Several weeks ago vehicle ( Focus ) developed a significant screech whenever brakes were applied. Took it into local Ford dealership and they said that if I had reported brake noise in first 12 months or 18,000 miles they would have fixed it. They had a technical advisory from Ford indicating there was a problem with a limited number of vehicles but did not want to send out recall notice because then eveyone would complain about brake squeak. Since I did not have the problem in their time limits the expense to fix ( estimated to be over $700 ) would be my responsibility. I don't trust Ford because they have had cover ups before. I don't believe them when they say vehicle is safe to drive and I don't have $700 to spend to replace the entire rear brake system. I talked to two dealerships and corporate customer assistance. All basically said it was my tough luck. I want to go on record as challenging their stance on this issue and hope you can investigate brake safety on this vehicle after 18,000 miles.

- Oxford, MI, USA

Vehicle starting problems. Took it to dealer a few times and it still does it from time to time. An advisory was issues, but still did not fix the problem. Rear passenger bearing went bad around 9000 miles. Front brakes were already worn out at 17000. They replaced them, and still went out around 21000. Had to use other company pads/rotors to go by. Rear brake shoes were cracked, not used, cracked. They said is normal. Many suspension noises. They said all was okay. I changed the suspension from my own money since they were no help and still same noises. Now they blame the E after market suspension on the problems. Other users and people I have talked to complained about same or similiar issuse.

- Northridge, CA, USA

The brakes began squeaking horribly. I brought it to the dealer to have them fixed. They said it was brake shoes that needed to be replaced--I authorized them to do the repair. Less than a day later, the squeak was still as bad. I brought the car back to the dealer a couple of days later to have them look at it again. Supposedly, the shop manager test drove it himself and said there was no squeak. He also told me that Ford states that it is "normal and expected that the brakes will still squeak until approximately 100 to 150 applications." It still squeaked the next day, and at this point I am well past the 150 brake applications and it sounds just as bad as it did before I ever brought it to the dealer. Funny thing is, I was about 8 days out of the warranty period to have it fixed for free. I don't care about spending the money, I just care that I spent $265 and the problem still exists.

- House Springs, MO, USA