I had my front pads changed out at 45 K miles. The wear indicators had not turned on yet, but I had the wheels off for replacement and could see that there wasn't much pad left. I had the dealer replace the discs too. Not cheap, but I have great brakes and confidence for the 30 or so miles of freeway driving I do each day.

Sounds like the car that started this thread has a problem, either with the brakes themselves or the driver.