1998 Ford Puma from UK and Ireland - Comments

Response to post @ 6th Nov 2006, 06:17.

Make sure the recirculation button still works (the note of the blower should change when the button is pushed).

When the recirculation flap is stuck in the recirculate position, it will always draw air from inside the car, regardless of the button. That will make the car mist up very quickly.

Car has started smelling really bad inside, of mould and wet rotten compost. This is despite a full valet, and constant use of air fresheners. Apparently, the Puma develops a interior water leak, a fault similar to older Fiesta models - Ford won't admit it. Other Puma owners have the same problem.

Above is a statement from the comment's on 24th Jan 2003, I have a 98 puma which has lay in my driveway for about 6 weeks when I went into it a few days ago I have noticed a nice swimming pool in the front floor panels (lying on slant) and mould patches on the interior does anyone know if this is a common fault and if so where could it be coming from as there is no clear indication as to where it is coming from???

Check your door seals. It's a common problem with many cars.

I owned a 1998 Puma - unfortunately 1.4 - for a year and was absolutely satisfied with it. I plan now to buy a 1.7 and do some upgrades from Pumabuild and Pumaspeed.

It seems that the biggest problem is with the parcel shelf. I made a simple modification on the first week and never bothered anymore: I glued a bit of 1/8" thick rubber band on the holder so I could snap in the shelf with a bit of force, but it could not get out on its own. Think it might work for you.

I have owned my T reg '99' 1.7 Puma for about 8 months now. Car seemed fine when I picked it up (the weather was still warm and fine at the time). As soon as the weather started to get cold and rainy the problems started!

If I get in to the car (during damp weather) and the sun is peeping through the clouds, the windows are already steamed up in the car when I get in due to the evaporation of some illusive internal moisture/water source!!?? I haven't a clue where the water or damp comes in, but it also makes the car smell real nasty.

I have been experiencing further problems with the car recently. Although the blowers are working in the car, there is no heat coming out, just cold air. This not only makes driving in the winter very cold, but also inhibits the drying out of the damp interior.

I have had problems with the stereo turning itself on and off as it pleases and have checked connections, but can find no fault?!

Another problem I recently encountered was the temperature gauge in the car reaching the red zone, telling me my car was well over heated to a dangerous levels. This obviously worried me slightly although I had barely driven the car around the block before it did this. I checked the radiator, water levels and fan etc - all OK. I tested the car and it seemed to be fine afterwards, but does still do this intermittently. One day the car really will be overheating and I won't believe it.

The most recent fault is the car simply not doing anything anymore. I turn the key, the dash lights come on, but the engine doesn't turn over. Starter motor? you might think - No, Alternator or battery? No, Connections - nothing obvious. I don't have a clue on this one. Can any one help or do you have any ideas???

I have also experienced many of the other problems other people have listed on this site, but won't go in to those again.

Otherwise, I enjoy driving the car. It is great on corners and pretty economical. Unfortunately due to the number of faults I have experienced in a fairly short period of time, I don't see myself keeping it much longer, I need a reliable car for work.

Car had all the faults mentioned.

I am going to view a Puma 1.7 tonight and have gotten quite excited about it due to the (mostly) positive comments and the surprisingly low insurance!

Most of the problems mentioned havn't put me off, if you have a problem, fix it! I doubt nothing can be done about a water leak, maybe radiator replacement? (besides my mate owns a garage)

Anybody have any other reasons I shouldn't indulge in this pretty lil automobile? Or any reassuring praises?

I bought a Puma 1.6 this year and I have had nothing, but trouble.

In the short time I've had the car I've only been able to actually drive it for about 5 weeks (admittedly those 5 weeks were fun)

The first thing to go was the clutch, followed by the over heating problem mentioned in another entry. I strongly suggest you get it to a garage and have it looked at. Mine turned out to be a collapse in the radiator which caused a cylinder to crack under the pressure which resulted in further problems with the head gasket. That cost was over £1300 to repair and that was with a garage I trusted and not Ford.

