Ford Focus 2014 Aircon

[hullabaloo]

The aircon on my 2014 Focus failed after about 8000 miles and it being just over 1 year old. The garage want £470 to fix it and say it isn't a warranty item as the condensor has been damaged by road debris. I've spoken to Ford Customer care and they are taking the side of the garage. My argument is that if it has been damaged at such a low mileage then the condensor is not adequately protected and it is a design fault and Ford should pay for the repair (or at a minimum contribute). Ford however completely disagree and say they are unwilling to help in any way whatsoever. Naturally I'm concerned this problem may re-occur. Is anybody aware of this being a common problem, or can anybody offer any advise as to what I might do? Thank you

[WES180]

I think you will just have to pay it yourself. They could use the same argument for a stone cracking the windscreen and yet you would just accept that. I had a stone go through my condenser on my Cmax so I know it is annoying but its just one of those bad luck situations im affraid.

[iantt]

As wes says, you just unlucky some debris has flicked up, consensor is in same location as all other vehicles, and need good air flow to work efficiently.

[Randoms]

Bought my focus in March (used from ford direct)& within a couple of weeks noticed that the air con wasnt working (difficult at that time of year with cold weather).

Took car back to dealers who re-gassed for free but this did not resolve, took it back in two weeks later & dealer confirmed that the condensor was bust.

Dealers replaced this under warranty, air con now works however yesterday I noticed that they had not re-fitted the plactic bracket above the condensor so its going back in next week to have front end removed & bracket re-fitted.