Automatic Transmission Control Module Problems of Ford Focus - part 1

I purchased a 2013 Ford Focus from boucher Ford of menomonee falls, WI in February, 2026. A few months later, Ford issued a recall on this car that requires the powertrain control module to be reprogrammed to avoid issues like a collapsed fuel tank or stalling while driving, potentially causing an accident. I had been informed by a mechanic that this car was sold to me with a custom tune on the pcm. This tune was not disclosed to me when I purchased the car and due to the pcm being modified, the recall cannot be performed without damage to the pcm rendering the car undriveable. I tried working with jeff samp (general manager) at the dealership but he told me they were not required by law to check for tunes when a car is traded in and that he could have someone "look at the car" but if they damage the pcm performing the recall, they will not be held responsible. I opened a case with Ford motor company and was informed that they would escalate to some kind of dealership oversight department and that it might take a couple weeks to get a response. I never received a response so I called Ford to inquire and was told that they are not sure why I was told that, that no such department exists, and that all they can do is call the dealership on my behalf and "ask" them to deal with it. Facts: 1. They sold me a car with a modified powertrain control module which can affect many things, even falsely disabling check engine lights. 2. A federal recall for my own safety cannot be performed on this vehicle in the condition they sold it to me, putting my safety, my passengers' safety, and the safety of other motorists at risk. 3. Boucher Ford will not remedy this issue or even contact the previous owner as I requested to find out what kind of tune is on this vehicle so that I can get it removed and this safety recall performed. I want the pcm replaced with a new unit, with the new software that complies with this recall.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Focus 🔎.

"I am reporting a dealer safety recall refusal under campaign 26s40 / NHTSA 26v369. My 2012 Ford Focus is completely immobilized in my driveway in [xxx] with a total transmission software lockout and zero fuel. Yankee Ford in [xxx] operates an active mobile service van program but explicitly refused to dispatch a technician to flash my pcm. They falsely claimed local town ordinances prevent them from operating, completely ignoring that my vehicle is located outside their jurisdiction in [xxx]. They are using false administrative excuses to deny a free, federally mandated safety repair on a stranded vehicle. " information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The dps6 transmission started out shuddering in low gears even after clutch replacement early on. This made pulling out into traffic slower than it should be. Received “transmission overheating” message “pull over for 5 minutes” in heavy traffic. Prior to the message car would shudder and lose power. This happened suddenly going at highway speeds on the interstate. Replaced clutch actuators and tcm only to have the clutch adaptive learn procedure fail and after inspection by the dealer was told needs new transmission. These problems have been present at very low mileage and Ford now wants to charge a ridiculous amount to replace transmission that should have been fixed long ago. Several times the car stalled in traffic almost causing me to get in accidents.

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The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the tcm was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,990.

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The transmission control module (tcm), within the powershift dps6 automatic transmission, failed completely on a 2014 Ford Focus (72,000 miles). The failed component is no longer physically available for inspection as it was retained by the independent service facility as a core replacement, but full repair invoices and diagnostic documentation are available. The failure caused a sudden and unpredictable loss of forward motive power, severe gear hesitation, and failure to engage drive gears while operating the vehicle. The gears would slip and it made continuous forward acceleration at the speed limit nearly impossible. This created an immediate hazard of being rear-ended and/or stranded in ongoing traffic without acceleration capability. Shortly afterwards it also completely lost the ability to reverse. The problem was formally reproduced, diagnosed, and confirmed by an independent repair facility during service. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. A check engine light illuminated came on at approx 72,000 miles while I was running morning errands. The light came on as I started feeling some sudden rough driving after accelerating from a red light, and within 1-2 miles of driving was when the tcm started failing completely. While Ford acknowledged this systemic dps6 defect under customer satisfaction program 14m02, strict guidelines required an active diagnostic code (p090c) before approving a warranty replacement, preventing lower-mileage owners from receiving preventive service before the 10-year calendar cap expired. I was forced to pay $1,927. 26 out-of-pocket for a replacement with an oem part.

