Ford Fiesta Engine Problems

There’s no difference between the petrol engines in the 2011 Fiesta compared with the 2012 model. So, yes, they both require the same timing-belt changes. And yes, the interval is determined by which comes first, the 160,000km or the eight years.

Call Ford’s customer assistance people and explain your concern to them, and request that they replace the transmission, or have them cut you a deal on a new car. What they have put you through with your car is unacceptable.

Yes, it has a timing belt, and the change interval is every 200,000 km or 120 months.

You’re right; a cylinder head gasket shouldn’t just ‘let go’. Ask your dealer to request Ford to cover at least part of the cost of repairing your car. Even though the warranty has expired they still have an obligation under consumer laws to support the vehicle.

If they haven't come back to you with the results of their testing then ask them what they have done and what they have found. Your experience is a relatively common one with today's cars. The source of your problem is probably a faulty sensor and the testing being done by your dealer should identify it and fix it. I wouldn't be too concerned about it. As for the extended warranty it really comes down to the confidence you have in the car. If you don't have confidence in the car then the money spent on the extended warranty is worthwhile, but if you feel confident that it will keep running without major trouble then I wouldn't take it. It's your decision, but my own view is that extended warranties are not worth buying. You should also be aware that it is not a factory product.

It could be a number of problems; you need to have a mechanic run a diagnostic check to determine what's causing the warning light to come on.

Penrite is a quality oil and the one your chose covers the range needed in the Fiesta at both ends of the scale. You could use another oil that doesn’t have the same broad spectrum and save a little money.

One good thing is that you have the dealer on your side, or so it seems, if only Ford would come on board as well. The pinging issue is common, and the advice most owners are given is to switch to premium fuel. I would suspect that the lack of power and hesitations when cold are a separate issue, one related either to a faulty sensor that’s not telling the computer that it’s cold outside and the engine needs enrichment, or it’s an issue with the calibration itself. I have sent your concerns on to Ford and requested help to sort the issue. In the meantime, I reckon you have a good claim against Ford to refund your money or replace your car.

By the advice he gave you the dealer probably believed the engine was pinging, but switching to the higher-octane fuel did nothing to fix it. The car is still under warranty, so take it back to the dealer and ask that it be fixed again. If they can't fix it, ask them to consult Ford about the problem. Persist until it is fixed, long term pinging can cause damage to the engine.

You have reported it while the warranty is in force so I would believe they are obligated to honour the warranty whether or not they report back before the warranty ends. Keep all records of the reports you have made, and any conversations you have had with the dealer/Ford, and any undertakings you have been given by either party. I they don't come good and fix your car you would then have the ammunition to mount a solid case for compensation.