10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
22 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,941 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #1154

Jan 172022

Focus

  • 113,878 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be rebuilt. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was jerking while driving. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was associated to a recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had remained at the dealer for three months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,878.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #1153

Oct 142016

Focus

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the transmission overheating warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission control module was replaced. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was not able to successfully identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

- Steger, IL, USA

problem #1152

Apr 012015

Focus

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stationary position, the vehicle would jump, vibrate, and shudder and would not immediately properly accelerate. In addition, the check engine light would illuminate as the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The clutch was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The contact indicated that the clutch had been replaced on four separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the recent failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #1151

Oct 152021

Focus

  • 99,486 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission slipped from drive into neutral with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact then continued to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer it was purchased from. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where a software update was completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt and the clutch needed to be replaced. Additionally, transmission software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,486.

- Victory Mills, NY, USA

problem #1150

Apr 032022

Focus

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The contact stated she had to park and restart the vehicle several times before reaching her residence. The contact called several local dealers and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #1149

Apr 062022

Focus

  • miles
Improper shifting and loss of power while accelerating. Shuddering at take offs. Feels unsafe.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #1148

Jan 222022

Focus 4-cyl

  • 93,503 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken in for a routine oil change and the contact was informed that a transmission flush and spark plug replacement was needed. The contact stated a week later the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the transmission flush and spark plug replacement. The contact stated that while at the dealer the vehicle failed to shift to second gear, fifth gear, and reverse. The contact stated that the dealer informed her that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact stated she inquired about a clutch recall which the vehicle was previously repaired for in 2015. The dealer stated that they needed to contact the manufacturer for approval of repairs under a recall for the clutch and TCM. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer to submit the correct paperwork. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,503.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #1147

Mar 252016

Focus

  • 14,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond, started jerking, and the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch and the transmission sensor system had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer seven more times. The dealer replaced the transmission clutch and the transmission sensor system; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic result and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

- Macon, MO, USA

problem #1146

Mar 172022

Focus

  • 187,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with Transmission Control Module (TCM) and clutch failure. The dealer informed the contact that the TCM and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Phil Campbell, AL, USA

problem #1145

Mar 182022

Focus

  • miles
Took my car to Apple Ford in Columbia, MD on 3/10/22 for unrelated recall repairs on my 2014 Ford Focus, dealt with Service Rep #1. The car was finished around closing time. As I drove home a loud rattle was coming from the engine while idling causing the whole dashboard to shake. The clock was also now pushed 2 hours and 3 minutes ahead which was odd. I continued to drive the few miles to home. The next day I drove 20+ miles to Baltimore for an appointment. While there I stopped for gas. When I pushed the remote door lock button, the lights blinked, the door locks clicked but the horn did not beep twice as it usually does. I hit the door lock button several times but the horn did not beep so now the horn was not working. Before I took my car to Apple Ford it was working. I went to my appointment and parallel parked on the street. When leaving I had a hard time getting my car out of the parking space. As I drove I noticed the car was jerking, shaking, shuddering, vibrating and lunging every time I slowed down, came to a stop, then accelerated again and getting on and off the highway. While on I-95 the car continued to jerk, shake, shudder, vibrate and lunge and the RPM gauge needle shot over to high RPMs over and over again. Then the engine light came on. I exited I-95 onto Rt. 216 then a 2nd emergency warning sounded and another message came on that the transmission was overheating pull over immediately. I pulled over, called Apple Ford, told Service Rep #1 what happened, AAA was towing the car back. He said it was probably the Transmission Controller, they had several other Ford Focuses with the same problem. On 3/14 I called and spoke to Service Rep #2, he didn't even know the car was there. I told him what that happened. Rep #2 called back said he took it for a test drive and found nothing. I insisted there was something wrong. He said he'd take it for a test longer drive. Called again 3/18 they are referring problem to a manager. No resolution as of yet.

- Highland, MD, USA

problem #1144

Jan 172022

Focus

  • 1,850,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and shake. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle would not shift into reverse. Additionally, the vehicle would remain in first gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

- Tolleson, AZ, USA

problem #1143

Mar 022022

Focus

  • miles
2010-2016 Ford focus Se transmission Don't matter what transmission is installed they all have same issue 000000 miles to 150k transmission never shift correct or stops shifting or the gear get stuck.

- Westchester, OH, USA

problem #1142

Jan 032022

Focus

  • miles
I went to Tom Ford Ford in Carmel, IN in 2016 on this issue and was repaired under warranty then Ford sent an updated letter warranty letter about the DPS6 transmission and reduced warranty from 10 years to 7 years which expired in 2021. Car started having transmission trouble in early 2022; Tom Ford will not repair because not under the reduced warranty terms. I asked for Zone mgr from service manager but would not give me his contact and number on the issue. I-??m having same problem again

- Carmel, IN, USA

problem #1141

Feb 102022

Focus

  • miles
The dealership confirmed I have the case of a well known clutch shudder problem. But my car is not covered as it has 112K miles on it. Why the recall does not cover cars with 112K miles" Are they immune to this well known problem? Can anyone answer"

- Henrico, VA, USA

problem #1140

Dec 232021

Focus 4-cyl

  • 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 10 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal and pulled into the parking lot of her apartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist as they did not have a transmission mechanic or parts. The contact contacted other unknown dealers who advised as the first dealer. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist where the transmission was taken apart and the transmission assembly was replaced. The transmission specialist drove the vehicle to the contact's residence and informed her that the steering rack might have failed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making abnormal grinding sounds while driving. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle did not qualify for the lemon law. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

