Ford Focus owners have reported 3,640 problems related to power train (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Focus based on all problems reported for the Focus.
The vehicle experienced failure of the dps6 dual-clutch automatic transmission. The transmission began slipping during acceleration, hesitating between gear engagement, and triggering a “transmission overheat” warning. Eventually, the vehicle lost the ability to reliably shift between drive and reverse and would not consistently engage gears. The vehicle can start and move forward but cannot reliably switch directions within the same ignition cycle. The vehicle is available for inspection. The transmission malfunction created safety concerns due to delayed or failed acceleration when entering traffic. The vehicle hesitated and slipped under throttle input, which could prevent timely acceleration when merging or crossing intersections. Additionally, the inability to reliably shift between drive and reverse could create hazardous situations in parking lots or emergency maneuvering scenarios. The sudden transmission overheat warning and gear disengagement could result in loss of power in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic who diagnosed transmission failure. The vehicle has a known history of prior clutch replacement under similar symptoms. The transmission malfunction is consistent with documented dps6 transmission failures in 2016 Ford Focus models. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited shuddering during acceleration from a stop, particularly at low speeds. This condition has been intermittently present for several years following a prior clutch replacement. In the days leading up to failure, the vehicle experienced difficulty accelerating and hesitation under throttle. A “transmission overheat” warning message appeared while driving. After cooling, the vehicle temporarily resumed operation but subsequently lost reliable gear engagement.
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all problems of the 2016 Ford Focus
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Problems with dual clutch automatic transmission Ford Focus class action lawsuit of 2013.
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all problems of the 2014 Ford Focus
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Transmission is slipping. Check engine light is on. Code p07a5 (3/3) permanent transmission friction element b stuck on.
Fuel purge valve is malfunctioning. Vehicle loses power and is sluggish. Idles very rough and sometimes has a loss of power. My car has been at Ford twice in the last six months and problem still isn't fixed. Complete engine was replaced about a year and a half ago due to recall issue which I don't want happening again. I do not feel safe driving this car. I made an appointment with Ford a month ago for tomorrow for same stalling issue. I went to drop off and explain I wanted the repairs done for the recall to see if that fixed the problem. I filled up my gas tank on Sunday. The car wouldn't start and engine light came on saying engine failure service now. I let it sit for about ten minutes and it hesitantly cranked and engine light went off but accelerates slower with loss of power. It keeps doing this intermittently and sometimes loses power, and struggles when idling. I cut off let sit and then is okay until I pump gas again. I told the service repair person what happened and handed him the key to drop off the vehicle. He said if the light was not on at the time he would not be able to fix it and they couldn't schedule my vehicle for any additional recalls that are greatly needed for the car. It is running terrible. It idles and intermittently loses power while driving. Evan at Ford (greer) response was to wait until it got bad enough that the engine light came on and stayed on. This was at d&d Ford in greer, SC. He said it was Ford's policy the light had to be on to replace under recall with no charge. I told him it is unsafe to drive if it gets any worse it could cause an accident. I have two children and his recommendation to wait until it gets worse was appalling. He kept backlashing Ford and stated he doesn't work for Ford he works for d&d and only represents Ford. I said to him he was not representing Ford very well and that it was highly unlikely they would agree with his statements. I asked for documation of this policy--it contradicts what he says.
When driving my car all of a sudden it loses power almost like it’s struggling to go but the rpm revs up and makes a loud noise and my car kind of got stuck for a minute and there were cars behind me then it started going but every couple minutes it would do that again rev up really loud even when I barely push the gas and lose power and then go I have no idea why it was doing that I took it to get it looked at, but there was no light on then a light finally came on and it came up with p07a3. Transmission friction element a stuck on. It starts end doing that with no notice. Light came on later after I tried to get it scanned. There seems to be extended warranty satisfaction things offered on vehicles at the same time mine was made. Same vehicle. But my number is not on the VIN recall. But it exhibits same symptoms. The Ford customer satisfaction program 14m02 covers same issues but my VIN is not listed. This is a driving hazard unsafe that I feel is issues from their manufacturing.
10/02/23. Recall repair 14m02b was performed by blue springs Ford, blue springs mo. Milage on car 96,028. Car has had normal oil change by same dealer. Car now at 107,000 miles only slightly over 10,000 miles in two years has same tmc issue but code now is p07a5. Diagnosed by same dealership and because 1st time replacement done. They are not obligated to fix again. I would agree except for the lack of miles put on car since repair. Asking for another repair due to faulty parts.
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.
