general problems of the 2015 Ford Focus - part 1

The driver’s side door will not latch and the door cannot close. This is the same defect covered by Ford recalls 16s30 and 20s30, but my VIN was excluded. Ford crc opened case number cxh05284452-z8x6j1, but denied coverage. I have had to rent a vehicle while my car is unsafe to drive. This is a major safety hazard as the door can open while driving.

A major electrical issue has occurred in this car since June 1, 2025. The traction control system dashboard indicator (the skidding car) comes on even though I am not using the tcs. When this happens, I get a message saying "hill start assist not available," and am unable to manipulate my headlights, use turn signals, or lock/unlock my doors (I need to use the physical key to lock/unlock the driver's side door). If this "hill start assist" issue occurs and I turn off my car (or if it occurs when the car is off), then I am unable to start my car. I get a new message saying "no key detected," and the ignition does nothing. I have a physical key, and not a fob. If the tcs light goes away, then I am able to start up my car. However, this is unpredictable; there appears to be no way to force the tcs light to disappear, and sometimes it will stay on for over an hour with my key in the "on" position. As of late, it hasn't gone away at all, making the car unusable. This causes obvious safety issues when on the road, as I cannot use turn signals or change my lights as it gets darker or it begins to rain/snow. When not on the road, I cannot use my car at all. A dealer recently confirmed the problem with the body control module, but was unable to fix it. They managed to turn the car on, but the problems returned after 24 hours. As I was driving home on July 18, 2025, the tcs light came on and suddenly I could not use turn signals or change my lights. I still had over an hour to drive home. I did arrive home safely, but have not been able to use my car since.

Vehicle stopped in the middle of the road while driving and would not restart. My safety was put at risk. No warning.

Transmission control module, transmission clutch.

The transmission system, specifically the clutch assembly, failed or malfunctioned. The Ford dealership conducted a diagnostic test and determined that the clutch assembly needed repair. To manage costs, I had the repair performed at aamco. Despite this repair, the issue was not resolved, and aamco later found metal shavings in the transmission fluid, suggesting internal transmission damage. Yes, the vehicle and its transmission system are available for inspection upon request. The malfunctioning clutch and potential transmission damage pose significant safety risks. A failing clutch can lead to the inability to change gears properly, which can cause the vehicle to stall or lose power unexpectedly while driving. This could result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of an accident, especially in high-traffic situations or on highways. Furthermore, the presence of metal in the transmission fluid suggests that there might be further internal damage that could lead to sudden transmission failure, further endangering the driver, passengers, and other road users. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by two different service centers. Initially, the Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a stuck clutch and replaced the clutch assembly, but this did not fix the problem. Subsequently, aamco inspected the vehicle and identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating a more severe transmission issue. Both these findings confirm that there is a persistent problem with the vehicle’s transmission system. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership (the manufacturer’s representative), who diagnosed the clutch issue and performed the initial repair. Additionally, the vehicle was inspected by an independent service center (aamco), which identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating internal transmission damage. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance representatives at this time.

I bought a brand new Ford fusion in 2015 at planet Ford dallas. Since then, I have had my car maintained regularly at this dealership. However, my car has recently showed symptoms of intermittent loss of transmission. Then, I made an appointment on Aug. 19, 2024 and showed the recall letter to the dealership to request an inspection, but the rep refused to take a look at it, saying there were 20 people ahead of me and said the wait time for fixing tcm (the transmission control module) problem was at least three or four months. On Aug. 20, 2024, I called Ford customer relationship center but could not fix this issue. I am very angry and frustrated because I trust Ford and its dealership will take good care of my car whenever I have my car maintained there. I believe fixing recalls is mandatory, so planet Ford dallas should fix it for me voluntarily. Why did they not notify me about this tcm problem and fixed it for me in the first place whenever they serviced my car in the past 9 years? if they had found this problem, I would not have to worry about the possibility of my car breaking down in the middle of the road anytime, not to mention the possibility of a car accident. Ford company should monitor its dealerships whether they fix Ford recalls and if Ford customers still experience some problems because this is an issue of passenger's safety. Also, Ford company should notify planet Ford dallas about its poor performance and poor customer's satisfaction. If all dealerships work like this one, no customer will want to buy any Ford cars any more just like me.

