Nothing too major has gone wrong with my Focus. I am pleased with its overall reliability. However the following has gone wrong:
Water was getting in the drivers side front and rear foot wells after heavy rain.
Rear near side wheel bearing went at 96000 miles.
Light bulb on the dash that illuminates the mileage and trip display has blown.
The fuel low warning light doesn't seem to work.
Rear tailgate has started to rust slightly just above the chrome strip of the number plate housing. The car is only 6 years old.
It took my local Ford dealer three weeks and a new windscreen to sort the water leak problem. It is now cured.
The drivers seat is quite comfortable on long journeys thanks to adjustable lumbar support, however the passenger seat is not.
All four electric windows make a loud thump after they go up into the door frame. Seems like there is no cushioning.
There is an irritating vibration noise from the steering column at 3000rpm.
The tailgate seems very weak and flimsy.
The parcel shelf rattles.
This is the Ghia model, but the plastic wood effect trim is very poor.
When driven hard, mpg can be as low as 20.
The interior cabin seems to steam up easily.
On the plus side, the car is very quick. The 130bhp 2.0litre engine pulls very well up to 6000rpm, but after this, the engine just seems to scream without pulling.
The car rides well on the motorway.
The boot is nice and big. When the rear seats are folded, there is a load of space.
There is plenty of room in the back seats for two adults.
The cabin controls are well laid out.
My car is 6 years old now with 100,000 miles on the clock and it still has it's original rear brake shoes that don't need replacing!
Insurance is low for a 2.0litre car with this much performance, only group 8.
Funny you should mention the "thump" the windows make when powered up. The very same thing happens with my 2000 Focus SE here in the States. "World Car" indeed.
Might as well add in my two cents: I also cringe at the "thump" my windows make when powered up. Oh well...
Interesting to see your comments on the rust on rear tailgate under chrome strip, I have just bought a 3 year old ghia with 27000 miles and it has a rust spot at this same point,
I am going to take it to the ford dealers next week, do you think they will do anything, did you have your rust repaired?
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My Ford dealer were unwilling to attend to the rust starting to come through above the chrome number plate housing.
I would have a word with them again or contact Ford customer services, these cars have a 12 anti-rust warranty, from inside out only though..
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