[jigsaw]

Is there a Lemon Law in your state and would it apply to your car?

[theDentist]

My folks went through this with a Caddilac. Even with all the receipts, with the recall notices, and a whole lot of documentation, it all came down to if their "lemon" claim was within a warranty period. You have to go to the company (Ford, "Where Quality is Job 1") Main offices, fax/mail copies to them (return reciepts) so you know they are in someone's hand, and be very patient and cordial. The moment you lose you cool, they will hang up and do nothing for you.
Good luck.

[PeterPrinciple]

"Has anyone else experienced simliar problems with their Focus and if so how did you resolve them?."

Our 2000 Focus runs like a top, no complaints here. But I know consumer reports doesn't rate it well.

[kiriath_jearim]

Next time you may want to buy something that has a reputation for reliability such as a Toyota, Nissan or Honda.

[af_vet_rr]

Was this a new model year for the Focus (or perhaps even the first year it was introduced?). I remember relatives had problems with the "new" Taurus - they bought one the first year that the new style had come out, and others had the same problems with a new model of a Chevy (think it was a Monte Carlo).

I'm not saying just Chevy and Ford have a problem with this, I think it's many other things that are basically v1.0. Cars these days are so complex, anytime a new model(major revision) is introduced, the first year is going to be a testing period for them.

I know that doesn't help you out much, but I'm a firm believer in always waiting a year after something is introduced.

[L_Von_Mises]

Check out this website. It is filled with excellent information on what problems to look out for and how to deal with problems similar to what you have experienced.

Also has a lot of info on dealing with the dealerships and the carmaker as well as info on class-action suits, how to file a small claims suit, etc.

http://www.lemonaidcars.com