Ford Focus

In short, I am never buying another Ford. I am also sharing my story to help others make informed decisions on if they would try a vehicle from Ford. The supply chain has a lot of factors at play, but ultimately Ford never should have put this vehicle to consumers.

Another service representative gave me the Ford of Canada number to call for further advice. The Ford of Canada representative indicated there was a possibility of rental assistance. I bought another car, paying the crazy prices for used cars because new cars take 3-4 months for delivery. After 4 months with no action, I was informed that it could take up to 8 months, or more for the repair and that I would be responsible for any further repairs resulting from the car sitting. I was also informed that my car was the 26th in line for the same repair. There is a class action suit against Ford, but I did not qualify. Three dealer visits for the transmission control module issue are required to qualify. I had one visit.

Meanwhile the Ford representative contacted me and offered me $500 in Ford credit for future repairs. She called back soon after to inform me that due to pending legal action that $500 would not be available. I contacted the dealership's Operations Manager and asked him to make an offer on my car. He indicated that I shouldn't be too concerned about repairs required due to the car sitting for months because it "is really a well-made car". When the sales rep appraised the car and made a lowball offer he explained the offer by listing the things that could go wrong with a car sitting for months! We negotiated and they finally got to a price I could live with and now I am enjoying driving a Honda Civic. Ford created a nightmare for customers with a sub-standard control module, but their response to this situation was beyond horrible. If you are driving a Ford Focus, please do some research and think about selling it ASAP.

I was eventually informed I could rent with another car rental company and receive reimbursement. However, I did not receive this information in writing, and it would incur thousands of dollars upfront with no clear standard on the rental process or when I will receive reimbursement. This is not feasible considering I am still paying the monthly note to Navy Federal Credit Union and the insurance while the car is inoperable.

I would also like to make it known I am a Registered Nurse and frontline worker and must travel from Locust Grove to Decatur to work, at least 40 miles one way. This hardship has created tension at my workplace because I cannot take any time off due to the pandemic. There is also tension in my relationships as I beg for rides and provide them cash, increasing my debts. I have done an online buyback quote with Carmax, and in working condition, they will pay $8000 for the vehicle, which will cover the remaining loan balance. Since it has been almost three months with no anticipated end date due to the needed transmission module, suitable options include Ford to buy back the vehicle, provide compensation, and a rental car.

Then we get a recall, 18V735000, stating car may stall without warning will increase risk of crash and 19V515000 stating the same so we took the car into the shop. They said the fuel tank was defective, but get this, NOT DEFECTIVE ENOUGH to warrant the recall repairs. Ok, so, we continue to drive the car. A couple weeks later we notice it stuttering and pausing when taking off from a stop, a couple times we thought it was gonna die on us. Took back into ford, and they said unless it does it in front of them they can't do anything.

Car was in 3 times for that one and then...on the radio, this is minor, but a major nuisance, if you are on SiriusXM and turn the car off when you start the car again it goes back fm station. Had the car in 3-4 times for that issue. They replaced the ACM (audio control module) and I had to pay $15.00 to have my sirius service 'changed' to the new radio. I called harper motors and said I wanted my old acm back since it didn't fix the issue and they said it had already been 'rebuilt'... Really, in a matter of hours some guy came and picked it up, sent it to the factory and already rebuilt it???

By this time I was fed up. I called ford requesting a buyback because this car is a lemon. I spoke with a girl named Taylor and put the buyback request in for me and wanted to know if I wanted to take car to harper again. I said no, I am sick of them and their lies and BS, and I am quite sure they are tired of me. I told her of all the issues we have had with the car and the dealership. She began the process and did call, as promised, every Friday to update me on the issue. The third friday, she informed me that the buyback was refused because I didn't have enough downtime with the vehicle. I informed her that this car, not even 3 years old, had been in the shop more than our 2009 Ford Ranger. She told me that since it was refused, she would no longer be contacting me as the case was closed, but she would email some options for extra warranty or some such. I gave her my email address and waited...and waited... Surprise, no email!!

I first emailed her at the email she gave me, **, and of course no response. I then tried the number she gave me, 866-631-3788 x ** and got some Misty's voice mail 3-4 times. I explained each time what was going on and trying to reach taylor. No response from her either. SO, today I called ford corporate again and once more explained that I was trying to reach taylor. He told me he can not discuss the case with me... I said, "What case? It has been closed." He told me he would transfer me to above number and extension, I said I have tried that number all week and no response, just voice mail. He then told me again that I have a follow up call today with taylor. Guess what??? No follow up call. Ford, my husband has always loved your vehicles, and he has always insisted on buying used fords, I have always NOT liked fords, and this puts the nail in the coffin for both of us. Ford Inc. and Harper Ford are terrible.

I'm really disappointed on myself for not doing a little more research before buying this car, can't trade it in because of all the value has lost so it would be at lost of a lot of money (at least for me), and the saddest part is I'm still paying for it, I purchased this car in 2017 so I have 2 years left. :( The only chance I give to buy a Ford product and it's the worst car I ever had.