Electrical System Problems of Ford Focus - part 1

Own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the transmission control module (tcm) on November 16, 2024 under Ford field service action 14m02 after diagnosing transmission-related problems, including diagnostic trouble code p087a. Despite that repair, the vehicle continued to experience transmission-related concerns. Approximately one year later, another Ford repair order documented multiple tcm-related diagnostic codes and directed that the vehicle be returned to a Ford dealership for further evaluation. The transmission concerns persisted even after the previous tcm replacement. Most recently, I again presented the vehicle to a Ford dealership because of continuing transmission issues. I was provided an estimate of approximately $2,000 for additional transmission repairs. At the time of the estimate, I was not provided the complete diagnostic trouble codes or technician findings explaining why another major transmission repair was necessary. Over the course of ownership, I have made multiple appointments, diagnostic visits, and repair visits related to the transmission and have incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, including diagnostic charges, towing costs, and repairs. The repeated failures and recurring transmission concerns have required multiple visits to Ford dealerships and have not resulted in a lasting repair. My concern is not only the financial cost but also the safety of operating this vehicle. Unexpected transmission malfunction can affect acceleration, shifting, and the vehicle's ability to move normally in traffic, creating a potential safe.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Focus 🔎.

I am adding a major update to my safety recall complaint because this dealership just tried to pull an illegal financial ambush on me. After my 2019 Focus started stalling out on the highway right after they did recall 18v735, I brought it back. I explicitly told them in writing on our text thread: 'I do not authorize any standard diagnostic fees, parts, or repair charges. ' I just wanted them to show me proof that they didn't pinch a wire or glitch the software during the recall work. Instead of showing me proof, they sent me a text message today saying my vehicle was 'ready for pick up' just to lure me down to the lobby. When I got there, they slapped an unauthorized invoice for $988. 82 in front of my face for parts and labor. They did nearly $1,000 worth of work after I told them 'no' in writing, clearly trying to quietly fix their botched recall mistake under the table and force me to pay for it. When I showed the advisor the texts proving I denied the charges, the staff panicked and couldn't answer who authorized the job. I refused to sign it or pay it, and I walked out. My car is currently stranded on their lot because they are holding my keys hostage over unauthorized bills on a federal safety recall file. I have already escalated this to Ford corporate under case # cxh-0831-1568-s8l7b8.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Focus 🔎.

There were two times within a week where the car stopped in the middle of traffic. One was on route 100 in a merge lane and the other was on the offramp of route 30 to 100 exton. This happened in the middle left turn lane with traffic behind me causing me to need immediate police assistance to ensure my safety. The check engine light was popping from the tcm indicator which I was told I could still drive on without repairing it immediately. This came directly from fred beans Ford of west chester PA. My car has been in the shop multiple times since December 2025 beginning with the original cpv recall and things got worse from there. It's caused lots of anxiety and ptsd while driving to the point I want to sell the car after it is repaired because I just don't feel safe anymore in it.

The vehicle was serviced for NHTSA recall 18v735 (canister purge valve/fuel tank stalling hazard). Immediately upon pickup from the dealership, the vehicle began severely stumbling and stalling while driving on the highway. It died while driving on the street. The dealership's diagnostic paperwork confirmed an 'O2 sensor logic error causing the vehicle to stall' right after they performed the mandatory computer software flash and valve replacement. The dealership is refusing to verify if their technician damaged the adjacent wiring harness or glitched the software flash, leaving the vehicle an active highway stalling hazard. As for my experience, the car died in clear lake by baybrook mall. Extremely high traffic, almost got hit. (yelled at by several drivers). Constant stalling happened in baytown. Scariest incident was going over the very tall fred hartman bridge. My 10 year old daughter and I felt sure it was about to die and we were going to roll backward down the bridge becauseit kept dropping power. We took the ferry home because we were so scared.

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Focus 🔎.

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.

