Ford Buy Back!

[dan50]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

I understand that many people have had issues but nothing that I've read leads me to believe that the DCT is an inherently bad design.

I would hope that Ford's attitude is "let's get it right" rather than "let's give up and throw it away".

Agree completely. There's nothing inherently wrong with a DCT, but the introduction of the Getrag dry-clutch DCT for the Focus and Fiesta has surely been troublesome. I doubt that Ford will abandon the technology, but the question is how much resource they will devote to getting it right?

Ford has $2,000 - $2,500 cash incentives on new Focuses while GM has no cash incentives on the Cruze. A lot of this has to be attributable to the DCT and the constant carping about it by owners, the auto mags, Consumer Reports,etc. You can afford a lot of reengineering if it saves $2,000/car...

[mjb457]

I also agree Ford instead of insentives ----make it right---- send a letter all owners of 2012-2013 DCT & extend the warranty for 10years---125k miles unconditional! make it the best DCT on the market!! Make Ford proud!! MJB

[gkirk]

Originally Posted by Berlin Bill

I agree - in 1981 I bought a first-year Ford Escort GLX and, although I liked most things about it, the engine had a serious failures twice that required major repair work. Ford covered the 1st, but not the 2nd.
It is only now - about 30 years later - that I am looking at the possibility of buying a Ford once again and part of that process is reading this forum.

Despite the hate on DCT around here, that I share BTW. The Focus is by far the best American car I've ever been in for the money. If you could take this car back 15 years, it would cost 50,000$. It's a great car.

I'd guess that ford has been updating the DCT and related systems and I'd hope that he 2013s have a lot less problems. From the lack of 2013 owners on here complaining about their DCTs, I'd guess that ford made some changes and improved things.

For the rest of us, we were your guinea pigs.

to the OP - good luck. My guess is that whatever settlement you reach with ford will include a non-disclosure, so we'll probably never know what happens.

Best of luck though,
gk

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by 12_T_Hatch

Well ladies and gents, I have reached that point... I have owned "Casper" for 18 months and in that time I have put 31,142 miles on her. (Keep in mind I was out of the country for 6 of the 18 months of ownership...) Sadly though my experience with her has been nothing but headaches - I have had to bring her to the dealership for transmission issues 14 times (not counting regular service related issues - TSB's - Recalls - oil changes - new tires - etc), and half of those times required a two or even three day stay at the dealership... So after being without my car for two days due to my transmission, I decided that enough is enough. Even the service adviser at the dealership I have started using since moving told me that until Ford comes up with a permanent fix I am stuck coming back every few weeks for the transmission to be "reprogrammed" with the latest patch. After hearing that and brooding about it the entire ride home I decided to write Ford Motor Company, notifying them in writing that the problem was still there and if they don't take radical steps to correct this issue I will be forced to pursue my legal options provided to me under the Missouri lemon law. I also included in that letter a copy of every service record I have showing my complaint of a transmission problem plus my retail installment contract showing exactly how much I paid for the vehicle plus all the money I put as a down payment. In the letter I gave them two options buy the car back from me or switch me into a comparably priced and equipped vehicle that I approve of. If they do the later you can rest assured I will either be driving the Focus ST (it only comes with a manual transmission so I shouldn't have the shuddering, hesitation or grinding that I am currently experiencing) or I will abandon the Focus line all together and get into the nicest Fusion I can for 29,000. I also wrote in the letter that they need to re-imburse me all the tax, tags, title and motor vehicle inspection fees I paid to get the Focus road ready.

Anyways, I will let you know what I hear back from them. I gave them ten business days to respond before I start executing on the promise to report them to the BBB, and Missouri Attorney General. This is probably showing me as a sucker, but even with the headache this car is for me - I still LOVE Ford. I am hoping that they stand behind their product and pave the way for me to trade into a different Ford.

Hi 12_T_Hatch,

This is a heads up: I responded to your PM. If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Thanks!
Crystal

[tdmer]

Originally Posted by Seriously Focused

After your personal experience, it is shocking that you would buy another Ford. If my Focus had that many problems, I would be heading to the nearest Toyota dealer !

Have you heard of Toyotas recall history as of late? Really?

[dan50]

Originally Posted by tdmer

Have you heard of Toyotas recall history as of late? Really?

Yes, but I bet when you take a take a Toyota in for the recall they know how to fix it. Given a choice, I'd take that scenario every time rather than the "1) you don't understand the DCT, 2) it's behaving normally, 3) it's showing no codes and leaking no oil 4) we agree it isn't right but Ford won't let us fix it, 5) the parts are on backorder until 2014" trail of tears...

[12_T_Hatch]

Well Ford customer service sent me a message early today telling me my case number and that my complaints have been forwarded to my regional CSM, and that he would be calling me today. Well it's 7pm and no phone call. Not starting off on the best foot, but I'm trying to keep my hopes up! Looking for a call first thing tomorrow, I just want a solution and quickly....

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by 12_T_Hatch

Well Ford customer service sent me a message early today telling me my case number and that my complaints have been forwarded to my regional CSM, and that he would be calling me today. Well it's 7pm and no phone call. Not starting off on the best foot, but I'm trying to keep my hopes up! Looking for a call first thing tomorrow, I just want a solution and quickly....

Hi there,

Not to worry, you will be contacted soon. I followed up with your CSM to ensure that someone reaches out to you this morning; things have been a little busy around here with the holiday approaching. I'll keep an eye on your case, but please reach out to me via PM if you need any additional assistance.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Crystal

[12_T_Hatch]

Well the CSM called me shortly after I read the above message from Crystal. After getting some history on the car (and a few jokes about how I need to drive the car more) she asked me to bring it into the Ford dealership here in Ocala. She was very accommodating to my crazy work schedule, offering to let me drop the vehicle off on Friday; since bringing it to the dealership Monday morning guarantees I will be late for work.
I will let you guys and gals know what the prognosis is next week. Oh and shout out to Crystal with Ford Customer Service. She did a great job getting my problem escalated to the right people. I highly recommend PM'ing her if you have any issues and letting her work her magic behind the scenes!!

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by 12_T_Hatch

Well the CSM called me shortly after I read the above message from Crystal. After getting some history on the car (and a few jokes about how I need to drive the car more) she asked me to bring it into the Ford dealership here in Ocala. She was very accommodating to my crazy work schedule, offering to let me drop the vehicle off on Friday; since bringing it to the dealership Monday morning guarantees I will be late for work.
I will let you guys and gals know what the prognosis is next week. Oh and shout out to Crystal with Ford Customer Service. She did a great job getting my problem escalated to the right people. I highly recommend PM'ing her if you have any issues and letting her work her magic behind the scenes!!

Thanks, 12_T_Hatch! I'm glad that your CSM reached out and got you squared away for service. Feel free to reach out to me via PM if you need any additional assistance.

Have a great day!
Crystal