Seized Engine 19K Miles

[mummybigfoot]

This is my first post on any forum let alone a car forum. Not sure what else to do as Ford UK have declined any help.

I have recently purchased a Ford Focus Titanium 2.0l TDCI 2007. Mileage 17500! The Previous owner is a close friend, she purchased the car almost new and had the services and MOT completed at the same Ford Dealership. Whilst I was driving to work the oil light came on and the car stopped... dead. The recovery man couldn't start the car, my garage, who received the car, confirmed that it wouldn't turn over and that the engine seemed seized. On investigation they found the oil pump chain to be broken and the sump and other parts to be contaminated. This was rare and very unlucky they advised me. Thanks!

Ford customer service were dismissive, as the warranty had ceased and we were the third owners. They did however suggest that, before they would consider any compensation, assistance or goodwill gesture, I could recover the car to the ford dealership, and based on there diagnosis, provide some assistance or not.

Ford diagnosis:

As you are aware we now have Mrs Henderson's vehicle in the workshop. We have examined the vehicle and it looks like the oil pump drive chain has snapped.This is due to number 1 main bearing Shell coming out from is correct position, and rubbing up against the chain eventually causing the chain to get snagged then snapping.The crankshaft journals are badly scored due to engine seizure.

There was approx 4.litres of oil in the engine, and when the oil pump is rotated by hand oil instantly pours out of the crankshaft oil ways.

Parts cost are

Engine 3223.00

Fuel pipes 32.36

Tube 31.46

Cover 30.66

Timing belt 135.98

Seal cover 60.04

Gasket 6.68

nuts/bolts approx 50.00

Antifreeze 25.00

Sensor 25.43

Cam sensor 36.23

Parts Total 3656.84

Labour 12.hers 47.04ph 593.08

Total cost 4249.92

A friend has advised that I proceed down the small claims court route. Any point?

Any advice gratefully received

Nikki

[jeebowhite]

Hi,

I would say yes! go down the small claims court route, a vehicle with that little mileage, not too far out of warranty, the parts should be guranteed for longer than that. if the car has been serviced by Ford and / or according to the ford schedule there is no reason at all this should have happened on such low mileage, it will cost too much to just pay outright, whereas if its small claims court, you could get all your money back!

[jay1981]

Another option is to get a local garage to fit a second hand engine. I do think ford should pay as a goodwill gesture.

[Danny87]

What a horrible situation to be in, and with such low mileage this sort of issue is the last thing you could expect. You are just very unlucky to find yourself in this situation.

Ford have stated when looking at the car there was approx. 4l of oil in the sump, and that to me sounds like enough to support your claim and you shouldn't have to pay out for this. It's obviously an issue which has been with the engine since new, and no end user should have to worry about anything other than topping up their oil. You should absolutely take this further as you should not have to pay out this much money, on an engine with such little mileage.

[jeebowhite]

I wouldnt even think of asking another garage to fit a second hand engine, you should be given a new one by Ford, so without doubt chase it as far as you can! second hand are more trouble than their worth especially when you have a near enough brand new engine, why should you have to replace it with an old second hand...

[jay1981]

I quite agree that a second hand engine is not an ideal option and think that ford should pay as a goodwill gesture. If the OP has no luck with ford then a second hand engine is the best way forward.

Sounds like a manufacturing defect with the engine so ford should pay.

[jeebowhite]

I quite agree that a second hand engine is not an ideal option and think that ford should pay as a goodwill gesture. If the OP has no luck with ford then a second hand engine is the best way forward.

Sounds like a manufacturing defect with the engine so ford should pay.

Have you decided how you are going to proceed? it will be invaluable to the forum if you update it with your findings! it will certainly be educational to a lot of us!

[ChristopherRingham]

Another option is to get a local garage to fit a second hand engine. I do think ford should pay as a goodwill gesture.

Ford will only pay a good will gesture if the op is the original owner of the car - it is possible they will but very unlikely as they seem to be knocking more and more back at the moment.