It was mainly the clutch, apparently, but the work order includes a lot more. Yes, it is available for inspection. The car was difficult to control. It was slipping and was having trouble getting into gear. I was driving on a winding mountainess road, parts of it are along a cliff with a reservoir/lake below. Just my usual drive to work here in the sierras. It go's without saying that others were put at risk since the car was difficult to handle. Yes, the car needs a new clutch and other stuff to the tune of $5,000 up. The car has less than 80,000 miles on it and has had two transmission replacements and a prior clutch replaced a little over a year and a half ago. I was unaware of these prior problems as the car was purchased by me one year and a month ago. The Ford corporation was part of a class action suit and it was settled a few years ago, unfortunately, I did not own this 2015 Ford Focus at the time. No, the car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative. But, yes, by a Ford dealership mechanic here in sonora, California. The extended warranty for the clutch has expired on this car not that long ago. The extended warranty for the transmission has not expired. I wonder if the problem is the transmission since the transmission light came on but then I would'nt have to pay them anything. The independant garages around here won't work on this car. The first time the car engine light came on the car died. I went to the nearest repair shop and they put in a new battery but that was not the problem. So, the next day I'm driving to work on the winding mountainous road and a light came on, it said transmission overheating.

Unknown.

Unknown.

Stalling, jerking when stopped.

Car will go into reverse but won’t move. Car will not go over 2500 rpm and won’t go over 11 mph.

I bought my car off of a friend who bought it pre-owned certified from a local Ford dealer. The car had 59,000 miles on it and had the transmission already replaced by Ford (the second transmission on the vehicle under 60,000). After having the vehicle a year I was driving home and the clutch in the transmission got stuck and the car would jolt me forward and when I would come to a complete stop it would skip me forward and jolt me, I also experienced the car not being able to move uphill. My situation was very dangerous and happened all of a sudden with no warning signs of a check engine light or symptoms of the car before. If I didn’t stop so far away from the other vehicles at stop lights I could have been very easily pushed into another vehicle, as well as other vehicles possibly hitting me when my car could not shift into gear. I was extremely disappointed due to the fact my car was at 80,000 miles and the transmission in the vehicle had already been replaced once before, this is also not a cheap fix and costed me close to $2,800. The transmission shop that fixed my issue told me this is the most common issue with the 2015 Ford Focus and that he’s repaired multiple with the same issue at moderate/low mileage.

This car was previously recalled for issues with the clutch. After “repairing” the clutch the issue has returned. Dealer refuses to pay for repairs as the repair warranty has “expired”.

In August 2023 Focus would not accelerate smoothly while in traffic. Check engine light turned on. Vehicle would not go into reverse. Diagnostic scan negative with personal scanner. Took to transmission shop. Actuators replaced per diagnostic check $880. Tcm ok. Slipping on acceleration continued with rpm to between 5-6 on acceleration. Took vehicle back to shop and actuators resynched with tcm. I received Ford recall for defective tcm module dated September 2023. Ford evaluated by local Ford repair shop. Diagnostics performed. Recommendation was to replace clutch assembly $4100. Was charged $200 for diagnostics. Ford diagnostic report states: description-u0073 control module communication bus a off failure type-88 bus off status-28 (not current dtc) *fault previously detected, not currently present* my concern with this info is if the fault was detected there is still fault! am concerned that the faulty tcm and actuators caused issues with the clutch assembly and do not feel safe operating my 8 year old Ford due to skipping while accelerating in traffic. Vehicle one owner with 70,000 miles. No accidents and am young senior driver-age 66. I can forward repair shop documentation. Thank you for your review and look forward to your recommendation.

