Issues with new 2012 Ford Focus

[ElGatto]

There's not going to be a Focus recall because there are some of you can not deal with a DCT. Given a chance it is a superb fuel saving device. I drove mine for a little over 3000 miles before it settled out. I was aware of what I was buying so gave it a chance.
There are a few here with serious problems, but, every car has a few serious problems.
As I said before. Ford has a serious PR problem with the Focus DCT. They keep calling it an automatic transmission and people expect it to function like one.

[JimsFocus]

Originally Posted by ElGatto

There's not going to be a Focus recall because there are some of you can not deal with a DCT. Given a chance it is a superb fuel saving device. I drove mine for a little over 3000 miles before it settled out. I was aware of what I was buying so gave it a chance.
There are a few here with serious problems, but, every car has a few serious problems.
As I said before. Ford has a serious PR problem with the Focus DCT. They keep calling it an automatic transmission and people expect it to function like one.

Sorry , but I must return for a few more posts.

I should not have had to "deal with" the DCT. Two Ford service managers told me I had a problem with my DCT. Grinding is not normal! It has nothing to do with me learning to drive a DCT, nothing to do with the DCT learning my habits, it has nothing to do with me learning to deal with it, it is a PROBLEM! Service managers are trying to handle what they no is a problem that Ford won't admit is a problem. Read this thread and search for other Ford related forums and tell me many people are not having a problem with this transmission. It is Not their imagination.

If this grinding noise was normal, i would have heard it from day one. It took 1500 miles before i heard it.

If this grinding noise is normal, I'd hear it all the time, not just after 20 to 25 minutes of driving.

If this grinding noise is normal, why doesn't every Focus have it?

If this grinding noise is normal, why is Ford changing solenoids, clutches, and at times entire transmissions to try and stop the grinding?

Face it ElGatto, there are bad DCTs. No one should have to deal with it, learn how to get the hang of it, or roll up their windows and turn the radio on so they don't hear the problem. I've dealt with service guys, service managers, a regional manager and people at corporate Ford offices and no one has said there is a fix for the grinding DCT. Only those who never heard my car said it was
"normal". I'm not talking about the "shudder'at start up, or the different "Feel" of this trans, but the grinding when shifting, and the hesitation when grinding. Don't tell people they need to deal with. It's a problem!

I would also like to know where you get your facts that all new cars have serious problems. I've been buying new cars , and some 1st year cars, for 30 years and never had a serious problem, until my Focus. If I had a problem, it was fixed in one day. Now that is customer service. Why is it that in 2 month Ford corporate could not even admit there was a problem with my Focus? That's not customer service.

Don't belittle people who are not as happy with their focus as you are. Apparently you have not experienced the problems others have had, and the lack of customer service and excuse received from Ford. Do you work for Ford?

Sorry for the rant, but I hate to see people who are frustrated with their cars and the lack of help from Ford being ridiculed by someone who hasn't experienced the problems. I've been there, I know what it feels like.

[ElGatto]

Originally Posted by JimsFocus

Sorry , but I must return for a few more posts.

I should not have had to "deal with" the DCT. Two Ford service managers told me I had a problem with my DCT. Grinding is not normal! It has nothing to do with me learning to drive a DCT, nothing to do with the DCT learning my habits, it has nothing to do with me learning to deal with it, it is a PROBLEM! Service managers are trying to handle what they no is a problem that Ford won't admit is a problem. Read this thread and search for other Ford related forums and tell me many people are not having a problem with this transmission. It is Not their imagination.

If this grinding noise was normal, i would have heard it from day one. It took 1500 miles before i heard it.

If this grinding noise is normal, I'd hear it all the time, not just after 20 to 25 minutes of driving.

If this grinding noise is normal, why doesn't every Focus have it?

If this grinding noise is normal, why is Ford changing solenoids, clutches, and at times entire transmissions to try and stop the grinding?

Face it ElGatto, there are bad DCTs. No one should have to deal with it, learn how to get the hang of it, or roll up their windows and turn the radio on so they don't hear the problem. I've dealt with service guys, service managers, a regional manager and people at corporate Ford offices and no one has said there is a fix for the grinding DCT. Only those who never heard my car said it was
"normal". I'm not talking about the "shudder'at start up, or the different "Feel" of this trans, but the grinding when shifting, and the hesitation when grinding. Don't tell people they need to deal with. It's a problem!