We bought this vehicle from carvana in February 2023. Since very early on owning this vehicle, the engine hesitated and stuttered when trying to shift from first to second gear, and would lunge forward slightly. In December 2024, I received a letter from Ford motor company about a customer satisfaction program, campaign 24n07. The letter addressed the symptoms my vehicle exhibited, including engine hesitation, engine running rough, and engine stalling at low speeds, though the check engine light was not on. The letter states that Ford motor company provides a one-time replacement of the canister purge valve, given these symptoms and the check engine light being on. When I called all the local Ford dealerships, they refused to do it because the check engine light was not on, and that Ford motor company issued this as a customer satisfaction program, rather than a safety recall. Everything that was listed in campaign 24n07 is most definitely a safety issue, and should not be taken lightly. It is highly concerning that Ford motor company didn’t think to consider engine issues a safety recall. The class action lawsuit vargas et al v. Ford motor company had a deadline of November 4, 2020, which was 2 years and 3 months prior to us buying the vehicle, so any vehicles of the affected years and models should have been either repaired, or not allowed to be sold unless the repairs were done by an authorized Ford dealership. This information was not told to us when we bought the vehicle. On may 25, 2026, while driving, the engine fault and steering assist fault warnings came on, as well as the check engine light. When we were able to safely park the car, we discovered the entire power train is non operational. The engine no longer turns over, and we are now having to buy a new car.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Focus 🔎.

While driving, the transmission went into limp/safety mode and became difficult to control. Diagnostic scan confirmed codes p0806 (clutch position sensor a circuit intermittent) and p2872 (clutch a stuck engaged). The failure is electrical — wiring harness damage near the clutch position sensor. This has happened multiple times. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford Focus se with dps6 powershift transmission. Repair estimates range from $1,500 to $2,600. The manufacturer has declined goodwill assistance despite this being a known defect on this model.

Windshield wipers won't move and I got caught in the rain on the highway so its definitely unsafe.

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 vehicle was serviced at bartow Ford in bartow, florida, where approximately $1,100 was paid for the installation of a body control module (bcm). Less than two weeks after this repair, the vehicle was returned to the same dealership due to issues involving the windshield wipers. According to the dealership’s own written statement, their technician began diagnosing the issue by replacing a blown fuse and tracing the wiring harness. While inspecting the wiring harness near the heater hose area, the technician observed coolant dripping onto the harness. When the technician touched the harness, it immediately caught fire. The shop foreman then had to disconnect the battery to prevent further damage. This fire occurred while the vehicle was in the possession and control of the dealership and during active diagnosis by their technician. Despite this, the dealership is now attempting to charge approximately $3,700 to repair the wiring harness and related components. We find this unacceptable. It is unreasonable to expect the customer to pay for repairs to damage that occurred during dealership service and inspection. This situation raises serious concerns, particularly because the dealership had recently performed electrical work on the vehicle involving the bcm only two weeks earlier.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Focus 🔎.

Hello my name is [xxx] and I bought this 2014 Ford Focus from a private dealer without being told what was wrong with the car for 4100 dollars and since I have had it it's been giving me problems it has a salvaged title. Also it sounds like the inside of the hood is gurgling water ,sometimes it won't go in to reverse,it has a hard start the tcm module needs to be replaced and I guess it has something to do with the check engine light going off and turning back on every other day something about the clutch keeps popping up. I looked it up the first time and it said that it was a recall now it doesn't show any recalls anymore can you please help me information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The block heater on this car is leaking. The recall 26v011 does not apply to this VIN, even though it falls under the year, make, model category. How can I get my vehicle to have the recall done when it shows that it is not affected, even though it is clearly leaking.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Focus 🔎.

Problems with dual clutch automatic transmission Ford Focus class action lawsuit of 2013.

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding an ongoing mechanical issue with my 2016 Ford Focus. Although my vehicle currently shows zero active recalls, I have experienced a recurring and concerning problem. Each time I turn on the air conditioning and the air begins to blow cold, my engine temperature rises significantly and causes the vehicle to overheat. This issue occurs consistently and makes it unsafe to operate the vehicle while using the air conditioning. Overheating poses a serious safety risk and may lead to engine damage or sudden breakdowns. Given that this problem appears to be directly connected to the operation of the air conditioning system, I am concerned that this may be a known defect or design issue that has not been addressed through a recall. I am requesting that this issue be formally documented, investigated, and addressed. I would appreciate guidance on next steps, including inspection, repair options, or whether this issue has been reported by other 2016 Ford Focus owners. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

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).

