CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2016 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.
The vehicle decides when it wants to shift normally. Randomly it won't let me shift into 3rd gear. It'll catch in between and grind. I have to try to put it in 3rd a few times without forcing it until it goes in smoothly. It's annoying when I have to drive on the highway. While I'm shifting, I have to focus on both the highway and trying to shift my car into third gear without grinding gears.
The Ford dealership is giving me the corporate response which is that it is because of the automatic and manual transmission interface introduced in this year. Ford Canada says that the 'grinding" noise is normal. Have been a Ford customer over 20 years but his may be my last!
- diane-home,
Brantford, ON, Canada
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The vehicle decides when it wants to shift normally. Randomly it won't let me shift into 3rd gear. It'll catch in between and grind. I have to try to put it in 3rd a few times without forcing it until it goes in smoothly. It's annoying when I have to drive on the highway. While I'm shifting, I have to focus on both the highway and trying to shift my car into third gear without grinding gears.
- johracio, Tustin, US