7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,470
Average Mileage:
22,850 miles
Total Complaints:
40 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (36 reports)
  2. clutch out of specs (4 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #20

Dec 302016

Focus SE 2.0L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

This 2015 Ford Focus se lurches so bad it will cause you to rear end the car in fornt of you. the clutch in auto burns. you have to balance the brake and gas to keep from lunging. it will dump the clutch so the car will drop below 500 rpms and shudder badly, the brakes will get firm and you can't stop the car & the car has a message pop up saying transmission is over heating. for no reason the transmission will slip. I have taken it to the dealer 8 or 9 times since december every week they can't figure out the issue. they pay for the rental, the car is under warranty, but i did not buy this car to have it in the shop every week. they have it for a week, I get it back and later the car starts to act up again. I take it back to the dealer and they have it for another week and same thing over and over. i am tired of doing this. if they ever fix it properly i am going to get rid of this car and get something different. I will never buy another ford again they are pieces of junk. everyone needs to stay away from ford. I really doubt they will figure out my car cause they have had it 8 times and say they can't find anything.

- Daniel C., Marietta, US

problem #19

Jun 012016

Focus SE

  • Manual transmission
  • 38,076 miles

Purchased the car in Dallas TX as a pre-owned vehicle. Use the car for Uber and not only did I notice the shuttering but had several riders/passengers mention the somewhat skipping of the transmission.

At times I would pull off from being stopped at a light or stop sign and the car felt like the wheel were off the road, I know this sounds weird but this is how it felt to me!

Took it back to the dealership and they had it for a week, replaced the clutch drove the car for another 3 months and it started again. Taking it back again after the Holidays.

- Marla A., Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #18

Nov 092016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

I took it in for the first service. Tried explaining to the service guy. He tried telling me it needs to be driven a certain way. But we were cut off by an angry customer busting in the office yelling about something. I am due for the next service and will see what kind of crap I am fed this time.

Overall it is a great little car. But the transmission feels like it is about to jump out the car. It only does it at low speeds and does not do it all the time. Could cause a problem getting into traffic. It may also cause another problem later down the road as something broken.

- Keith J., Ridgeville, SC, US

problem #17

Jan 062017

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,100 miles

transmission shudders from a stop to acceleration

I purchased the 2015 Ford Focus 2015 SE with 7100 miles on it. During the test drive everyting was OK, After reciving the car and getting it to temperature on the freeway, I entered stop and go traffic and the tranmission jumped all over the place, the RPM's would go between 500 and 2500 and the car would not accelerate.

- tometec, Marysville, WA, US

problem #16

Sep 292016

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

This is the SECOND time that I have had this problem...at this time, I am STILL trying to get into a loaner car, because both AutoNation Ford Dealerships, (Bryant Irwin and Campus Drive, Fort Worth, TX), do not like to return phone calls and even though I was put into a loaner the 1st time, via Automaton Bryant Irwin, they did not fix the issue, I get horrible gas mileage, the car "crumbles" or "shutters", EACH time it's given gas!!!

- slllyon, Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #15

Nov 162016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

Bought my daughter a 2015 Focus SE. This car was purchased brand new. Upon the test drive, it accelerated perfect. Hell it only had 5 miles on. Again, my daughter who is 18 drives this car. It's supposed to last her through college and hopefully longer. After about 5,000 miles she told me that it felt like the car was vibrating when she "hit the gas". So I drove it and realized that the transmission felt like it was skipping. Took it to the dealer and they told me that it was normal. What? Wait, normal? This is not normal. Service adviser explained to me that the transmission is supposed to function like a manual transmission. I told him that's great, but this is not normal. So I was like whatever fine. Kept doing it. Took it back and told them, THIS IS NOT NORMAL!!!! Look into the issue please. Called me a few hours later. Nothing is wrong. Our tech drove it and ran a diagnostic test and came back fine. Finally I took it to a Ford dealer that a friend of mine's brother was a transmission tech. He looked at it and said, yep it's not functioning correctly. You need the clutches replaced. "I see it all the time". I'll have it done by tomorrow morning. That was at 9,500 miles. Guess what? 12,000 miles and shifts smooth like butter. Now I have a piece of mind knowing that my daughter won't be stranded because of a faulty clutch. So if you're having this same issue, make them replace the clutch in the transmission. Hope this helps some of you out there.

