NHTSA Complaint #10155231 — 2000 FORD FOCUS

MY CAR A 2000 FORD FOCUS HAD A FRONT SPRING BREAK IN (2) PLACES CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE STRUT AND THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GOODYEAR STORE AND HAD BOTH SPRINGS AND STRUTS REPLACED ALONG WITH A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE COST WAS $800 FOR ALL. I HAVE SAVED THE SPRINGS TO RETURN FOR EXAMINATION. BOTH SPRINGS HAVE A SLEEVE ON THEM ABOUT (6)INCHES AT THE TOP AND BOTTOM. THE AREA AROUND THE SLEEVE HAS COLLECTED DIRT AND CAUSED CORROSION (RUST) TO EAT THROUGH THE SPRING TO THE POINT IT BREAKS. THIS COULD VERY WELL BE A SAFETY ISSUE DEPENDING ON HOW FAST YOU WERE DRIVING WHEN IT OCCURS. I WAS GOING 25 IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHEN IT BROKE. I WOULD LOG TO LOG THIS COMPLAINT AS I AM SURE FROM LOOKING AT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT OTHERS WILL ALSO BE EXPERIENCING THE SAME DAMAGE. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I SHOULD PROCEED. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF DESIRED. REGARDS GARY YOUNG