7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,440
Average Mileage:
35,300 miles
Total Complaints:
111 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (54 reports)
  2. replace clutch (19 reports)
  3. software update (9 reports)
  4. waiting for ford to figure out what it takes to repair it (8 reports)
  5. replaced clutch mechanism (7 reports)
  6. get a lemon law attorney! (4 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #71

Jul 012016

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,300 miles

Purchased the car for new driver, car hesitates from the stop position. Have brought the vehicle in for service 3 times for this issue. They reprogram everything and say nothing is wrong. Concerned the car will not respond when you need to pull out into busy traffic. Probable will sell the vehicle and never strongly consider ford again . Word of most is key for Ford to correct this issue. Everyone knows 200 people which can impact future sales.

- wmiller1964, Hope We'll Junction, NY, US

problem #70

Sep 072016

Focus Sedan 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

Though I brought a pretty good car Ford has been in my family all my life , so I decide to buy one big, I mean big mistake. Transmission jerking, slow start at take off, growling noise, shaking car, I thought Ford was a good car. Sorry not. The new fords suck. Being an older woman I thought it would save me on gas. What good is the gas if the transmission is giving me problems. HELP

- Suzanne L., Brockton, Pacific Islands (US)

problem #69

Apr 152016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

Purchased a Ford Focus SE 2013 from a local auto dealer used with 36,000 miles on it. It appeared to be a great car and even drove great for the test drive. After a few weeks of having it I noticed a huge hesitation when taking off and a shutter. The shutter can get pretty bad and almost feels like your wheels are skipping. I have tried not to put the gas on to fast in hopes of alleviating this issue to no avail.

Recently I have had a huge Thumping in my right passenger side wheel (or at least that is where it looks and feels like it is coming from). This is down right scary. I feel that my car is not very safe but I don't have another option. I am on a budget and can't afford to roll over this car into another car payment and so on.

I feel I was lied to about this car and that is was hyped up for this dual clutch automatic transmission that is suppose to be part manual. If it works so great as a Volkswagen why mess with a good thing Ford? I am seeing about 6 years worth of a pain in my ass in the near future. I only have an extended warranty for 72k miles or up to 6 years... so for me it is an additional 3 years. I guess I could be happy that Ford extended the Transmission warranty to last til 150k miles because I am sure it is gonna have to be traded out or fixed. As well as the clutch... eventually.

More than anything I hate that every time I have it looked at they say it falls within parameters. NICE. I feel like I could die in this car and they say... oh you won't. Wait just wait. One day this will happen. I am very careful not to jump out into traffic and am very careful in general.

- carriejean79, Belleville, IL, US

problem #68

Dec 012015

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,175 miles

FIRST BRAND NEW CAR FROM FORD. LAST NEW CAR OR ANY CAR FROM FORD.

Started having transmission issues around 30,000 kms. Had clutch replaced around 55,000. Started acting up again around 65,000 kms. All times Ford service was notified at the dealer. They have a specific warranty guide to follow so basically they wait until the clutch needs replacing. Not when it starts to jerk, chatter, rev high unexpectedly. Now at 93,000 kms and going back in for service again, got a notice from Ford that they are covering this "problem"until 240,000 kms. I can't rely on my new vehicle to go long distances...so pathetic. I will never ever buy another Ford so long as I live.

- jenniferns, Halifax, NS, Canada

problem #67

Jul 022016

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Just bought a 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback. Had the car 2 weeks and it started to hesitate and jerking after being stopped at a light or stop sign. Took it to the dealership where I bought it and they said it maybe this or maybe that but was not sure what the problem was. I am a college student and do not have extra money to fix a "maybe" They asked me if it happened when I was in reverse and it had not. Well the very next day is started making a awful clunking noise when in reverse on top of the jerking and hesitation after stopping. I was treated so bad. I have not even made my first payment and am a afraid to drive it. With all the complaints there should be a recall.

Update from Jul 26, 2016: Took to another Ford dealership and they said they are unsure of what the problem is. In reverse it will make a noise if my foot is totally off the break it does not make the noise. Have another appt this week so I will see what they say. I do not feel safe driving the car.

