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Do Ford Focuses have bad transmissions?

The short answer is yes, many Ford Focus models have been plagued by transmission issues over the years. The Ford Focus is a popular compact car, but its transmission problems have been a source of frustration for many owners.


Transmission Problems in Ford Focuses


The Ford Focus has been known to have issues with its dual-clutch automatic transmission, also known as the PowerShift transmission. This transmission was introduced in the 2012 model year and was used in Ford Focuses and other Ford models until it was discontinued in 2018.


The main problems with the PowerShift transmission include:



  • Delayed or jerky shifting

  • Shuddering or hesitation when accelerating

  • Transmission slipping or failing prematurely

  • Difficulty engaging gears, especially when the car is cold


These issues have led to numerous complaints from Ford Focus owners and several class-action lawsuits against Ford. The company has extended the warranty on the PowerShift transmission in some cases, but the problems have persisted for many owners.


Causes of the Transmission Issues


The problems with the Ford Focus transmission are primarily due to the design of the dual-clutch system. Dual-clutch transmissions are more complex than traditional automatic transmissions and can be more prone to issues, especially in vehicles that are driven in stop-and-go traffic or under heavy loads.


Some of the specific causes of the Ford Focus transmission problems include:



  • Faulty clutch components

  • Inadequate lubrication of the transmission

  • Software issues with the transmission control module

  • Wear and tear on the transmission components over time


Ford has made some attempts to address the transmission issues, including software updates and the introduction of a new transmission in later model years. However, the problems have persisted for many owners, leading to ongoing frustration and dissatisfaction with the Ford Focus.

Which car has the worst transmission problems?


6 Cars With Notoriously Bad Transmission Problems

  • Ford Focus. Ford. The Ford Focus is considered fairly dependable, but the 2012-2016 models equipped with the automatic DCT (dual-clutch transmission) are notorious for their quality.
  • Nissan Altima. Nissan.
  • Ford Mustang. Ford.
  • BMW M5 E60. BMW.
  • Nissan Rogue. Nissan.
  • Ford Fiesta. Ford.



What is the life expectancy of a Ford Focus?


200,000-250,000 miles
Do Ford Focuses last a long time? Yes, with proper maintenance, a Ford Focus can last 200,000-250,000 miles, and with excellent care, some have been driven as high as 400,000 miles.



What is the most common problem with automatic Focus?


A camera's auto-focusing performance depends on a number of aspects and any one of them can throw it haywire:

  1. The Lens Needs to Be Calibrated.
  2. Dirty AF Sensors.
  3. Wrong AF Mode.
  4. The AF Point Outline is Off.
  5. Heat Refraction.
  6. Dirty Lens Contacts.
  7. Poor Technique.
  8. Tough Subject / Wrong Sensor.



What years of Ford Focus have bad transmissions?


CINCINNATI (Howard Ain) -- Complaints about the operation of two of the Ford Motor Company's top selling models prompted the company to make changes. The problem goes back three years and involves the transmissions. It concerns the 2012, 13 and 14 Ford Focus and the Ford Fiesta.



What year does Ford Focus have a transmission recall?


2016-2018
Ford has announced that 2828 vehicles have been affected by a Transmission recall. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.



What Ford cars have transmission issues?


In 2023, Ford faced new class action lawsuits alleging dangerous issues with multiple models, including the F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and others using the 10R80 transmission. Plaintiffs assert these vehicles can suddenly lose power and accelerate unpredictably, posing injury risks from collisions.



What is the transmission lawsuit on the Ford Focus?


What is this lawsuit about? This Settlement resolves litigation against Ford alleging that Ford defectively designed the PowerShift Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission in certain 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta and 2012-2016 Ford Focus vehicles (“Class Vehicles”).



What is a common problem with a Ford Focus?


The most common Ford Focus problems include fluctuating engine revolutions per minute (RPM), pre-ignition at low speeds, and engine stalling.



How to know if a Ford Focus transmission is going bad?


Hearing the signs of a faulty transmission may be the first indication that you get about a possible problem. If you feel a grinding, metallic noise or a squeaking sound when your vehicle's gears shift, that's a sure sign that there is some kind of issue with your transmission.



Which year to avoid Ford Focus?


What Are Ford Focus Years To Avoid? Some Focus model years have more issues than others, and those from 2001-2003 and 2012-2013 are cars to avoid if you are in the market for a used vehicle. Many of these models are at the center of multiple recalls and legal action.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.