Bought new Ford Focus SE 2002 on May 31, 2002. Car developed water leak; leak fixed at 1600 miles (AC/Heater Core fixed 9/02). Immediately, fluttering noise on accelleration and low gas mileage. Over four attempts for repair at Ford dealers over next 5 months. Told normal operating noise. Drove car for 8 months with this problem unresolved. Finally new DPFE sensor installed May 2003. Noise is gone. Ford Technical serv. Bulletin and NHTSA bulletins existed for years re: this problem.
I had inept service or was deliberately lied to by Ford dealers and manufacturer. I bought American to help the economy, but have had nothing but aggravation with this product and its manufacturer. I have contacted Ford many times by email and phone, but only recently (May 7) got a letter from Andrea Hollis, Consumer Intervention, stating that a Ford rep or dealer would get in touch with me. They never did.
I have filed a complaint (May 2003) with BBB and in touch with NYSDRA for possible lemon law arbitration. I will see an ASE certified mechanic soon to have my car checked out for possible damage caused by a faulty DPFE sensor not being replaced.
For 9 months, I have had had very bad gas mileage and an annoying, disturbing noise in my car because the problem was not addressed by Ford. I have severe arthritis which has been exacerbated by having to miss work for multiple repair visits and by worrying about this new car's problems; and I am still worried that I have bought a lemon that will develop more and more new problems as time goes on.
