Rattles Galore

[lddavis]

consumer reports probably had a new car

Consumer Reports accumulates statistics from their subscribers for the reliability ratings. The rating isn't based on their test car. Their reviews are based on test cars that they buy; stats are reported by owners.

[merkidemis]

Ok, another update:
*SIGH*
After Middleton Ford scratched the lens on the speedometer, they first tried to polish the scratches away. Didn't work, as the scratches were pretty deep. But, of course, they left smears of polishing compound on the dash area around the speedo. Fantastic.

So, the only way to repair the scratches is to order an entirely new gauge cluster. Fine by me. Get the call that it's in a couple days later, and I drop the car off the next day to get it put in. Pick it up, and their stellar attention to detail continues to astound.

The trim piece that is above the steering column should slot tightly underneath the gauge cluster, but there is a huge gap, easily a quarter inch, because the tech didn't seat it right. So, pull a U-turn (after driving all of 200 yards), pull it back in to the service bay, and the service manager comes out, puzzled look on his face. I point out the gap, and he re-seats the part. Apparently the tech who did the work didn't notice the gap when he was putting the dash back together, nor did the service manager when he took it for a quick test drive.

It was a simple thing to pop back into place, but their lack of attention to detail is beyond staggering. The FIVE times they looked at the cluster the messed it up FOUR times:
1. Fix rattle by adding foam but leave bits hanging out
2. trim foam and scratch lens
3. fail in attempt to polish away scratches (fine, but they were deep) and leave compound on dash
4. replace gauge cluster and leave huge gap that two people missed
5. re-seat trim piece. I could have done this myself, but I wanted them to be aware of the mistake.

I still have streaks of polishing compound on the dash. Yeah I can clean it with a wet wipe, but that's not the point. The service guy also tried to downplay the scratches saying unless you use your finger you couldn't tell they were there. Bullshit. Also, they never once actually acknowledged that they were the ones to damage the part in the first place.

I will not be taking my car back to this dealer ever again. If they have this sort of error rate on this, and completely sloppy approach to their work, what can I expect when I need something critical done, like brakes? So that's two dealers down. Thankfully Madison is large enough that I have one more option left.

Middleton Ford will be getting a letter from me expressing my dissatisfaction.

Oh, and of course now that it's getting colder the goddamn POS seatbelt height adjuster is rattling in my ear again. Stupid car. I usually love driving, but I am really starting to hate this thing. Sure, a ESP is nice to get for all these troubles, but it doesn't temper the fact that my car is falling apart after 6 months and reminding me of it on a daily basis.

[merkidemis]

I think I fixed the seat belt height adjuster rattle. Pulled the panel off and used the fuzzy side of some self adhesive Velcro strips to pad the gap between the slider and the panel.

[Strix]

Originally Posted by merkidemis

I think I fixed the seat belt height adjuster rattle. Pulled the panel off and used the fuzzy side of some self adhesive Velcro strips to pad the gap between the slider and the panel.

If you want something done right...

[merkidemis]

This car's mission seems to remind me what a poorly assembled piece of crap it is. Current problems:

1. Seems to be eating coolant, as I checked it when adding more washer fluid and it was below the LOW line. I've never had a car with 20K on it need coolant before. Is this normal for this car?
2. Front suspension groans and creaks under breaking or going over bumps
3. Rattle from the back that only rears it's ugly head at 65+mph
4. Driver's door creaks when opening/closing (not at the hinge pins though!)
5. Passenger side plastic side-skirt/rocker panel is coming off at the rear
6. Stereo head unit still has an intermittent buzz
7. Rear driver's side door interior panel is rattling from time to time
8. Driver's side B pillar trim STILL rattles occasionally, though now its the whole unit rubbing against something

[Juicedz]

Appears this is a reoccurring theme. My first dealer I purchased my car from denied hearing my problems. Luckily, the second dealer acknologed the rattle in the dash as a,"loose fastener". It was tightened and foam insulation strip placed between the panels. Rattle every 2100 rpms in 1-5 gears is virtually gone. I do have he rattle in the tweeter and passenger side suspension. Idk I'm starting to see warning signs of a rattle box. I want to swap out the factory 16's but I'm afraid 17's or 18's would only compound those concerns.

[unfocused1]

Mine (2012 Focus, built in Dec 2011 as I recall) has developed a new noise; I can't tell if it's in the driver's side front door or under the dash... it's a rattle... and it's inconsistent.

[unfocused1]

Originally Posted by Strix

If you want something done right...

And since it is impossible for us to do everything ourselves, that is why we rely on others and hope they are of good, sound character. Ethics. It's what's taught in college but not acted on in the 'real' world. Then we wonder why the 'real' world is such a depressing place...

[unfocused1]

Originally Posted by merkidemis

This car's mission seems to remind me what a poorly assembled piece of crap it is. Current problems:

1. Seems to be eating coolant, as I checked it when adding more washer fluid and it was below the LOW line. I've never had a car with 20K on it need coolant before. Is this normal for this car?
2. Front suspension groans and creaks under breaking or going over bumps
3. Rattle from the back that only rears it's ugly head at 65+mph
4. Driver's door creaks when opening/closing (not at the hinge pins though!)
5. Passenger side plastic side-skirt/rocker panel is coming off at the rear
6. Stereo head unit still has an intermittent buzz
7. Rear driver's side door interior panel is rattling from time to time
8. Driver's side B pillar trim STILL rattles occasionally, though now its the whole unit rubbing against something

1. I hope not
2. I've heard something not dissimilar but it's too early to tell
3. My rattle is on the driver's side or behind dashboard
4. not yet for me
5. Yup, have that on mine - the one I first bought (2012 hatchback Focus, returned) had a worse problem with this and with sound fidelity
6. not yet for me
7. not yet for me

It's kinda sad that means to prevent rattles aren't put in (padding, et al) and how are these things bolted in? A bolt going loose would likely be a partial cause...

Granted, rattles are minor and these would be more frequent with the passage of time (mine's a year old and has settled a bit, though I've only driven 5500 miles)

Oh, potholes can be a source of problems as well - and those can be unavoidable. Maybe that's how some rattles get started... is it necessarily a poorly-made car despite all the accolades accorded for suspension, tight steering, high MPG, etc?

[Focus805]

I had the poor-adhesion-of-the-Focus-badge issue. The dealer ordered me a new badge which I installed myself. Problem solved.

I too have the gauge rattle problem and I am just sucking it up for fear that any dealer fix to the complex dash assembly will only make matters worse.

Hang in there.