During the second years service (2006) the dealer discovered the scuttle cover was warped and needed replacing.
New scuttle cover / pollen filter cover was fitted, and anti-bacterial spray treatment applied - the cost was over £44.00. (Removal of the scuttle destroys the seal and it has to be replaced).
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, the scuttle cover is part of the trim and is therefore not covered under any warrantee agreement, and they would not honour any refund to me.
I said that I have the part that was removed and would be willing to send the part to them for further investigation. They stated there was nobody qualified to look at it in the customer care department, and offered me no alternative options.
My last car was also a Focus and it too had to have the scuttle replaced on the second years service. My annual mileage is always between 9,000 and 10,000.
General comments: 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 when I got caught out on a greasy road on one occasion.
It is turning out over 50MPG and has not used any oil.
Conclusion: It is a shame Ford is cutting corners with unreliable plastic covers that appear not to be re-usable, or warp easily. It transpires that none of the plastic mouldings on the car are covered under the warrantee, nor are water leaks!
My warning is to watch out for the small-print on warrantee agreements. If buying a second user Focus watch out for damp carpets in the passenger foot well.
Be prepared to pay more for a service than what is stated on the Ford service schedule - It's surprising what is not covered and what extras are required!
I do not know if I would buy another Ford.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
What you have described is a know problem with all of the early Focus models. It happened to mine, but it was no big deal in the scheme of things. A little more detailed information would by helpful, but you have at least covered the basics. Cad
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