The contact owned a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving 45 mph, the steering wheel veered to the right and vibrated violently. The contact had to release the accelerator pedal and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle flipped over twice. The contact sustained second degree burns from the seat belt, whiplash, and burns to the right arm from the air bags. Medical attention was required. The rear driver side passenger sustained whiplash and stomach bruises from the seat belt, which also required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

- Macomb, IL, USA

The ignition on my 2004 Ford Focus has locked up in the past and I have been able to unlock it with a little jiggling of the steering wheel. Last night was not the same. After trying for 20 minutes, in 20 degree weather, with my 4 year old with me, I had to call a tow truck. They had to tow it to a Ford dealership. After researching this problem, I am shocked to see the amount of people that have had this same issue on the Focus, among other Ford models. Something needs to be done to get this fixed. I am glad I was 10 miles from home rather than over 50. It is these types of issues that don't get resolved that cause consumers to not purchase another Ford vehicle. Also, 2 of my 3 back seatbelts don't work anymore.

- Boise, ID, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Focus. While driving the vehicle, the contact stated that her granddaughter became trapped in the seat belt. By pulling on it, the middle seat belt wrapped around her leg and locked into position. The granddaughter could not get it off her leg. There was no leverage to pull her leg out and the further the belt went down her leg, the tighter the belt became. The seat belt began to cut off her circulation. The contact wedged her finger between the granddaughter's leg and the seat belt to relieve pressure. In the end, the contact cut the seat belt with a pair of scissors. The seat belt snapped back quickly and now it is firmly stuck inside of the seat. The contact asked Ford why this happened, but received no response. She stated that an appointment will be made for her at the dealer. The contact also stated that the seat belt has never been used and that her granddaughter was not seated in the middle seat. Her main concern is not how her granddaughter became entangled in the seat belt, but why the seat belt would not loosen when attempting to remove the belt. The engine size and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 22,000.

- Oakridge, NJ, USA