Has the FFH seasoned long enough?

[Texasota]

I'm considering ordering a 2014 FFH this fall. After reading many of the forum posts concerning the various recalls, TSBs and software updates I am wondering if the FFH has seasoned long enough to get the majority of the teething problems worked out.

 

Would I be better off waiting until next summer and ordering a 2015 FFH?

[djminfll]

So far, it seems that Ford is backing up whatever issues come up. The overall quality is good, the car just experiences some intermittent glitches. I'm glad I didn't get one of the very first ones built, but also glad I didn't wait any longer to get mine. If I didn't have it yet, I'd definitely buy a 2014 and not wait another year. Think of how much gas you'll save over the next year if you don't wait!

[dkegel]

I'm considering ordering a 2014 FFH this fall. After reading many of the forum posts concerning the various recalls, TSBs and software updates I am wondering if the FFH has seasoned long enough to get the majority of the teething problems worked out.

 

Would I be better off waiting until next summer and ordering a 2015 FFH?

I would only wait (and we almost did) if you want any of the late availability options (heated steering wheel, cooled seats or brick red interior). We love the 2014 we just got last week. Regardless, Ford does a good job of providing updates to all the cars anyway.

 

Dave

[dalesky]

My fully loaded Titanium has been flawless, I just over 5 months of daily driving. I don't think mine is the exception. Drivers window may not go up on auto sometimes, but that is the only flaw, and I know how to correct that.

[B25Nut]

I see no reason to wait for the 2015. All the 2014s coming off the line now have all the updates. If your regular front seat passenger is short, however, I would wait until the fully adjustable passenger seat is available on the 2014.

[Sleddog]

Go for it. I'm more than happy with the FFH. I'm not one to usually purchase first year models, but Ford did it right with this one.

[dkegel]

I see no reason to wait for the 2015. All the 2014s coming off the line now have all the updates. If your regular front seat passenger is short, however, I would wait until the fully adjustable passenger seat is available on the 2014.

Yeah, it's weird how they switched things regarding the passenger seat. Our 2010 had power height adjustment but manual recline. The 2014 has power recline, but no height adjustment at all.

 

Dave

[mrobinso8]

With all the problems I am still having with my Battery Saver Message, that Ford Customer Service says is normal, I would not recommend any Ford Fusion Hybrid. If they refuse to replace a 12 volt battery or fix the problem I would look at the new Honda Accord Hybrid. Not as pretty but my previous Honda cars never had any problem. Boring but reliable.

[hybridbear]

One downside to buying a 2014 instead of a leftover 2013 is that the 2014s do not have the Lifetime Summary. Ford has not refused to replace any of the poorly installed trim panels on our car. Yes it's been a hassle having to deal with it, but at least they're getting fixed.

[acdii]

Since Job2, it is rare to hear about someone having problems with the new Fusion. Still some fit and finish issues, but that is par for the course, and will keep being a problem well past 2015. On mine, there was a bit of paint that flaked off the rear bumper where it meets the quarter panel, and the plastic trim piece between the glass on the drivers door next to the mirror keeps popping off. Both are being taken care of now, car went in on Thursday.

 

As others mentioned, only real reason to wait is if you want late options.

[hybridbear]

I'm considering ordering a 2014 FFH this fall. After reading many of the forum posts concerning the various recalls, TSBs and software updates I am wondering if the FFH has seasoned long enough to get the majority of the teething problems worked out.

 

Would I be better off waiting until next summer and ordering a 2015 FFH?

So Texasota, did you make a decision?

[Texasota]

So Texasota, did you make a decision?

 

 

Yes, mostly decided but still need to take a test drive. My salesman says they will let us take a FFH (by ourselves) for a long drive.

 

The service manager at my dealership has been very involved with my disastrous experience with our 2012 Focus. It has 30,000 miles and is on its third clutch pack. The PowerShift (DCT) transmission is seriously flawed and Ford has a huge mess on their hands with it. The service department has done everything they can to try and fix it but I don't beleive it can be fixed. I'll be meeting with the service manager and new car sales manager in the near future and I believe they will treat me fair given my problems with the Focus and past loyalty to the dealership. I'm hoping to have a FFH before we head to Texas this winter.

 

Thanks to everyone for the input, suggestions and help (especially to hybridbear).

