2004 Ford Focus Ghia estate review from UK and Ireland

Dealer discovered the scuttle cover was warped and needed replacing.

New scuttle cover over pollen filter fitted, and anti-bacterial spray treatment applied - the cost was over £44.00.

As the car is less than 2 years old I suggested it should come under a warranty replacement.

The dealer said I would have to take the issue up with ford.

This I did and the Ford customer service department stated they have no history of there being a problem with the Focus scuttle cover, and they would not honour any refund to me.

I said that I have the part that was removed and would be willing to sent it to them. They stated there was nobody Qualified to look at it in the customer care department.

My last car was also a Focus and it too had to have the scuttle replaced on the second years service.

This equate to 100% failure in under 2 years for each car to me. Do others have the same problem?

The car is running quite well - though I have difficulty selecting reverse gear sometimes. (It won't engage at first attempt).

The ABS and Traction control work well and have got me out of trouble on a greasy road this week.

It is turning out over 50MPG and has not used any oil.

It is a shame Ford is cutting corners with unreliable plastic covers that appear not to be re-usable.

I do not know if I would buy another Ford.