Car advice

CSnMUS87CSnMUS87
in General

Hello everyone (especially car people). I'm looking for some advice. So I've had a 2018 Ford Focus SE since October 2018. As I found out too late and after looking online, it has known issues such as the transmission.

It has about 45,000 miles so I thought it would be good for a while. I changed the battery (well AAA did it) for the first time in February of this year when it refused to start in the cold. I suppose I waited too long for that. Some battery acid apparently had leaked over things inside. I didn't know about the acid at the time so I drove and it seemed fine. Then some time in March it would not start and gave me some engine failure notification or something. I had it towed to a mechanic that my dad has used for at least 20 years. Also the right lights (headlight, turn signal, brights) were not working for a while. I got pulled over for this once . Anyway he had the car over a week and ended up replacing the TCM, ECM, alternator, and also did an oil change. This was a bit expensive. But it was fine and thought all was well.

The car drove fine for a week or two but still felt odd like the TCM and ECM were relearning. At some point my check engine light came on. I waited a few days and it went away. Then on April 12 as I was driving and came to a stop sign, my car refused to drive forward. I was the only car on that side street so I backed it up into a nearby empty parking lot. I turned the car off, opened the door and got out, turned it back on and it drove again. Yesterday as I was driving it felt weird and kept kicking forward when slowing down or accelerating at low speeds. Then my check engine light came back on when I was on the way home. So I got a BlueDriver obd scanner and got these codes:
P0300, P0301, P0304, C111B, P0316

I don't know how expensive it is to get spark plugs changed or if there's anything else that could need to be done that would cost even more. I really am tired of sinking money into it. I am thinking it's time to look for a new car but I wanted to get people's opinions.

Comments

  • disneysamuraidisneysamurai

    I think you should get a new car simply because it’s a Ford

  • CaptainChaosCaptainChaos

    A online diagnosis is tricky. Not sure why the TCM and ECM needed to be replaced. Those are typically a low failure item.
    What did the acid leak onto? A quick search looks like it sits towards back of the engine compartment, drivers side.

    For the misfire, with low miles (plugs usually good for 100k miles)- could be a few different things:
    Fouled plugs- you mention it felt odd with relearning
    Age related coil packs failing- cracking, arcing could lead to misfire. Think some of spark that should travel to the spark plug and electrode "escaping". Had a friend's really low mileage 15 Trax with bad coil pack throw codes.

    Check and inspect the battery cables, terminals, connections- if acid possibly affected the cables. Make sure connections are clean, shiny and tight.
    A bad connection can cause a host of issues, check ALL ground locations, there's usually more than 1.

    Also check the battery itself- sometimes a weak battery or bad cell can cause problems too

  • BlueIrisBlueIris Mod

    Agree with @disneysamurai . I loved my Mustang and Thunderbird, but neither was reliable. There's a reason they call a Ford Fix Or Repair Daily. Also Found On Road Dead.

    Bought my Subaru Forester brand new in 2005. Only normal maintenance.

  • Thewalkingman2Thewalkingman2

    Read a copy of Consumer Reports 2026 Auto Issue (March April 2026) to see the best and worst rated vehicles. That will give you a good idea of what you should be looking for in a replacement vehicle, a reliable one.

  • AntiqueWpatinaAntiqueWpatina

    I have a 2016 and I've had no problems at 81k, other than what I would call expected maintenance; battery and brakes. Get around 32 mpg in mainly city driving.

  • CoastalMindsetCoastalMindset
    edited April 23

    I’ve been into cars for more than forty years. I also previously worked in the auto industry, though that was a long time ago. Back then, I was always reading car magazines and going to auto shows. That said, I still consider myself an auto enthusiast, but I don’t spend much time reading about them or going to auto shows anymore.

    For your car, and with any gasoline powered internal combustion engine, replacing spark plugs isn’t too expensive relative to many other repairs. In fact, you should replace spark plugs periodically anyway, so really it’s more maintenance than repair (unless the spark plugs fail, which would be a repair rather than maintenance). If your ignition coils are all working properly, having new spark plugs will make a difference in reliability, engine performance, and even fuel economy (and you may want to change the fuel filter too).

    As far as my personal recommendation, it’s important to consider reliability and durability, but don’t forget about safety. Consumer Reports is a great source. Be sure to check the safety ratings published annually by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as well.

    Whenever anyone asks me what they should consider, I always have said (and again, this is my opinion), German cars are the best in the world, and I’ve owned many. Depending on budget, you may want to consider looking at Volkswagen products, but if you’re less budget conscious, take a look at Audi or Mercedes-Benz, in particular.