- Cindy W., Angola, IN, US

problem #66

Apr 012016

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I got the car used. Shortly after it started this hesitation stuff. This went on for a few months and I started reading up about all the transmission troubles online. Finally took it in and was told there was a voluntary recall on the software for the clutch. They changed the software and cleaned the clutch. They had it for 10 days. At first they offered me a rental, then on the day of, they called to say no rental available due to the city was sold out? Really! Nonetheless, I left it. Got it back and it started doing it the same day.

I got 2 online surveys and even wrote the office of my displeasure. I got no replies. Even when I did the survey saying I was unhappy.

I have talked to strangers who I see driving these sh*tty cars and they all have the same issue.

I want to know how we can class action sue them? Can I force FORD to give me my money back? This is truly an embarrassing situation when driving and everyone inside gets jerked around when your driving.

- Kelly B., Austin, TX, US

problem #65

Apr 082013

Focus Titanium 2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 186 miles

Stop and go traffic is the worst and I deal with it daily, hence the reason for an automatic tranny. It's never failed on me but I hate the jerky feeling. Never buying another Ford or Automatic again.

Update from Jul 5, 2016: Plus the attitude I get from Blackstock Ford is even more annoying. They sound annoyed just picking up the phone.

- Peter N., Orangeville, ON, Canada

problem #64

Nov 012015

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Hesitates and jerks when takeoff. Acts like someone driving a manual that has no idea how to shift gears.

- Robyn J., Danville, KY, US

problem #63

Feb 142015

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,427 miles

This car has been nothing but problems from the day I bought it. It is 2 and a half years old now and they've replaced the clutch kit on it twice and it goes in the shop Friday again for the same issue. So this will be replacement clutch kit number 3. It's quite evident that the powershift transmission is garbage. So they extended the warranty to 150000 km or 7 years. And I was told by Ford they will continue to replace it until the warranty is up. Ok. So I bought a brand new car and it is going to have to have the clutch kit replaced ever 20 to 30 thousand km's. Absolutely ridiculous. Oh yea AND the paint is all chipping around the rear wheel wells on both sides. This car is crap. Don't waste your money. You'll notice it just a little at first. Shuddering on light acceleration and jerking. Then it gets worse. Then it makes a noise like it's not in a low enough gear. Keep in mind this car is a flipping automatic.

- Amanda R., Yarmouth, NS, Canada

problem #62

Jun 102014

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles

I took my car back 3 days after buying it used with 17,000 miles on it. The car had been rear ended and they told me about that upfront. I'm thinking that the sluggish movement from a stopped position caused the car to get rear ended, by that's an assumption on mu part. I have taken the car back (3) times for the sluggish tranny and they won't do anything about it other than "twit" with the computer. I have to be able to "reproduce" the lage in a 6 block drive with the mechanic. My mileage has gone down from a full tank stating that I have 450 miles left to a full tank now, stating 360 miles. I have only put 12,000 on the car. It still doesn't have 30,000 miles on it. I have noticed that when the transmission gets warm or wet (under flush wash) the car is REALLY bad.

- dlh6615, Sussex, WI, US

problem #61

Apr 052016

Focus SE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

I bought my car as a certified used car. After having it only 2 weeks, I took it back to the Ford dealership and reported a problem with transmission and the fact that the car jerked and sputtered each time I tried to take off. They simply told me it was the kind of transmission used in that particular car and it was fine. I took it back about a month later and was told the same thing. I then received recall information about the car and took it in where the dealership reset the computer system. This was a very short lived fix however, and the car now jerks and grinds so badly I feel unsafe. Yesterday I returned to the dealership yesterday where the service department deemed it too dangerous for me to leave with and was given a loaner

Due to this, I began speaking with a salesperson about trading the car in for a 2016 Fusion. The snag is that I now have a large amount of negative equity due to the fact that the car lost so much of its value because of these issues. I make a decent living, however, due to a messy divorce my credit isn't quite where it should be. The salesperson offered me the new car at 12% interest!!!! HA I was given no kind of special, or willingness to work with me. The thing is, I wouldn't even need a different car if mine was safe enough to drive and the problems that it has are an admitted Ford issue.

- Margaret T., Clayton, NC, US

problem #60

Nov 132015

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 7,500 miles

Performed the service based on Customer satisfaction program 14M02. Still lack of power in the car, shudder & fell annoying.

- smk2013, Fremont, CA, US

problem #59

Feb 272016

Focus ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Ford keeps telling my it's normal it will workout! So after 3 transmission replacements, updates, complete clutch replacement after a little after a yr of buying, it still jerks, skips, loses power. I contacted Ford & a rep called me told me to watch a video saying then I'll know what to expect! What? this is normal with this trans, then I had to take it back in for a mech trans control? Now it's been about 2 months and now finally got a email on the class act lawsuit. I told Ford I felt unsafe with the things happening with the trans while on the road and that I want something done to get me out of this car...

Update from Aug 10, 2016: updating helps the transmission jerking,shuttering,gas mileage but its starting up again to shutter.

Ford is going to get away with this knowing when they sold them the trans was not good,

Ford has not been made to respond to the lawsuit.

- Marsha C., Bettendorf, IA, US

problem #58

Jan 022013

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,954 miles

I purchased my vehicle in September 2012. By March 16, 2013 I was having issues with the vehicle and transmission. Took my vehicle to the Shelbyville Dealership, in which Ford replaced the clutch plate and repaired the transmission along with resetting the computer telling me that it should fix the problem.

On April 1, 2013, after they completed the previous repairs, I once again was having issues with the vehicle and the transmission. They stated it was the way in which I drove the vehicle. They said I needed to give it more gas. I am 30 years old and I don't drive like a grandma by any means. I left there not happy, but said okay. On April 15, 2013, I again had my vehicle looked at by the Shelbyville Ford Dealership and again it was just an excuse after excuse. I then took my vehicle to a Ford Dealership in Indianapolis hoping to get a solution. They had more excuses than I could ever think of. I worked in Franklin at the time and decided I would get a third opinion. I took it to the dealership in Franklin on May 22, 2013. They gave me the same excuses as the Shelbyville and Indianapolis Dealership did. I definitely wasn't happy as there was nothing to do and I was told I was stuck with a sh*tty car because of mileage reasons.

I contacted Ford, they wouldn't admit to anything but gave me a FREE maintenance warranty to just get me to go away. When I took my vehicle for scheduled maintenance on July 31, 2013 I again brought up the transmission issues, they then said it's the way the vehicle drives. Within the first year of having the vehicle, I had it at three different dealerships and in the shop seven times, in which after being told numerous of times it wouldn't qualify for the lemon law, I decided I was stuck. As the last two years have gone on, the transmission is still having issues. I have just learned to deal with it, although knowing that I put my eight year old and self at risk.

I once again was taking my car to the Shelbyville Dealership to have it looked at, for them to tell me that it isn't covered anymore. I have 85,000 miles on the vehicle, my warranty is 100,000 miles. I refuse to put anymore money into the vehicle. Due to high mileage and vehicle transmission being messed up, I am bent over backwards with the vehicle and can't off load it without rolling negative equity into a new loan, and that's not something I want to do, not should have to do.

- WrayDeana B., Rushville, IN, US

problem #57

Oct 132014

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles

My 2013 Ford Focus has been in for service 5 times in a year, all I get is lip service from Ford. They tell me it is normal for this transmission to jerk and hesitate. Last week I received a message transmission overheating pull over. Ford says its no big deal, all you have to do is pull over for 5 minutes and everything will be ok. The following is all the B.S. excuses I have received from Ford. 1. its a cheap car what do you expect. 2. They love us in Europe 3. Try not to drive slow, because it will shutter when you gain speed 4. Well its really a manual transmission 5. I would love to put a new transmission in, but corporate wont let us, because the jerking and hesitation is acceptable 6. Well don't be angry with Ford The last time I brought this vehicle in about the transmission, Ford called the cops and had me removed because on the scene I was making . I 've called HQ 4 times to complain and basically its all lip service, because Ford knows of the problem and won't man up and fix.

- Dean A., Kennesaw, GA, US

problem #56

Jul 012015

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

Bought my car "a 2013 ford focus with 47000 miles on it" in May of 2015. Drove it for a few thousand miles and noticed a hesitation/jerking/shuttering. Brought it to the local ford dealer and they said it was a TCM reprogramming recall. After they performed this "recall" the same condition existed. I put 100 miles on a day and after this service I drove it to work. Seemed to shift fine during my 50 mile drive. I came to a stop at a stop light and once it turned green I accelerated. The car shuttered so bad and jerked that the change in my cup holder shook out and all over the floor. I immediately called the servicing dealership to tell them. The guy on the phone told me I would have to drive it at least 1000 miles or so, so the new re-flash program they installed could learn my driving habits. Never the less I drove 1000 miles or so and it has not gotten any better. I called back week later and he said he would order new clutches and I would have an appointment that upcoming Monday. Well, the Friday before came and I received a call from that dealer. They said ford is not fixing the problem as of right now due to the replacement parts doing the exact thing as the old parts. Ford has extended the problem out to 100,000 miles and should hopefully have it repaired and resolved by then. So great I have to drive around a car that Jerks/shutters/Slips/Hesitates and Skips while still having to pay for it......THANKS FORD...

- cblan331, Rogers, CT, US

problem #55

Nov 302012

Focus 5 Door 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

I had faith in Ford as a company many years for a number of reasons, for not taking government money, my brother worked for Ford for more than 35 yrs, I drove about 15 Fords while working as a field engineer for Hewlett Packard Co for over 30 years. I had faith that Ford could build a great car and fix any issues. I have been patiently waiting for a fix for this transmission issue. Knowing what I know now I think I would have returned the car when I first noticed the issue in 2012!. If Ford can only extend the warranty and say live with it then I think they have lost any of my future business. I feel I paid full price for a defective product.

- leeclukey, Williamsville, NY, US

problem #54

Apr 112015

Focus SE 4-cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

Bought the car (certified pre-owned) for a good price point and the car really didn't indicate any of the signs or symptoms of a transmission issue during the test drives -- granted the test drives were relatively short. Regardless, I was happy with the purchase at the time.

Fast forward to a few weeks into driving and commuting with the car and I started to notice some hesitations between zero and 1st gear, 1st and 2nd gear, 2nd and 3rd gear. Very minor and almost un-perceivable, but the symptoms increase in duration and severity. This occurred generally during stop-n-go traffic or regular city/suburban traffic. Also, it generally occurred after the car had been driving for 20-30 minutes and was sufficiently warmed up. However, because my driving pattern was a highway commute with little stop-n-go traffic it took awhile for me to drive under those conditions. Nevertheless, ever since then the transmission jerks and hesitates and makes an awful (but not too loud) grinding sound in between the lower gear shifts.

Ultimately, I googled the make, model and problem and BOOM! the problem was evident with many other users. I was not alone, not by a long shot. I wondered how I could've missed this, I was on so many of those damn car finder sites. Sadly I didn't find carcomplaints.com until long after my saga began. I'm getting rid of the car, will take a loss in the multiple transactions, but I'm not dealing with a pricey transmission problem for which Ford is unlikely to do anything about. It is a nuisance I could probably live with in the beginning if it didn't make that mortifying grinding noise, but it has progressively gotten worse. In addition, I have no assurance this won't be a problem for the life of the car. So, it is a major deal-breaker. I suggest others avoid this car since the percentage of users having this problem is way too high.

Lastly, if you are still considering buying this car. Make sure the car has been running for 30 minutes before a test drive. And good luck, you'll need it.

- Corrie C., Eatontown, NJ, US

problem #53

Jan 012014

Focus SE 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,200 miles

Been to the dealer once with assurance it was a software problem....no change in the shutter on takeoff.

Dealer says wait 1500 miles for solution to "learn" the problem....shutter is now to the point that we feel

uncomfortable driving 5 miles away from home..not what we wanted in a new car.

- David T., Rochester Hills, MI, US

problem #52

Jul 012015

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,375 miles

Bought the car with 26,000 miles on it in 2014. It was driving fine until about July of this year. When you take off from a red light it will hesitate then jerk after changing gears. I work for the government and drive the new 2015 Ford Focus and have not noticed any hesitation or jerking in the same situation. I do believe that there is an issue with this particular vehicle. My wife likes the vehicle but is reluctant to keep it due to the fact that it has this issue. Reading some blogs, I see that there is a pending lawsuit against Ford for this issue. Any help would be great.

- Jeffrey A., Mounds, OK, US

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