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all problems of the 2018 Ford Focus
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Here’s an overview of the transmission issues with the 2014 Ford Focus — and how many owners feel Ford motor company has repeatedly failed to properly fix them. ?? what’s wrong with the transmission the 2014 Focus (and many models 2012–2016) came with a dual-clutch automatic transmission system (powershift transmission). That system used “dry” clutches — rather than a traditional, fluid-cooled torque-converter — which turned out to be a flawed design in real-world use. Dry clutches tend to overheat, wear out prematurely, slip, and fail, especially under common driving conditions. [xxx] +2 [xxx] +2 as a result, owners of 2014 Focus vehicles reported a long list of recurring symptoms: rough or jerky shifting, shuddering when accelerating from a stop, slipping gears, delayed or harsh gear changes, grinding or clunking noises, hesitation before accelerating (especially dangerous when merging or pulling out), and in some cases failure to shift properly or unexpected behavior like popping out of gear. [xxx] + [xxx] m + [xxx] m +3 for many drivers, these issues didn’t appear once — but kept happening repeatedly. In some cases, transmission control modules (tcms) were replaced; in others, clutch/seal assemblies were replaced. Yet—even after repairs—the problems often resurfaced. Ford transmission settlement +2 carcomplaints +2 some complaints describe serious safety and reliability concerns: jerky or unpredictable acceleration or deceleration, failure to downshift when braking (in one complaint the car “lurch[ed] forward into intersections at red lights”), slipping unexpectedly — all of which pose danger to drivers, passengers, and others. [xxx] +2 ?? why many owners and lawsuits say there was a systemic defect according to class-action complaints, the problem isn’t just “bad luck” — it stems from fundamental design, manufacturing, and programming flaws in the powershift transmission. The dry- information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
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.
Having fuel problems with this Ford se. Adding gas after starting the car it doesn't run right. It misses n doesn't have power. Plus transmission went out two times again. First time it went out. It was about a year ago. Now the second time November 24,2025. First time was about a year ago. It was repaired. Because I had a car warranty from the car dealer ship. Now they won't repair it again. This Ford Focus se had the double clutch in it plus the notorious speed shifter known to go out. These transmissions are known to have problems. But the car place never told me.
Vehicle acceleration dies out during normal pressure of gas pedal. Coding showing transmission actuators malfunctioning. Odometer reading 120,631 check engine light came on. Date of malfunction 11/24/2025 , vehicle was taken to affordable transmission on 11/25/2025.
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all problems of the 2015 Ford Focus
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2015 Ford Focus with dps6 automatic transmission failure. 109,### miles only. Symptoms: no reverse gear, severe clutch slip (high rpm but car barely moves), strong burnt clutch smell, check engine light on. Dtc codes: p07a3, p07a5, p087a, p087b, p090c. Ford dealer (camelback Ford, phoenix az) diagnosed the issue but quoted $3,175 just for labor to open the transmission for inspection, refusing any goodwill assistance after 14m02 program expired in August 2025, despite low mileage and known widespread dps6 problems covered by TSB 16-0129. Note : "November 20, 2025 – date I purchased the vehicle. The transmission problem (no reverse, clutch slip, burnt smell) was present immediately upon purchase. " requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's refusal to offer reasonable post-warranty assistance for this well-documented safety-related transmission defect.
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.
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all problems of the 2013 Ford Focus
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle shimmied while attempting to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the transmission and the contact was referred to the dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
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?.
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, including the transmission slipping, the vehicle stalling, and the check engine warning light being illuminated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond after shifting to the reverse or drive. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission power shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.
During acceleration there is a hesitation. With the transmission almost like the car was put into neutral. The accelerator needs to be fluttered to get it to respond. This has happened several times pulling into traffic. This last time it happened the notice came on stating that the transmission is over heating. Pulled over to let it cool down. I notice recalls for this problem but my car is not listed. This happens at different speeds any help would be appreciated. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The transmission keeps slipping at 2nd and 3rd gear. The shop I got it at fixed it twice and this time the transmission light turned on. They told me to go through this process.
Lee county was working on the road and were replacing a section of lazy d farm road and there was a section cut out and try to get across the section the transmission over heating light came on.
Transmission is overheating is the warning I keep getting on the dashboard read out. The transmission is shifting very hard and you can hear it grinding and winding up when it is trying to shift. I had the car put on a computer at a shop and the codes were reading that the clutch was not releasing and he tried to reset it and it kept failing. I googled my car and saw that this is a known problem with them and that Ford hasn't acknowledged the problem yet.
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all problems of the 2017 Ford Focus
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Vehicle was checked by local dealer and stated repair code 14m02 needed to be completed. 10 year extended warranty was concluded in June, 2025, but this is a safety concern. The car stopped in the road, right off the interstate, because the transmission quit working properly. Gears shifted very hard when transmission started working again. After parking, the car would not go back into reverse.