- Jupiter, FL, USA

problem #1139

Jan 282022

Focus

  • miles
Please help in desperate need of my cars recalls getting fixed and no one will help me I have a baby and a single mother and need my vehicle and still nothing it was recalls on my 2014 Ford focus

- Ridgecrest, CA, USA

problem #1138

Jan 252016

Focus 4-cyl

  • 31,000 miles
The contact's wife owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had been shuddering, hesitating, and lunging while driving. The vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers and the dealers informed the contact that it was a known failure and that the TCM was reprogramed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission clutch was replaced in 2019; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light and the warning message "Service transmission immediately" illuminated. The contact's wife was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer - Pacifico Ford (6701 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153) who diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer repaired the vehicle under an unknown extended warranty; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was then taken to Lawrenceville Ford Service (2920 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648) who diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not cover the repair because the transmission clutch was not covered by the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

- Pennington, NJ, USA

problem #1137

Aug 162021

Focus

  • miles
Mid August last year my 2014 Focus lit up on the dash -??service transmission immediately-??. The car hesitated and shuddered through the gears and the automatic transmission wouldn-??t go through all the gears. It is still under warranty. Took it to a local Ford dealer, they said the Transmission Control Module is out. This is the second time this has happened. My car has 65,000 miles on it. The dealer said the part was on back order, and could take months, and they could not offer a rental/loaner. They said I could -??still drive the car until it finally just stops moving.-?? I tried driving it, it REALLY -??stops moving-?? like when you-??re trying to merge onto the interstate and semis are coming. It took the dealer 5.5 MONTHS to get the part. No loaner car could be offered from Ford or the local dealer. Just -??sorry the part is ordered but that-??s all we can do.-?? Almost 6 months without a car that I was still paying on, that was under warranty. It-??s fixed now, but this is the SECOND TIME this issue has happened and when you-??re driving it is EXTREMELY dangerous to both those in the vehicle and other commuters as well. The car will literally shift out of gear when you-??re going 70+ miles per hour and you lose all control. It won-??t accelerate from a stop when you need it to. It won-??t slow down smoothly so that you can stop on time. It-??s extremely dangerous and it-??s apparently a common issue in these vehicles that hasn-??t been properly addressed. If I could trade my car in I would before this issue recurs again but I owe on it a little more than its trade in is valued. This issue needs addressed asap, Ford should honestly offer a lemon buy back for those vehicles affected. Thank you.

- Bowling Green , KY, USA

problem #1136

Aug 182021

Focus

  • miles
On 08/18/2021, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on our 2014 Ford Focus failed completely in a parking lot with NO ADVANCE WARNING. This failure of the transmission could have happened while driving in a dangerous location such as an entrance ramp, a busy highway or other location where it would have been impossible to move out of the traffic lane. THIS LACK OF ENGAGEMENT OR LOSS OF POWER COULD HAVE POSSIBLY ENDANGERED OUR LIVES OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. The car was towed to a nearby Ford dealer who diagnosed the problem as a failed TCM. Ford sent us a letter in August 2016 titled as -??Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02-?? for our specific 2014 Focus, with our specific VIN # that Ford was extending the warranty of the TCM, to a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. The Ford dealer ordered the TCM, but it is STILL ON BACKORDER with no estimated arrival time. The car has been unusable & sitting at the dealer-??s lot WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT TCM FOR 4-1/2+ MONTHS! According to the Detroit Free Press article of 07/11/2019 (-??Ford knew Focus, Fiesta had flawed transmission, sold them anyway-??), Ford was aware of the problem. The serious transmission reliability issues with my 2014 Ford Focus go beyond just the TCM. The original TCM was reprogrammed after 30,000 miles. In the 126,728 miles the car has been driven, I have had the CLUTCH REPLACED FIVE TIMES due to SHUDDER DURING SHIFTING. In my opinion, it is a BREACH OF CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS WHEN FORD DOES NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY IN A TIMELY MANNER. That indicates to me that Ford hasn-??t taken ownership of these transmission problems and has DELAYED/NEGLECTED ITS DUTY TO REPAIR & MAKE THE CAR SAFE & RELIABLE. NHTSA should launch an investigation and force Ford to fix this transmission design failure before we and/or others become seriously injured or die because of the inadequate performance of this car-??s transmission.

- Cologne, MN, USA

problem #1135

Oct 182021

Focus

  • miles
In September 2021, I contacted Allan Vigil Ford in Morrow, Georgia, to make an appointment for a recall transmission service of a 2014 Ford Focus. Recall transmission repairs have been done at this same dealership in the past. I was unable to drive the car and was given an appointment to drop the car off on October 18, which I did. I immediately requested a loaner vehicle and was told one wasn-??t available. After, several weeks I was approved to receive a rental through Enterprise but cannot use that rental care company due to owing a balance. I had a similar issue in the past with Geico, who immediately allowed me to rent a car through Hertz. I was eventually informed I could rent with another car rental company and receive reimbursement. However, I did not receive this information in writing, and it would incur thousands of dollars upfront with no clear standard on the rental process or when I will receive reimbursement. This is not feasible considering I am still paying the monthly note to Navy Federal Credit Union and the insurance while the car is inoperable. I would also like to make it known I am a Registered Nurse and frontline worker and must travel from Locust Grove to Decatur to work, at least 40 miles one way. This hardship has created tension at my workplace because I cannot take any time off due to the pandemic. There is also tension in my relationships as I beg for rides and provide them cash, increasing my debts. I have done an online buyback quote with Carmax, and in working condition, they will pay $8000 for the vehicle, which will cover the remaining loan balance. Since it has been almost three months with no anticipated end date due to the needed transmission module, suitable options include Ford to buy back the vehicle, provide compensation, and a rental car.

- Locust Grove, GA, USA

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