CarComplaints.com Notes: Even though the first model year of a major redesign should typically be avoided, Ford did a good job & the 2008 Ford Focus doesn't appear to have any major defects.
That said, the following model years of this 2nd generation Focus (2009-2011) do appear to be slightly better.
It only happens when I can't get it to my mechanic. The car will suddenly rev quickly and then drop to 20 miles per hour, I loose the odometer, and all data on the dash. When I stop the car and restart the problem will be gone too. I was on the highway when this happened once and was luck enough to be able to pull over on the shoulder. I normally don't drive far to work so it doesn't happen on the short trips only longer trips. I have had the throttle body cleaned as the wrench light glowed for a few minutes once or twice but haven't had it replaced. Financial issues have made it impossible to fix.
I bought a 2008 Ford Focus because I support the US and its manufacturing. My car has been driven only 22,600 miles when the throttle body needed repair.
Ford national has throttle body replacements on back order with no delivery date. My car has been in service for 2 weeks now and no one at ford national or at the dealership has any idea when the car will be fixed.
Who is on the customer's side? Ford has received great press for recent development but this unsolved problem has not been reported on. Who will support us customers? I called a local tv consumer protection reporter and she said, so long as no one dies, it isn't a big enough problem.
1. The dealership took my car in knowing it had no replacement parts because it had two other vehicles with the same problem in its lot. No one said anything about this delay.
2. By taking it in, they implicitly agreed to fix it and they haven't.
3. They refuse to give me a loaner car and agreed that ford national will pay $19/day on a $35 charge. The dealer will not cover the difference.
4. Is this not a denial of service after agreeing to service?
5. Searching the web, I have discovered that this problem is not limited to the 2008 Focus but is endemic to Ford models. What the hell kind of service and public relations is this?
6. Who can force Ford to make restitution?
7. Who can publicize and embarrass Ford sufficiently to fix this problem?
I'm made but I don't know what to do except not buy another Ford.
- Bill S.,
Cherry Hill, NJ, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
It only happens when I can't get it to my mechanic. The car will suddenly rev quickly and then drop to 20 miles per hour, I loose the odometer, and all data on the dash. When I stop the car and restart the problem will be gone too. I was on the highway when this happened once and was luck enough to be able to pull over on the shoulder. I normally don't drive far to work so it doesn't happen on the short trips only longer trips. I have had the throttle body cleaned as the wrench light glowed for a few minutes once or twice but haven't had it replaced. Financial issues have made it impossible to fix.
- jacksontexas, Tomball, TX, US