The contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph over wet road conditions when the rear end of the vehicle began to skid uncontrollably. The contact was able to gain control and continued to drive. The failure occurred whenever encountering snow and wet road surfaces. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they performed a four wheel alignment and tire balancing. Also, the rear suspension arm was replaced. The failure persisted after the repairs. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the technician informed that the vehicle performance was a manufacturer design. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the rear tires were wearing badly and the top of the rubber was leaning into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that he needed to purchase a suspension bar to place in the back of the vehicle, which changes one degree. The contact will call the manufacturer to inquire about assistance towards the repair cost. The failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 5/7/09 updated 05/12/09.

- Anson, ME, USA

Rear wheel bearing failure on Ford Focus 2003. This part which is usually good for 75,000 to 100,000 miles failed due to corrosion on both rear wheels. The axle was almost cut off without warning. A known problem on previous model years 2000, 2001 & 2002. After this incident I was informed by my niece and brother-in-law that there Ford Focus models of the same year had also failed in exactly the same way. Ford claims that they have no knowledge of this. This is a very serious situation. While the service department inspected the vehicle they also found a broken front spring; from corrosion; which Ford acknowledges and is paying for the replacement of the springs; due to a previous recall. This is a very expensive repair at $323 for the axle and additional costs for alignment etc. After the parts are replaced.

- Littleton, MA, USA

My 2003 Ford Focus SE started to shake, pull hard to the right starting around 50 mph, takes bumps hard and back-end sways. It only has 36,000 miles on it. Dealer says the left rear knuckle assembly and wheel bearing need to be replaced, that it was "bent" and I must've hit something with it. This is just not true. 2000 Focus had a similar problem. I think a bolt came loose, weakening the assembly and allowing it to bend through normal use.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

: the contact stated after driving for 30 to 45 minutes the rear passenger side hub is hot to the touch. The rear brakes are making a squealing noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where both rear brakes and wheel bearings were replaced. However this did not correct the problem. The dealer and manufacturer have been alerted.

- West Point, GA, USA

The contact states she owns a 2003 Ford Focus. The rear tires kept going bald on the outside of the tire only. The vehicle is a front wheel drive. This happened four times. Vehicle has 61,000 miles on it. The dealer had to replace the back frame two kits, one on each side due to an engineering notice put out on the tires. This did not fix the problem. The contact had to have the springs, struts, and shocks replaced recently with approximately 55,000 miles on the car, and the problem recurred. Car bounced, and when she hit a bump the car picked up, and the rear end moved to the right or to the left. She had to have the car realigned at least six or seven times. Sometimes the contact would have to go back the very next day to have it aligned again, and the dealer would not charge them for the service.. the front brake pad and the front rotors on the driver's side had to be replaced at 30,000 miles. She talked to the manufacturer, and they told her she would have to continue to shell out money because there were no recalls on the vehicle regarding the tires, and the car was out of warranty. The warranty doid not cover the tires because it was blamed on uneven wear or/and the alignment.

- Three Rivers, MI, USA

Rear tire cupping and inner edge wear from misalignment of wheels.

- White River Junction, VT, USA

The inside of the rear tire began to wear with less than 20000 miles. When the consumer drove 60 mph on the freeway the rear end fish tailed. The consumer was told the problem was due to the european suspension.

- Wadsworth, OH, USA