Ford Focus 2012 Problems

We'd like to think that our cars would last longer and not give us trouble, but the reality is quite different to that. The ZF 6-speed gearbox is a troublesome one that can fail, as yours appears to have done. But as Ford has pointed out to you your Territory is out of warranty, although that doesn't end Ford's responsibility to back the product. You could pursue a full payment for replacing the transmission from Ford, but I doubt you would have any success. Should you choose to do that contact your state Consumer Affairs people in Perth for advice and support. But in my view your best course of action would be to accept Ford's offer of part payment.

It’s best of you can come to a resolution with Ford and as there are plenty of reports of problems with this transmission that should be possible. I would maintain the pressure on the company until you get the response you want. If that ultimately fails I would have a solicitor send them a letter demanding action.

Recalls only happen when there is a potential safety issue involved, the clutch problem on the dual-clutch transmission in the Focus isn't considered a safety problem and as such isn't recalled. That's where our pathetically weak consumer laws let us down, because carmakers can get away with selling a known faulty product knowing there is little likelihood anything will be done about it. It was only the public backlash about the problem with its dual-clutch gearbox that forced VW to act. The trade-in price guide for your car is $9300 to $11,100, so Ford has offered you a high-end trade-in price. But you're right that you have been offered what is in effect a wholesale price for your car, and no doubt you are being asked to pay the full retail for the new car. Ford isn't doing you any favours, so I wouldn't be rushing into a new Ford. Assuming the clutches have been replaced and the car is currently driving normally I would consider trading it on a car from another brand. If you do, try and avoid a car with a dual-clutch automatic.

The deal you have been offered is the same one that has been offered to many other owners in your situation, so you're not being treated differently to others. 

You won't get a refund, or simply be given a new car in exchange for yours. The simplest way out is to weigh up the offer of the discounted price on a new car, together with the trade-in the dealer might offer you, and see if that works for you. If you don't want to go down that path you could join the class action lawsuit that is in train over this issue, but that's likely to be a long drawn-out process and you would need to be patient.

There is legal action under way in Australia from some unhappy owners of cars with double-clutch gearboxes. Ford executive Stephen Kruk says: "We encourage customers to work with their local dealers on their individual circumstances. Ford is committed to providing its customers with top quality vehicles. We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly for our customers. We have addressed the majority of our customers' questions and are pleased with our ongoing improvement in customer satisfaction levels."

I feel your pain, but you really are stuck with your car, particularly now that you have joined the class action against Ford. You can try and negotiate a trade-in deal on your car, but it’s unlikely that Ford will be willing to deal with you given that you are, in effect, suing them. You are correct in your criticism of the consumer laws in this country, but that doesn't help you in the short term when you need to get out of your car at minimum cost to you. The best course of action is to stick with the class action and see it through.

Your mechanic and the Ford dealer are correct; your car has a dry clutch transmission, so there is no call for the oil to be changed.

The Focus is a good car with a serious flaw; it has a dual-clutch automatic transmission that gives trouble. I would happily have a 2012 Focus with a manual gearbox, but I wouldn't buy one with a dual-clutch auto. I'd be looking at a Japanese or Korean brand and going for something like a Mazda 3, Honda Civic or Accord, Hyundai Elantra with a good record of reliability.

You're right there doesn't seem to be a fix for the problem; no matter what the dealer or Ford does it always comes back. The answer is to cut your loses and get out of the car the best way you can, and seeing you bought it from a Ford dealer you could appeal to their conscience to give you a good deal on a trade-in on another car. Other owners have been able to negotiate their way out of these troublesome cars, so try that.