This vehicle been having problems with heater.

Vehicle experienced a highway-speed overheat and automatic engine shutdown. Inspection revealed antifreeze intrusion into the under-hood engine fuse box, causing widespread fuse degradation and electrical failure. This occurred following recall-related service. Vehicle lost power and is unsafe to operate due to electrical contamination and fire risk. Manufacturer and dealer have been unresponsive.

I was getting ready to leave the grocery store and I crank up my car and I had a light come on stating that my car was overheating transmission turn off the car and as I tried to pull out of the parking lot, the car would barely accelerate it would barely go to mountain and it was stuttering up the heels I had to turn off the vehicle. Let it sit for five minutes to let it cool off and then I had to crank the car back up and then it started to drive again, but I did get a indication on my front dash stating that it was transmission.

I am requesting an investigation into a vehicle I purchased on November 28, 2025, in a transaction conducted using the business name ridetime llc. After taking possession of the vehicle, I noticed inconsistencies related to the title and odometer reading. I titled the vehicle on December 1, 2025, prior to full confirmation of these discrepancies. Subsequent investigation through experian autocheck, consultation with the virginia dmv, and inspection by a licensed mechanic revealed evidence consistent with title jumping and possible odometer tampering. Additionally, a mechanic identified indicators consistent with prior flood damage that were not disclosed at the time of sale. I acted in good faith and relied on representations made during the sale, including the use of the business name ridetime llc. Once the discrepancies were confirmed, I immediately ceased any attempt to sell or transfer the vehicle and am reporting the matter for investigation and guidance on proper resolution.

Our 2013 Ford Focus has had the shudder clutch replaced 3 times in 4 years. We paid $2500 for them to replace the clutch, forks, and adjust the tcm module. Within a year it went again. They replaced under our warranty from the first fix. Then a year later, it went again, warranty was out but Ford sent a letter to replace for free. They did. . And now it’s broke again. It shudders and jerks so bad. My college daughter takes it to and from school and relies on it. I don’t understand how Ford gets away with this as it is an ongoing issue with this year make and model vehicle. It’s dangerous, will stall… and jerk. They charge to fix and all it is a bandaid for an ongoing inevitable failure again. On top of that all the electrical to the radio, speakers and such went as well. The vehicle has less than 98k miles on it. It is well taken care of. This transmission issue is Fords negligence. It’s dangerous, deadly; and I cannot believe they continue to charge for an issue they know about.

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.

While has had the transmission recall work done x 2 and was told by the mechanics that to recync “drive it like you stole it” when you can prior to the last recall fix in Feb and just had the cpv recall replacement done in February it was not driven a lot and I am in my late 60’s so I do not drive it like a teenager. During that recall repair they said I needed to replace the engine bolts ( I would think would be related due to the “drive it like you stole it” to resync the transmission but had to pay for out of pocket and found a transmission bolts also needed replaced that I wasn’t told by the Ford service guy. Recently in driving it would thunk when stopping and pinched forward and had major excelleration delay when trying to turn in traffic causing safety issues. Shifting was erratic and would stay in like 1st or 2nd when should have been going to 3/4th gear. Took in to service at Ford again as the wrench showed up on dash finally thinking it was the auto shift transmission to be told I had a complete computer failure to replace at my cost of approx $2400. Isn’t this part of what controls the sync in the transmission in the first place? isn’t this part of what they should have done on the other recalls like the 18v-735 or should it not be covered as the reprogramming apparently failed and at some point destroyed the computer module system?.

