Ford Focus Problems

Certainly. The Focus is a great driving car, and now with a regular auto it is a really attractive proposition.

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.

In theory the DSG is a no-brainer, but it's different in practice because of the troubles that have plagued the DSG in all brands. The safe option is to go for the Focus; the riskier one is to go with the DSG. If it weren't for the well-documented reliability issues I would go for the DSG.

Persist in contacting Ford's customer care people and seek a solution. If you give up, there's no chance of getting a resolution. We are prepared to contact Ford on your behalf, but we need your name and details of your car before we can do anything.

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

The car is going into 'limp home' mode, which suggests there is something amiss with the electronics of the engine management system, possibly the ECU or a sensor supplying it with information. It needs to be sorted out by the dealer; it's not good enough to tell you to keep bringing it back when it happens. By doing that they're hoping to eventually stumble on the cause of the problem rather than investigate the cause and find a solution. If you can't get any sense out of the dealer go directly to Ford's customer assistance service on 13 3673.

The Focus RS was a sellout in small numbers so the value should still be strong. However, there is an all-new model with more appeal next year so it will seriously devalue your car.

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.

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.

Ford Australia still does not have confirmed dates for the RS and the best indication I can get from head office is the middle of the year in 2016. I’ll be keeping an eye on things as I have a nephew who is also on the waiting list.