At around 35,000 miles my father noticed a grinding noise on the front of his Focus. Thinking that it was the screech of a warning indicator he parked the vehicle until he could have me look at it. Both front rotors were severely ground down with the left inside pad being totally down flush with the metal. This shouldn't be normal wear. Back brakes showed signs of normal if not less than normal wear. This should not be normal wear and tear on a vehicle with this few miles on it. I had to replace both rotors prematurely. We will keep the old parts for thirty days in case they are needed.

- Zachary, LA, USA

Yearly inspection resulted in a failure due to excessive rotor wear on both fron rotors. Although I was informed that the brake pads would have lasted another 5 to 6 thousand miles. No faulty or damage to the front end that would have caused this type of wear. Previous inspection last year at another Ford dealer showed no issues. Also informed of this type of wear being considered normal by the dealers due to the manufacturing process of the original rotors being changed to intice owners to replace rather than turn the rotors when needed. Found that there is a pending class action in California of the same incident. Also located two technical bullitens from Ford showing concern over the issue. Called the Ford corporate and was told that there was nothing I could do due to the factory warrent covering only 12K miles and I was at 34K miles. Called the dealer back, told them of my findings and my disappointment in discovering that it was a known issue after all. The service manager called me back to inform me that it would be covered under warranty since they had overlooked the issue.

- Newport News, VA, USA

1)normal driving pattern; 2)brakes started to crunch at 31,000, this car was purchased new and still under warranty, but not for brakes. 3)took to Ford dealer on 10/15 they wanted $550 plus to fix, my salesman told me he had never heard of this happening at such low mileage. Called Ford corporate, got no help with service rep, requested a call from supervisor, still haven't recieved a call back. Took to midas to fix, was repaired this morning.

- Elgin, IL, USA

2002 Ford Focus with 23,600 miles required all new pads and rotors-- dealership has said that this is normal...for the Focus... and such work is not covered by warranty. Took the car to midas and had front brakes and rotors replaced (rotors couldn't even be turned!), mechanic at midas stated that replacing pads and rotors on a vehicle before the warranty has even expired is not normal, typical, or to be expected. Before replacing the brakes, there was chronically a large amount of brake dust on the front wheels.

- Evansville, IN, USA

2002 Ford Focus ZX5. Brakes grind and squeal. At 10,777 miles (10,000-mile service), Ford dealership said front brake pads and rotors are completely worn out and need to be replaced at cost of $500. Car is unsafe to drive without replacing brakes.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

My 2002 Ford fucus ZX3 needed new brake pads and rotors after a mere 22,000 miles!! this service cost me $280 and is not covered under Ford's warranty. Clearly there is a problem with the braking system if a car needs new rotors before the first set of tires wear out.

- Chico, CA, USA

Have only 23,000 miles on my Ford Focus 2002 wagon and it needs front pads and rotors. I have never had a car that needed rotors at 23,000 miles. This is a major safety and design defect.

- Burtonsville, MD, USA

While having vehicle serviced for another problem dealership noticed that brake pads and rotors wore out prematurely and needed replacement.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

While performing an oil change dealership indicated that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. They wore out prematurely.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

I have a 2002 Ford Focus with 24600 miles on the car. The brake pads and rotors where gone when I took the auto into the shop.

- Ocala, FL, USA

Front brake pads and rotors had to be replaced after only 20,000 miles of driving. The mechanic told me that this is a common problem with all the Focus's he has seen.

- Stafford, VA, USA

The front brake rotors were warped. Dealership notified of the problem, but the problem has not been resolved.

- Combine, TX, USA

2002 Ford Focus has failure of front brake calipers, needs replacing of rotors, pads and calipers under warranty but dealer refuses to agree to this estimate by master brake. Dealer says I only need pads and rotors machined. Car only has 14,692 miles on it.

- North Ogden, UT, USA

To my Focus in to service Jan 2003 for squeaking brakes, rotors were warped, brake squeaking said to be "normal". they machine straightened the rotors and said Ford engineering looking into squeaks. Aug. 2003 take Focus in for loud vibrating sound. Brakes and rotors completely shot. $440 to fix. 13700 miles on car.

- Las Vegas , NV, USA

At 14053 miles, the rotors on my 2002 Ford Focus had to be remachined, now at 20K miles, I have to have the same brake problem fixed again. Obviously the rotors are either substandard or defective and or there is a larger problem, master cylinder etc. Also the rear brakes tend to lock up periodically.1st incident-Jan 03.

- Mechanicsville, MD, USA

Consumer states that brake rotors are wearing out, and when applying the brakes, vehicle will have a heavy vibration and extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.

- District Heights, MD, USA

While driving a grinding noise was heard. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that brake rotors and pads had to be replaced.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

Brake rotors are wearing out. When applying the brakes vehicle will have heavy vibration and extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.

- Clinton, MD, USA

2002 Ford Focus, only 15000 miles. $500 for brake job because rotors were shot. Mechanic says common problem with Focus.

- Spring, TX, USA

Brakes are completely ruined along with rotors in 11,000 miles. Completely unthinkable. Dealer says they have noticed a problem but no one is willing to do anything. I am very unhappy.

- Miami, FL, USA