2012 Titanium Front Strut Low Speed Noise (Clunk/Rattle)

[Uptcv1]

Originally Posted by hand-filer

I don't disagree with the numbers but I do know this: We have a glut of used 2012's sitting on lots and selling for peanuts. Mine is one of them and it's sitting there because it's a friggen' clunker!


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Got me curious.. So I just looked.. on autotrader alone 7449 used 2012 foci avail right now then searched again for certified-used and autotrader came up with another 1137 listings.. all for 2012 focus only

[kam327]

Originally Posted by Uptcv1

Got me curious.. So I just looked.. on autotrader alone 7449 used 2012 foci avail right now then searched again for certified-used and autotrader came up with another 1137 listings.. all for 2012 focus only

Holy *$($&. That's far more than the 6027 Cruzes out there, and the next highest competitor is the Jetta at 2,332.

And that my friends is THE reason our resale values are in the toilet.

Were the majority of these dumped onto the used market by the rental companies sick of getting them returned by customers bewildered by the DCT or is it all from retail customers PO'd by the DCT or MFT?

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by kam327

Holy *$($&. That's far more than the 6027 Cruzes out there, and the next highest competitor is the Jetta at 2,332.

And that my friends is THE reason our resale values are in the toilet.

Were the majority of these dumped onto the used market by the rental companies sick of getting them returned by customers bewildered by the DCT or is it all from retail customers PO'd by the DCT or MFT?

Rental companies tend to keep cars for about 12 months or 25-30k miles, the oldest 2012 fleet models were already resold sometime this year or at the very least put onto the market as the change over occurs every so often.

I won't try to guess the percentage of current cars listed that were rental and or fleet cars first, but those with the alloy 16" wheels that were only available as an undocumented option to Fleets in the U.S. were ex rental or ex fleet cars. Those wheels were more common in Europe.

Anyway another reason why the values aren't so hot is that for a long time they were offering $2000 rebates + other incentives to move inventory.

If you paid 4k less than the sticker price for a 0 mile car how can you expect it to be worth close to the original sticker price?

[kam327]

Originally Posted by suss6052

Rental companies tend to keep cars for about 12 months or 25-30k miles, the oldest 2012 fleet models were already resold sometime this year or at the very least put onto the market as the change over occurs every so often.

I just remember my coworker's story of meeting a relative at the airport, hopping in the Focus the relative had rented, witnessing it buck and grind, return it to the airport and have the rental company representative ask "Transmission?" before they even said anything.

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by kam327

I just remember my coworker's story of meeting a relative at the airport, hopping in the Focus the relative had rented, witnessing it buck and grind, return it to the airport and have the rental company representative ask "Transmission?" before they even said anything.

I can't dispute this claim, however my experience couldn't have been more different when I ended up renting a 2012 last November (11/11), and picking the car up from the airport that had nearly 17,000 miles on the clock was a late march build, and early April in service date in 2011. It shifted beautifuly and didn't misbehave once the entire time I drove it. The rental place did try to upsell me to an Avenger or something, but that wasn't what I wanted to drive, and I wasn't disappointed by the Focus precisely because it didn't seem to act like some of the other units have been reported to.

Now if they could just get the q.c. up to par and contain these issues and resolve them rather than ticking people off we might get somewhere.

[HuskerFocus]

Originally Posted by suss6052

Now if they could just get the q.c. up to par and contain these issues and resolve them rather than ticking people off we might get somewhere.

Amen to that.

[jrn146]

Originally Posted by Zillon

If anyone wants access to my clunk spreadsheets, just PM me and I'll give you a link.

With all due respect, some of us gave our vin's and I don't think that should be passed around indiscriminately.

[Zillon]

Originally Posted by jrn146

With all due respect, some of us gave our vin's and I don't think that should be passed around indiscriminately.

Rest assured, the sheet with the VINs won't be available for public viewing. That will be kept private and was intended for Ford's eyes only.

I have made a copy without the VINs attached for public reference.

[jrn146]

Thanks for all you did Zillon and good luck with your new ride!

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by quasireversible

...It seems my noise is getting worse (louder and more frequent) by the week and I don't drive that many miles...

Originally Posted by Sonic_HedgeHog

I've been driving around with it for approx 13,000. Other than when it quieted for about 200 after the TSB was applied its been the same. Mine isn't as bad or as loud as some describe...

Originally Posted by Dysan911

...Has anyone actually determined precisely what that clunking noise is?

Originally Posted by rlfocus

...Like everyone else here, it comes from the front-end under low speeds while going over minor bumps...

Originally Posted by theshrewz

...and Zillion maybe placing some rubber silicone to fill that gap might quiet it down?

Originally Posted by Uptcv1

Wish our 12's held for 200k miles issue and clunk free!

I’m sorry for not dropping in on this thread yet, guys. In case you missed the intro, my name is Cory and I’m the Ford Service rep for the boards now.

I’m reaching out to offer my help by escalating concerns up to your regional customer service managers. If you haven’t already, please send me a PM with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, dealer details, and mileage.

Originally Posted by Shantheman2012

...I told him about this forum, and he was very open to hearing our findings and trial/errors too. Nice to have a guy who is open to listening and problem solve.

Originally Posted by HornedFrog05

...Also, my transmission still shudders a bit at 1,700 RPMS when accelerating from a complete stop...

Originally Posted by cwmehring

...After the trip home or the next day the noise would return and get worse the more I drove the car...

Shantheman2012, HornedFrog05, & cwmehring,

I’m checking in to see how your Focuses are doing. I have your information from before, so get a hold of me and I’ll lend a hand.

Originally Posted by killjoy

OK fourth time in shop for this issue and the dealer has gave up...

I confirmed Anna Marie has kept your escalation open, killjoy; let me know if you want any info forwarded before she calls you next.

Originally Posted by symbology

...Besides the clunk, grinding transmission, occasional jerks, and a half dozen MFT bugs, I can say that this car is pretty decent for what I paid for. That doesn't mean that these issues don't make me feel embarrassed when I have other people in the car, but I got a pretty good car for what I paid for...

symbology,

I appreciate the kind words. It’s important to me that you’re proud of your ride. I’m interested in reviewing your case; please PM me the details I mentioned above.

Originally Posted by kc5rui

I gave a FORD CSM user my info and my dealer experiance ended with "We cant find any problems with your car."...

Have you been in contact with them recently, kc5rui? Send me a PM with the info I listed before and I’ll lend a hand.

Originally Posted by Lipshurt

...When it was bad, it was bad...

I see Bryan is scheduled to call before the end of the day, Lipshurt.

Originally Posted by BlazeFocus

...I've already been in touch with a lawyer.

Originally Posted by stang74shelby

is your lawyer set up to doa a class action lawsuit?

Please note, guys: I’m unable to help once you’ve retained an attorney.

Originally Posted by suss6052

...I still hear noise from the front suspension over almost every single road imperfection with the stereo turned down or off, even at higher speeds.

suss6052,

I want to set up a follow-up call from your CSM. Please shoot me a PM with your current mileage so I can do that.

Cory