10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 11 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 6 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 41,047 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered while accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 16-0109 as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,293.
- Liverpool, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle was hesitating slightly and while shifting into the next gear, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that once the vehicle had been driven for more than 20 minutes, the vehicle stopped jerking into gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Programs: 14M02- Transmission control module extended warranty coverage (Power Train) and Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 - Transmission clutch shudder - transmission clutch warranty extension (Power Train). The failure mileage was 61,000.
- Hanover, MD, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and was not properly shifting gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed clutch. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. However, the clutch had been replaced three times prior, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
- Essex Junction, VT, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the RPM's increased rapidly however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating - Please Wait 5 minutes" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Northfield, VT, USA
When I left work one evening, my 2015 Focus transmission started slipping and wouldn't stay into gear. The folks at Koons Automotive (Silver Spring, MD) indicated that this transmission is habitually problematic and has probably failed.
- Takoma Park, MD, USA
Unknown, vehicle slips out of gear leaving you stranded in the middle of the street
- North Highlands, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, stalling, and shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 24,000.
- Orland Park, IL, USA
Transmission jerking and shaking
- Orland Park , IL, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered when the transmission was shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: [XXX] (Transmission Clutch Shudder - Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension -?" Power Train); however, the dealer denied performing the repair due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Wichita, KS, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speed and attempting to accelerate, the RMP would rise, but the vehicle would not move. The check engine warning light illuminated with the following messages: Transmission friction element B performance/stuck in off position - control module of transmission (TCM); Apply time range/ performance of transmission friction element B- control module of transmission (TCM); and Control module communication Buss 'A' off instrument control panel module. The contact stated, when the engine failed there was a message that stated transmission fault, service now. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed. The dealer stated that the clutch was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
- Fernandina Beach, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly jerked and hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The message "Transmission Overheated" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the TCM and actuators A and B. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 43,000.
- North Brunswick, NJ, USA
My check engine light came on and I took it to oreily to read the codes. It stated O2 sensor. Had it replaced immediately. Light went off for 2 weeks. I've notice my car having a lack of power but I thought it was due to the cold negative temperatures. Last few days the light came back on and I tried driving in D gear and my car would not move. It went in reverse. Transmission fluid was LOW. Had it filled and the next day it was back low. At this point I already had an appointment to get the TCM replaced (experienced all symptoms including lack of power, no start, engine light on). since there is a warranty extension and I was finally able to get in after waiting a few months. I called when I received the letter back in September of 2023 and was told by multiple dealers that they were booked and I would get a call back after giving them my name and number. Dropped my car off today at the dealer and as I pulled in my car stopped moving and I got an emergency message stating to stop the car and that the transmission was over heating. Wait 5 minutes until it cools. Keys were given to the workers and I get a call stating that I need a new clutch and that's the code they got back from the transmission. They also stated that warranty won't cover since I'm over the mileage and date. Had I received an initial letter about the warranty I could have had this situation resolved and a vehicle to drive. Im now stuck with the cost and just found out that I can't get it covered. My family's safety was put at risk because I was not made aware of this problem since I never received a letter and I assumed my car was reacting to its environment. My car has always had a lack of power when taking off from breaking or not driving in D when I first press the gas. I've received a letter about the transmission before and it's shuddering, lack of power and other symptoms, and assumed it was just that. Nothing to do with the clutch.
- Menomonee Falls, WI, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. An unknown warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the transmission clutch was replaced, and unknown repairs were performed. Additionally, the contact stated that while on vacation on an island, the vehicle was started, but the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer, Larson Ford (1150 Ocean Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701), where the same assessment was made and the TCM was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Toms River, NJ, USA
The contact's father owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted out of gear into neutral. The contact's father pulled over and waited before restarting the vehicle. There was an unknown warning message displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle intermittently did not start as needed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that the vehicle failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Vehicle equipped with DPS6 Automatic Transmission) however, the manufacturer declined to cover the cost of the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
- Auburn, WA, USA
Transmission failure, car seized on freeway going 75mph and almost lost control and crashed. Car is locked in park and inoperable.
- Waukee, IA, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure but performed a reprogramming of the transmission control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 9,000.
- Payson, AZ, USA
Drove home from work and stopped at Walmart on the way home. Pulled into a parking spot against a curb and when I came out to start my car and reverse out of the spot, it would not move. I got the car pushed out of the parking spot, and when driving out of the parking lot could not go past 1st gear. It has now been sitting at my apartment complex for two days. Couple years ago the transmission was replaced due to manufacturer recall. At the time, I had stopped in the middle of the road and could not go past 1st gear driving all the way home like this. I addressed the recall, and now I would like to believe the same thing is happening again. I have not gone to any mechanic or dealership yet for analysis however will attempt as soon as possible.
- Lewisville, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, shuddered, and failed to properly accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission actuators and clutch were faulty needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 103,500.
- Toms River, NJ, USA
Transmission has been jerking and shifts hard into gears. A messaged popped up as well that the transmission was running on hot. Transmission control module was recently replaced by a ford dealership but problem still persist.
- El Paso, TX, USA
- Swansboro, NC, USA