Transmission had randomly started to jerk and then stopped accelerating. Left me stranded on the side of the road on a 5 hour trip and when I turned it off and back on it would move very little and I could hear grinding noise from the gears. I had to get a tow truck which cost me 1. 5 k to tow back to my house.

Service engine soon light came on, repair shop said I needed a tune up and could still drive ok. Broke down. Got that done and still engine light on so transmission fluid changed too. Now repair shop says it’s the transmission and clutch assembly that the dealer recalled and fixed a few years ago. I’m stuck with payments still and no way to get the $5000 the dealer days it will cost to fix this. Car value is the same. Everyone I’ve talked to has said this is a bad year’s model and will continue to break down even after fixing. Can you offer any advice? thank you!.

My driver rear door does not shut. The latch is not broke but it will not latch on the metal part it is suppose to.

2015 Ford Focus, 67,000 miles would jerk , shudder & shut off completely , it would not accelerate or reverse half of the time. Stops in the middle of no wear. . The engine light would come on for a few days then go off and come up again. . The music stopped working& the rpm’s would go pass the 6,7 or 8 at only 10-15 miles & jerk while goin forward . . A safety problem would pop up “ transmission overheating stop safety “ my air would blow hot some days and it would smell like something burning. . Confirmed by dealership it’s the clutch . . No warnings for these problems besides jerking / not accelerating at a reasonable speed and safety problem stating to “ stop safely transmission overheating “ &a burning smell & 2 safety recalls for the clutch & tcm with extended warranty. Warranty would not cover for the clutch problem they stated.

My car I believe is transmission problem I just paid Ford to fix my car for $784. 00 do to the care just completely stopped while driving and it shut down while driving and wouldn't restart. I have the receipt showing what the problem was suppose to be. Now 3 weeks later while driving the car I noticed it loses speed while driving and sound as if it want to cut off. I have a code popping up as po3a7. I don't understand when my car was diagnosis this didn't pick up I'm thinking Ford have know of the different problems with the engine or transmission and its began to be at the expense of the customers.

I found the ac compressor clutch hub plate in my driveway detached from my vehicle somehow. . .

Smells like gas especially after adding fuel and when idling with either defrost or heat on. Causes head ache, shortness of breath, blurred vision, light headed, and fainting while operating vehicle. I was lucky I fainted while stopped at a red light so the driver in the vehicle next to me assumed I had over dosed called 911 but when he came to see if I had a pulse and to turn my vehicle off he noticed the oder as he was opening the door and I came to so he told 911 operator I was not over dosing.

Overheating. Car stalling. Jerking of the vehicle while in motion. Pauses in between acceleration.

After getting gas my 2015 Ford Focus takes several times to start after getting gas & lugs/spitters when taking off. It has also dies at red lights & stop signs, & even while driving a few times, it starts back up but won't go & the more you push gas, the faster it dies. Then, out of the blue, it'll just start running fine again. This happens often & it's very scary & dangerous & costly as well. It also has a problem with something killing the battery even when the car is parked through the night. This may be 2 separate issues, but both are concerning & have stranded me numerous times for hours at a time. And the stalling issue has almost gotten my mother, my baby, and myself killed several times by stalling in traffic.

Car will not go in reverse and shakes vigorously when shifting gears. We think it is an issue with the transmission. I called multiple Ford dealerships as Focuses have known transmission issues with these exact symptoms, but they said they cannot take a look for weeks. They have a policy where they will give rental cars for these transmission issues, but they are pretending they are not sure what the issue is and will not take a look for weeks, leaving me without a car for weeks because Ford sold me a defective car.

Esta ES la segunda vez que se arruina la caja DE la transmisión voy caminando y no agarra velocidad voy en el freeway y no avanza no hace los cambios al tratar DE rebasar, aparece una luz roja y marca motor. Hoy apareció una advertencia en el tablero que dice transmisión caliente espere 5 minutos voy en freeway do DE me parqueo??? fui a la agencia y no me han ayudado dijeron que debo dejar el carro por 3 meses. Ahi parado con ellos repito ES la segunda vez en 2 años y medio que esto pasa.

