Power Train Problems of Ford Focus - part 1

Ford Focus owners have reported 3,616 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.

1 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 11/01/2025

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).

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2 Power Train problem of the 2015 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 10/17/2025

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.

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3 Power Train problem of the 2016 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 10/06/2025

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.

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4 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 10/03/2025

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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5 Power Train problem of the 2015 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/28/2025

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.

6 Power Train problem of the 2015 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/18/2025

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.

7 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/10/2025

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.

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8 Power Train problem of the 2016 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/10/2025

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.

9 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/09/2025

Transmission element b stuck on. Requiring replacement of clutch and actuator.

10 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

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.

11 Power Train problem of the 2013 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

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.

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12 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

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.

13 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/06/2025

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.

14 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/05/2025

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.

15 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/02/2025

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.

16 Power Train problem of the 2015 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

Transmission problem.

17 Power Train problem of the 2012 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/22/2025

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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18 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/19/2025

The vehicle started two jerk while driving and dropped in speed. My dashboard displayed a “transmission fault” message. After stopping the vehicle would have trouble getting back up to speed.

19 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/18/2025

Transmission actuator a and actuator b making the transmission not able to shift. Happened after new battery installed and was told it could have been a surge sent to transmission control module breaking the actuators.

20 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/17/2025

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).

21 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/14/2025

Subject: urgent safety concern – transmission failure on 2014 Ford Focus (VIN: [xxx] ) to whom it may concern, I am writing to report a critical and ongoing safety issue with my 2014 Ford Focus. The vehicle stalls without warning, pops out of gear, and frequently overheats regardless of outside temperature. These failures occur while idling at traffic lights, merging into traffic, and during regular driving conditions. This issue has placed me in dangerous situations daily—I've narrowly avoided collisions and have been forced to block traffic because the car will not engage gear for 5 to 20 minutes at a time. It is not safe for me to exit the vehicle during these episodes, and I am deeply concerned for my safety and the safety of others. I understand there may not be an active recall for this VIN, but the symptoms align with known issues related to the powershift transmission. I am requesting an immediate diagnostic review and assistance under any applicable warranty, customer satisfaction program, or technical service bulletin. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

22 Power Train problem of the 2016 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the floorboard. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and was jerking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the failure was more pronounced after the initial failure. The contact stated that later, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was orange. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the clutch actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to a problem with the dual clutch transmission installed in the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

23 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/08/2025

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.

24 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/07/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the light changed, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated and then jolted into gear. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the engine symbol was displayed, and the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the rpm gauge was red-lined. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 mph. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that at first, he was stopping the vehicle and turning off and restarting the vehicle to reset the transmission. The contact stated that turning off and restarting the vehicle no longer resets the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 92,619.

25 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/04/2025

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.

26 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 08/04/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission failed to shift to second gear. The vehicle was also unable to shift into reverse(r). The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where a handheld scanner retrieved a code indicating that “ clutch b-fork stuck”. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

27 Power Train problem of the 2016 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/30/2025

Additional information related to a case I opened earlier today vehicle: 2016 Ford Focus se component: powertrain – transmission my 2016 Ford Focus has experienced three failed clutch packs with the Ford dps6 powershift transmission. The first clutch was replaced at ~22,000 miles, the second at ~27,500 miles, and it now requires a third replacement at 80,000 miles. This is a known and dangerous defect that was part of a class-action lawsuit. Despite multiple replacements and low mileage, Ford is requiring me to pay over $4,000 for a third repair. This transmission causes slipping, hesitation, and safety issues when pulling into traffic or hills. I am requesting that NHTSA re-investigate or expand the scope of past complaints on this vehicle to include continued post-settlement failures.

28 Power Train problem of the 2016 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/30/2025

The transmission is slipping. Research shows it's a known issue. Ford has acknowledged the issue and extended support. My local Ford dealership is refusing to fix the issue even though I fall within the extended service mileage. I called 2 transmission shops who refused to work on this specific model due to the dual clutch design and known problems. Attached is a letter I am disseminating requesting proper assistance with this issue.

29 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/28/2025

I have had problems with the clutch 3 times and had it repaired and it sounds like it is going again I have only 44,000 miles on my 2018 and this is ridiculous I love my Ford but something has to be done. My warranty is over 7/2026.

30 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/26/2025

1) power train system- p090c and p090c-00 clutch b actuator circuit low causing transmission to slip. Dangerous when driving 2) anti-lock brake system code u0401-00 and u3003-16.

31 Power Train problem of the 2015 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/25/2025

While driving my car on July 25, it started jerking then it stopped reversing. My lcd dashboard stopped displaying several years ago. This affects my ability to see warning lights and my mileage.

32 Power Train problem of the 2017 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/24/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 73,001.

33 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/18/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the fuel line was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with clutch failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

34 Power Train problem of the 2014 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/16/2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart and remained on the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13v523000 (power train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,800.

35 Power Train problem of the 2018 Ford Focus

Failure Date: 07/15/2025

The contact owns 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The message "transmission is overheating" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure NHTSA campaign number: 18v845000(power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the contact was informed through a voicemail message that no assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was 99,500.



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