[hybridbear]

 

 

Yes, mostly decided but still need to take a test drive. My salesman says they will let us take a FFH (by ourselves) for a long drive.

 

The service manager at my dealership has been very involved with my disastrous experience with our 2012 Focus. It has 30,000 miles and is on its third clutch pack. The PowerShift (DCT) transmission is seriously flawed and Ford has a huge mess on their hands with it. The service department has done everything they can to try and fix it but I don't beleive it can be fixed. I'll be meeting with the service manager and new car sales manager in the near future and I believe they will treat me fair given my problems with the Focus and past loyalty to the dealership. I'm hoping to have a FFH before we head to Texas this winter.

 

Thanks to everyone for the input, suggestions and help (especially to hybridbear).

You're welcome. Is your dealer willing to sell you the car at invoice price?

[Texasota]

The new FFH discussion with the dealership has not proceeded to that point yet. The information and contacts you provided me for Apple Valley Ford will be in my back pocket and may be useful in the discussions.

[dalesky]

Yeah, it's weird how they switched things regarding the passenger seat. Our 2010 had power height adjustment but manual recline. The 2014 has power recline, but no height adjustment at all.

 

Dave

My 2006 Mustang has height adjustment but no power recline, and power back support

[Eddie Sessum]

 

 

Yes, mostly decided but still need to take a test drive. My salesman says they will let us take a FFH (by ourselves) for a long drive.

 

The service manager at my dealership has been very involved with my disastrous experience with our 2012 Focus. It has 30,000 miles and is on its third clutch pack. The PowerShift (DCT) transmission is seriously flawed and Ford has a huge mess on their hands with it. The service department has done everything they can to try and fix it but I don't beleive it can be fixed. I'll be meeting with the service manager and new car sales manager in the near future and I believe they will treat me fair given my problems with the Focus and past loyalty to the dealership. I'm hoping to have a FFH before we head to Texas this winter.

 

Thanks to everyone for the input, suggestions and help (especially to hybridbear).

Im sure there is multiple issues in that case causing the failures. Its not a bad transmission just the one you have is a problem child.

 

Ford should be able to do something for you to keep you in a ford after that experence.

[Texasota]

Im sure there is multiple issues in that case causing the failures. Its not a bad transmission just the one you have is a problem child.

 

Ford should be able to do something for you to keep you in a ford after that experence.

Unfortunately, the problems with the Powershift transmission is very wide spread and well known by Ford. They are replacing clutch packs under warranty in very large numbers and the parts are commonly on back order. The issues are of a drivability nature (shuddering, rough shifts, and rattling noises) as opposed to complete failures on the road. This problem has tarnished the love affair with our Focus which is otherwise an excellent small car.

 

While this experience has been frustrating I will remain with Ford and the FFH is at the top of my list because I refuse to step backwards with MPG. My Focus routinely gets 40-41 on the highway driving 63 MPH (my favorite speed). I also want a car that has a quieter cabin as we plan to do more long road trips in the near future. From everything I have read on this forum the FFH excels in both of these areas. A long test drive is the next step.

[hybridbear]

Unfortunately, the problems with the Powershift transmission is very wide spread and well known by Ford. They are replacing clutch packs under warranty in very large numbers and the parts are commonly on back order. The issues are of a drivability nature (shuddering, rough shifts, and rattling noises) as opposed to complete failures on the road. This problem has tarnished the love affair with our Focus which is otherwise an excellent small car.

 

While this experience has been frustrating I will remain with Ford and the FFH is at the top of my list because I refuse to step backwards with MPG. My Focus routinely gets 40-41 on the highway driving 63 MPH (my favorite speed). I also want a car that has a quieter cabin as we plan to do more long road trips in the near future. From everything I have read on this forum the FFH excels in both of these areas. A long test drive is the next step.

Remember though that at the high speeds the FFH won't be that much better than the Focus. It is a larger vehicle and is much heavier. On the highway you're running mostly on the ICE, with only minimal assistance from the hybrid powertrain. I would expect that at highway speeds the FFH will be only a few MPG better than the Focus. The benefit of the FFH in those situations is that it is larger and more comfortable. The FFH is best in the city. It is a very quiet car.

Edited October 7, 2013 by hybridbear

[Toz]

After watching all of the issues, both big and little slowly getting worked out of the FFH, I am really hoping for a few less trips to the dealer than some of our long time forum members who got their FFH/HyTi's hot off the press.