What years of Ford Focus have bad transmissions?

The years most commonly associated with transmission problems on the Ford Focus are model years 2011 through 2016, specifically for cars equipped with the PowerShift 6‑speed dual‑clutch automatic. Not every car in this range fails, but these years carry the strongest, most widely reported issues.

The problem centers on Ford’s PowerShift transmission (the 6‑speed dual‑clutch automated manual, DPS6) used in many Focus variants during that period. Owners have reported symptoms such as shuddering on takeoff, hesitant or jerky shifts, and, in some cases, transmission failure. The extent of the problem varies by market, production batch, and whether the vehicle has received recommended software updates or component replacements.

Understanding the PowerShift transmission

The PowerShift is a 6‑speed dual‑clutch automatic designed to deliver efficient, quick gear changes. Rather than a traditional torque‑converter automatic, it uses electronically controlled clutches and a mechatronic unit to shift gears. While it can improve fuel economy and acceleration, the DPS6 configuration has been linked to reliability problems in several Focus models, particularly when wear, software calibration, or hydraulic issues arise.

Years most affected

In North America and many global markets, the DPS6‑equipped Focus from roughly 2011 to 2016 is the set of model years most commonly cited for transmission concerns.

• 2011–2016 Ford Focus models with the 6‑speed PowerShift dual‑clutch automatic (DPS6).

While this window is the region’s most discussed, the exact level of risk can vary by production batch, maintenance history, and whether dealers applied recommended updates or hardware replacements. If you own a Focus from this era, it’s wise to be aware of the symptoms and to verify any applicable recalls or warranty coverage with Ford or your local dealer.

What owners can do

Being proactive can help reduce the impact of PowerShift issues or determine whether a problem is covered under warranty or recall programs.

• Monitor for warning signs: sudden hard shifts, shuddering at takeoff, hesitation between gears, or an illuminated check‑engine or transmission fault light.


• Check if your vehicle is subject to a recall or service campaign by searching Ford’s recall site with your VIN or contacting a dealer.


• Discuss options with your dealer if you notice symptoms, including software updates, hydraulic unit refinements, or, in some cases, transmission replacement under warranty.


• Keep maintenance receipts and ensure regular service intervals are followed, as proper maintenance can influence reliability.

Ford has conducted recalls and offered extended warranties or service campaigns on DPS6‑equipped Focus models in various regions. If your car is affected, verify eligibility and coverage with your dealership or Ford’s customer service, using your VIN as the key identifier.

How to check recall or coverage for your car

To confirm whether your particular Focus is covered for DPS6 issues, use your VIN on Ford’s official recall lookup, contact your local dealership, or search national recall databases. This step helps determine if software updates, clutch work, or transmission replacements are recommended or required for your vehicle.

Summary

The most widely reported Ford Focus transmission problems occur on models built between 2011 and 2016 that use the 6‑speed PowerShift dual‑clutch automatic. While not every car in this range experiences failure, the DPS6 configuration has been the subject of many complaints, recalls, and warranty campaigns. If you own one of these cars, stay alert for symptom onset, verify recall status, and consult a Ford dealer about eligible fixes or replacements under warranty.

Overall, newer Focus models without the PowerShift (and older Focus models with traditional automatic or manual transmissions) have different reliability profiles. Regular maintenance remains the best defense against transmission trouble.

Does the 2018 Ford Focus still have transmission problems?

Yes, the 2018 Ford Focus has had transmission problems, with issues reported in both automatic and manual models. Automatic transmissions have been linked to rough shifting and software glitches, while manual transmissions have a recall for clutch slip and fluid leaks, a problem that can lead to further transmission damage. 
Common transmission issues

• Automatic transmission: Problems include rough shifting, especially at lower mileage, which may be caused by software issues or a faulty transmission control module (TCM). Other reported issues involve worn clutch packs, solenoids, or valve body problems. 
• Manual transmission: A 2018 recall addresses a defect where the six-speed manual transmission's clutch may fracture, causing damage to the transmission assembly. Other issues can include a clutch needing premature replacement or overall premature breakdown. 