The check engine light keeps turning off and on, had a diagnostics test done and it came back, "transmission friction element b stuck on", service interval light reset procedure" the vehicle is a 2015 Ford Focus it has approximately 67,223 miles on it. We keep it maintained. It has been periodically shaking and jerking while driving and it tends to loose momentum as well. This started about a month ago. I have put in some gas treatments thinking it was bad gas. It gets better for a minute then gets worse. It has progressively gotten worse over the week.

Body control module is bad. Car stalls in the middle of driving and doesn’t start back up for days.

1. ) after getting gas the car wouldn’t start. It took several attempts over half an hour to get it to start. This happened a couple of of times before the next incident. 2. ) while driving on I-35 at 70 mph the car stopped accelerating, like it were in neutral, the dashboard warning message said “vehicle not in park”. Lights, radio, etc. Continued to work at full power,. The car never started again, but gave faint sounds of attempting to turn over. This is dangerous because I and my fellow drivers doing 70+ mph on a popular hwy weren’t expecting a car to just suddenly stop without warning. Towed to grand prairie Ford. Told it’s likely a transmission recall issue. They have 3 other 2015 Ford Focus in their service lot with the same issue. Those cars have been waiting for 2 & 3 weeks since diagnosis and parts are still not available.

Ford Focus 2015 the does not shift to the next gear and I got stuck in the middle of traffic and had to push it to a safe spot in neutral. This car was part of a Ford recall buyback program. It has been at car max in norwood mass for months I was towed 4 times close calls with kids in the car. These cars are still being sold by carmax mine can’t be fixed I am paying for a death trap.

My 2015 Ford Focus power shift didn’t work correctly which caused the transmission to not work correctly and it stopped working and the fuel tank deform and the coolant reservoir doesn’t work good all the time and causes the car to over heat. Many times my safety was at risk with myself alone and with my children because the car would not go sometimes and could cause an accident. I was helped a few times my police officers when I was in the side of the road because the car kept having transmission problems. I took the car to the Ford dealership and they confirmed the problems and about the fuel tank deformation recall. Many time the check engine light would come up on the dash board. The dealership told me the car had to many problems and they could not do anything about it. Which are common problems on 2010-2016 Focus models. My car has been at the Ford shop for 4 months and they haven’t fixed it yet .

Violent shaking, not starting , feels like it’s switching gears while driving. Was told may be clutch b actuator motor , started as soon as purchased car and has worsened. Rpm randomly revving.

When moving forward from a stopped position, the front tires shake/stutter which requires you to let up on the accelerator and move forward at a lesser speed to stop the shaking/stuttering. Also while the engine is warming up, the transmission is slow in changing gears, and in some cases it doesn't feel as if they change at all.

My sound system in my vehicle, oem, started making loud crackling noises in my speakers. It comes at no warning at full volume. When I'm driving it may cause me to jump when it happens. I've already caught my self veering to out of control when it happens, because of jumping out of my seat. The only solution I have is to remove the fuse that supplies power to my center console. Now it is completely blank. No radio, backup assist, being able to use my phone through the vehicle to prevent accidents or have a clock for time.

The door latch on my driver side rear door just stopped working and it won’t shut at all.

While driving to work, my transmission started to slip. On the freeway, if I pressed the gas pedal, my car would not go faster. Instead, my engine would rev to almost redline and my car would continue to coast, but loose momentum. Once the transmission downshifted to a lower gear, then the transmission would begin to work. Once I got into the city, I almost rear ended someone when the transmission surged. I was pushing the gas through an intersection, and suddenly my car lurched forward, the tires squealed, etc. I had to slam on my brakes to avoid slamming into the car in front of me.