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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2015 Ford Focus & its "Powershift" transmission has a defect trend where the car shudders when accelerating, especially when starting uphill.

Most owners have reported their Ford Focus remains driveable while the vehicle is still at low mileage, but the shuddering is annoying & unpleasant & may reduce the resale value of the vehicle.

However, owners of higher-mileage vehicles from earlier 3rd generation Focus model years report transmission failure & a host of other major & expensive transmission-related problems. Potential buyers beware.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,727 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.

2015 Ford Focus engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 5 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #50

Jun 042019

Focus

  • 84,000 miles

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

This complaint is in regards to the Ford Focus/fiesta dps6 transmission issue. Due to the dry dual clutch system issue, the vehicle engine would shake and rumble violently while moving. This mostly occurs when the supposedly automatic transmission shifting from the first and second gear. The first time I reported this to the dealer, they replaced the clutch which stopped the rumble issue until few months later, the rumble returned. Again I reported this to the dealership however this time they blamed it on the purge valve in the gas tank which they replaced. This did not fix the rumble issue and the dealership did not try to verify the rumble. They simply did not acknowledge it by stating they could not replicate the problem. Few months later while I was on the freeway, the rumble occurred again but worse than before. Immediately my vehicle lost power as if it's stuck at first gear. The vehicle's speed dropped tremendously which is extremely dangerous since I was on the freeway and everyone was going 60+ mph. Luckily I was able to pull over safely without getting hit. I restarted the vehicle and it ran continue to rumble but not as violently, the check engine light was on. I quickly brought the vehicle to the dealership for repair. Even though I have a bumper to bumper warranty, the warranty company refuse to cover the transmission repair because the dual clutch system is technically a manual clutch. For that reason they do not cover it. As a consumer, we have no idea exactly what type of parts the vehicle contains. The vehicle was advertised as automatic transmission which in common sense, it does not contain a manual clutch. The dealership was requesting $2000+ fee to replace this clutch. At the same time of this inspection, the purge valve in the gas tank was also defected and needs to be replaced.

- Antioch, CA, USA

problem #49

Oct 222018

Focus

  • miles
There was a recall issued for my car and the manufacturer has not provided a remedy.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

problem #48

May 182017

Focus

  • miles
Car hesitates and does not shift smoothly. Take offs are dangerous because car shifts radically.

- Creve Coeur, IL, USA

problem #47

Jul 142019

Focus

  • 69,000 miles

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

Takata recall, my car just starts to lose break fluid real quick and now the engine has been over heating for the past couple days and it has started off of know where. I've been keeping up with the maintenance and it has been messing up lately. It's a practally brand new car with very low mileage I've had it for 7 months and it's been giving me a lot of problems.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #46

Sep 072017

Focus

  • 22,000 miles
The car shuddered and jerked when stopped and on acceleration from a stop. A metal grinding can be heard from the engine while driving during this jerking from acceleration. The car would lose power while driving. One time, the car stalled, resulting in lose of power, while I was turning left through an intersection. I have brought the car into the dealership for repair many times with no resolution of these symptoms.

- Westland, MI, USA

problem #45

May 122017

Focus

  • miles
Car sputters, hesitates, makes clinking noises when accelerating. Entire front end including steering wheel shakes and vehicle hestitates when given gas. When stopped car randomly idles without using gas pedal, even completely loses power as if out of gas requiring car to be restarted. Engine also shifts gears late in RPM sequence. I have already paid for out of pocket the issue related to the gas cyclinder which is the open recall and these problems continue to persist. Problem has persisnted every day since date selected whihc is when I purchased vehicle.

- Spring Hill, TN, USA

problem #44

Jun 152017

Focus

  • 5,000 miles

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

My transmission does not shift properly ans everyone that I know that has this same type of vehicle is having the same problem. When you take off the trans doesnt shift right.

- Tazwell, TN, USA

problem #43

Jul 072019

Focus

  • 72,409 miles
Takata recall my cars transmission light is on and a message came up saying transmission at fault. Also when I would stop completely at a stop sign or red light the car would shudder and make a weird noise. I've been have trouble turning it on, I would have to jump start it every now and then.

- Mount Vernon, WA, USA

problem #42

Jun 012019

Focus

  • miles
18S32 manufacturer recall & 18V735 NHTSA recall. This recall was first posted approximately 8.5 months ago and I still have not heard anything about bringing it in for repair. This is a huge safety concern and I have a child I Transport in it daily. I want and need this recall resolved asap as I will soon be transporting another young child. I can feel it acting funny as if something isn't moving properly or it is stalling like it isn't getting fuel when I am moving whether it's slow fast, short distance or long distance and has been happening more and more consistently for the last month or two