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The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact used an obd scanner to retrieve dtc: p06b8. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the tcm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to customer satisfaction program: 14m02 (transmission control module extended warranty coverage); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

I made an initial post on 06/18/2026 so please reference that as well as this. I have not been able to drive the car since it died on me on the 18th of June. The car has been looked at a few times (actually stalling a third time while idling but was able to turn back on. ) it has also displayed symptoms associated with the Ford recall #26s40 / NHTSA recall #26v369 but it is listed at not included in the recall as of 07/06/2026. Mil is pulling code p0420 (catalytic system efficiency below threshold) while only having 40k miles. It is also putting out an inaccurate fuel level for miles driven. The fuel tank itself is misshapen (concave bottom of the fuel tank). Again, reiterating here that it stopped twice while driving within 2 days on major PA highways/interstates and stalled for a third time while in idle mode as described earlier in this post. This has all happened within 28 miles of the tcm being replaced.

Purchased 2014 Ford Focus from a private dealer. The vehicle had 75k miles on it and needed a reliable vehicle for my daughter who is in college. The same day as the purchase, the engine light came up as well as the transmission light. Had to tow it to Ford and was advised the tcm needed replacement. Apparently this is a well known issue but the vehicle wasn’t covered under a recall for the issue. Paid $1960 to get that repaired as well as $135 for a tow. Ridiculous and Ford will not do anything about it.

The transmission controm module (tcm) has gone bad on my car. Ford has recalled other cars of the same make, model and year, but they refuse to repair the same problem on mine, because my VIN was not included in the initial recall.

My 2014 Ford Focus with a dps6 dual-clutch transmission began experiencing severe shuddering and harsh shifting. A Ford dealership confirmed the concern and diagnosed dtc p07a3 — transmission friction element a stuck on — using Ford's prescribed pinpoint test. Recommended repair exceeds $4,000. Vehicle is available for inspection. This is a recurring failure on this specific vehicle. Ford's own warranty history documents six prior dps6 repairs between 2016 and 2023, including two full clutch replacements, three tcm/pcm reprogramming sessions, and a full tcm replacement under program 14m02 — all at Ford dealerships. The current failure occurs just 35,000 miles after Ford's most recent transmission repair. Prior repair orders document dangerous safety events including sudden loss of drive while in motion, no-start conditions, and complete loss of throttle control on the highway — consistent with the known dps6 failure pattern. Ford issued six customer satisfaction programs covering this transmission over eleven years — 14m01, 14m02, 15b22, 19n07, 19n08, and 14m02 supplement 7 — acknowledging a persistent design defect. Despite this documented repeat failure history on this specific vehicle, Ford has denied goodwill assistance. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's continued denial of repair assistance on vehicles with documented repeat dps6 failures and the ongoing safety implications of this transmission's known design defects.

I got a 2015 Ford Focus titanium. I bought it 2 years ago. Well about 2 months after I bought it the transmission started jerking and not really wanting to go out of 1st gear. Well I had to get a tcm replaced and then I was told about the studder wasn't under no warranty and the recall has expired. So now its 6-1-26 and now the transmission is messing up again. This is ridiculous on people who buys cars hoping they will last for a long time but instead we pay 7,000 for a car and drive it for 2 years. Wow thanks a lot Ford.

The vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of transmission engagement and motive power while driving at highway speeds due to a transmission control module (tcm) failure. The vehicle unexpectedly dropped out of gear into a 'no-power' state, creating an immediate traffic hazard and nearly causing a rear-end collision. The vehicle is hardly functioning at any speed, drops all power then jerks into a higher gear. The vehicle is cutting off in traffic and cannot be started unless a transmission reset is done. The vehicle has lost all reverse causing hazards if reverse is needed. The nearest auto parts diagnosed a failed tcm and clutch but dealership and Ford refuses to replace it because Ford excluded 2017 models from "customer satisfaction program 14m02", despite using the identical defective transmission hardware as the recalled 2012-2016 models.

