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Ford Focus: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
2. The recalls are just that, RECALLS. The dealer has no option or ability to refuse to service your car.
I've NEVER ever heard of a dealer refusing to perform a recall. I simply don't believe you.
3. The fuel pump has never been recalled. Please, don't make this up. There is an extended warranty for this item - 10 years since the date of purchase.
In order to qualify for the repair your car will have to exhibit symptoms of the pump failure.
1.Will be buying winter tires with steel rims - any suggestins as to make-Blizzaks and X-Ice are heading my list so far. As to size I have read that it might be better to go smaller than 16" to improve ride quality and narrower to reduce rubber to be pushed through the snow(although ice is my main concern and wider might be better on ice. - 195/60-15" or 185/65-15" Smaller would probably be cheaper as well
2. Ford Extended Service Protection has been offered to take warranty to 7yrs/120,000 km. 3 different levels are being offered Base-$865; Extra-$1090.; Premium-$1385. Thoughts on if this is a good investment, which level would be best value and experience on whether price is negotiable.
On another note, this has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. No problems in 18k miles.
Thanks
Picked up the car on Saturday and the dealer washed the car and I suspect cleaned the engine. Looked great however took it home in -40 degree weather and popped the hood to check fluid levels and couldn't get the hood closed again. The release cable froze open and the latch wouldn't re-engage. Dealers should know better in our climate. Supposed to warm up tomorrow so hoping I can get the hood closed.
When we picked up the car the tires PSI was at 28 and should have been at 34 and it had less than 1/2 tank of gas and winshield washer fluid was almost dry. You'd think they would fill up the tank and washer fluid when you give them your hard earned cash. May give them my opinion when I take it in for service
http://www.myfordfocus.com/how-to/antenna.htm
for instructions
Thanks again,
Rich
As far as my car goes, I have a 2000 ZX manual tranny and I adore this car. I have had all the recalls done at Ford's expense and the only problem I had to pay for so far was an exhaust leak which ended up costing half what they quoted.
I think this car is like any other, there are lemons and then there is the average car. I have heard nothing but good and only had a problem with the dealers service dept. which was easily solved by going to another.
For the price and apperance I dont think you can beat this little beauty
This is my first posting.
The front axle of my 2000 ZX3 (70K km) groans/squeaks every time the car passes over bump in the road. This noise appears to be comming from the driver side and happens during cold weather.
Does anybody have experience with this problem?
Thanks
my ignition broke and the steering wheel was locked.I had to have the lock replaced,costing me
$296.40,excluding towing charge.
This problem is most likely a design defect
and therefore should be recalled by Ford.I've
owned (4) New Ford Vehicles in my life and there
won't be a fifth if my Focus is not recalled for
this obviously too common failure.Can we as a group petition Ford to force a recall?
I have a 2000 Focus as well with about the same amount of mileage. My key got stuck in the ignition about six months ago. I made the mistake of thinking that it would be covered under my extended warranty and had it towed into Ford.
They politely informed me that it was not covered by the warranty. The service guy knew exactly how much it would cost because they had done so many of them (he admitted as much). Bottomline is it cost me over $300.
I wrote to Ford Customer Relations and received a phone call back from them. They wanted to know if I wanted to add anything to what I said in the letter. I said no, and that was that. I'm still out my $300 and still left with a sore feeling.
Overall, my ZX3 has been a fantastic, reliable and fun car to own. This is the one incident that gets me steamed, not just because of the $, but also because I know it could happen again at any moment.
I own a 2003 ZX3 with 5-speed manual and 44,000 miles on odometer. Recently I noticed that the steering is smooth at speeds lower than 80 mph. Once I hit 80 and beyond there is avery noticible vibration felt through the steering wheel. It seems to get worse as you accelerate beyond 80. Can anybody provide some insight on this?
I am still running the original stock 15inch goodyear eagle RS-A tires. And no brake work has been done. This is annoying and I am worried that a dealer diagnosis will be expensive and they will find nothing.
First time they couldn't find any problem other than a clogged up fuel filter which they replaced.
Second time we took it into the Ford Dealership and they replaced the fuel pump. They said there was a recall on it.
Now I thought we finally have a dependable car. WRONG!
Yesterday all of a sudden the key wouldn't turn anymore and the steering wheel was locked up as well. We had to tow it to the nearest dealership. They replaced the ignition. Cost just around $300. I just can't believe there hasn't been a recall after reading all these complaints.
If you search the Web, you'll find that this is a very common problem that Ford has not yet acknowledged with a Tech Service Bulletin. If your Focus is still under warranty they will repair it at no charge but once it's out of warranty you'll have to pay.
Expect it to fail every 18 months or so.
The way to handle it is to have the lock replaced but have the mechanic leave out the tumblers. That solves the usual failure mode. Though it won't function as a physical lock any more, you'll still be able to lock your doors and because of the transponder, the car won't start without the correct key in place.
See the history of my Focus at:
http://www.core-sound.com/myfordfocus.html
Len Moskowitz
Teaneck NJ
jk
UKBB
The one sound that's got me a tad worried off the bat is a high-pitched whining sound upon deceleration (this is an automatic tranny). The sound goes away upon acceleration, but EVERY time I decelerate to take a turn or stop at a light, or even just slowing down on the highway (i.e. not using the brakes), the sound is there. So far I haven't noticed any effect on the car's performance, but the sound is noticeable enough that even friends have asked about it while riding in my new rod.
Any ideas? Think it's anything to worry about?
I will say that I've put only about 100 miles on this thing so far (had only 15 when I drove it off the lot), and it seems that it may be getting quieter - but hard to tell.
Thanks!
My problem was my transmission. But I had 150, 000 kilometers on it.
I am not sure exactly why that would be happening to you.