- Jose M., Elyria, OH, US

problem #14

Jul 312015

Focus 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles

This is the most awful thing. I bought a fully loaded brand new car and it jumps around like crazy. This needs to be recalled. look at all the people that are unhappy. COME ON FORD. IT NEVER SHIFTS SMOOTHLY.

- Nichole D., Fairfield, CA, US

problem #13

Jul 012015

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

I was sold this vehicle by Ted Russell Ford in Knoxville, TN., knowing full well that there was a problem with the transmission. It took almost 7 months before I got someone in the service department to acknowledge what was wrong. Since then it has come to light that the 2012-2015 ford focus vehicles are all experiencing the same issue. Since then it has been found that the problem is more bad manufacturing of the clutch with no immediate fix. I have had the clutch replaced twice, and two transmission module updates done, and still no relief. Tried to get Ford corporate involved and they will only acknowledge what the dealership says.

The dealership has done nothing but jerk me around on the issue and no resolution available. I've been told to "keep driving my car like it is until we get a fix". If anyone knows of a lawsuit for the 2015 ford focus I would love to know about it to be included.

- Von V., Knoxville, TN, US

problem #12

Jul 042016

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25 miles

On going problem...Port Clinton Ford sold the car knowing there were issues but never mentioned. When I took the car back have been told that I just need to get used to it! I have also been told that it is not their issue, that I need to fight with Ford as the dealership can do nothing.

Took to another dealership, Kistler Ford. They have at least tried - adjusted computer module a couple of times and replaced the clutch. They now say that Ford will no longer allow them to do anything further.

Contacted Ford Customer Service. Was told that it is a European transmission and works fine there. Was told that since it is European, it is not a Ford product so they cannot be held responsible. Was told that it is a Porche' transmission and I need to learn to drive it like a race care. Was told that it was an upgrade the US government required to help save gas. I was told that there is nothing the Senior Leadership at Ford will allow them to do to help fix the problem. And on and on and on....I was told to get an attorney but that I will not win....I was told the Lemon Law won't work in this case because they actually have to service the care 4 times - adjusting the computer module doesn't count as service.

Have been a Ford customer all my life.......never again. By the way, the dealership that sold me the car is owned by a cousin. Wrong in more ways than I can count!

- randymicaz, Toledo, OH, US

problem #11

Oct 102015

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Ford repair says shudder is normal, it didn't do it when new. They say Ford wont fix it. Feels like going over rail road track when shifting.

- fredloh, Columbus, OH, US

problem #10

Mar 012016

Focus SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

Car shuddering/jerking after the car is stopped. This has been happening on and off for a while, approx. 6 months. It is getting worse so I now have an appointment for Wednesday 9/21/2016. they want the car all day. This will be the first I have taken it in to the dealer. maybe it is a hesitation but feels more like the transmission with the jerking. I will update after it gets serviced. I had car for 1 year & already plan on getting rid of it when I can.

Update from Nov 7, 2016: Had the car at Ford today 11/7/16. They are going to replace the clutch for the shuddering.

- Anthony P., Washington Townsip, NJ, US

problem #9

Sep 032016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles

Purchased new in July of 2015 with the full understanding of the Dual Clutch transmission behavior, All was well until approx 13k miles then the clutch had started to shudder and slip pulling out from a stop, this had gotten worse to the point where the engine would rev up and then the transmission would slam/ harshly pull out with a nice grinding shift into 2nd gear (embarrassing for a new car, not sure how used car lots can sell these) Didn't bother to get it fixed, had a 2012 Focus SEL with the same issues they kept reoccurring every 10K miles or so (seals, clutch and TCM all replaced under 75k miles!). I traded the 2015 Focus in on a 2016 Mazda 3 couldn't be happier. I have had ford vehicles all my life and this and the 2012 Focus was a total disappointment!

