Ford Focus 2014 Problems

I would have an independent automatic transmission mechanic assess it and if that confirms that your fears are correct take it back to Ford. But if you do that you need to be prepared to argue because Ford will not roll over easily. You could also contact your state consumer affairs department and seek their advice. We have been told about a case of an owner taking Ford to VCAT in Victoria over a different issue, but similar to yours in that Ford was rejecting an owner’s claim and the owner won.

You are spot on, there are others with the same problem, and the cars should be recalled and fixed. Instead of talking to the dealer, you would be better off talking directly to Ford through its customer service (13 3673). You could also contact Bannister Law about their class action lawsuit.

I doubt that Ford would buy the car back from you outright, they would be more likely to offer you a trade-in deal on a new car. As a guide I would expect you would get $11,000 to $12,000 as a trade-in on your car. Talk to Ford and find out what they are offering; you can then consider your options. If you feel it's not enough you could go to the consumer affairs people, or join the class action that's being run on this problem.

Yours is not the first complaint on this subject, so it seems many modern batteries are now being built to a price.

Ford's offer is pathetic. The trade-in value for your 2014 Focus is $12,000-$14,000, not the pitiful $5000 you have been offered. That shows how much Ford values the cars they produced. Start by going to Consumer Affairs and enlisting their help to negotiate a better deal, also consider joining the class action against Ford being run on this issue.

I can understand your frustration; the only option is to get out of the car. Ford has obviously offered you a deal that is unsatisfactory to you. You won't get back the money you have already spent on the car, your best course of action is to negotiate the best possible deal you can with Ford. You could try Consumer Affairs for help, or consult a lawyer, but should you do that you should be prepared for a long and protracted process that it is only likely to cause you considerable anguish. If a satisfactory deal can't be worked out with Ford go shopping and buy a car from another brand.

You’re right to be skeptical and question the information the dealer has given you. Ford claimed that the shuddering was caused by fluid contamination due to leaking transmission seals, and offered owners extended warranty coverage on the transmission up to five years. We have no evidence of the success of the changes made, so can only advise you to be cautious and make sure you get the extended warranty coverage if you go ahead and buy one of the cars you’re considering.

Your first port of call is to the dealer to explain your concerns and ask them to rectify the problem. The car is quite new and would still be covered by the Ford warranty, so get Ford involved, either through the dealer or directly through Ford's Customer Relationship Centre (Phone: 13 3673).