Is the Ford Powershift automatic gearbox any good?
The Ford Powershift automatic gearbox has been a subject of controversy and debate among car enthusiasts and owners. While it offers some advantages, it has also faced significant criticism over reliability and performance issues. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Powershift gearbox and evaluate its pros and cons.
What is the Ford Powershift Gearbox?
The Ford Powershift is a dual-clutch automatic transmission, also known as a direct-shift gearbox (DSG). It was introduced by Ford in the late 2000s as an alternative to traditional torque converter automatic transmissions. The Powershift gearbox is designed to provide the efficiency and responsiveness of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic.
Advantages of the Ford Powershift Gearbox
The Powershift gearbox offers several potential advantages over a traditional automatic transmission:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: The dual-clutch design of the Powershift gearbox can result in better fuel economy compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
- Faster Gear Shifts: The Powershift gearbox is capable of faster gear changes than a traditional automatic, providing a more responsive and sporty driving experience.li>
- Enhanced Driving Dynamics: The Powershift gearbox can help improve the overall driving dynamics of a vehicle, with better acceleration and a more engaging driving feel.
These advantages have made the Powershift gearbox an attractive option for some Ford models, particularly those aimed at a more performance-oriented audience.
Reliability and Performance Issues
Despite the potential advantages, the Ford Powershift gearbox has faced significant criticism and problems, particularly related to reliability and performance:
- Reliability Concerns: Many Powershift owners have reported issues with the gearbox, such as delayed or jerky gear shifts, hesitation, and even complete transmission failure. These problems have led to numerous customer complaints and lawsuits.li>
- Performance Problems: Some Powershift-equipped vehicles have experienced performance issues, such as hesitation or "shuddering" during acceleration, which can be both frustrating and potentially dangerous for drivers.
- Customer Dissatisfaction: The reliability and performance problems with the Powershift gearbox have resulted in significant customer dissatisfaction, with many owners reporting a poor driving experience and high repair costs.
These issues have led to Ford facing legal challenges and customer backlash, as well as the eventual discontinuation of the Powershift gearbox in many Ford models.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ford Powershift automatic gearbox has both advantages and significant drawbacks. While it can offer improved fuel efficiency and driving dynamics, the reliability and performance issues have been a major source of concern for many Ford owners. Ultimately, the Powershift gearbox has been a controversial and problematic component in some Ford vehicles, and its reputation has suffered as a result. Prospective Ford buyers should carefully research and consider the Powershift gearbox's track record before making a purchase decision.
Why did Ford stop using PowerShift?
The lawsuits allege that vehicles equipped with the PowerShift gearbox "continue to experience the transmission defect, including, but not limited to, bucking, kicking, jerking, harsh engagement, and delayed acceleration and lurching." U.S. courts tentatively approved a settlement of the U.S. lawsuit on April 25, 2017.
What are the common faults with Ford PowerShift?
Shuddering & Jolting
Another common fault in the Powershift transmission can be identified as you begin to drive. If you experience shaking or juddering as the vehicle transitions from still to moving, faulty clutch assembly may be to blame.
What is the difference between Ford automatic and powershift?
PowerShift's lightning fast, seamless gear changes make driving smoother while saving fuel and lowering CO2 emissions compared with a normal automatic.
How often should a Ford Powershift gearbox be serviced?
The service interval for a powershift gearbox varies based on the manufacturer's recommendations, but it typically ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular fluid changes and inspections are essential to maintain the gearbox's performance and reliability.
How long will a Ford PowerShift gearbox last?
If a PowerShift gearbox is well-maintained and driven under normal conditions, it should last several years and thousands of miles without major problems.
How reliable is the Ford PowerShift gearbox?
The dual clutch Powershift gearbox has proven troublesome, probably due to its unique nature. The gearbox features two clutches, which was meant to speed up the process of changing gears. One clutch manages even gears while the other handles odd gears.
How often should a Ford PowerShift gearbox be serviced?
The service interval for a powershift gearbox varies based on the manufacturer's recommendations, but it typically ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular fluid changes and inspections are essential to maintain the gearbox's performance and reliability.
Can the Ford powershift transmission be fixed?
If you own a Ford Powershift vehicle, you likely know that there are Ford Powershift problems. It's a commonly known issue and while you may not be able to fix the problem or join the recall at this point, you can still repair your Ford Powershift gearbox.
What is the difference between Ford automatic and PowerShift?
PowerShift's lightning fast, seamless gear changes make driving smoother while saving fuel and lowering CO2 emissions compared with a normal automatic.
What year is the bad Ford transmission?
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.
