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CarComplaints.com Notes: For the third year in a row, the 3rd generation Focus is experiencing massive transmission problems.

Most notably owners keep complaining about how there's bad hesitation and jerking when starting from a stop. This isn't the result of an old, worn out part. In fact, the average mileage it's reported to us is just over 15k miles.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,326 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Ford Focus clutch problems

clutch problem

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2014 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Oct 162023

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My clutch which we paid out of pocket for the first time we need to get it fixed and I only had the car for 6 months when the clutch went out the first time then only a year later I had to get it fixed again and got it under warranty and then the following year I had to get it fixed and it was covered again under warranty and now 2023 again a year later my clutch went out and even tho my clutch was covered under a two year warranty they are refusing to fix my clutch because it is a "transmission issue" even after running my diagnostic it clearly states it is a CLUTCH issue and since they are calling it a "transmission issue" my car can no longer be fixed and covered under warranty because it is not a "transmission issue" it is a CLUTCH issue. I have only ever gotten my car fixed from Ford and we cant understand why this is a recurring issue and there for WHY FORD CANNOT FIX THIS ISSUE.

- Comstock Park, MI, USA

problem #39

Oct 182023

Focus

  • 71,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the clutch assembly was previously repaired and the TCM was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

- Waterboro, ME, USA

problem #38

Oct 022023

Focus

  • 181,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled off the roadway and then turned off and restarted the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

- Hillsboro, OR, USA

problem #37

Aug 212023

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We bought this used vehicle from Toyota of Peoria Dealership in April 2023. Was in the middle of traffic when my vehicle stop almost getting into a accident.Due to a clutch recall that we were not informed of. When we got it into a Ford dealership they told us that we would have to pay for theses recalls that ended going bad in the vehicle. Told us that recall only last for 5 years or 100 thousand mile it would of been covered. Being a big dealership in our area they should of checked all recalls as well looking over everything before selling a car. These recalls should go longer then 5 years.

- Chillicothe, IL, USA

problem #36

Sep 252018

Focus

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the RMPS increased significantly. Additionally, the contact stated upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond while driving from a complete stop. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop at the traffic light. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting into reverse(R) and failed to respond intermittently when shifting into reverse(R). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the TCM was operable, and that the failure was due to the transmission clutch shudder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 19N08; however, the dealer informed the contact that the campaign had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA

problem #35

Dec 152015

Focus

  • 15,661 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and shifting between gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle taken to the dealer on two occasions, and the transmission clutch was replaced and the PCM was reprogrammed twice; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting into reverse (R) and the engine revved. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as if the transmission was in neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Lynch Ford of Mukwonago (1015 Main St, Mukwonago, WI 53149) where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was not shifting as intended and the vehicle was shuddering while shifting between gears. The message "Transmission Overheated" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a third dealer, Griffin Ford (1940 E Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186), where it was diagnosed and the transmission actuator was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the ignition key, the vehicle failed to start at first attempt, and there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,661.

- East Troy, WI, USA

problem #34

Feb 122023

Focus

  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping out of gear, and the vehicle was jerking violently. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds while driving. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and she was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because Ford Service Campaign Number: 19N08 Warranty Extension had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #33

Mar 222023

Focus

  • 74,000 miles
The contact-??s daughter owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch and the clutch seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle warranty had expired and to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA

problem #32

Jan 012023

Focus

  • 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into 1st gear, the vehicle failed to move. The contact revved the engine and the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clutch and flywheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #31

Sep 052017

Focus

  • 46,718 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started jerking and shuddering. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to experience the failure while driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the manual clutch and transmission pressure plate to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle a second time to the local dealer in August of 2018, where it was diagnosed with needing the manual clutch and transmission pressure plate to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle for the third time to the local dealer on November 15, 2019, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer on January 26, 2023 and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,718.