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I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing transmission and transmission control module (tcm) issues with my 2014 Ford Focus. In October 2022, the transmission was replaced, yet I continue to experience serious transmission-related failures. Most recently, the vehicle would only start in neutral and would not reliably shift into drive or reverse. These recurring issues have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe. I have contacted Ford customer service three separate times seeking assistance and a permanent resolution. Despite these efforts, I have not been provided with a fix that addresses the root cause of the problem. Ford has long been aware of widespread tcm issues affecting certain Ford Focus models, making the continued failure of this vehicle especially concerning. My greatest concern is safety. During a recent incident, the vehicle unexpectedly slammed into gear with significant force while my son and I were inside. The sudden engagement nearly caused me to lose control of the vehicle and almost sent us into a ditch. Had road conditions or traffic been different, the outcome could have been much worse. I have dash camera footage documenting the incident and am willing to provide it upon request. A vehicle that has already undergone a transmission replacement should not continue experiencing severe transmission-related failures, particularly failures that create a risk of loss of vehicle control. This ongoing issue places not only my family at risk but also other motorists sharing the road. I respectfully request a thorough investigation into the recurring transmission and tcm failures affecting my vehicle, including a review of the October 2022 transmission replacement and Ford's response to these repeated issues. I also request that Ford provide a permanent solution and appropriate assistance given the history of repairs and the known defects associated with this model. I have made every effort to work with Ford and they could care less.

This is the 2nd time the transmission has went on this vehicle. First time was 12/2022 when my son was on his way home from [xxx] to [xxx] from school. Towed to Ford in MA. Ford stated there was a recall on the tcm. VIN did not fall under the recall. Thank god we had mechanical breakdown with geico. Had transmission repaired. April 29, 2026, car will not go in reverse or forward once again! ridiculous!!! cant afford to get a new transmission. Vehicle does not even have 90k on it. If Ford is going to put out a recall, like they did years ago on this issue, they should put it out for all and not just certain models. We have always purchased Fords, but I am getting a little sick and tired of recalls not being all all the models for that year. Who can afford a new car nowadays?? thank the [xxx] no one was injured while my son was driving. Ford needs to do something about this issue ASAP! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The vehicle has been inspected at the Ford dealership, erratic behavior, stalling in the middle of the street shaking miss shifting net starting not going in reverse not going back. It left me stranded on the streets very unsafe. It is an ended up being a tcm and the clutch and forks. This is a known issue with this transmission. It needs to be recalled before someone gets hurt.

Was seen by Ford dealer and confirm tcm issues.

My 2014 Ford Focus with approximately 145,000 miles is experiencing a failure of the transmission control module (tcm). The vehicle hesitates, jerks, and has difficulty shifting, which creates a safety concern when driving in traffic. The issue was diagnosed by a dealership, and I was quoted approximately $1,800 for the tcm replacement. I contacted Ford for assistance, but they stated the vehicle is “outside of their programs” and refused to help, despite this being a widely known issue with Ford Focus transmissions. This defect affects the safe operation of the vehicle and should be investigated.

The transmission begin to stall and would not shift. The motor would get to high rpms and then shift hard into the next gear. I was able to pull over and the tcm error code popped up on the dash. I was able to get the car to the dealer. I was notified that the tcm failed and Ford would no longer cover this failed part. The car is a 2012 Focus with only 69,000 miles. Dealership is wanting $2,116. 00 to fix.

