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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.

7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,510
Average Mileage:
25,200 miles
Total Complaints:
137 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (65 reports)
  2. recall on transmission (21 reports)
  3. no solution (18 reports)
  4. clutch replacement (11 reports)
  5. install new clutch shaft (7 reports)
  6. transmission control module recall (6 reports)
2014 Ford Focus transmission problems

transmission problem

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2014 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 6 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #37

Sep 302014

Focus ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,800 miles

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

Purchased this vehicle in September of 2014...car has been jerky when starting from a stop position from day one. Stopped for a while and then started really bad in the Spring of 2015...had a recall put on....no change....has two updates...no change and actually getting worse. Also having problems with jerky driving and hesitating while making left hand turns....almost got hit in a major intersection. Car is horrible in stop and go traffic.....I am extremely nervous driving this vehicle and Ford dealer tells me they are working on a fix!! Maybe I should work on making my payments.

Ford's recommendation to me is to trade up for a new model, apparently they do not have transmission problems. My car is 12 months old and has 12,800 km on it.....why would I go to the expense of trading in for a new car...which I cannot afford .....this car is under warranty and is not safe.....it s a matter of time until someone is killed in one of their piece of garbage 2014 Focus vehicles..... The worst part is Ford was aware of this problem and kept making and selling these vehicles. They should have to replace the transmissions on these vehicles immediately. I can't believe they can get away with this!!! I will never buy a Ford again.

- Jane S., Brampton, ON, Canada

problem #36

Jul 242015

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,228 miles

Problem started right after we took our daughter's car in for her very 1st maintenance; and we have had nothing but issues ever since

- Salena W., Humble, US

problem #35

Sep 292013

Focus ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14 miles

I was told when I complained about this to the dealer when I took possession the I just wasn't used to driving a 4cyl.

- Shannon P., Birmingham, AL, US

problem #34

Dec 112015

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,025 miles

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

First off, let me say that we bought this as a Ford Certified Used car. My son was having the same problem with his 2014 Focus for about 4-6 weeks. Every time he would pull a way from a stop the car would hesitate, jerk, vibrate & buck. Very annoying for him and as a parent it's a bit concerning not knowing if the problem would case him to be stranded somewhere.

I contacted the dealer we bought the car from who informed me of two recalls that were related to the problem.

1. Transmission Module Reprogramming 2. Fuel Pump Replacement

What most people don't realize is that this car uses one transmission for both the manual and automatic transmission vehicles. It's essentially a manual transmission that is electronically controlled. If the shifter module or the module programming fails, the transmission will start acting up.

Also some fuel pumps were defective from the factory which would suffer from fuel flow interruption.

I took the car in on a Friday morning and they replaced the fuel pump and reprogrammed the shifter module. Good as new and all done under the Factory Recalls.

- Vincent B., Monroe, CT, US

problem #33

Feb 102015

Focus SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

We have taken this Focus in to Andy Mohr Ford three times for the same problem, first the said they would reset the shifting module, Picked up the car and drove home, same problem, called service department and they told us the transmission needs to adjust to our driving style and told us to give it about three months.

No change, Went back and they told us they need to replace clutch. Was fine for about 6 months and back to the some ole stuff. Went back to Andy Mohr and they said there was a recall for that problem.

They again reset the shifting module and was told again to let the transmission adjust to our driving style.

The problem is worse then now than it was before. We received a letter about the operating characteristics for the Powershift 6-speed transmission, FORD say it is OK if it makes noise and bumping feel when shifting. FORD has no idea how to fix this problem they just keep blowing smoke up your ass.

It gets very good gas mileage but thats all.

Have no idea what to do.

- boges37, Speedway, IN, US

problem #32

Nov 152015

Focus Titanium 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

I can't believe I bought a Focus (suppose to be a great little car) and the second day I have it the transmission feels like I am driving a manual transmission with a slipping clutch. Shame on you FORD.

- Tim P., Fairfax, VA, US

problem #31

Sep 162014

Focus SE I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

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

The 2014 Ford Focus and, as I understand it, the rest of the new model generation from 2012 on is literally un-fixable. It literally cannot be fixed. There is a design flaw in the dual-clutch CVT automatic transmission that renders the whole system unable to function properly... ever. It's not a broken part that can be replaced. It's the way they designed it in 2012 and for some reason they're sticking to their guns on this one. So the dual clutch isn't able to engage and disengage properly, resulting in terrible jerking, grinding, rumbling, and near-stalling of the vehicle when moving from a stop.

It is a truly terrifying thing to experience, and it happens at every stop sign, every red light, and every time you fire it up and take it out of the driveway. This is on all of the cars. There was a class action lawsuit on the 2013 model for this very problem and I would not be surprised if there was a similar suit for the 2014, 15, 16, 17, and beyond until they either fix the design of their clutch system or abandon the dual clutch model in favor of a more tested, reliable system.

