Request reimbursement for brakes and fuel filter replacement on 2003 Ford Focus. The consumer traded the vehicle.

- Lake Winola, PA, USA

There was no failure or injuries. Just a problem with gas mileage. This vehicle gets the worse gas mileage of any auto I ever owned except my 1969 Plymouth gtx 440. I keep complaining but the problem is said to be with the engine type. Z-tec and that is why on the 2005 they finally changed the engine. I get approx 15-17 mpg in the city no air on and highway is approx 22-25. I have yet to get close to 300 miles on a tank full of fuel. Terrible terrible.I have paper from window and it states fuel mileage should be approx 25 city 30 highway. This vehicle not close. Runs well though. I would call this a failure of gas mileage factory estimate number of times in box below is conservative. I figured closer to 275-300

- Riverview, FL, USA

Approximately 2 months ago, I was traveling at 70 mph in freeway traffic, and my 2003 Ford Focus quit accelerating. There was no prior warning. I began pumping the gas pedal, thinking a fuel line might be clogged, but it didn't seem to help. Finally, although somewhat chugging, I got enough acceleration to weave out of traffic and exit at an offramp. I pulled into the first parking lot, put my car in neutral, and let it idle. The engine sounded smooth. After a few minutes, I put the car back in drive and all was fine. I took my car to the san diego Ford dealership and was told no problem could be detected. I was advised to let the gas tank go to empty, add stp, and see if the problem ceased. I did so. Now, several weeks later, I was driving about 65mph down a dangerous winding grade near my home in morongo valley. Again, my car lost acceleration. I began pumping the gas pedal, but the motor just revved. It was as though my car had slipped into neutral. I glanced down at the automatic shift lever, to see if I had accidentally knocked it out of gear. It was still in drive. I began losing speed and had to coast down to the bottom of the grade, where there was parking accessibility. The same as before, I placed my car in park, let it idle for a couple of minutes, put it in drive, and it was fine. I took it to palm springs Ford, where it is right now. I received a phone message Friday evening, after work, and I was told the car has checked out fine. I had assumed this would happen, because the problem is so intermittent. The service attendant, mike bruni, stated he had documented the problem and I could pick up my car. I left a message on his voicemail, explaining my fear of a collision. There is definitely a major problem that must be fixed, or I feel my safety is in jeopardy. Until the problem is eliminated, I am reluctant to take my car home. I see the 2000-2001 Focus had a stalling problem also. Any relation?

- Morongo Valley, CA, USA