Subject:  Here is my Ford Focus Experience
Date:     12/20/2002

Here is my story I am not trying to bash the Focus or any focus owners.
I just want my story to be heard and get peoples feedback on any similar 
situations and outcomes.

I spent much of the summer of 1999 working in Europe and fell in love with 
the focus.  Even got to take pictures with the ralley car in Ireland.  I 
was so excited to arrive home to find out the focus was coming to the US.  
I went to the dealer immediately to order my Focus.  I was lucky to get my 
focus with every option I wanted except power windows, for some strange
reason the early ZX3’s didn’t have that option.  I do all highway 
driving, about 120 miles to work everyday .  I must say that the car drives 
wonderfully and is economical and very stylish.

Then the problems started.  I was subject to the brakes wearing out way too 
early as outlined in www.fordfocusbrakeproblems.com .  I just ate the cost 
and replaced it with aftermarket parts and have not had a problem since.   
I wish this was the only problem I had.

In August of this year my ZX3 was up to 50,000 miles, I replaced the 10 AMP 
fuse that controls my rear brake light.  Later that evening I smelled smoke 
coming from under the dash.and pulled over.  I shut off my car and removed 
the keys.  To my amazement the car continued to run.  I had to stall the car 
to get it to turn off.  I then restarted the car to make sure it would still 
run and it started right up.  Again to my amazement the car would not shut 
off.  I then removed the fuse and the car shut off right away.  I replaced 
the fuse and the lights all came on again.  Then removed the fuse again for 
good.  I continued to smell smoke occasionally.  Another side effect from 
this is that my hatchback pops open every time I shut off the car.  I then 
called my dealer, Ford Customer Service and the National Highway Safety 
Administration.

I met my service manager to review the problems with my car.  He stated that 
he would look at my car, but informed my that an extensive review would 
require removal of the complete interior including the dash.  He estimated 
the dismantling would cost close to 3000 in labor alone.  I told my service 
rep that I was not willing to pay due to the fact that I believe that this 
was a quality defect and asked for a free estimate only.  I expressed my 
disappointment to him and informed him I would never purchase a Ford again.  
I also said that I didn’t know what to do now , fully knowing that 
electrical problems can be a nightmare. My service rep said the best thing 
I could do would be to trade it in.  I reiterated that I would never 
purchase a Ford Motor Co vehicle again.  He said he didn’t blame me and 
that the dealership sold every type of car.  I asked him what he would give 
me for the car and he said nothing.  My service rep recommended that I open 
up a claim with my insurance co.  After analyzing the car they informed me 
that they would not pay due to the fact that it was faulty equipment from 
the factory.  I returned later that evening to the dealership to pick up my 
car.  Much to my surprise my car was all apart.  My Service Rep informed me 
that they had found burnt wires in 2 locations, under the dash and in the 
deck lid wire harness.  He informed me he would see what he could do and 
provided me with a rental car.

I returned the following day to pick up my car and was told that he could not 
due anything until Ford authorized the repair.  The service rep informed me 
that parts would cost 908.50, labor would be in the neighborhood of 3000 and 
costs could be higher if they found anything else.  He then tried charging me 
10.33 for some wires he had replaced in the deck lid.  I refused to pay and 
he finally removed the charge.  I found it odd that the estimate was hand 
written and was informed that is how they do their estimates.  He claimed he 
called the regional rep and should have an answer in a week.  Of course I 
never heard back and then was informed they could do nothing  I drove the car 
home and found the trim above the license plate in my back seat.  I called 
the dealership and was informed that the part broke off during inspection of 
the vehicle and they would get me one soon.  I wish I was just informed that 
this happened instead of discovering it for myself.  On the ride home the 
vehicle continues to smoke occasionally and now the hatch pops open anytime 
I apply the brake or use the turn signal.  I tied down the hatch as best I 
could and am forced to still drive this piece of crap.

I was forced to pursue legal actions and filed a 93A, Consumer Protection 
Act, and Ford denied it.  I am now awaiting a court date in the MA Superior 
court system.  Hopefully things will work out.  I still love the way the 
focus looks and drives I just now hate Ford.  I will also never purchase a 
vehicle in the first model year of production.