general problems of the 2006 Ford Focus

I purchased 2006 Ford Focus zx3 in may of 2006. It was a brand new car with only 8 miles on it. When I purchased the car it was very loud and rough. I thought it was because it was new and needed some time to be driven. After three and half years nothing has changed. I called Ford companyand was told to take it to Ford dealer. (I took it to Ford dealership and told them what the problem was. I also stated that it stops shifting into 4th gear and will not shift up if I have to accelerate quickly. The dealer info: Ford bredemann 2038 waukegan road glenview, IL 60025 (847) 510-5585). I left the car for about a week and when I came to pick it up I was told that engine and transmission were on good condition. There are some things that needed to be changed like tires. . Etc. . However, I have had instances on the road where I almost could have ended up killed just because the car wont accelerate. It happened to me about two weeks ago. 2nd problem is steering wheel. It is so stiff that its hard to turn it left and right. I feel like it is so unsafe for me to drive this car. . Not just unsafe for me but for other drivers on the road was well.

On the 19th of April, my vehicle was performing normally. On the 20th of April, the vehicle was unable to attain normal driving speeds; top speed was around 20 mph. As a result, we chose to return home immediately and to bring the vehicle to the dealership the next day. On the 21st, around 10:15 a. M. , I began to drive the vehicle to the dealership. However, after approximately 1. 5 miles, the engine began cutting out completely and there was a strange odor. I got the vehicle restarted and pulled into an adjacent parking lot. I parked the vehicle and shut it off. I found a nearby store from which I could call home. When I stepped back outside I was unable to see the vehicle due to smoke. I returned to the store and immediately called 911. By the time I stepped back outside, there were visible flames. Police and fire responded, but the vehicle was a complete loss.