Hey guys

I'm new to the site and to the Focus. I bought a brand new 2011 SEL in the metallic silver colour not quite 2 weeks ago. I have less than 500kms on it. I took it for its first wash today at one of the local spray wash places, mainly to get rid of the salty messes in the wheel wells. When I was done I noticed what looked like a bolt sticking out from the bottom of the passenger side rear wheel well. Turns out that the well liner had actually ripped where the bolt is supposed to hold it on.

Should I return to the dealer and get them to replace it? If so, what should I tell them? I've never had a new car and have never had to deal with warranty issues before.

Thanks guys, this is a great forum you have here!

-Rick

When my Focus was new I noticed that the hood was not aligned properly. I brought it in to my local deal with 24K on it. The body shop tech checked it out and scheduled me to bring my car in the next week. No problemo. If I was you I'd be going to my dealer ASAP.

you shouldnt have a promblem but i would not say you went to the car wash because they will use any excuse to blame you

you shouldnt have a promblem but i would not say you went to the car wash because they will use any excuse to blame you

Exactly, the wheel liner can only rip more. Just say you were parking the car in your garage until you noticed a bolt loose and wheel liner that ripped. If you say you were using a pressure washer they'll put the blame on you.

Welcome to the forums!

I had this problem with my car (it fell off from kicking some snow/ice from the fenderwall). I just took it to my dealer, I gave no explanation, and they just put a new bolt in it. The key is don't say anything, if they ask anything say "i dunno".

oh yeah, [welcome]

By all means, take it in to the dealer. At the very least, you'll get a good sense of how your dealer approaches minor warranty issues.

Don't feel bad about using your warranty rights; I had paint problems (silver, like yours, a tough color to match) with my '09 when it was new, and the dealer and factory reps got together and popped for a $5,000 warranty repaint of the whole car!