Other related problems

• Sensor issues: Some owners have reported random RPM increases while in park, which can be caused by a sensor problem. 
• Grounding issues: Poor ground connections to the transmission's computer can affect its performance and are a common fix for some issues. 
• Lack of recognition: Ford has been accused of not admitting to the fundamental issues with these transmissions and instead advising that the "compromised and unsafe driving experiences" are "the way this transmission works," according to this article on www.fordtransmissionproblems.com. 

What you should do

• Check for recalls: Before buying a used 2018 Ford Focus, check if the transmission recalls have been addressed. 
• Consult a specialist: If you are experiencing issues, a specialized transmission mechanic can diagnose and fix the problem. 
• Perform regular maintenance: Keeping the transmission fluid changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations can help maintain system health and prevent premature wear. 

What year is the Ford Focus transmission being recalled?

Ford Focus vehicles from model years 2012–2016 with the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission were the subject of numerous recalls and a major class-action lawsuit due to transmission problems. Additionally, a specific recall for 2016–2018 models with the 1.0L engine and a 6-speed manual transmission addresses a clutch defect that can cause a fire risk. 
2012–2016 Ford Focus (PowerShift transmission)

• Vehicle affected: Ford Focus models from 2012–2016 equipped with the problematic PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. 
• Issues: The PowerShift transmission experienced a range of defects including noise, vibration, judder, and poor shift quality. 
• Recall and lawsuit: These issues led to multiple recalls and a class-action lawsuit that covered these model years. Some owners have received a warranty extension and/or replacements for the transmission control module (TCM). 

2016–2018 Ford Focus (Manual transmission) 

• Vehicle affected: 2016–2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. 
• Issues: The clutch can fracture, damaging the transmission assembly and causing a fluid leak. 
• Risk: Transmission fluid leaking near a hot engine or exhaust can increase the risk of fire. 

How to check for recalls
To determine if your vehicle is affected by a recall, check the Ford website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website using your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

What years did Ford Focus have transmission problems?

Ford Focus models from 2012 to 2016 had widespread and well-documented transmission problems, specifically those equipped with the PowerShift automatic transmission. While many issues were concentrated in this period, some reports indicate that similar problems also affected models from 2017 and 2018, which had different transmission issues like TCM failure and clutch wear.
 
Primary problematic years (2012-2016)

• Transmission type: PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission (also called the DPS6). 
• Common issues: Shuddering, jerking, slipping, and rough shifting, particularly from a stop or at low speeds. 
• Consequences: The problems were so severe that they led to multiple recalls, customer service programs, extended warranties, and numerous lawsuits. 
• Solutions: Ford offered solutions including software updates, transmission control module (TCM) replacements, and full transmission replacements. 

Other problematic years

• 2017 and 2018: Some 2017 and 2018 Ford Focus models also experienced transmission issues, though they may have been different from the PowerShift issues.
• Issues reported: These models sometimes had problems with the transmission control module (TCM) failing or premature wear requiring clutch replacement.
• Manual transmission recall: A separate recall affected some 2016-2018 Ford Focus models with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, though this is distinct from the automatic transmission issues. 

What years of Ford Focus to stay away from?

The Ford Focus years to avoid are 2012-2016, due to major issues with the automatic PowerShift transmission. Other years to avoid include 2007 and 2008 for electrical and steering problems, and 2017–2018, which had lingering transmission and other issues, although fewer than previous years. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems in the 3rd generation Ford Focus: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Apr 13, 2022
Problematic model years

• 2007–2008: These models are associated with faulty electrical systems, door handle failures, and frequent issues with steering and suspension. 
• 2012–2016: This range is considered the most problematic, primarily due to the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which frequently failed and is expensive to repair. Problems included hesitation, jerking, and complete failure, often before 100,000 miles. Some models in this period also had issues with power steering and electrical glitches. 
• 2017–2018: While improved, these years still saw some lingering transmission problems and sporadic electrical issues. 

What to look for in other model years

• Manual transmission: The problematic issues mainly affected the automatic versions of the third-generation Focus (2012-2018). Models with a manual transmission from this period are generally considered more reliable. 
• Earlier models (pre-2012): While not entirely trouble-free, models before 2012, especially around 2011, are often seen as more reliable than their successors due to simpler transmissions. 
• Later models (post-2016): The 2018 and 2019 models are often praised for improved reliability and handling. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Ford Focus models: 1mCarAraCYouTube · Nov 13, 2023