News

Is Ford Covering Up Focus Malfunction?

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Nov. 7 (KGO) -- Here are the questions 7 On Your Side addressed to Ford Motor Company, followed by answers received from the company.

Has Ford been fixing the issue for consumers who experience the problem while still under warranty?

If a customer's vehicle is still under the new vehicle factory warranty or an Extended Service Plan then this type of repair would be covered.

Are the replacement locks made by the same manufacturer that made the original locks which are known to have the problem?

We do not disclose/provide supplier information.

If there is a known problem with that particular part, why doesn't Ford have a different manufacturer make the replacements?

Again, we do not discuss supplier information.

Why was there a Technical Service Bulletin issued, but no recall?

We continually monitor the field performance of our products and based on our review of the reports Ford has received, a technical service bulletin to help technicians repair an ignition cylinder problem is the appropriate action. A TSB is much like an addendum to the Service Manual and provides automotive technician additional information on how to identify and address various vehicle service issues.

Some consumers argue that the problem does constitute a safety issue because it could leave them stranded (unable to start their vehicle) in a precarious or potentially dangerous situation, e.g.: a female owner being followed by a stranger on her way to a parking lot ; a driver stalled on the side of a busy freeway, etc. What is Ford's response to those concerns?

We continually monitor the field performance of our vehicles for potential safety issues. If we identify a safety defect, Ford takes the appropriate action.