My name is [xxx] I own a 2015 Ford Focus 4dr sedan it has 131908 miles and the issue I've been having is with the tcm module on the transmission it won't go into sleep mode and it's draining the battery is have gotten a customer care warranty notice on my car but the local Ford dealer said it's expired in November of last year and I've been having family issues and personal issues we're I wasn't able to take care of it but I need this issue fixed on my car it's my only means of transportation for me and my mom because she has altzimers and dementia here's my number [xxx] this my cell to contact me I live in portland oregon and also right now I have no way of paying for the repairs on my car because I lost my job because of a lower back injury I thought it was going to be a easy fix but it something I'm not able to do and thought it was going to be covered under the so called warranty which it's actually part of the recall I've gone through something like this with a previous car I owed and it was supposed to be taken care of through a recall but the dealer wouldn't do anything about they wanted me to pay on my vehicle I have I need this repaired I should not have to pay for the repairs that should be done through warranty or a recall it's been happening since the past couple years information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Complaint description: this complaint involves a 2014 Ford Focus with VIN [xxx] . The vehicle experiences severe transmission shuddering, slipping, delayed acceleration, and hesitation when attempting to accelerate from a stop. The vehicle sometimes struggles to move forward normally when entering traffic or crossing intersections. These symptoms appear consistent with the widely documented powershift dps6 dual-clutch transmission defect affecting 2012–2016 Ford Focus vehicles. The hesitation and delayed engagement create a potential safety hazard when merging into traffic or attempting to accelerate normally, as the vehicle does not respond immediately to throttle input. The vehicle also appears to have electrical irregularities associated with the transmission control system, which may be related to the transmission control module (tcm) failures previously reported in these vehicles. Although there are currently no open recalls associated with this VIN, the vehicle continues to exhibit transmission behavior that creates an unsafe driving condition. This complaint is being submitted so that the issue can be documented as part of the ongoing safety record regarding powershift transmission failures in these vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Ford diagnostic revealed transmission friction element stuck in a. The service center mechanic said the damper unit, forks, motors, bearing sleeve, tcm needed to be replaced.

I am the owner of a 2012 Ford Focus se with approximately 54,000 miles. Beginning around 44,000 miles, the vehicle exhibited transmission shuddering, harsh engagement, and improper downshifting consistent with known dps6 transmission control module (tcm) defects. Prior to the expiration of Ford customer satisfaction program 14m02 on June 30, 2025, I confirmed coverage through Ford’s recall website and presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership on may 27, 2025 (documented in carfax). The dealership declined repair, stating no diagnostic trouble codes or warning indicators were present and incorrectly advised that customer satisfaction programs do not expire. On December 18, 2025, while driving at highway speed, the vehicle experienced sudden loss of drivability. Traction control was disabled, hill assist became unavailable, engine rpm increased abnormally, and the vehicle stalled in traffic. The instrument cluster displayed “transmission malfunction – service now. ” the vehicle would not restart and required towing from the roadway, creating a hazardous traffic situation. The dealership later diagnosed a complete tcm failure and provided a repair estimate of approximately $1,800. Ford motor company has publicly acknowledged widespread tcm defects in 2012–2016 Ford Focus vehicles and issued multiple recalls and customer satisfaction programs, including later supplements authorizing tcm replacement rather than software reprogramming. Despite my documented attempt to obtain service before the program deadline, Ford denied coverage solely due to expiration. Ford corporate denied goodwill assistance, refused supervisor escalation, and asserted that a tcm software reprogramming performed in 2016 at approximately 19,000 miles resolved the issue. Software reprogramming does not correct the underlying hardware defect and only delays failure. This vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related failures under 54,000 miles and remains disabled at the dealers.

Something wrong with the transmission the one that Ford extended warranty on and my car is a 2016 and Ford extended it 10 years and they said it ended a few months ago as well as the tcm replacement I didn't know about because I just purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago.

