Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 0% | 32,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% | 0 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% | 51,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 0% | 31,000 miles |
| 2014 | 19 | 1% | 44,000 miles |
| 2013 | 15 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2012 | 28 | 1% | 49,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% | 35,000 miles |
| 2010 | 19 | 7% | 24,000 miles |
| 2009 | 25 | 11% | 25,000 miles |
| 2008 | 23 | 9% | 32,000 miles |
| 2007 | 23 | 6% | 40,000 miles |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% | 28,000 miles |
| 2005 | 27 | 6% | 39,000 miles |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% | 33,000 miles |
| 2003 | 49 | 5% | 41,000 miles |
| 2002 | 109 | 12% | 54,000 miles |
| 2001 | 150 | 9% | 72,000 miles |
| 2000 | 390 | 11% | 64,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving at highway speeds in even mild wind or turbulent air from traffic the car has a loss of stability. The car was purchased in winter and as soon as conditions improved for highway speed to resume we found out.we do not feel the car should not be used for highway driving. When getting off the highway intermittently a vibration occurs as well as when traveling at 50mph occasionally feeling a drive line vibration feels like it comes from the right front wheel. So far the car has been to 2 dealers and they both acknowledge the issues and then say that this is proper that when driving a new Focus from their lots they are the same.
Vehicle is slow accelerating on the highway getting on and off ramps. It jerks and lags when proceeding after a stop. This has been an on going problem since purchase. Serviced multiple times. Problem addressed for about a week and the jerking always returns.
My car has a faulty transmission from factory, having some issues now for some months, Ford advised to change the transmission at 103K miles. My car start becoming very shaky and slow on hills, I was afraid i will remain with in the middle of the street!
The left rear tire leans in at top 2-3 degrees. Dealer checked, it showed out of camber/alignment, but was "within specs". At under 1200-miles, tire is already showing uneven inside tread wear. Dealer knows but refuses to correct it unless Ford authorize. I found this on Ford world; "Ford motor company told dealers that they May need to replace the rear upper control arms on Ford Focus models. The models include: Focus sedan se series, wagon, zx3 and zx5 series. According to Ford, consumers have been experiencing more than normal wear to the inside of the rear tire(s). Should owners experience such a condition, then they should bring their vehicle in to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership for a possible adjustment. Ford will check the rear camber and, if possible, make an adjustment. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the sway bar links replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. Consumer replaced sway bar link twice, once in Sept and second in Oct.
Car stalled at stop sign after filling up on gas. Completely shut off. Would not start back up for 30 seconds. No check engine lights on. It has done this multiple times and I have taken it to the shop but they can't find a problem. I know there was a recall on the 2.0 but this is a 1.0
Driver was making an unprotected left turn into stopped traffic on a city street. As he was turning south (at approximately 5 MPH) a north bound vehicle struck in the front driver's side quarter panel. The uniframe was damage and the wheel well was pushed into the engine compartment, damaging most of the engine components. None of the airbags deployed.
When turning the car vibrates and shakes a lots and make some noise.not sure what this could be but need help with this before something happens. This happened upon turning take off,highway, exhilaration in city also too. I just bought the car I notice third a friend bought this to my attention I thought it was the all whee we drive. Bought car03-08-20 drive out of town in April for wedding.
NHTSA investigations
Front suspension lower control arm
There is no summary currently available
Front susp collapse/wheel separation
See attached report.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Focus years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (390), 2001 (150), 2002 (109), 2003 (49) and 2012 (28) model years. Suspension complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Focus suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (135 mentions), followed by the front › springs › coil springs (125).
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.