Transmission has a shudder when shifting from first to second gear. The transmission exhibits a noticeable shudder during the transition from first to second gear, indicating potential issues that may need to be addressed. This shudder can affect the overall driving experience and should be inspected to ensure smooth and efficient gear shifts.
The car would not shift into a gear, would not shift gear to propel itself in traffic causing a safety issue. A warning light would come on saying the transmission was getting overheated. Ford of glenwood springs colorado refused to look at the car because of its age despite the recall on the clutch for the year, make and model of the car. A napa shop determined the clutches were out. Napa quoted $4,253 to fix the problem. I called ken garff Ford in fort collins colorado at 4809 s. College avenue to get this fixed under the recall. They said my VIN number wasn't covered, and the cost would be $6,000. I called Ford 1-866-436-7332 spoke to ron employee #2192738 and was told he would document the call but could not do anything. Ford is aware of the safety issue we simply want them to standby their product and fix the problem or reimbursing us for the repairs to avoid a further hardship to get to work.
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.
Transmission element b stuck on. Requiring replacement of clutch and actuator.
I understand there were problems with the 2014 transmissions on Ford Focus models. Even though my car has a manual transmission, I believe it had similar problems to the automatic teansmissions. In switching from 1 to 2, it would sometimes drop. I'm now having issues with my transmission and wondering if the problem is the same.
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.
I am filing a complaint against Ford motor company for their refusal to honor recall 15b22 (customer satisfaction program) related to the transmission issues on my 2014 Ford fusion hatchback. We purchased this vehicle as the second owners, and it currently has only 140,000 miles. Despite the recall still being in effect, Ford has denied coverage and is demanding nearly $2,000 to repair the transmission, stating that it needs a new computer. This has caused significant hardship for my family. The vehicle is my son’s first car, purchased with the last of our savings, and it has been stuttering horribly, making it unsafe and unreliable to drive. What should have been an exciting and empowering first-car experience has turned into a stressful financial and emotional burden. Recalls exist to correct known defects that compromise safety and vehicle reliability. Ownership status should not be grounds for denying repairs. Ford’s refusal to perform the repair under recall 15b22 violates the spirit and intent of consumer protection laws and leaves families like mine without recourse. I respectfully request that your office investigate this matter and require Ford to cover the transmission repair under the recall, as they are obligated to do. I am happy to provide additional documentation, including my vehicle information, service denial, and any related correspondence. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your assistance in resolving this matter fairly and promptly.
My vehicle is part of the 23s64/23v905 Ford recall. The car died in the middle of an intersection in 2024 and Ford finally agreed to replace the faulty parts with more faulty parts until there was a fix. Now there is a fix and Ford said they will not replace it because it's still running, but when/if the parts fail again, to bring it in and they'll fix it. So if the vehicle fails on the interstate or in the middle of an intersection again and I'm in a crash, then they'll fix it. But they will not fix it until they fail because "there are too many not running vehicles in front" of mine.
I am having an issue with the duel transmission. My car has been stalling making it unsafe. It has been giving me a warning saying the transmission is overheating even just driving short distances. The clutch a has been getting stuck and not dis engaging causing the car not to be able to shift gears. I have spent all of the money I have on this car and can’t afford to pay money to get it fixed when Ford is aware of the issues when it was manufactured. They have issued recalls and are responsible to fix the problem. The recall needs to be extended so that hard working tax payers like me don’t feel screwed over by Ford and out of so much money. I feel taken advantage of. And I’m broke , stuck with a car that is unsafe to me or others on the road.
The recall has yet to be resolved for me and the nearest appointment is 2 months away, a new problem that has arisen is the transmission jerks, struggles with the car not having any warning indications.
Transmission problem.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally and was sluggish. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
I purchased this car as a certified pre owned car from the Mazda dealership in mechanicsburg PA about two and a half years ago. The transmission failed and the car was unsafe to drive after 3 months from the purchase date. The Mazda dealership didn’t know how to fix the transmission as it’s a complicated process. They tried to send it to a Ford dealership but they would not work on it. It took Mazda awhile to finish my transmission because they didn’t know how to fix it. Now the same exact problem is occurring two years later. I haven’t even put 40,000 miles on my car after the replacement of the new transmission. As I stated before the car is unsafe to drive and I need it for work. This brand new transmission should not be failing after only 2 years and 35,000 miles. Included files are from November 2022 when I purchased the car and from February and March 2023 when the transmission was fixed.
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all problems of the 2012 Ford Focus
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