They have issued an extended warranty on the transmission of this car because of the problem, but once the extended warranty is up, it's on you to replace the transmission. But even if you do, the car will still rumble and jerk. It just gets worse the more the system grinds itself down. Oh yeah, and the clutch is on 6 month back order so good luck getting one. Mine was totaled when I was rear ended on the highway(it actually held up really well! Credit where it's due.) so I won't have to deal with the long term repercussions, but if you are stuck with one of these cars, heaven help you. If you are not, don't be fooled.

It's a handsome car, and it's fun to drive once you get it going, but that rumbling is not an anomaly, it's not because it's been sitting on the lot, and if you're buying new, it isn't a new car thing that will go away. It's a nightmare.

- drc, Alexandria, VA, US

problem #30

Jan 272015

Focus SE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

They call it shuddering. The first story they told me was the transmission had to get used to my driving! Guess the car will never be used by a rental company. I have had 3 software updates (at least that is what I was told). The shuddering is in reverse, 1st gear, went into 2nd gear and is now creeping into 3rd gear. The car at this point also has other noises along with it that I would associate with a manual transmission and a new driver. its like the clutch is not getting depressed fast enough to shift correctly. the transmission also revs up the engine when in cruise going down a hill. I was on a freeway with cruise on doing 65 mph (normal rpms 2000 - 2500). going down a hill my engine is was reving at 4000 rpms. The car is downshifting to hold the speed.

- Bonnie B., Saint Paul, MN, US

problem #29

Jul 082015

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,913 miles

On December 12, 2014, I bought my 2014 Ford Focus, brand new, from the Ford dealership. In July 2015 (7 months later at approximately 6,913 miles), I noticed an acceleration problem when I stopped at red lights. The car would vibrate/shake as I tried to pick up speed going from 0 to 30 miles per hour. Cars behind me began coming around me, sometimes angrily because I couldn't pick up my speed fast enough.

The vibration (shudder problem) became progressively worse and on Oct. 8, 2015 (at 9,253 miles), I took the car to the dealership for inspection. They kept the car for 6 days and reported to me that the transmission had a shudder problem, and as a solution, they reprogrammed the transmission software. The very next day, I discovered that the problem still existed, although the jerking was not as severe as when I took the car in. My car continues to shudder and sometimes makes a rumbling noise underneath when I try to pick up speed. Two weeks after getting my car back from service, I reported the continued problem to the dealership service manager. I am taking the car back to the dealership on Nov. 2, 2015 for them to revisit the problem.

There is no way that a brand new car should perform like this! I'm afraid to take it on the freeway in this condition.

- shielami, Detroit, MI, US

problem #28

Sep 252015

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles

Typical transmission problems everyone else has described. Been to dealer 4 times. My biggest complaint is probably going to be the resale value of the car. Ford needs to admit its mistake for this transmission design and have the Ford dealers compensate the customers. Having the dealers tell us that the transmission needs to learn our driving habits in order to operate correctly is asinine. I would bet that most Ford Focus vehicles have more than one driver.

- Fred P., Danville, IL, US

problem #27

Apr 242014

Focus ES 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,662 miles

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

I purchased a brand new Ford Focus 2014 after 1 year start having problems when you come to a complete stop and takes off the clutch shudder jerking and bucking. I took it back the first time I was told that it was the computer acceleration needs to be reset kept my car 1 week problem not solved.

- barkerga, Lithonia, GA, US

problem #26

Aug 082014

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

I see them still fleecing customers into buying the Focus and Fiesta each of the 7 times I have been to their shop with my new lol Ford Focus. The customer service is horrible and I was insulted twice by the staff at Youville Ford in Orleans Ontario. First insult was maybe I should have done my research before buying a car. The second as my car sits in the shop is, oh and the car is not ready again, costing me two more days of income. Apparently I have a "dark cloud hanging over my head" according to the upper management at Youville Ford. They have even suggested I take my car elsewhere if I am not a happy customer. Spread the word people, they are still selling these cars to older couples and it is the first cars they are trying to sell. Not only that, but its easy to get one seeing how Ford has the company that will finance you so that you can buy it. Worst experience ever and I have had this new car in the shop more than my previously owned used vehicles. I will always give a bad review to others and my family and myself once this crap car craps out will never never buy another Ford. Ask around I am sure I am not the only customer getting screwed.

- unhappycustomer, Orleans, ON, Canada

problem #25

Sep 152015

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,900 miles

This is not a new problem. Ford knows it's a problem and isn't even offering a loaner car to the owners. A brand new car with such a significant defect that hasn't been recalled is a crime, or should be. I can't believe they continue to install this transmission when they're being sued over it. I hope someone sues for us 2014 owners too before they're all out of warranty and we're stuck with these lemons.

