2002 Ford Focus Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 72about this part
- Share
- 8%of 939 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 72 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Ford Focus, 8% of the 939 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At this early mileage the brake pads and rotors need to be replaced. We were informed by the service manager at the dealer that this is a problem the see often because of the type of brake pads and type of rotors. This is unbelievable that Ford is hiding this problem. We bought a brand new car so we wouldn't have this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10070246, filed 2004-01, 11,000 miles“My foot pad on my clutch pedal became slippery due to leaking hydraulic fluid out of my clutch master cylinder on my 2002 Ford Focus zx3. Now I have stains all over my carpeting and shoes. My clutch began not releasing due to this as well and the plate burned up.”
NHTSA complaint #10146733, filed 2006-01, 50,000 miles“At 19,000 miles I had to replace the front pads/rotors because the pads woe out and had chewed through the rotors. This is my wife's car, it's not driven hard, and now at 33,000 miles I have to replace the front and rear pads, hopefully that's all. This car is crap and a rip off.”
NHTSA complaint #10055038, filed 2004-01, 20,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10086102, filed 2004-08, 22,000 miles“Always keep my car checked regularly, changed my brakes in march,but my ABS just went down; even if it is a different part, I am wondering if it is normal to have to change the ABS so soon, my car has only 46000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10160341, filed 2006-06, 46,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017934Jun 7, 2005Rear brake squeal.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 11 | 1% |
| 2016 | 13 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% |
| 2014 | 32 | 1% |
| 2013 | 24 | 1% |
| 2012 | 61 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 13 | 5% |
| 2007 | 20 | 5% |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% |
| 2005 | 30 | 7% |
| 2004 | 40 | 10% |
| 2003 | 62 | 6% |
| 2002 | 72 | 8% |
| 2001 | 199 | 11% |
| 2000 | 424 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Focus
277 complaintsSuspension
109 complaintsEngine cooling
103 complaintsAir bags
72 complaintsFuel system
67 complaintsTires
62 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
58 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsBody and structure
51 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
45 complaintsWheels
36 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Focus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology