8.9
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $3,200
- Average Mileage:
- 53,450 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 14 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (7 reports)
- replaced part of the transmission (6 reports)
- lemon law (1 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
I'm just wondering if anyone had been paid out on the class action? I keep getting the run around.
- Chris S., Long Beach, CA, US
I bought this car - paid 5600.00 from a car dealer. I started noticing a shutter or hesitation when pulling out. I bought this car thinking it would be reliable for doc appointments, etc. I have 4 kids and needed a reliable car. I feel I bought a nightmare.
- Beauti J., Pleasantville, OH, US
Car would not start and transmission would not engage after I got it started. After jiggling the shifter a few times, it finally engaged. While driving, I experienced loss of engagement, no shift and lack of power. Ford states that it could be the transmission control module but has no recall on the issue. It is certainly a danger while going up a hill and the car goes out of gear and you have cars behind you. This is another issue I have with this transmission. This one is way more serious. I have already stated the issue with the shudder but I could have a very bad accident if this occurred at the wrong time. Ford needs to step up to the plate and get these cars repaired or replaced .
- Allan R., Kernersville, US
This is the 4th time we have had transmission type problems with the 2013 Ford Focus. Bought the car used and loved it. The first time we took it to the Ford dealership there was no trouble found. The second time they did the software flash. The third time they replaced the clutch.
all of this was under the extended warranty. Now we are being told the actuators are sticking because of some discharge/gunk FROM THE CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION to the tune of $2300!!!!
Seems to me the transmission is still causing the problem. My dealer SAYS he has been telling FORD Corporate that this is the problem but that FORD refuses to cover it. I think this needs to be apart of the lawsuit or a new class action suit because FORD has to know what is going on and wants to cut their losses.
- Gina R., Atlanta, GA, US
Everyone by now knows of Ford Focus and Fiesta dual clutch transmission problems, mine were the same and so is everyone else's that I speak to about it. I have personally spoken with dozens of strangers, friends and co workers and they have all reported similar stories and complaints
- James S., Phoenix, US
I totally regret the day I bought this sh*tty car in January 2013!!! The transmission never stops jerking or shaking whenever I slowly accelerate or drive uphill. I've brought my car to the dealership four times to have the transmission fixed, but the problem has not been fixed. My car is now in the dealership, and I don't know if this issue with the transmission will finally be resolved.
I had Hondas in the past, but the cars never gave me any problem with transmission. I swear I will never purchase an American car again! I can't wait to trade in this piece of junk for a Honda or Toyota!
- Guia B., Denver, CO, US
Second visit to the dealer regarding the transmission issue they puled the transmission and cleaned the clutch and resealed.
- James S., Belle Fourche, SD, US
I was told several times that the hard shudder in my transmission in low gears was "normal" and "characteristic" of the car.
Finally the recall hit,
I took it up to Ford and they were quick to get it in, they had to wait a week to get the parts but they set me up with a rental in the meantime.
For the first time since buying my car (but unfortunatly only for the next 8 months) i didn't have an issue with it.
- emeris, orlando, FL, US
hesitates, jerks, acts like no gas to engine, doors grind
I bought my car as a new 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 over and over and over again till this day and still no corrections.
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. 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.
No one wants to take repsonsibility for any of this.
- Susan B., Cameron Park, CA, US
Let's back up to the day we bought our 2013 Ford Focus a year ago. We were amazed by the great deal we found on it - around 20,000 miles and completely updated. We were thrilled to drive this almost brand new but used car off the lot.
I've realized now why we had "such a great deal" - because this car is essentially a death trap.
From almost day 1 we've had issues. The car would jump during acceleration. We live in Chicago where it's nearly impossible to drive fast because of traffic so we couldn't chalk it up to mis-using it. We would be driving in heavy traffic at 10 miles an hour and the transmission would jump and grind. We would also roll backward on hills. Again, we live in a big city where cars are right behind you. Not that this is excusable in any circumstance but it is even more dangerous for us knowing we have about 6 feet of distance between the next car.
Today, as I was merging onto the highway - the transmission jerked and then completely failed. If this would have happened a few seconds later, I would have easily been hit by another car on the highway. The car picked up again a few seconds later but the engine light was now on and it was revving but barely moving. I pulled over and restarted the car but nothing changed. As I drove very slowly to work, I called our local Ford dealership that we've been to many times over countless issues. He assured me that I wasn't in danger as long as I went slow and the light didn't begin blinking. He did say we needed to come in ASAP and get the entire transmission rebuilt. ASAP for Ford isn't the same as my standards as they don't have availability for the next few weeks.
So I'm now paying for a rental out of my own pocket because I don't feel safe driving a very updated vehicle. We have been told by Ford over and over that it's just how the car operates. Sorry, cars don't give out on highways at only 3 years old and less than 30,000 miles.
Even after this transmission is replaced, I can't wait to get rid of this horrid vehicle. I will never, ever buy a Ford again.
- Brittney H., Chicago, IL, US
HAVE COMPLAINED SINCE 2ND WEEK I GOT THIS CAR. HAS BEEN IN FOUR TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. ALWAYS REOCCURS WITH IN 4 TO 6 MONTHS. THEY TREAT ME LIKE I'M AN IDIOT AND I DRIVE "WRONG". I DRIVE A LOT EVERYDAY FOR MY WORK AND THE CAR IS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AGAIN, AND THEY ARE TRYING TO TELL ME I HAVE TOO MANY MILES. IT IS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. IT DOES NOT REMAIN FIXED! I STILL OWE A LOT FOR THIS CAR AND I WANT IT REPLACED!
FORD WAS COMPLETELY RUDE TO BE AND SAID THEY WILL NOT BUY THIS CAR BACK. ON TOP OF THIS PROBLEM THE DEFORSTERS HAVE NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THEM "WE HAVE TO SEE IT FOG UP FOR NO REASON TO FIX IT" THEY HAVE NEVER EVER ADDRESSED THAT. I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY WINDOWS OPEN EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT RAINING OUTSIDE, AS THE WINDOWS AND SIDE MIRRORS FOG UP COMPLETELY!
- Lisa B., Federal Way, WA, US
Took car to dealer on 07/22/14,and after they drove car said was normal issue, with gear rattle. Week later took car to service dept again, took manager for ride, conclusion , same answer. Was told would hear from Ford. Received letter stating issues with transmission and possible causes. Received case number cas-5072512-p2n3k2. If any other issues please contact Ford. Letter explained possible leakage of seals or computer not in sync with transmission. But no offer to try and fix. I have contacted Ford again and waiting for solution.
Noise is not normal when you can hear it rattle with windows rolled up and other cars going by. Love the car for speed, agility, and gas mileage, ride is great. Just upset car sounds like an old model A from years gone by, transmission now stutters and vibrates when driven. We shall see what happens, always bought Fords, but now, not too sure. They don't seem to believe normal customers.
- Rodney D., Lebanon, NH, US
New purchase, September 2012. Immediately had trans problem, was told the trans would 'learn' your driving habits. It didn't. Herky jerky, shutters and bangs between gears. Clutches replaced once, computer re-flashed multiple times (and gas mileage goes up and down with each reflash). After 12 visits to dealership over two years, (and because they varied the cause, it wasn't eligible for the lemon law in my state) and Ford Customer Service providing an extended warranty and $500 credit to spend at the dealership, the problem still exists.
Spring, 2014, got letter from Ford that says 'even though we've denied your problem exists for two years now, we now know that it does. Bring your car in with this letter and we will fix it." Took the car to the dealership, and after four days (a total of 32 days out of service over two years for this), they called and said, 'we've replicated the problem that you are complaining about, but the shutter level (shutters between shifts), is not severe enough to engage the fix that the letter from Ford indicates. This car, Ford, Ford Customer Service, and the dealership are ridiculous. If you dig deep enough, you'll find settlements for individual lawsuits and class action lawsuits (California), where Ford is settling. But they won't step up to take care of you or me, without a lawsuit. Horse and buggies shifted smoother than this hunk-o-junk car. Don't buy one new, don't buy one used. Terribly discouraging.
- w.s.e., CONIFER, CO, US
Car was taken to Feldman Ford in Detroit on 12/26/23 and is still there (today is 2/7/24). They attempted to replace the transmission 4 times and it failed during the test drive each time. The techs are currently trying to find a repair.
- Tonysha E., Belleville, MI, US