NHTSA Complaint #10534557 — 2007 FORD FOCUS

I NOTICED A VIBRATION THAT SEEMED TO INCREASE OVER TIME OF ABOUT 2 WEEKS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A WHEEL BEARING AND RECOMMENDED I REPLACE THE REAR TIRES DUE TO SEVERE CUPPING. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL CONTACTS WITH ABOUT 10,000 MILES ON THEM AND SHOULD HAVE LASTED THE NEXT 5 YEARS. I WENT TO THE TIRE SHOP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT FORD FOCUSES ARE KNOWN TO HAVE ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS AND WILL DESTROY THEIR TIRES PREMATURELY. RESEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND 47 SUCH COMPLAINTS OVER THE YEARS RELATING EXACTLY TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED. THE PROBLEM IS THE REAR SUSPENSION IS CAMBERED IN TOO MUCH AT THE TOP AND FORD NEVER MADE THE SUSPENSION ADJUSTABLE. MINE MEASURED 1/4 INCH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE 15 INCH RIM COMPARED TO THE BOTTOM. THIS SITS THE CAR ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE TIRE CREATING THE PREMATURE WEAR. FORD MUST KNOW THIS PROBLEM EXISTS. *TR