- Lithia, FL, USA

problem #30

Jun 012022

Focus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer who confirmed there was no associated recall under the VIN. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Livermore, CA, USA

problem #29

Oct 082022

Focus

  • 109,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the clutch was replaced under a previous transmission control module satisfaction program. The contact then stated that while she was parked and shifted the gear into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. Once the contact shifted the gear shifter into drive(D), the vehicle was jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing to replace the transmission control module and the clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

- Tracy, CA, USA

problem #28

Jul 142022

Focus

  • 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter intermittently failed to shift to the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the actuator fork shift; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that Customer Satisfaction Campaign Number: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch) had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

- Willard, MO, USA

problem #27

Mar 212022

Focus

  • miles
The original shudder issue was noted in 12/13/2017 about a shudder happening when stopping and then trying to accelerate and it occurred periodically over the past year. The shuddering continued to get worse and at (79058 miles) I was told that the clutch could be replaced for $3000, and nothing was covered under any warranty. Even though continued complaints about this model to Ford On 8/27/2018 the shutter was determined to be related to the recall module 955442 causing shift issues (86575 miles). I was advised to watch nothing else stated. Still issues. It was then determined that the clutch assembly would need to be replaced. Claim number through Ford stated they would pay for the parts and I would have to pay the labor. No one at this time stated that there was a Ford DPS6 Powershift Transmission Settlement that gave options to deal with this vehicle. Not even when getting the CAS#. This was to cover all 2012-2016 Ford Focus Vehicles. The clutch was replaced on 4/11/2019 (91195 miles) and then again replaced on 7/30/2019 (100,379 miles) A 2nd clutch assembly was put in because there were issues from the 4/11/2019 clutch assembly parts put in. Now on March 21, 2022 (176,000 miles) the vehicle again in in the shop for a 3rd time stating the clutch will need to be replaced. Engine light came on relating to the DPS6 clutch again. Unable to drive had to be towed. This will be the 3rd time the clutch is replaced and is getting just over 75000 miles again where the clutch gives out and the car shutters while accelerating. The original clutch was to be covered to 100,000 miles and was not covered and now again Ford is stating it won-??t be covered again. And that yes this is a DPS6 Transmission and that they will need to replace the shift fork and the clutch. This is a vehicle hazard because the clutches are not making the original 100,000 at any time for these models 2012 - 2016. Even when the clutch is replaced again the parts don't last.

- Saint Michael, MN, USA

problem #26

Feb 092021

Focus

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but found no issues. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the engine mounts were replaced however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact was informed that the canister purge valve was stuck. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the automatic dual-clutch was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Lexington, SC, USA

problem #25

May 012021

Focus

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the clutch was hard to shift into gear. Additionally, the transmission became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #24

Jun 042021

Focus 4-cyl

  • miles
2014 Ford Focus. Consumer writes in regards to transmission and clutch safety recall. The consumer stated the vehicle was taken in to have the recall repair completed. The dealer declined to repair the vehicle stating it did not meet the proper specifications. The vehicle has failed and no longer covered under the warranty. The consumer stated the vehicle sputtered on take off and the clutch was faulty.

- Seminole, FL, USA

problem #23

Jul 292014

Focus

  • 73,500 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate at a lower speed. The vehicle was taken to steamboat motors Ford (located at 2310 Lincoln ave, steamboat springs, co 80487, (970) 879-8880) where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 73,500.

- Pea Ridge, AR, USA

problem #22

Oct 122015

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the clutch assembly failed twice at approximately 10,000 miles. The clutch assembly was replaced twice by bob maxey Ford of howell (2798 E grand river ave, howell, mi 48843, (517) 545-5700). The dealer indicated that the same oem clutch assembly needed to be replaced again. The failure was a known issue by the manufacturer; however, a newly designed oem clutch assembly had not yet been developed. The contact was informed that the part may need to be replaced every 10,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified and suggested that the same oem clutch assembly be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was not available.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #21

Feb 172017

Focus

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. While driving various speeds, the gear shifted into neutral and the vehicle shut down. The vehicle also failed to shift into reverse. Occasionally, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to titus-will Ford (253-475-4151, located at 3606 S sprague ave, Tacoma, wa 98409) where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

- Federal Way, WA, USA

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