- Derek L., Sacramento, CA, US

problem #24

Jul 212015

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,561 miles

I bought a new 2014 Ford Focus, it had 6 miles on it when I bought it. It ran great for the first 6,000 miles and then the water pump went on it. Took the dealership two tries to figure out what was wrong.

After 20,000 miles the transmission started acting up, it shutters when pulling out from a dead stop. I took it to the dealer and they checked it out, told me that there was something wrong with the transmission, but it was still within Ford Specs. they told me that if it did it again, to bring it back.

Well it did it again the following week, and again I took it to the dealer and again they told me it is within Ford Spec. I got mad and threatened to get a lawyer and the service guy told me there was one more thing they could try, they put a new modulation valve on the transmission, and told me if it acted up again to bring it back and they would take it to the next step, when asked what that would be, I was told they would have to rebuild the transmission.

Well it is now back to the dealer and they are telling me again it is within Ford Specs. I asked about what he had told me the last time about taking it to the next step and he denied ever telling me that. I called a factory rep and was told that they would have to back the dealer on what I was told.

The dealer did tell me that there is an extended warranty on the transmission, when asked why, they told me that they had problems with them in the past, the modulator valve and the clutches in the transmission. But I would have to wait until mine got worse before they would fix it. How much worse is my question. and what about the bumper to bumper warranty?

I will never buy another Ford product again, just because of this and the run around I am getting from them. I've owned Ford all adult life, but will never own one again. Something needs to be done, how can Ford Motor company get away with selling defective cars?

- hewinsme, Hartland, ME, US

problem #23

Jul 012015

Focus Titanium 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

Ford said they fixed it but the problem came back in a week. The dealer kept the car for a week and made me pay for a rental. The dealer, Mountain View Ford, won't return phone calls. A friend who got a Focus the same week I did in October, 2013 had hers fixed at a different dealer and her transmission problem also reoccurred.

- mettger, Chattanooga, TN, US

problem #22

Sep 132015

Focus SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

This is not the first time this has happened. It has happened numerous times and is starting to make me feel unsafe. Not sure what is going on but I'm going to take it to the dealership Saturday to see what they say. The car seems to have problems when you first start driving it and it jerks and shudders as you try to accelerate. This past Sunday I was driving up a steeper hill than normal and it was very evident that there is something wrong with the transmission or elsewhere. I cannot report every time this happens as a separate complaint as it happens numerous times a week.

- 2melody, San Diego, CA, US

problem #21

Jan 152014

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

I really hate to complain because I love absolutely everything else about my 2014 Focus. But the transmission is driving me absolutely bats! From a stop or slow speeds it jerks worse than when I was first trying to learn to drive a stick. The dealership says it's within tolerance limits. I'm disappointed Ford hasn't issued a recall, but it's beginning to look as though there may not be a fix to the problem.

- Michael C., Renton, WA, US

problem #20

Apr 012015

Focus SE 2.0L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,728 miles

2014 Ford Focus..barely 5000 Kms and you can feel the shuddering and jerks in transmission and I am really surprised that there is no official recall yet here in Canada (don't know about US but I think it will be same). Funny enough that dealerships agree that there is a problem but only when you approach them! Well, hopefully it is fixed next week so I am expecting it to be perfect. Otherwise, this car is solid. Feels sporty for sure!

- Peter G., EDMONTON, AB, Canada

problem #19

May 232014

Focus Loaded 4 Cyc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles

Ford should be ashamed of themselves, they should of stopped making this transmission the first year in production when they knew there was an issue with them. I was so excited about getting my fully loaded Focus, this was my third Focus and I was excited. The first month I had it I had it back to the dealer because it would not move when put into drive, it would make a jerking motion then making a terrible grinding sound. Ford told me it was a normal thing with this vehicle. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.

I drove it and the problems just got worse. I finally took it in and had the clutch assembly replaced. Well it does seem a tad better, but still not right. I don't think this small bandage is going to cure it... Very, very disappointed in Ford.

I am a long time customer and I must say I do not believe I will buy another Ford product. Ford knew of this issue and continue to sell these vehicles to their customers. They should replace the tranny's completely. I believe that is going to be the only full correct fix.. I guess if it get worse again, a lawyer will have to be called to discuss my rights. If the vehicle causes injury to anyone should it be my car or someone else's, Ford will have allot of law suits on their shoulders to deal with. Who makes a manual transmission and and puts it in a auto case and excepts it to act like a auto transmission? Hmmmm I guess Ford does..

- harleyluvr4u, Taylor, MI, US

problem #18

Jun 242015

Focus SE 2.0L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

I took it to the dealer and they re-programmed it, but after 1 week it started doing it again..

- Jim H., Greensburg, IN, US

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