    Whatever you decide is best for you, do the research and ask a lot of questions. Also, things change a lot faster these days with technology, so keep that in mind. I hope this is helpful, and I wish you all the best.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    My only useful advice is to return that reader, if you can - any auto chain like Auto Zone or O'Reilly's will read your check engine lights and give you a print-out for free.

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🫂 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Junkie 📷 Shutter Bug

  • disneysamuraidisneysamurai

    I’m also hearing leasing a car is more preferable to buying one now, for the first time ever. I’m sure many still disagree, but before everyone was without any doubt against leasing 100%. Now I’m hearing more and more people are in favor of it considering how much a car payment costs with financing these days.

  • IronicMaidenIronicMaiden

    @disneysamurai With how many cars are requiring monthly subscriptions for various features, I'd be hesitant to buy a new car. There's too much risk the feature will become permanently unavailable.

  • CSnMUS87CSnMUS87

    Thanks for all the input everyone! So I called the mechanic and gave him the codes and explained my story of what was going on since he last worked on it. He thinks it's most likely needing a new coil and spark plugs. He said more of a tune up than a repair. However ever since it first was having issues this year I've been looking at other cars just in case, and I feel like just like with my hair that it's perhaps time to start over. He said it would be about $375 estimated plus tax. I am thinking of getting a 2026 Mazda3 since I want automatic transmission (no dual-clutch again and no cvt), naturally aspirated engine (no turbo) and am not looking for something expensive. I'm thinking in the 20,000 range and these seem to be within that. I was also looking up reliability and almost was going to go with a new toyota corolla but I don't trust the CVT yet. maybe in 10 years if there's no other option. (Unless the car is still running great).

    I hear varying opinions from family members saying it's not worth the $375 to get the check engine light off if I'm going to trade it in soon, and others say to do it and wait longer.

  • DarenPNWDarenPNW

    Get an older car. Less electronic chaos, more simple mechanicals. I usually don't drive anything newer than 2005 either B) ;)

  • MizzKittyMizzKitty

    I'm a car enthusiast, with some knowledge in repairs and rebuild, also a few years of learned experience. The coil packs and and spark plugs and also checking the battery wires for damage sound like a good start, maybe can help fix the main problems. That was also my first guess. Coil packs and spark plugs work together, and a both very easy to replace yourself and really don't cost very much in comparison to the other stuff. You might only need like a wrench, screwdriver and probably a 10mm socket to unscrew things and a deep spark plug socket with rubber for the spark plugs. It's minimal tools and easy to get to maintenance stuff. You can look up how to do them on youtube, shouldn't cost you that much, I'm sure less than $300. Also, there are name brands and off brands parts, sometimes cars are picky about using original engine model parts (OEM) where the cheap parts don't always agree with the system.
    If you do consider a new vehicle, German makes are great, but you must also consider if you can easily get to engine components and if you have access to replacement parts, and shops when needed because it's a foreign make car.
    Imo, I've had a few Mazdas, and they seem pretty reliable and long wear. With any car you you might consider getting, it would be wise to look up the year, make and models online to check for any recalls or major issues related to each. Good luck on the hunt. I wish you well.

  • SpendTimeWithUSpendTimeWithU
    edited April 23

    My friend had a 2018 ecosport that had similar engine problems. Turns out it was a recall issue and Ford dealer put a new engine in at no cost. Glancing online, it seems the Focus might have similar problems?

    https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/recall/recalls-and-faqs/23s64-ecosport-and-focus-2016-2022-engine-oil-pump-failure-recall/?srsltid=AfmBOorjreDLar13QTrYPO7xw4-rf5-tHJ2C4gyCeTL3orScZQAcioBH

    Couldn't hurt to check
    https://www.ford.com/support/recalls-details/

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    Cars lose tremendous value the second you drive them off the lot. I'd recommend resisting the urge to buy brand new.

    As for the $20,000 price tag, whether or not that's wise is entirely dependent upon your savings, your income, and your credit score. If you can put half down and make double payments every month, I say go for it. If not, I would strongly recommend something cheaper.

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

    🫂 Enthusiast 🏞 Travel Junkie 📷 Shutter Bug

  • riz0707riz0707

    Those misfire codes has nothing to do with spark plugs or engine or ecm or alternator or battery. Looking at the history, you have bad electrical connections, forcing the alternator to work harder and break down, not charging battery efficiently, not providing the right voltage to ecm, fuel injectors not getting the right voltage from ecm to function optimally, causing misfiring.

