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I have a 2005 Fiesta and today while braking to stop at some traffic lights they failed. Brake pedal didn't go down very far at all and it felt like the end of the pedal was scraping along concrete. Managed to stop safely (just, with the help of my handbrake) but when I drove the car back home I tested the brakes on a quiet side road at 30km/h and they worked fine just like I've always had them, no grabbing, sticking, or sponging at all. The only time they were compromised at all was that one incident at the Brougham St traffic lights.

Any idea what the problem possibly could be? The WOF doesn't expire until June so I wasn't planning on getting a service done until then but this could possibly be serious enough to make me get it done sooner.

Hi there,
When it comes to brakes there is usually no room for errors.
So I recommend you get the car inspected right away. The abs should have activated which could give a strange sound and feeling while braking. Especially if you have not experienced this before. This would have prevented the brakes locking up and the car skidding to a stop.
However, get it checked for piece of mind and safety.

Update: The Fiesta has gone for a WOF and service and said nothing was wrong with the brakes, though the pads will need replacing at the next service. Possible cause?

Hi there,
It does sound like the ABS had been activated, which would give a strange sensation followed by noises. It could be un nerving if you havn't experienced it before.
However a Ford specialist looking specifically for a fault is what I recommend.
Explain exactly what you have said on this post.
If there is a problem and it happens again you may not be so lucky.

I recommend doing a test, on a private road. Carryout an emergencey stop from 50kmh
and you should experience the ABS actvation and you can see if it is the same thing.
ABS is a safety feature to help slow the car without skidding,