Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 21 | 3% | 56,000 miles |
| 2017 | 11 | 1% | 9,000 miles |
| 2016 | 13 | 1% | 95,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 2014 | 32 | 1% | 42,000 miles |
| 2013 | 24 | 1% | 39,000 miles |
| 2012 | 61 | 2% | 36,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% | 92,000 miles |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% | 28,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% | 7,000 miles |
| 2008 | 13 | 5% | 75,000 miles |
| 2007 | 20 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2006 | 14 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 30 | 7% | 23,000 miles |
| 2004 | 40 | 10% | 20,000 miles |
| 2003 | 62 | 6% | 23,000 miles |
| 2002 | 72 | 8% | 23,000 miles |
| 2001 | 199 | 11% | 26,000 miles |
| 2000 | 424 | 12% | 32,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 18% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The contact's wife had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes locked up and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine due to a faulty oil pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact's brother-in-law owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his brother-in-law was driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost braking power. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine and low-pressure oil lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that an engine replacement was needed. The mechanic informed the contact that the oil pump had failed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the part to fix the vehicle was not available. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided an estimate when parts would become available. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owned a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated her son was driving the vehicle and while depressing the brake pedal to switch to the right lane, the engine RPMs revved and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. As a result, the driver crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front. The navigation display turned black and no warning light was illuminated. The air bag underneath the steering wheel was deployed, but all other air bags in the vehicle failed to deploy. The contact who was the front passenger at the time of the incident sustained bruises on her stomach. The contact's son sustained bruises on his legs. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
I was moving my car in a gas station parking lot and went to stop the car to go in reverse and the breaks went to the floor and I pushed them about five times and still no breaks. I hit a concrete column and air bags didn't deploy and the airbag lights were blinking on and off and speedometer needle was going crazy. Officer went to assist with moving the car to a curbside and in neutral the car was trying to go forward then when it was put in park it continued to try to go forward. We were not on a hill, it was flat in the parking lot. If this would have happened on the main roads my son, nephew and myself could have been hurt and if I had hit someone else they could have been hurt as well. I know have a adjusting checking the vehicle and a mechanics shop as well. Before this happened I had absolutely no warning.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds 6-months after purchasing the vehicle, the brakes became inoperable. The contact stated that the parking brake was used to stop the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a caliper failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes locked up, and the parking brake was used to stop the vehicle. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking noise coming from the engine. The engine lost oil pressure. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond, and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the tensioner arm was fractured, and the fuel pump was not providing power to the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Schicker Ford of St. Louis (3300 S. Kingshighway Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63139), who informed the contact that all the parts were not in the vehicle. The contact called the original local dealer, who informed the contact to pick up the parts. …
My oil pressure pump and tensioner are the issues . I need a new engine replacement. Everything that 23s64 ford describes on there engine replacement claims is what the issue im going through now with my 1.0 ford focus 2015 . I took it to ford to get it diagnosed already and they are the ones that told me and as well got a second opinion through repairpal and they said the same. I have everything documented. Due to this issue I almost lost my life and my child's while driving my ford focus. Lost all pressure while driving with her in the car. Now she's nervous and scared when we get in any car . Due to she saw the car coming rite into her side on passenger side. No warning lights came on till after the issue had already happened . My brake pedal won't go down . Please help me this is my only form of transportation to work and to pick up my daughter. …
Engine failure occurred in the exact same manner as listed under Ford Recall Reference Number: 23S64 [redacted] ). My vehicle contains the same engine as listed in Ford Recall Reference Number 23S64 but for some reason my vehicle is not contained in this recall. - The engine and power braking assist failed - My safety and that of pedestrians was put at risk - The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center - The engine has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It has been inspected by an independent service center. - There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Focus years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (424), 2001 (199), 2002 (72), 2003 (62) and 2012 (61) model years. Brake complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Focus brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Ford Focus model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Focus brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › rotor (146 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (116).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.