I would also like to know where you get your facts that all new cars have serious problems. I've been buying new cars , and some 1st year cars, for 30 years and never had a serious problem, until my Focus. If I had a problem, it was fixed in one day. Now that is customer service. Why is it that in 2 month Ford corporate could not even admit there was a problem with my Focus? That's not customer service.

Don't belittle people who are not as happy with their focus as you are. Apparently you have not experienced the problems others have had, and the lack of customer service and excuse received from Ford. Do you work for Ford?

Sorry for the rant, but I hate to see people who are frustrated with their cars and the lack of help from Ford being ridiculed by someone who hasn't experienced the problems. I've been there, I know what it feels like.

I don't know what you're smoking, but, I don't recall singling you out.

[JimsFocus]

Originally Posted by ElGatto

I don't know what you're smoking, but, I don't recall singling you out.

I didn't say you singled me out. I think you've insulted everyone who has had a problem with the DCT. People are having problems, admit it. Don't say it's their fault because they can't get the hang of the DCT.

[ElGatto]

Originally Posted by JimsFocus

I didn't say you singled me out. I think you've insulted everyone who has had a problem with the DCT.

http://wardsauto.com/news-amp-analys...ift-problems-0

[JimsFocus]

Originally Posted by ElGatto

http://wardsauto.com/news-amp-analys...ift-problems-0

Did you notice that article said nothing about grinding transmissions? Did you notice it said nothing about fixing the problem? Talk is cheap, and no results for those needing it.

Should Ford have included a day at driving school with every Fiesta and Focus purchase?

Again, no talk of a fix.

[ElGatto]

Originally Posted by JimsFocus

Did you notice that article said nothing about grinding transmissions? Did you notice it said nothing about fixing the problem? Talk is cheap, and no results for those needing it.

Should Ford have included a day at driving school with every Fiesta and Focus purchase?

Again, no talk of a fix.

This forum was setup to help people not read your non-ending gripes.
When you traded in your Focus did you explain your problems to the dealer?
You left this forum in your Cruze.
Let it go

[JimsFocus]

Originally Posted by ElGatto

This forum was setup to help people not read your non-ending gripes.
When you traded in your Focus did you explain your problems to the dealer?
You left this forum in your Cruze.
Let it go

I didn't have to explain the trans problem to the Chevy dealer, they were already aware of it. They have had a lot of Focus trade-ins.

I'll let it go. Just remember not everyone is as lucky as you. If you haven't been in other's situations, how can you tell them it's their fault?

Done.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by CriticalMass

You will need that warranty. My Ex-wife owned two of them, and after the first year, they all start going south. Spent an average of a month out of every 12 in the shop...

...once ford works it out, it will probably be a great car...

We'll see how it handles; I wish her nothing but the best! We're currently looking into all customer and dealer feedback on the Focus.

Originally Posted by ElGatto

...Given a chance it is a superb fuel saving device. I drove mine for a little over 3000 miles before it settled out. I was aware of what I was buying so gave it a chance. There are a few here with serious problems, but, every car has a few serious problems.
As I said before. Ford has a serious PR problem with the Focus DCT. They keep calling it an automatic transmission and people expect it to function like one.

There are many benefits to the new PowerShift transmission, such as fuel efficiency, performance, and long life. Like you've mentioned, it does require a break-in period. We're analyzing all issues and take them very seriously.

Originally Posted by JimsFocus

...No one should have to deal with it...or roll up their windows and turn the radio on so they don't hear the problem...Only those who never heard my car said it was "normal". I'm not talking about the "shudder'at start up, or the different "Feel" of this trans, but the grinding when shifting, and the hesitation when grinding...

...I've been buying new cars , and some 1st year cars, for 30 years and never had a serious problem, until my Focus. If I had a problem, it was fixed in one day. Now that is customer service...

Sorry for the rant, but I hate to see people who are frustrated with their cars and the lack of help from Ford being ridiculed by someone who hasn't experienced the problems...

I understand where you're coming from. We're looking into the functionality of the 12B37 program and are hoping to address the transmission issues soon. We expect every vehicle to be exactly what our customers are looking for.

For all, please feel free to submit your feedback about the transmission (including publicity) here: http://social.ford.com/.

- Thomas

[JimsFocus]

Originally Posted by FordCustomerService

I understand where you're coming from. We're looking into the functionality of the 12B37 program and are hoping to address the transmission issues soon. We expect every vehicle to be exactly what our customers are looking for.

- Thomas

Thomas. Thanks for posting here that there are "issues". I feel the frustration of all those who are having "issues", but are being told the conditions are "normal". If I would have heard one straight answer from Ford, I would still own my Focus.