Last Friday night my 2001 Ford Focus's engine died on me. Apparently, there is a broken piston rod, which ended up causing a cracked block and a hole in the oil pan. The kicker is that my 100,000km warranty JUST expired 1,542 kms ago. This just can't be right! Even the guys at the Ford dealership I had my car towed to are flabbergasted as to how this could have happened and are pretty sure it's no fault of mine. I have NEVER missed any regular maintenance on the vehicle, there were no oil/fluid leaks, smells, noises and no indicator lights came on to warn me of any problems. My car was just at Ford in May (prior to hitting 100,000 kms) gettting the fuel delivery module replaced (for free) on a safety campaign, and at the same time I had them go over my car and do any maintenence that needed to be done (replaced spark plugs etc...$400 in maintenance). My car was hooked up to the diagnostics computer and the only problem they found was that they confirmed my engine hesitation problem was due to the faulty fuel delivery module. I also had just gotten and oil change about 2,000 km before that, and have had it done since that service. I always use the reccommended 87 octane (Chevron), and always check my oil (I've never had to fill it). I am the one and only owner of this car. I drive it every day to and from work (about 6 kms each way), plus I make at least one out of town trip (on the freeway) each week. I park the car inside most of the time and the weather here (Vancouver, B.C.) doesn't really get that bad that it would affect anything.
I'm in for a huge battle with Ford as I was advised today by Ford Motor Company (Canada) that Ford is flat out REFUSING to help me out with the cost of the repair, which might I add is a hefty $8,300 for a new engine (including labour), because I am passed my 100,000km warranty peroid! My family has been long time Ford customers (including using Ford trucks for my Dad's fleet of work trucks), but that's all changing now due to the HORRIBLE service I received today on the phone. The dealership I'm dealing with has been GREAT, but Ford has been nasty.
So, what my question to you is...What in the hell would have caused the broken piston rod?
If anyone can offer any words that would help me in my battle with Ford, I would really appreciate it! I don't want to use the lawsuit card unless I have to.