Power Train Problems of Ford Focus - part 1

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted from neutral(n), to park(p), and then to drive(d) for the vehicle to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Focus 🔎.

Multiple clutch's have had to be replaced in both of my 2017 Ford Focuses. Had to replace the transmission in my other one. Now this one is having transmission issues again. Dont know if I can handle another $4000 bill because Ford created and sold a defective product and depite several repairs never fixed it as they kept using the same faulty parts. Was told by dealership that they just replace the same parts over and over at Ford's direction until the warrenty expires as Ford was not going to come up with a permanent fix as they were converting to SUV and truck only. Maybe the NHTSA.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Focus 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 18v735000 (fuel system, gasoline) in 2019. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed, but the manufacturer confirmed the dealer's information. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while leaving the parking lot and attempting to shift into reverse(r), the gear shifter failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,264.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Focus 🔎.

Car wants to stall out when "shifting gears" like a loss of power.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Focus 🔎.

Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Focus 🔎.

The car would not accelerate when pressing accelerator, they said the clutch assembly malfunctioned, confirmed by documentation. Myself and others had our safety at risk because the car could not be controlled properly while on the road. The car was taken to the dealer and they confirmed the problem. The dealer's service center gave inspection, and confirmed the problem. The warning message did not appear until after the problem put myself and others' safety at risk.

An authorized dealership performed a mandatory manufacturer safety recall repair on my vehicle for the engine oil pump belt and tensioner (Ford recall 23s64 / NHTSA campaign 23v-905). While performing this specific recall, the initial facility negligently compromised the cooling system and created a severe leak, directly causing complete and total engine destruction. A subsequent independent diagnostic inspection by a separate authorized dealership confirmed this negligence. The vehicle became instantly disabled while driving, creating a severe road hazard. Total documented property damages are $14,448. 31. Furthermore, the dealership and Ford corporate have explicitly refused to repair the vehicle, despite Ford's dealer bulletins authorizing long-block engine replacements for failures related to this recall. They have also refused to reimburse me for the totaled vehicle or the out-of-pocket expenses incurred. Ford customer service has employed shady tactics, denying liability and stonewalling my attempts to reach a resolution, completely failing to provide the remedy mandated by this safety recall. The vehicle and all documentation are available for inspection upon request.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Focus 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 9 mph. The vehicle was shifted to neutral and coasted to the residence. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with customer satisfaction program: 14m02; extended warranty coverage for the transmission control module. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was provided the cost of a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall, warranty, or customer satisfaction program associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Power clutch failure resulting in $6500 repair for a known issue by Ford. Ford refused to cover the repair or any part of the repair.

While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “engine fault service now. ” the vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This problem occurred multiple times over several days, most often when the fuel tank was below approximately half full. Each time, I was able to temporarily restore normal operation by shutting the vehicle off, waiting about one minute, and restarting it. After restarting, the vehicle would drive completely normally until the problem occurred again. A few days later, while sitting in my vehicle during a work break, I started the engine and it immediately entered limp mode without being driven. A check engine light then illuminated, and the engine stalled shortly afterward. The diagnostic trouble codes retrieved were: * p1674 (stored, pending, permanent, and enhanced) * u0100 (enhanced abs code) a mechanic familiar with Ford vehicles suggested the symptoms could be related to the evap canister purge valve issue that has been investigated on similar Ford Focus models. He recommended keeping the fuel tank above half full as a test. Since keeping the fuel tank full, the limp mode condition has not reoccurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the purge valve issue evaluated. The dealership declined to perform any purge valve-related repairs because they believed the problem was transmission-related and stated the engine issue would need to be repaired first. I am submitting this report because the vehicle unexpectedly loses power while driving, creating a significant safety hazard when traveling at normal traffic speeds.

While driving at highway speed, the transmission slipped, skipping gears. Very difficult to drive care safely. Could not accelerate vehicle safely. Had to stay in right lane with hazard lights on. Basically, using only gears 1, 3 & 5. Later discovered intermittently no reverse. Dtc p090c clutch actuator b - circuit low.

I started smelling gasoline coming from the rear outside part of the car. I took the car to the local Ford dealership and they found a canister purge valve stuck open. They fixed it and I paid $414. A few days later and still smelling gasoline, I took it to tire place so they can lift it up to check the bottom where the fuel tank is located and the immediately saw fuel/gasoline leaking from the tank. I took it back to the Ford dealership and complained how they missed it the first time. They checked it and told me the fuel tank was completely ruined from excessive vacuum effect of the previous canister purge valve issue and that I needed a new fuel tank. They put in a new fuel tank and I told them this issue had a recall on the same make and model of car in 2018 and from that recall, this issue had been fixed then but it just happened again. I paid $2,088 for the new fuel tank and power train control module reset. So the total I have paid to fix this issue over $2,500 and about two days later, Ford motor company issued a new recall 26s40 for this specific issue on this specific 2012-2018 make and model car. So I hope my car will be added and searchable for the recall on both Ford’s and government’s websites when they initiate it on July 6, 2026. I have all the repair receipts and will file for a refund as soon as I receive the recall letter. Thank you.

