First repair at 60K

[gfh77665]

My 2017 just passed 60,000 miles last week. Right at that time, the center button on the right side of the steering wheel fell out. I had to order a new part (cruise control switch) and pay for labor at the dealership. The part was $70. The labor was $195. Of course that's outrageous for the labor but as I told my wife that is the ONLY thing I have had to fix in 6 years and 60K miles. Its been an outstanding car, so far.

 

[gfh77665]

Just passed 70K. Mechanically my Fiesta is flawless. Trim is the issue. After the cruise control switch (above) had to be replaced, I lost three trim parts while driving. Both left and right side windshield trim fell off as did the black channel strip above drivers door. Then, the plastic handle for the seat adjustment lever broke off, leaving its metal frame exposed.

 

[scotman]

It's aging. Seat rake levers are available, as are weatherstrip items. The shifter boots, floor mats and steering wheel covers all get rough looking after five to seven years. The windshield trims on either side are subject to getting baked by the sun. They are also still available, however I don't know how much longer they will be available! There are several threads in the interior maintenance and upgrades section of the forum.

 

[econoboxrocks]

If you don't have a garage to park it in, most cars will deteriorate like you're experiencing.

 

[gfh77665]

Of course. I am not complaing here, my FF is still awesome. I just update my experiences with it.

 

[gfh77665]

Now 80K, a few more trim issues. Another seat lever lost its plastic cover, and further weathering of the windshield gasket, but all is well mechanically!

 

[econoboxrocks]

The nice thing about warm climates is that your car isn't going to rust. The bad thing is that lots of heat and sun is murder on the plastic, rubber and paint.
Keeping it out of the sun and using armor all or something similar will slow down the dry rot, but not everybody has a garage or covered parking.
Still, I'd rather replace trim than deal with rust.

 

[gfh77665]

I agree econo. Keeping it outside is all can do as is. I do wash it often and wax it occasionally. In time I will bite the bullet and get another gasket for the 2nd half of its life. I will probabaly do a lot of work (belt, plugs, wires, trans fluid, etc.) at 125K miles and include the gasket then. Sort of a mid life refresh. Mechanically it should be excellent. I drive it 80-90% easy highway miles and do 5,000 mile oil changes. Still love it!

 

[gfh77665]

Checking in at 90K miles...

The Fiesta performs flawlessly. I drive it anywhere any time with full confidence. The trim still is a bit of an issue, but I am waiting to replace the windshield gasket. The gasket looks bad but does not leak, so its not needed at the moment. For the first time, I am adding some oil between changes. Not much though. I change oil on the even 5000's, (80K, 85K, 90K, etc.) This time, at 3500 miles into an interval, the oil level fell just below the "add mark", so I put in 0.5 qt. to get me to the even 90K interval change. Not alarmed at all, just a noticeable development. I presume some of it is related to how I drive, long distances at 75 mph, with engine RPM's near 3K. I still feel like I will get 250K or more out of the vehicle. I still like it a lot.

 

[Handy Andy]

Remember to keep the radiator and AC condenser clean so air flows thru - the Oil loss may be due to thinning and burn off from the PCV valve taking it up - or in thru the foul air hose routed to the snorkel air-box. The Oil cooler helps keep the oil viscosity up so the tinning and vaporous effects from that thinning - does not foul or clog the breathing the crankcase needs to keep from creating sludge and forming leaks. Keeping the radiator and condenser clean helps air flow onto the motor as well as improve the thermal capacity of the cooling system.

Also inspect the coloring of the Coolant - it could be affected by this oil loss. It should be of a lighter color and not darkened with oil. Looks Dark? - If that is the case, you may need to have some service done before too long for it may indicate a gasket is failing - oil is leaking into the cooling system due to compression and combustion - so the head gasket may need to be replaced. A lot cheaper to do than to replace the whole motor because it warped due to failed gasket and the cascade failure it caused.