The problem I have now is when I start the car. It is getting far too much fuel and sounding dog rough. Its been in the garage for the last 2 weeks and the cause of the problem is still unknown. Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.

All in all it is a pretty car and when I've been able to drive it, it has been fun.

I think I just had bad luck!

'Mine turned out to be a collapse in the radiator which caused a cylinder to crack under the pressure which resulted in further problems with the head gasket. That cost was over £1300 to repair and that was with a garage I trusted and not Ford.'

Sorry, but that`s BS, how can a radiator 'collapse' so that it totally blocks and yet not leak? And how can a car water pump build up enough pressure to crack a cylinder, not to mention a hose blowing first. If you were told that by the garage, then find another one because it`s total BS.

'The problem I have now is when I start the car. It is getting far too much fuel and sounding dog rough. Its been in the garage for the last 2 weeks and the cause of the problem is still unknown. Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.'

Yes, take it to a Ford garage where they have diagnostic equipment which will quickly tell them which sensor is not working correctly. Is you garage charging you for all this looking but can`t find the problem time? If so they are ripping you off.

I've owned my ford puma 1.4 for 5 months and the only problem I've had is sometimes when I brake suddenly it makes a really loud scraping sound - anyone know what this could be? It has had a full service. Apart from that it's very nippy and makes a great sound and corners well. I have also noticed it creaks a lot on speed bumps!

With mention to the original email "Suspension keeps maxing out when going over bumps. This has got so bad, that it almost feels like the suspension is gonna break when going over big bumps (very loud)."

This is a huge problem on my 99 Ford Puma.

I think its about time I throw this car at the wall!

1.) Rear lights always mists with condensation looks awful

2.) Alternator just gone 72k miles

3.) Hand brake continuously goes wrong

4.) Suspension sounds like it going to pop up through the bonnet anyone know what causes this problem?

5.) Have just bought a new engine for the car.

Cost for fuel to go and look at a ford puma: £40.

Cost for tax, mot and insurance £800.

Cost to finally have a Ford Puma that works: Priceless or

in my case 2.5k.

I have been patient with all the problems so far, but will be giving up soon as the headaches and the costs of this car going wrong is getting the best of me!

Can anyone advise me on what I need to so I can finally have the well running smooth pretty car that I have always wanted!!!

Suspension please help???

I have recently purchased a ford puma 1998 1.7. Lovely car and superb drive - everything I expected (although my last car was a ford fiesta - so any other car would be better!)

Main problem I have encountered (too often) is that when I am in 4th/5th gear, at around 2200 rpm, on the accelerator - the rev counter suddenly shoots up, but I do not pick up speed - as if I'm overevving in neutral or something.

Could it be the clutch? It has VCT - could that be part of the problem? Also, just after starting the engine, the ABS and TC light stay on for about 30 seconds and then go off - is this a warning or a system check?

Continuing from previous comment...

I've also started to encounter all of the above problems, but will keep the car for another yr or so before changing it again - eyeing up the ford cougar already!

I am currently having the problem where the car won't start however I have a bit more info.

The lights were left on.

The battery ran out :- (

I got some jump leads and charged the battery.

The power has returned to the car, but it won't turn over, the immobiliser will not disengage.

I have no clue how to fix this? Anyone ever had this?

1998 Puma 1.4.

Oh and.

Damp, mould (Yes)

Mirrors (Yes)

Rear seat cover (God yes)

Lights (yes pathetic)

But it's a fun drive.

I have recently bought a Puma and think it's great. There's no problems with leaking boot or doors or suspension, but I do have a problem with the engine cutting out occasionally in first & second gear, a nuisance at roundabouts! The throttle sensor works fine, oil is okay as are plugs, anyone have any ideas?

The AA did register a high reading of oxygen on the exhaust sensor, could that be an air lock that is causing the cutouts?

Otherwise, I think the car's a whole load of fun!