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.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the vehicle with the powertrain and clutch warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Transmission is slipping. Dealer reported cluthes going out. This is a known issue with all of these cars.

Ford motor issued two safety recalls regarding this, but has since closed them without providing a safe resolution for consumers. July 8 2019 Ford issued Ford safety recall program 19s22 (following 18s32) for stuck open canister purge valve (cpv). This can result in a failure to bleed the vacuum from the gas tank, and deforms the gas tank upon failure. This has been confirmed, reproduced, and recalled by Ford before, but continues to happen nationwide to Ford Focus st owners as a small subset of their vehicles. A stuck open cpv can result in a number of codes. In my case, I got a p1450, Ford-specific check engine light on the mil. This can cause inability to start, along with rough idle and stalling while driving. Ford reports closing these safety recalls and provides no further support for the issue.

When I bought the car it stuttered it ended up being the clutch then my transmission went out the bolt in my engine mount broke and my engine was basically on the ground.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and sputtering while driving. While accelerating, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle failed to shift into gear properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

The "shift tower" typically refers to the external mechanism on top of the transmission where the shifter cables connect. Problems with this part, which is a broken internal pin, result in a shifter that moves freely without engaging any gears. The gear become in operatable when driving down the highway, which is a hazard on the road. There were no warning light just not ale to change gears.

See all problems of the 2013 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.

The dual clutch powershift dct transmission has failed. When placed in reverse, the engine rpm increases when accelerating but the vehicle does not move at all. While driving forward, the vehicle struggles to reach 10mph and the transmission slips severely. The vehicle is essentially undriveable. The vehicle has gotten stuck on neighborhood roads on 3 separate occasions due to complete loss of reverse function. I was stuck for 30 minutes to an hour which put me in way too much preassure and possibly, I could have ended up in danger. The vehicle had to be physically pushed by hand to move it. This created a dangerous situation for myself and others on the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed and replaced the clutch actuator assembly and fuel pump. After repairs the problem persists unchanged. The mechanic has noted the vehicle requires a full transmission replacement. This is a known defect with the Ford powershift dct transmission affecting multiple model years. Repair costs have exceeded $1,500 with no resolution. The failed transmission puts safety at risk as the vehicle cannot accelerate properly in traffic and has no reverse function. Problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. Vehicle is available for inspection.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and unexpectedly came to a stop. The message that the transmission was hot was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence, but then failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with fuel system and clutch failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000. The VIN was not available.

03/25/2026 driving down the street card started jerking and acting like it did not want to move kept slowing down like it wasn't getting any gas. Like the transmission was going out. There is nothing wrong with my transmission. The car had been on a recall for a part that has been replaced 2 different times. I tried to have it checked out the Ford dealers here where I live wanted to charge me $200. 00 insisting that its my transmission. I know it is not my transmission. Its the same part they have replaced 2 times that was on the recall list for my car. What can I do? it is dangerous for me to drive.

The transmission in this model is horrible they already have recall for the 1. 0l mine of course is the 2. 0l its 2016 Ford Focus it has last than 165,000 miles. I already replaced put new transmission in it last year and here I am again transmission is out. And of course no repair shops will touch my car deal this known issues.

I filled up my gas tank and a couple minutes later experienced shuddering while parked so I decided to turn the vehicle off and turn it back on but it struggles to turn back on. I then drove back home and as I was driving the acceleration was going up and down and then to 0. As I stopped on a red light the car completely shut down while the light then turned green and the check engine light, battery, and oil light came on. I then turned the vehicle off and in order to start it I had to step on the gas. I made it home but have not driven it since. I noticed there was a 19s22 recall but I spoke with Ford and they said my vehicle didn’t get it but it is experiencing the same issues that the recall mentioned. There is a one time replacement for the cpv but it doesn’t cover half of what the 19s22 does and it seems to be the same problem.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Focus 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an auto zone, but no diagnostic trouble code was found, and there was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,500.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and then accelerated to the desired cruise control setting. The failure had occurred several times. Approximately 2 weeks later, while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled, and the hazard lights were activated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Driving down the road the car shimmed a couple times I parked it turned it off when I went to turn it back on. It wouldn’t turn over when I finally got it to turn on. It wouldn’t go on reverse sometimes it’ll start sometimes it won’t sometimes it’ll go in reverse and sometimes it won’t.

The transmission is over heating while driving and jerking back constantly once it hits mph on 3. It doesn’t drive properly because of the transmission.

Car stalled and I took it to three mechanics who all said transmission was shot. I replaced two oil pumps (low and high) in the last year or so also. Car is barely 8 yrs old with 101k miles on it. Online says this problem is widespread.

The dps6 clutch failed rapidly. It is available for inspection. The car will suddenly and aggressively speed up while trying to shift gears or will suddenly slow down when downshifting making a collision very likely. They problem has been confirmed by a dealer. It has been inspected by a Ford dealership and confirmed bad. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms prior to failure. It first started around 2/08/2026. This is a well known faulty clutch in the Ford Focus and Ford fiesta lines from 2012-2018. Several repair shops and dealerships in the area I spoke with all acknowledge the high rate of failures with this specific type of clutch.

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 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.

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