Ford Focus Problems

I feel your pain, but I fear that neither Ford nor its dealers know how to fix this problem. They are clearly muddling along in the dark, making so-called software changes, and ultimately putting a new clutch in. I suspect they know that it won't fix the problem, and they're just waiting for the day these cars are off he road and no longer a problem for them. I don't believe you will get anywhere with Ford, what I would suggest is that you contact a lawyer and try to get a class action up. It rarely happens in this country, where we tend to roll over and cop it, but at some point something has got to give and carmakers held to account. Another reader who doesn't want to be identified has recently got back to us to tell is that they have reached a settlement with Ford over a similar issue. That suggests that if you're persistent enough you could reach a resolution.

Is it fair? Yes, I think it is, but do I think will get a full refund, no I don't. I reckon what they've offered you is not a bad deal, it's one I would accept to get out of the car and get on with your life without any further anguish.

The CX-3 is the best in the baby class and gets The Tick. It’s not great for value and could be a bit small. You should also check the latest Subaru Forester, which is much improved.

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.

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 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.

I doubt that leaving the window open in the rain is responsible for your problem, and I doubt that it's fuse problem. If you want to check the fuses you could see which relates to which part of the circuit in the owner's manual. The best course of action is to take it to a Ford dealer or auto electrician and have it checked.

Years ago when you owned your Torana it was considered something of a performance car, as the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are today, but there are many other ways of getting your driving thrills today without having to go for a V8. Some of the hot hatches now available would give you all the thrills, and more, than the big-bangers of old. Take a test drive in a VW Golf GTi or one of the fast Ford Focuses and I'm sure you'd rethink your choice. All the cars you mention, the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are good cars with plenty of grunt, the V8 sound, and the comfort of a big car. For mine though I'd be going for a hot hatch.

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.