My 2014 Ford Focus experienced a sudden failure of the dps6 transmission. The vehicle shows trouble code p07a3 (clutch a stuck on). The car jerks violently when shifting, loses power, hesitates in traffic, and sometimes fails to engage gears properly. This creates a dangerous situation when merging, crossing intersections, or accelerating from a stop. Sport mode stopped working, and the transmission enters a failure state during driving. The problem puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because the vehicle does not respond consistently when accelerating. Multiple times the car lurched or delayed when I tried to pull into traffic. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the transmission problem, but refused assistance because the tcm warranty was marked “expired,” even though this is a known dps6 defect that affects many 2012–2016 Focus vehicles. Ford customer service also refused escalation. A warning lamp (check engine) appeared, and the issue progressively got worse. The problem is reproducible at any time, and the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

I have 2017 Ford Focus that is experiencing transmission issues related to the dps6 powershift transmission and tcm recall but my VIN number is [xxx] was not included. I am experiencing issues with the car shifting into 1st and 2nd gears, it will revv up at a stop but not accelerate immediately. I have been to a mechanic multiple times and had the lower actuator replaced, new radiator fan installed, clutches scrubbed, and tcm reprogrammed. Multiple mechanics have recommended replacing the transmission as a solution. I called my local Ford dealership who denied to service my vehicle under any recall or warranty, I spoke with a manufacturer representative who also told me that Ford is unwilling to do anything for my vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Transmission overheating and internal wear (metal particles in fluid) following electrical/tcm malfunction in Ford Focus dps6. Transmission failure recurred after earlier repair under 14m02. Current failure includes overheating messages, shudder, and loss of safe drivability. Ford acknowledges issue relates to known powershift defect but refuses coverage. Vehicle unsafe.

My duel clutch transmission started acting up took it to a mechanic they said it needed the tcm and actuators and possibly transmission replaced that they should be recalled tried taking it to thirnhill Ford because I received a letter for this to be changed and they refused without me paying up front this has been going on with my car for over 2 years its setting in a driveway being paid on and cant even be drove.

2014 Ford Focus se with powershift automatic transmission. Transmission control module (tcm) failed, causing vehicle to lose power while driving. Ford confirmed VIN not covered under customer satisfaction program 14m02 despite identical issue and safety risk. Requesting investigation and expansion of tcm coverage. Ford is stating that this was never attached to my VIN number although it is an identical issue.

I am writing to file a complaint regarding my 2014 Ford Focus, which is experiencing transmission failures related to the known defective transmission system. Ford acknowledged widespread issues with this transmission in customer satisfaction program 14m02, which extended coverage for the transmission control module (tcm). Unfortunately, my vehicle’s failure occurred 2 months after the program expired in June 2025, and I was informed by my dealer that Ford will no longer cover the repair. This situation is deeply concerning for several reasons: known defect: Ford has long been aware of systemic failures in the transmission. Numerous recalls, service programs, and even class-action settlements confirm that these problems are widespread and not isolated. Safety hazard: transmission hesitation, shuddering, and sudden loss of power create dangerous driving conditions, especially when merging or crossing intersections. Unfair limitation of remedy: the expiration of 14m02 leaves owners like me with expensive repairs for a defect Ford already admitted responsibility for. Ford’s responsibility to address this issue should not end simply because the program expired, particularly when the defect poses ongoing safety risks. I am requesting that Ford: provide goodwill coverage to replace/repair the failed transmission control module (or related components) at no cost to me. Extend support for affected owners beyond the June 2025 expiration, as the defect persists in vehicles on the road today. I have filed or will be filing this complaint with the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA), the better business bureau auto line, and my state attorney general’s office so that my concerns are documented at the federal and state level. I urge Ford to take responsibility and ensure customer safety by addressing this defective transmission beyond arbitrary deadlines. Kendalyn harris 2014 Ford Focus.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear, causing the transmission to slip, and the vehicle shuddered heavily while accelerating forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the backup camera failed to function since the vehicle was purchased in 2022. The vehicle possessed a long history of identical transmission failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions for transmission failures. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer at 56,838 miles, where an electrical failure covered under customer satisfaction program: 14m02 was addressed, and the dealer replaced the tcm assembly, performed adaptive learning, and installed a replacement clutch assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a second time at 69,000 miles, where the dealer replaced the clutch assembly due to the recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a third time at 90,000 miles, where it was determined that the clutch assembly had failed once more and required a third replacement. The dealer was notified of the current failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

