH THAT YOU COULD SEE IT BEFORE 3500 MILES. THIS CAUSES THE REAR END TO BE MUCH "LOOSER" THAN IS NORMAL OR ACEPTABLE. FORD PROVIDES NO ADJUSTMENT FOR CAMBER IN REAR AND THIS CAUSED LEFT REAR TIRE TO HAVE A CUPPING PATTERN ON THE INSIDE EDGE. APPARENTLY IF THE CAMBER ISN'T CORRECT TO BEGIN IT WILL THROW OFF THE WHOLE ALIGNMENT. ONE DEALER CHECKED AND SAID IT WAS IN SPEC. AT 15,000 MI. FOUND DEALER WHO UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM AND INSTALLED A JUST RELEASED SHIM KIT. FORD REFUSING TO COVER KIT, ALIGNMENT, OR TIRE UNDER " BUMPER-TO-BUMPER" WARRANTY (TRYING TO CLAIM IT IS A NORMAL WEAR ITEM, OR A TIRE PROBLEM, OTHER TIRES ARE FINE!). HAD TO PAY $142 + TIRE SO THAT THE REAR END DOESN'T COME AROUND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.*AK

I HAVE DRIVEN MY FORD FOCUS SE WAGON NOW FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. IT IS A COMPANY CAR FOR WHICH I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 50,000MILES PER YEAR. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES THREE TIMES SINCE RECEIVING THE VEHICLE DECEMBER 2001. EVERY 20,000 MILES THE REAR ALIGNMENT GETS LOOSE AND ESPECIALLY IN WINTER DRIVING ON WET PAVEMENT, I FEAR FOR MY LIFE BECAUSE WHEN I CANNOT TRAVEL AT THE SPEEDS OF SURROUNDING TRAFFIC FLOW. THERE IS A VIBRATION IN THE REAR TIRES CAUSED POSSIBLY TO A BENT FRAME OR POOR DESIGN. I HAVE NEVER REPLACED THE FRONT TIRES OR EVEN ROTATED THEM SINCE NEW! THEY ARE STILL PLENTY ADEQUATE FOR TRACTION. THE REAR ALIGNMENT PROBLEM SEVERELY HAMPERS THE FUEL ECONOMY OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT FEELS AS THOUGH I AM DRAGGING THE REAR END AROUND EVERYWHERE I GO. I AM TURNING THE VEHICLE IN THIS NEXT MONTH FOR A REPLACEMENT AND I HAVE DECIDED I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD VEHICLE AGAIN DUE TO THE HISTORY OF BAD LUCK I HAVE HAD WITH FORDS IN THE PAST.

I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 15-20 MPH AND FELT THE FRONT END DIPPED THEN THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED OUT OF MY HANDS AND THE CAR DROVE INTO A CURB CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE.*AK

I HAVE HAD MY A/C WORKED ON AT LEAST 3 TIMES. ALSO HAVE HEAVY VIBRATIONS WHEN I JUST HAD IT ALIGNED 5/04/03. AND STILL HAVING HEAVY VIBRATIONS.AK

THE VEHICLE HAD A NOISE IN THE REAR END, DUE TO TIRE CUPPING. WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR SUSPENSION NOT SETTLING AND NOT BEING ALIGNED. *JB THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT FORD HAD AN A CAMBER KIT TO INSTALL TO SOLVE THE SETTLING. *SCC

WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATES VIOLENTLY. *NLM

THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR ALSO. *JB

THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY PULLED TO THE LEFT WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. *JB

I AM NOT SURE FORD HAS COMPLETLY FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE FORD FOCUS VEHICLES. I JUST HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE COMPLETE WHEEL AND HUB ASY JUST ABOUT CAME OFF THE VEHICLE (WHEEL BEARING FAILURE). COULD HAVE CAUSED A ACCIDENT IF THE WHEEL CAME OFF, AND POSSIBLE INJURY TO MY WIFE.

THE REAR END OF THE CAR STARTED TO WOBBLE, LOOSE CONTROL AND FISH TAIL AT A DRIVING SPEED 0F 70 TO 75 MPH ON A TOTALLY NON SLIPPERY DRY ROAD. ON WOBBLING, THE CAR QUIT RESPONDING AND STARTED FISH TAILING EVENTUALLY ROLLING OVER TWICE BEFORE IT CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN DOWN A HILL. THE POLICE OFFICER THAT INVESTIGATED THE CRASH SITE, LOOKED INTO THE TYRE MARKS AND VERIFIED THAT THE BRANKES HAD BEEN HIT EVEN BEFORE THE CAR TOUCHED THE FOG LINE(WAKE UP STRIP). THE OFFICER ALSO MADE A NOTE IN HIS REPORT REQUESTING FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE REAR AXLE OF THE CAR.

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE'S A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO FORD AND THEY STATES THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE WOBBLING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NLM

REAR END FISH TALES AND WANDERS THROUGH TURNS AND ON STRAIGHTS. IS SCALLOPING REAR END TIRES. CAR IS DRIVEN ON ASPHALT ROADS AND HIGHWAYS ONLY. DELONG FORD IN WINNEMUCCA TELLS US NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. PURCHASING DEALER, JONES-WEST TOLD US WE COULD TAKE IT TO ANY FORD DEALER TO BE SERVICED.

THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL WHERE IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT SIDE, ESPECIALLY FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING OVER A ROUGH ROAD OR ON A SMOOTH ROAD UPON DRIVING OVER A SLIGHTLY RECESSED MANHOLE COVER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 2 TIMES FOR 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCE AND REPLACEMENT OF REAR SHOCKS. NO IMPROVEMENTS IN CONDITION AFTER BOTH VISITS. ALIGNMENT DATA SHOWS THE REAR WHEELS ARE AT HIGHER LEVELS OF NEGATIVE CAMBER, WHICH IS NOT ADJUSTABLE, AND TOE. DRIVING VEHICLE IN ICY, RAINY WEATHER IS UNSAFE IF CURRENT HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS ARE NOT, OR CAN NOT BE CORRECTED. DT

THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SEVERE WHEEL/TIRE THUMP, WHICH CAUSES A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND A LOUD AUDIBLE NOISE IN THE CABIN, THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OG THE PROBLE BUT A SOLUTION WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SOME MONTHS, THE FACT THAT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE HAD HIGH MILEAGE THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 12 WEEKS OLD. *SCC

WHILE DRIVING 35MPH TIRE SEPARATED FROM AXLE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES. *AK

INSIDE CORNER OF REAR TIRE, APPROXIMATELY THREE INCH STRIP ON EACH TIRE, WEARS EXCESSIVELY. TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT 9,000, AND AT 20,000. STILL BELT TREAD IS SHOWING. CONSUMER MAINTAINS PROBLEM IS VEHICLE AND NOT TIRE. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND DEALER. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED.*AK *SLC

WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 TO 50 MPH VEHICLE JERKS BACK AND FORTH. TOOK TO DEALER ,AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING THE SUSPENSION BROKE. NLM

MY FATHER OWNS THIS VEHICLE, BUT HE BOUGHT IT FOR ME FOR SAFETY REASONS, I AM A 16 YEAR OLD FEMALE. TRAVELING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED ON A DRY, TWO LANE HIGHWAY WITH NO TRAFFIC AT NIGHT MY 2002 FORD FOCUS LOST CONTROL DUE TO THE FRONT CONTROL ARM FRACTURING. MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE ENDED UP TOTALLY UNATTACHED TO THE CONTROL ARM AND ONLY STAYING ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE BY THE HOLD OF THE TIE ROD. MY VEHICLE SWERVED INTO THE MEDIAN AND INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC (THANKFULLY NO TRAFFIC WAS AROUND). BEING BY MYSELF WITH NO CELL PHONE I WAITED UNTIL SOMEONE STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. A POLICE MAN, OFFICER STROM FROM THE TITUSVILLE POLICE DEP'T STOPPED AND NOTICED THE SKID MARKS AND VERIFIED THE FRONT WHEEL HAD IN FACT COME LOOSE OF THE CONTROL ARM AND CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR, HERB DANIEL'S ALSO VERIFIED THE FRACTURE IN THE CONTROL ARM. I WAS NOT PHYSICALLY INJURED, BUT IT WAS PRETTY EMOTIONALLY TRAUMATIZING. MY DAD LOOKED UP INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET THE FOLLOWING MORNING AND FOUND THAT ACCIDENTS SIMILAR TO MINE HAD BEEN REPORTED BEFORE AND NO RECALLS HAD BEEN MADE. WE HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE TO SHOW THE SKID MARKS AND SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. AT THIS POINT OUR MAIN CONCERN IS TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF ACCIDENT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN AND TO MAKE SURE THE NEW PART THAT WILL BE ADDED TO THE CAR WILL NOT BE DEFECTIVE.*AK

BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND REAR WHEEL BUCKLED. NOW RUBBING ON FRONT OF FIREWALL. *AK

FRONT WHEELS SQUEAL WHEN EVER THE CONSUMER WILL START TO DRIVE FASTER THEN 30 MPH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER DUE TO SUSPENSION'S ERRATIC BEHAVIOR WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO BOUNCE AROUND. DEALER FIXED 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. PROBLEM REOCCURRED. *AK

I HAD NOTICED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION OF MY CAR WAS VERY WOBBLY AND ALL OVER THE PLACE WHEN DRIVING. REAL BAD GOING AROUND CURVES ON FREEWAYS. DO NOT FEEL SAFE. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DID A "REAR" ALIGNMENT. IT'S NOT ANY BETTER, AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR ESPECIALLY ON MICHIGAN'S BAD ROADS. PASSENGERS IN BACK SEAT SAY THEY'RE THROWN ALL OVER THE PLACE.*AK

LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WOULD CAUSE WHEEL TO WOBBLE AND WANDER. HAD IT REPLACED 3 TIMES FOR PROBLEM. INFORMED BY MECHANIC TO REPLACE WHEEL BEFORE EVENTUALLY IT DISCONNECTS BY ITSELF.*AK *YD

WHILE DRIVING, IT BECOMES VERY UNSTABLE WHEN MOVING OVER BUMPY ROADS, MANHOLES. IT ALSO BECOMES VERY ERRATIC WHEN ROADS ARE WET. TOOK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. NLM VEHICLE STARTS AND THEN STALLS IN AM. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER CONCERN. *TT

REAR END VERY UNSTABLE IS SNOW-MORE THAN NORMAL. DEALER SAID HE HAS HAD 3 OTHER COMPLAINTS - DEALER SAYS DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. *AK