Is the Ford Focus automatic gearbox any good?
The Ford Focus automatic gearbox has been a topic of debate among car enthusiasts and owners. While some praise its performance and reliability, others have raised concerns about its responsiveness and durability. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Ford Focus automatic gearbox and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Overview of the Ford Focus Automatic Gearbox
The Ford Focus is a popular compact car that has been in production since 1998. Over the years, the Focus has been available with a variety of transmission options, including a manual gearbox and an automatic transmission. The automatic gearbox in the Ford Focus is a six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission, which was introduced in 2010.
The PowerShift transmission is designed to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience, with faster gear changes and improved fuel economy compared to a traditional automatic transmission. However, the PowerShift gearbox has been the subject of numerous complaints and recalls, with some owners reporting issues such as delayed gear changes, jerky acceleration, and even complete transmission failure.
Pros of the Ford Focus Automatic Gearbox
- Fuel Efficiency: The PowerShift transmission is designed to be more fuel-efficient than a traditional automatic, with improved fuel economy ratings.
- Smooth Shifting: When functioning properly, the PowerShift transmission can provide smooth and responsive gear changes, enhancing the driving experience.
- Improved Performance: The dual-clutch design of the PowerShift transmission can provide faster and more precise gear changes, resulting in improved acceleration and overall performance.
Despite these potential benefits, the Ford Focus automatic gearbox has also faced significant criticism and challenges.
Cons of the Ford Focus Automatic Gearbox
- Reliability Issues: Many owners have reported problems with the PowerShift transmission, including delayed gear changes, jerky acceleration, and even complete transmission failure. These issues have led to numerous recalls and lawsuits.li>
- Responsiveness Concerns: Some drivers have complained that the PowerShift transmission can be slow to respond to throttle inputs, leading to a less-than-satisfactory driving experience.li>
- Durability Concerns: The PowerShift transmission has been criticized for its lack of durability, with some owners reporting premature wear and tear on the clutch components.
In conclusion, the Ford Focus automatic gearbox has a mixed reputation. While it can offer improved fuel efficiency and performance, it has also faced significant reliability and responsiveness issues that have led to widespread customer dissatisfaction. Prospective buyers should carefully research and test-drive the Ford Focus with the automatic transmission to ensure it meets their expectations and driving needs.
What is the life expectancy of an automatic gearbox?
around 150-200,000 miles
Automatic transmission gearboxes can typically last around 150-200,000 miles, though this will also depend on a few factors: Maintenance – Just like a manual gearbox, your automatic transmission will need regular maintenance, ranging from fluid replacements to ensuring things are repaired if an error flags up.
Are Ford automatic gearboxes reliable?
Despite its theoretical promise, real-world usage of the Powershift unveiled reliability concerns. Owners reported problems like sudden power loss, excessive clutch shuddering, and premature wear, necessitating frequent repairs.
What type of gearbox is the Ford Focus automatic?
Dual-clutch automatics
These are dual-clutch transmissions. Ford EcoSport, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus.
Which automatic gearbox is reliable?
You should choose a torque converter if you prefer the absence of a clutch completely and want a seamless driving experience. Torque converters are known for being the most reliable automatic transmissions, providing plenty of torque from the get-go, which allows for faster and smoother acceleration.
What is the most reliable automatic gearbox?
In particular, the CVT automatic is known as a very reliable gearbox, which is why it is favoured by Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda for their hybrid vehicles.
How long should a Ford gearbox last?
around 150-200,000 miles
Automatic transmission gearboxes can typically last around 150-200,000 miles, though this will also depend on a few factors: Maintenance – Just like a manual gearbox, your automatic transmission will need regular maintenance, ranging from fluid replacements to ensuring things are repaired if an error flags up.
Are Ford Focus automatics reliable?
The Ford Focus is a pretty reliable car, especially if you opt for a manual transmission rather than an automatic. In the 2023 WhatCar? reliability survey, the petrol Focus came 9th and the diesel version came 10th out of 29 vehicles in the family car class.
What years of Ford Focus has transmission problems?
The problem goes back three years and involves the transmissions. It concerns the 2012, 13 and 14 Ford Focus and the Ford Fiesta.
What is the automatic gearbox problem on a Ford Focus?
Automatic gearbox problems
Some drivers have reported a shudder or jerk when changing gears, particularly at low speeds. Failure to engage gears: In some cases, the automatic transmission in the Ford Focus may fail to engage gears, leaving the vehicle unable to move.
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.
