NHTSA Complaint #10670250 — 2007 FORD FOCUS

WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THIS VEHICLE, I EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL FISHTAILING OF THE REAR END. I HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE DRIVING IN THE SNOW, THE TIRES ARE IN EXTREMELY GOOD CONDITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED PRIOR TO THE TRIP. THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE TIRES OR MAINTENANCE. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SUSPENSION. AFTER THE INCIDENT, A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FORD FOCUS OF THIS VINTAGE. IT IS BEYOND BELIEF THAT FORD IS UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE. WE WERE LUCKY TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND GET OFF THE ROAD ALIVE. ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT FORD DIRECTLY HAVE PROVEN UNSUCCESSFUL. *TR