- Glendale, WI, USA

problem #41

Feb 012017

Focus 4-cyl

  • 5,000 miles
I previously mailed some information in about the powershift transmission error, the following is an interaction with Ford in 2017 attempting to resolve this concern: "360noans@Ford.com tues 8/1/2017 8:20 pm name[xxx] firstname[xxx] lastname[xxx] VIN[xxx] zip code63101 email[xxx] a Ford representative will be with you shortly. [xxx] says: Hello [xxx]. my name is [xxx]. how can I help you" [xxx] says: Great day, I was attempting to find out what type of transmission my vehicle has and was wondering if you all could find out from the VIN? [xxx] says: I'll be happy to assist you! please give me a moment to look into that. [xxx] says: Thanks so much for waiting. Upon research, your vehicle is equipped with a 6 speed auto transmission dps6. I this information helps. Did you have any other questions [xxx]? [xxx] says: Yes, is this model a powershift, or some other type or is there any difference in powershift with other transmission types? [xxx] says: Let me check for you. [xxx] says: I am still researching. I'll be with you shortly. [xxx] says: Cool, no rush ♥ [xxx] says: I appreciate your patience. It appears your vehicle has a dual power shift. [xxx] says: Thank you... I don't really have any other questions at the moment.... can I reach back out if I do" [xxx] says: Absolutely! we are available mon-fri 8:30am-10:30pm est, Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm est. [xxx] says: Thank you so much, have a beautiful week [xxx] says: You're welcome, enjoy you week as well! ____________ thank you for chatting with Ford Motor Company, please take a short survey to rate my service. Click on the small "X" in the top right hand corner to launch the survey." Vehicle is currently being serviced by bommarito Ford for fuel pump.transmission. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #40

Apr 262019

Focus

  • 65,987 miles

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

Will driving down the street the other day my car stalled out well driving this is not the first time this has happened not only that but when you accelerate my car grinds while shifting gears the Ford dealership already told me it's due to my recall issue but when asked to fix it they told me I was going to have to pay them first my children were in my car had we been on the highway we could have been dead something needs to be done about this needs to be done as soon as possible because I am telling you right now if something happens to me or my family I will hold whoever is reading this email and forward personally responsible

- Memphis, NY, USA

problem #39

Apr 292019

Focus

  • miles
Bought Ford Focus 2015 on 02/25/2019 at drive time. During the process, they told me that there was a recall on the engine stalling but the issue didn't involve any further action. It only took me 3 weeks to start having engine stall while driving or at stop line without any caution warning. Also have engine caution on the dashboard on 04/24/2019.

- Moore, SC, USA

problem #38

Apr 222019

Focus

  • miles
Car constantly has issues stuttering when trying to accelerate. It causes shaking in the car and only lightly lessens when the gas tank is over halfway full and/or has a recent oil change. Already had a few parts replaced concerning the cpv because the gas pedal ceased functioning whilst driving on the interstate. I've gotten the recall notice letter but no full solution has been offered yet.

- Pearl, MS, USA

problem #37

Apr 172019

Focus

  • 69,536 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 65 mph, the check engine indicator suddenly illuminated and the vehicle stalled and shut off. After stalling, the vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a friend's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 69,536.

- Dorchester, MA, USA

problem #36

Jan 012019

Focus

  • 42,000 miles
My engine constantly stalls when accelerating. This happens not only in low RPM use but also when I am on the freeway. The stalling makes my car shake and it is making driving extremely dangerous and I am constantly hesitant to have my family inside of my car. I am still waiting for the recall to contact to fix the solution but it is taking an unreasonable amount of time. Please expedite thenhtsa recall regarding my car.

- Hacienda Heights, CA, USA

problem #35

Oct 012018

Focus

  • 66,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 10-15 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact stated that the vehicle would go into limp mode and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V735000 (fuel system, gasoline). The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #34

Mar 032019

Focus

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. While the contact's daughter was driving at an unknown speed uphill, the vehicle stalled. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it operated normally and could be driven safely. The check engine indicator was illuminated. The contact planned to take the vehicle to Ford store morgan hill (17045 condit rd, morgan hill, ca 95037, (408) 782-8201) for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

- Gilroy, CA, USA

problem #33

Apr 052018

Focus

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the transmission caused the vehicle to jerk and the transmission overheating indicator illuminated several times. In addition, the engine was not functioning normally. The vehicle drove roughly and there was a reduction in power and speed, which could cause the vehicle to stall. North county Ford (450 w vista way, vista, ca 92083, 1-(888) 833-0634) stated that campaign number: 18S32 (stuck canister purge valve may cause a stall) could remedy the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repairs. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #32

Feb 202019

Focus

  • 62,400 miles
The car shut off on me while driving and I scheduled the dealership to fix it because I found similar issues and a recall but when I dropped my car off they said no recall existed for my car and there is nothing they can about my car. When I was leaving the dealership I almost got hit in traffic because I had the same issue for two days in a row and it keeps happening.

- Brookville, FL, USA

problem #31

Jan 032019

Focus

  • 56,500 miles
Engine overheated at 56478 miles with no warning 1.0 liter three cylinder. Driving 70 mph and temp gages went into red without any advanced warning pulled over.

- Mount Eden, KY, USA

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