On Friday [xxx], I was at a stop sign waiting to turn right, when it was my turn to go my car would not move at all, forward or back, the regular lights on the dash board were still on. I put my blinkers on and had all cars go around me. I turned my car off and then back on, that's when the check engine light came on. After 8 minutes of turning the car off and on, I was able to move backwards and forwards I was able to drive. I stopped at autozone on the way to get my car scanned. I received a report with a bunch of p-codes. I made it home, I called Ford, they didn't have any immediate appointments. The closet Ford dealership to me says they don't work on cars over 10 years old. I made an appointment at firestone for Saturday morning, they got the same p-codes and said they were all transmission problems and recommended I go to a Ford dealership or a transmission specialists. On my way home from firestone, first my car speed felt like it was speeding up on it's on and then my car slowed down tremendously and I has to pull over, again I put my blinkers on. After 5 minutes I was able to move again, I was close to home. My car moved so slow feeling like it would stop any time, I drove with my blinkers on and made it home. On Monday my car wouldn't start up at all. A Ford that would take my car didn't have an appointment for 2 weeks. So I made an appointment with aamco for Tuesday and I had my car towed there because it wouldn't turn on. My safety was put at risk because I could have been driving at normal speed and could've slowed down out of know where and a car could have slammed into the back or side of me. Ammco says it my dual input clutch assembly, actuators, forks and tcm this is my first time ever seeing the check engine light on [xxx] Ford's tcm extended warranty expired [xxx]. I called Ford's corporate customer service for help with diagnosis and repair but they said there was nothing they could do. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My car has been to the shop twice for the tcm issues, and both times, in 2016 and 2021, the shop performed adaptive learning and cleared the codes, instead of replacing the faulty part. Now, the tcm has completely broken and needs to be replaced. The car wouldn't start at the gas station suddenly. After rocking the car back and forth it did start, but wouldn't go when shifted into drive. It is apparently 2 months out of the extended warranty coverage and now, I have to pay $1,300+ for a repair?! this seems unfair. They knew they had a faulty part, they performed band-aid fixes, and now I am holding the bag.

I own a 2012 Ford Focus with approximately 51,000 miles. The transmission warning light came on, and I was informed by a repair shop that the transmission control module (tcm) and gears need repair. This vehicle uses the powershift dual-clutch transmission (dps6), which has been the subject of a class-action lawsuit and multiple extended warranties due to widespread failures. The car exhibits jerking, delayed acceleration, and loss of power, which create dangerous driving conditions, particularly when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Ford informed me I am outside the warranty period and refused to assist, despite this being a well-documented, recurring safety issue for which they have admitted fault in other cases. I am reporting this issue because it poses a serious safety hazard, and I believe the tcm defect should be subject to a mandatory recall. Ford is shifting the burden of a known manufacturing defect onto consumers, and this needs to be addressed before someone is injured.

It is my transmission problem, there is an engine light on and the shifting is very rough and it also jumps gears, I know Ford had a recall for this problem I believe it should be under warranty it is the tcm.

This car should have been added to two customer service programs through Ford. 19n08 and 19n08. This covers problems with the tcm and clutch pack. After speaking with Ford customer service, they confirmed that my vehicle fell within the build dates outlined in those programs and was built at the michigan facility that is outlined in these programs. They refused to add my VIN to these customer service programs stating that it has expired. Had I known about the customer service programs when I was supposed to know about them, I would have easily had this issue fixed, but now I am left with a car with severe transmission issues. The only thing they could tell me to do was file a complaint with NHTSA. I need help getting Ford to acknowledge and fix this issue.