1999 Ford Focus Zetec from UK and Ireland - Comments

Major electrical problems, constant flat batteries, new fuel line, air-conditioning noise, RAC called 15 times in three months.

Appalling reliability and indifferent dealer service have ruined an otherwise excellent car.

I live in the US and have a Focus ZTS. I have to agree with the assessment. The reliability of the car drags down what would otherwise be a great car to drive and own. Mine has been in the shop for 5 recalls, two tire disintegrations, an electrical system failure, holes in the floorboard, and transmission failure. Although the service is adequate it shouldn't be happening to a nine month old car. I hope these problems get worked out in further production runs both in Europe and the US.

S.G.

I have a 1999 Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec with a knock coming from the steering, the garage is not sure, but thinks it may be the pedal box which is subject to a TSB, however I would appreciate any other thoughts. Otherwise a good car.

I have a 1998 Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec. The steering feels very stiff and unresponsive at times which I feel may be dangerous. Also the brakes squeak and vary in response - sometimes hard, sometimes have to push down hard. Does any one else have this problem.

I have a 2002 Focus ZX5 with 40k miles. The car suddenly would stall, restarting attempts resulted in a "clicking" sound. Car restarts fine with use of jumper cables. Replaced battery (green eye turned red) with same results. Car is currently at dealership, which advises me they show "multiple ground fault trouble codes", however, they cannot pinpoint problem. Has anyone had same experience?

With regards to the brakes problem on the Ford Focus (1999) Zetec, strip down the calipers and clean any rust from the sides and use copperslip grease on the sides and edge of the metal part of the pads this cures the hard/soft brake feeling. On another note, if the car stalls/cuts out at road junctions/gear changes or appears to lose power for no apparent reason try the speed sensor on the gearbox, this also causes intermittent loss of speedo. This part is a real pig to change using only wheel ramps best to get a dealer to do it.

Best regards NNB.(Focus 1.8 Zetec owner since 1999)