CarComplaints.com Notes: Ford changed a lot of things for its 3rd generation, just none of them were a good idea.
The transmission tends to hesitate and jerk when accelerating. The new electronically-driven power steering can fail suddenly and without warning. Even Ford's SYNC can be a headache. Actually, scratch that last one — it's always been a headache.
6.5
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
42,500 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (3 reports)
replace control arms, front struts & motor mounts (1 reports)
The banging and thrashing noises are hard to bear, but I will not put any more thousands into this car. My plan is to bail, find another car company & cut my losses before my 3 year old car completely goes.
I've had the car in twice and they are still having trouble diagnosing the problem even though the shop foreman heard the noise while in the car with me. The common problem mentioned from other Focus owners are the lower control arm bushings deteriorating or sway bar end links needing replacement. The entire lower control arm has to be replaced since the bushings cannot be replaced on their own. Another possible issue could be the rear motor/transmission mount. The fix for that is to install a Ford Focus Electric model motor/transmission mount which was made stiffer than the regular focus mount.
to date, the shop has tried replacing the strut mounting brackets, but that did nothing to address the problem.
There is an irritating noise my car makes when going over bumps, or uneven surfaces. When I have complained about it Ford always says it is the "normal" noise of the way the wheels are set up to work with the transmission. They say there is nothing wrong with it, I just need to get used to it.
Issue began roughly 5000 miles after owning the vehicle. When rolling over bumpy terrain, speed bumps, or turning right (i.e. loading left/driver side of the vehicle) there is an audible clunk/rattle that sounds as if it is coming from the front left wheel well.
Brought it to the dealer quite some time afterward as it didn't seem to be affecting driveability. However, the noise did worsen and I figured it would be good to fix it before something broke, or before trying to sell it as this would significantly devalue the car.
At about 17000 miles I brought it to the dealer, described the noise, told them about the ford TSB regarding the same noise that I had researched, and they returned the car to me the next day after replacing the strut bearing. Problem was fixed. No noise at all.
4 or 5 days later it returned, just as loud and severe as before I took it in. brought it back to the dealer and they proceeded to change out the sway bar links, the entire strut assembly, and still nothing. However, they did call me and say they fixed it and to come pick up the car which was basically BS and simply their way of saying we are sick of trying to fix your car come get rid of it for us. Car was in the shop for 31 days this second time around. They made me come in twice and test drive the car with 2 different technicians each time. Both times they acted dumb to the issue, and then after driving it with me in a parking lot they agreed there was definitely an issue.
Anyway, I have a formal complaint submitted with Ford and someone is supposed to be calling me back today. We will see what happens. Otherwise, I live in CA where the lemon laws are apparently very strong for the consumer so maybe that's what will have to happen.
lame.
- caseychambers,
Carlsbad, CA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The banging and thrashing noises are hard to bear, but I will not put any more thousands into this car. My plan is to bail, find another car company & cut my losses before my 3 year old car completely goes.
- James S., Phoenix, US