Technology

I need two replacement keys for my 2011 Ford Falcon. I have been quoted at $860 from my local Ford dealer for lock replacement and reprogramming keys. Is this correct? Is there another way?

My three-year-old son climbed over the back seat and into the parcel area of our 2011 Toyota Kluger. Without realising he was there I pressed the auto close on the rear door. It closes slowly. My son started screaming. The door had closed on his arm. His arm was slightly bruised and we later found a small break. My question is does the door have a sensor. When it closes on an obstruction does it stop closing or does it continue to apply pressure until the obstruction is removed.

I recently bought a used 2011 Kia Cerato SLi. The car's been great in most respects, the only issue is with the 12V socket, which doesn't seem to work, and the USB socket which tries and fails connecting about five times before giving up. All I'm after is to be able to charge my phone, but neither option works. Is this a common problem? Any suggestions?

When the sun comes from particular angles it’s almost impossible to see the instruments and screens, even the reversing camera, in my Kia Cerato. The only way to see the screens is to cover it with your hand, which is dangerous. I reported it to Kia and one response over the phone was yes it’s an issue, but what do you want us to do. But when it was made official in writing and I clearly explained my concerns they took a different approach. Their response was that “you have reported sunlight issues on your instrument cluster and unfortunately Kia has no control over external influences.” They basically cut me off. But they designed the car that allows the screen to be washed out by the sun, and it is now a real problem. I have started doing research and other people who drive Ceratos have also complained about how they find the sat-nav and reversing camera useless. Kia continues to deny any problem. I wasn't told in the showroom or by Kia when the car was sold that I should expect problems when I drive the car during daylight hours, and that it’s out of their control. The real issue is the angle and placement of the screen and possibly quality. No other cars or brands are subject to such serious problems. I would like your opinion.

The navigation system in my 2013 Mazda3 sedan has failed to operate for some months. This was reported to the Mazda dealer when the car received the 2-yearly service. The fault was not fixed at that time but the service report was endorsed that the dealer would contact me when new software was available. This problem was also reported to Mazda in Melbourne, who responded by saying that a Customer Service Officer would contact me re the problem. I have not been contacted by any Customer Service Officer from Mazda, despite having advised them again of the problem, which I believe is not only confined to my car. Having dealt with Mazda for over 40 years, their response to my query is unsatisfactory to say the least.