BE WARNED:

Steer clear of the 2012-2016 Focus's with automatic transmissions!!!! the transmission problems only get worse not better.

- dbs71985pa, Temple, PA, US

problem #8

Aug 202016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,200 miles

I just purchased my car last Saturday, took it back this Saturday to report that it has a jerk/miss in the engine and the cruise is not working all the time. Suppose to bring it back in for them to check next week.

- Kathy R., Warsaw, NC, US

problem #7

Mar 012016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

the shuttering started at 4000 miles. at 5000 miles thhe shuttering is much wore.

Love the car but this is not good at all....Before buying the car I called For and they assured me the problem had been fixed for 2015. I am disappointed to say that this appears not to be true. It happens more often when after an Interstate drive.

there is also a grating noise when turning left and accellerating. that too is probably the transmission

simply disappointing. the car drives beautifully and the gas mileage is terrific, but.....

- andysc, Gaffney, SC, US

problem #6

Jun 012016

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

Called the Dealer Andy Mohr Ford in Plainfield, Indiana and they told me they couldn't even get me in until August 29,2016. Service guy said that is as soon as they could even look at this model. Keeps shuttering, popping when left turn is made, and hesitation when you accelerate. Probably going get me killed one day. Have had it in for one recall to reprogram the module. Stay away from the Ford Focus.... junk!!!!!

- Curtis B., Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #5

May 252015

Focus SE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 600 miles

I bought a 2014 focus after 6 months they had to change the clutch and the problem got worse so I demanded a 2016 focus and it does the same thing it jerks shudders engine hesitates. I need help

- tommy455, Irving, TX, US

problem #4

Feb 092016

Focus 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,700 miles

I have owned this car 11 months. The car has shuddered and jerked and difficult in 1st gear ever since I've owned it. I talked to the dealer that sold it to me and emailed Ford last year and basically I'm told that the transmission has a "unique" response. In researching I see that the Focus transmission has been a problem for several years and supposedly Ford said they fixed the transmission problems for the 2015 model but it didn't happen to my car. The only good side to this, if there is one, is that it is intermittent. The bad and worse side is that when I go through days of the transmission behaving this way I get very stressed. Twice now I have started from a stop light only to have the car jerk so hard almost to a stop, with my foot still on the gas pedal, I thought I was going to get rear ended. It's so dangerous. I've contacted another Ford dealer nearby and I'm taking it into them. They verified the problem and know about it and said they will do their best to make it better for me, but no guarantees. They said the dealer who sold the car to me should have told me about the "manual" transmission with no clutch. I traded in a 2008 Focus that had no problems like this at all. It's such a disappointment. And because the problem IS intermittent I never know what is going to happen when I step on that gas pedal. I don't know how a company as big as Ford can continue to sell these cars knowing the transmissions are problematic! I'm so disappointed in them, I thought they were better than this. My 2008 Focus and the one prior was a 2005 and they were great cars. Everything else about the car is fine, but the transmission (as far as I know).

- Sandra W., Winter Haven, FL, US

problem #3

Oct 232015

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

New Car FORD, Less then 6000 Miles on it. Next time a I will stay with Honda...

- 88bills, Memphis, US

problem #2

Nov 012015

Focus Sedan Se 2.0L 14 Gdi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,500 miles

MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS, UNDER ACCELERATION VERY BAD SHUDDERING.

- Angela G., Florence, SC, US

problem #1

Oct 262015

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,532 miles

My car was in the shop for 3 days. Replaced clutch. Picked up car and it was worse than before I took it in.

- Ashley L., The Rock, GA, US