Recall maintenance with regard to NHTSA id number: 19v515000 for a purge valve was completed 1/9/2025. Starting in October 12, 2025, driving on the freeway, a large "bang" was felt/heard. I pulled over, the dust cover under the car had ripped partially off and took a portion of my grill trim with it. The car still ran perfectly fine, so I continued the mile and a half to my house. I did not see anything that I may have hit on the highway and did not see anything eject behind my car when this incident happened. I noticed the oil light begin to flicker as I was ½ mile from home for maybe a second, then it was off and then flickered again, it did not stay lit. I filed a claim with my insurance-progressive-they wanted to total my car without inspecting it. I negotiated and they had me take it to the Ford dealer who inspected it visually to see if the cause was internal combustion as my insurance claimed, or external damage. See photos. They recommended a full engine replacement after only a visual inspection and charged me $276. 70. I had the oil-pan replaced as shown on my bank statement $1053. 77, with interstate automotive who verified no engine damage was found. Next the lcd instrument panel showed distorted, or not at all, or perfectly fine at times, which made it hard to read, and no instrument warnings are given for any issue, just the check engine light. As of today, 3/10/26, car will no longer reverse or progress into 2nd gear, is sluggish and feels as though it has no power at all. This happened randomly on 3/9/26 after the car would not start and it was believed to be a battery issue. The battery was replaced 3/9/26 $148. 08. When the diagnostic codes for the check engine light were tested, they showed a faulty co2 module issue. New parts will be installed on 3/11/26. All of the above described issues seem as though they could be related to a major safety issue with this vehicle, but Ford insists any courtesy fixes are not available to my VIN.

I have had this car for 2 years, the transmission went on me in the middle of the night and I had to have it towed home and to a transmission specialist. I just got the car back 2 weeks ago after spending $2,000 to get it nh road legal. My transmission needs to be replaced. I’ve contacted Ford, my car should be on the recall list but it isn’t. I have the junk transmission that they never should have “engineered”. The car has done nothing but cost my money and I still owe on because the dealership ripped me off. The attached file is from recent work, I haven’t gotten the invoice from aamco of concord nh.

I was driving the car other all of a sudden died on me and told me to put it in park I put it in park and then turned the key off and tried to restart it. It did not restart and would not turn of kept popping up a warning saying starter system failure. Could not turn my wheel or pit it in neutral to get it out of te middle of the road.

Erratic shifting and eratic slipping gears , first happened while on highway and then it wouldnt go in any gear besides reverse and would say transmission overheat wait 5 min . Caused another veihcal behind me to slam on there brakes and they ended up getting rear ended from the car behind them . . . . . All becouse of my cars tcm or transmission issues>!!!! also not too mention ` random unusual noises coming from clutch or shifter when not even start car yet _delayed start and delayed shifting . . I could go on and on this car is a nightmare.

The car started shutting down while I am driving and also hard to start after.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Focus 🔎.

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.

Car running rough/jerky. Trouble accelerating, especially up hills, and following stops. On [xxx], car stalled on [xxx]. Dash light came on saying "transmission overheating pull over immediately". This happened multiple times on the same day. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving, the electric power steering went out. I purchased this vehicle on Aug 15 2025 and the carfax report did not have any information pertaining to an issue with epas. To have this repaired will cost me over $3k which I was not prepared for. Being that other Ford vehicles have this epas recall, shouldn't a recall be made on the 2013 Ford Focus as well.

Engine oil pump stuck canister purge valve clutch fracture my car has difficulty starting. I have had problems with my hill start assist and air bags. My car stalls when I press gas at a light. It makes a funny noise and jerks. My engine light will come on and stalls even more and then the transmission alert comes on my dash to tell me to pull over because it’s over heating. The takeoff is extra slow like a turtle and fluid leaking. I’ve had my car at the same dealership I purchased my car.

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.

Door lock and windows dint work properly. Transmission not working appropriately or at . Randomly says transmission overheating or won't go in reverse.

My 2014 Ford Focus is having problems with the engine. For starters is several occasions the car will start and not turn off when turning the key to the off position, the car will still stay on. I took it to the automotive parts store and the guy there had me turn the key off and disconnect the battery and that seem to turn off the car. After they had my car scanned with a computer and found lots of issues with. Car stalls and had check engine lights and also a transmission warning light on making it difficult for the car to drive. Recently water dripping inside the vehicle passenger side when the ac is turned on. The car also doesn’t unlock the doors from the inside have to open it for the passenger side.