Issues with new 2012 Ford Focus

[cbdallas]

I don't think the previous Dodge Dart is an accurate representation of the company and products of the current Chrysler Corporation. I feel sorry for anyone that owned an original Dart.

[gtncpa]

The Dart is more Fiat than anything. They had 250 of them (all red) at Monticello Motor Sports Race track in NY. They have tons of options. I like them .. but would not own one.

[ElGatto]

Originally Posted by cbdallas

I don't think the previous Dodge Dart is an accurate representation of the company and products of the current Chrysler Corporation. I feel sorry for anyone that owned an original Dart.

Sorry, I'll stick with my Focus. The trans is not problem once you get used to it. I feel sorry for those here who can't seem to get the hang of it.

[JimsFocus]

There are more problems with the Focus than just getting the hang of it. There is no way you should have to learn to "master" a modern car. These aren't Formula 1 cars! I agree, this transmission is something to got used to, but any driver should be able to get in a Focus and drive it from day one without having to "learn". The "shudder' is common in this type of tranmission and is easy to get used to, but grinding, chattering and sloppy shifting is not. I would like someone to "teach" me how to drive my Focus so it doesn't grind, chatter, shift consistantly and responsively.

People come hear to voice their concerns about problems and try to find answers. There are real problems which I hope we will get answers to other than to learn to get the hang of it.

[RFrench6646]

Originally Posted by cbdallas

I don't think the previous Dodge Dart is an accurate representation of the company and products of the current Chrysler Corporation. I feel sorry for anyone that owned an original Dart.

Between the Dodge (Bailed out by US, then bought out by Fiat), and Ford (Survived & Thrived with a tough it out, and build what people want, it'll sell menatality) I'm happy to support the latter. I'm not saying my choice was any better than the competition. But I feel better about it.

Good Luck whichever you choose

[ElGatto]

Originally Posted by JimsFocus

There are more problems with the Focus than just getting the hang of it. There is no way you should have to learn to "master" a modern car. These aren't Formula 1 cars! I agree, this transmission is something to got used to, but any driver should be able to get in a Focus and drive it from day one without having to "learn". The "shudder' is common in this type of tranmission and is easy to get used to, but grinding, chattering and sloppy shifting is not. I would like someone to "teach" me how to drive my Focus so it doesn't grind, chatter, shift consistantly and responsively.

People come hear to voice their concerns about problems and try to find answers. There are real problems which I hope we will get answers to other than to learn to get the hang of it.

I was not referring to owners in your situation. Reading your comments you probably have a defective transmission. Why you can't get it fixed or replaced is beyond me.

[JimsFocus]

Ford says it's normal.

[ElGatto]

Originally Posted by JimsFocus

Ford says it's normal.

Having done a lot of research the only thing "normal" about this type of trans is the slight shuttering at very slow speeds like parking lots and heavy traffic congestion.
Hopefully Ford engineers will come up with a program to eliminate that.
The people you spoke with at Ford are probably in Public Relations. They apparently read from a script. I have spoken with them. They don't have a clue.
There are lemon laws. Maybe you need a lawyer.

[Graeme S]

So my sainted mother picked up a 2012 Titanium A/T hatch three months ago (went in for her 90 days yesterday) and is having two teensy problems.

First up, the tank, even when reading "zero km left" has about 7L in the tank remaining (that's about 1.8 gallons). When she got it inspected, she asked about that, and they said that it's hardwired into the system and there's nothing that can be done to fix or change it. She understand a little caution, and that it's never good to bleed a system dry, but she tries to use the "km left" as best she can to judge how many kilometres she's getting on a tank. And with 8 fewer litres in the tank, it feels like it's a lot less fuel efficient than it really should be on a 47L tank.

Secondly, whenever there's a phone that's been bluetooth synced, but is driven away from, the entire Sync system seems to freeze and just be unhappy for nearly 10 minutes (even a turn off/turn on doesn't help). This happens every now and again as I chauffer my mother around town and drop her off to find parking. It's quite annoying to not have the rear-view camera when that's kind of the reason she picked it up.


Now, as far as the second, she did just get the Sync system reflashed during her 90-day, and that may have fixed the bluetooth. Not sure yet. Any thoughts y'all?

[53Sinner]

Originally Posted by Graeme S

Secondly, whenever there's a phone that's been bluetooth synced, but is driven away from, the entire Sync system seems to freeze and just be unhappy for nearly 10 minutes (even a turn off/turn on doesn't help). This happens every now and again as I chauffer my mother around town and drop her off to find parking. It's quite annoying to not have the rear-view camera when that's kind of the reason she picked it up.

Have your mom either shut her phone off BEFORE starting the car or have her out of range when you start the car. It will sync to your phone.