    Everytime someone works on your car, they disconnect and reconnect the battery, which forces the system to go in learning mode, which is why it drives fine for sometime before the computer figures out somethings off and start throwing codes.

    Go to reputed auto electrician, find the bad wiring, and you are all good.

  • riz0707riz0707

    A 45000 mileage car, especially ford, will never have multiple components failure occurring at the same time. American cars often get the bad reputation due to bad and haphazard diagnosis by most new techs nowadays. Autoshop nowadays are more interested in replacing parts until they get to the root of the problem than sitting down and diagnosing.

  • disneysamuraidisneysamurai

    I disagree with getting an older car unless you’re willing to shell out the time and money to get it repaired often and it hasn’t been driven much. I had a 2008 Kia optima with over 200k miles on it and the last couple years I had it something was always breaking. One time the car had to stay in the shop for two weeks just because it was really difficult for them to get the parts and the design was not optimal for modern day repair.

  • KempistKempist
    edited April 24

    Avoid the chain auto repair stores. They have sales quotas and will recommend unnecessary repairs and maintenance. They also have high turnover and many inexperienced mechanics. Instead find an experienced, knowledgeable, reliable, and honest independent mechanic. Also, when buying a car choose ones with fewer of the newest gadgets. Less can go wrong and thus fewer trips to the shop and less money spent.

  • JasonCuddlesJasonCuddles

    I am not a car person at all, but I do observe things. I've noticed that taxi companies almost exclusively use Toyota. Since companies love to maximise profits I imagine those are the best cars to own, cost wise.

    If you're thinking of getting a new one I think that's something to keep in mind.

  • sin67sin67

    Had Toyota Corolla : 420000 kms
    Had Dodge Voyageur: 380000 kms
    BMW: 320000 kms before I donated it
    BMW: 220000 kms before I donated it
    All above required just the regular service. No major problems. Always bought them new. The best way to go for a long term good ride with no trips to mechanics. If you get a used one mostly you will spend more time in garage then in the road.
    Now RAM 1500 : 220000 kms and running smooth
    BMW X3: 10000 kms running smooth.

    Guess lucked out with cars.
    Advise: don’t go to the dealers find a good experienced local mechanic.

  • sin67sin67

    Whatever the Taxi drivers use, go for it. They go mire for affordability and long term no maintenance n reliability. Toyota has also come with nice fancy models now. Really classy.

  • SweetCuddler33SweetCuddler33
    edited April 25

    2026 Porsche Cayenne , I believe leasing is a lot cheaper and will lease another brand new one in a few years. I leased the Audi too, then I wound up buying it 😃 no sense to own more than two cars at a time 🤦‍♀️

  • CSnMUS87CSnMUS87

    Thanks and glad to see all the responses and points of view. In the end I didn't want to keep bringing the Ford Focus in to get fixed. The mechanic I took it to last time is not part of any chain or large company, he has his own independent location and is who my dad has gone to for years. It's appraised value wasn't much, and I had been looking at new cars for a few months just in case anyway. Long story short after visiting multiple dealers I got the deal on wanted on a new black mica 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan - Select Sport trim. I'm so far loving it and immediately noticed how much smoother the drive was than even when I first bought the Ford Focus in 2018. The shifting at low speeds in the Ford Focus always felt odd since I first got it and I thought that was just normal for that car. From the way the driving felt when I was going to the dealers I was just hoping and praying the Ford wouldn't die before I got it to their lot.
    I was also looking at Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Kia K5, but for the first two I didn't want any CVT or turbo engine and I wasn't confident on the Kia. I plan to take much better care of this one and treat it like a baby so to speak. Hoping I get 10 to 20 years on it.

  • MorpheusMorpheus

    @CSnMUS87 pics bro‼️

  • CSnMUS87CSnMUS87

    @Morpheus Here ya go (don't mind my reflection lol):








  • MorpheusMorpheus

    Heck yea bro, love it‼️

  • JohnR1972JohnR1972

    I’ve put 193K miles on my Hyundai since I bought it new. Nothing but routine maintenance and it is still running and looking great. When it eventually wears out, I will be replacing it with something from the early 2000s because I do not want any car with a SIM card in it.

  • MissAlexxMissAlexx

    Three words: Get a Honda

  • SweetCuddler33SweetCuddler33

    @CSnMUS87 👍 nice 😊

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