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CarComplaints.com Notes: For the third year in a row, the 3rd generation Focus is experiencing massive transmission problems.

Most notably owners keep complaining about how there's bad hesitation and jerking when starting from a stop. This isn't the result of an old, worn out part. In fact, the average mileage it's reported to us is just over 15k miles.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
22 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,168 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Ford Focus drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2014 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 15 of 66)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #1022

Dec 242019

Focus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the stop safely now warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 13V523000 (power train) with the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Consumer states that failure was the same as safety recall 13S09 for reprogramming. Consumer says that the flasher warning lights would not turn off to be restarted and the vehicle was left stalled in moving traffic. Vehicle was taken to galpin Ford (van nuys, ca) where the software was reprogrammed. Manufacturer was notified of failure, but refused to assist.

- West Hills, CA, USA

problem #1021

Feb 132020

Focus

  • 4 miles
Clutches on car have been replaced a few times due to the recall on clutched, transmission computer got changed about 2-3 months ago due to defect. A week ago while driving the car at frequent stop and go traffic (about 1hr0 the car send a transmission overheating warning turn off car for 5 minutes. I stopped for 215 minutes and drove again for 10 minutes and car give me the same message again. Ford said there is nothing wrong with the car. That the problem is my driving habits that make clutched to overheat? never had similar problem with my other cars. This happened to me at the border wit Mexico tying to cross. I had card infront, in the back an left side of my car.

- San Luis, AZ, USA

problem #1020

Feb 132020

Focus 4-cyl

  • 123,000 miles
As there are many lawsuits against Ford right now for the dps6 transmissions, I find it quite absurd that there has been no recall made in this matter. I have a 2014 Ford Focus that has almost killed my children and myself countless times. Often times the vehicle will hesitate when I try to pull out somewhere and often times will surge forward. When trying to pull hills it is a nightmare, if you do not take it at a higher rate of speed it will bog down and then take off out of nowhere. When I took it in before 100K miles I was told they couldn't replace the clutch in the transmission because I was out of my mileage coverage and then not long after I reached 100K miles they extend the warranty to 100K. This particular car has now had three clutches put in and it drives like a nightmare. No wonder why the 1st owner gave up on it after 33K miles and 2 clutches later! what needs to happen is someone other than people that are for the dealer need to drive it. I will give you full consent and urge you to drive mine and tell me if you would truly want your loved ones driving or riding in such an unsafe vehicle! this vehicle started having problems at 14K miles! you can look at carfax to see two of the clutches that were replaced and the other clutch was done at ken wilson Ford in canton, nc and I have all of my records at home as to how many times I have taken it in for this issue. I stopped after the last time when they told me it was out of warranty coverage because I can not afford to pay to have that done. If you have any questions please call me at [xxx] or email at [xxx] thank you for your time! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Franklin, NC, USA

problem #1019

Aug 192019

Focus

  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car shudders and shakes at high speed. It does not go into gear and rpms are over 6500. I must step on brake to get car to shift gears. Car completely lost power on freeway twice at 55 mph. Car was towed to dealer and transmission control module was replaced. Transmission has been replaced five times. Car makes cranking noises in reverse. Car rolls backwards when taking off brake on hill and would hit someone if they were behind me. Car makes cranking noises on streets and when engine is off and key is taken out of car.

- Manchester, MO, USA

problem #1018

Jan 202020

Focus

  • 208,000 miles
Here is another picture. This is the electrical connection to the washer fluid pump. Fluid leaks out of the electrical connections to the pump and gets pushed through the wiring loom and the fluid leaks onto the body control module causing corrosion and failure of the BCM.

- Munith, MI, USA

problem #1017

Feb 032020

Focus

  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph, making a right turn to go up a hill, the vehicle shuddered and loss motive power without warning. The vehicle rolled backwards downhill and crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. There was no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to (North county Ford located at 450 w vista way, vista, ca 92083 760) 945-9900) where it was determined that the clutch and clutch lever for the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned NHTSA campaign number: 13V523000 (power train) as a possible solution to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #1016

Feb 092019

Focus

  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle idles rough, the transmission slips and the rpms get high in first and second gears, it takes forever to accelerate, the fuel gauge will say 100 miles till empty then die on you, I have been stranded 5 times in less than a year due to that, recently on 2/8/20 the car wouldn't accelerate in the middle of a busy intersection and proceeded to stall in the middle of the road. I had to literally push the car out of the intersection and into a store parking lot during 5pm traffic. I cannot believe this car received a 5 star safety rating, I feel a number of things about this model car and company but safe definitely is not one of them. Doors that have defective latches, opening at anytime, transmission problems leading to cars constantly almost rear ending you, and a car that can stall in the middle of a busy intersection or freeway, is not by any means a definition of the word safe. I will never buy another Ford again, and I will convince any else to not buy from a company that values profits over consumer safety by installing cheap, defective parts and components

- Sandia, TX, USA

problem #1015

Apr 182018

Focus

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the gear shift selector was placed in reverse however, the vehicle failed to respond. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to norris Ford dealer, (901 merritt blvd, baltimore, md 21222, (410) 285-0200) and was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced previously, however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 96,000.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #1014

Jan 212020

Focus

  • 103,895 miles
Clutch malfunction. Gear slipping. Not shifting properly.

- Mount Carmel, PA, USA

problem #1013

Apr 032017

Focus

  • 42,000 miles
Problema de transmisin Y clutch desde las 42000 millas Y lo lleve dentro de los 90 das de garanta cuando lo compre pero el el vendedor dice que ES problema de fbrica el carro SE jala Y no entran bien los cambios

- Stockton, CA, USA

problem #1012

Sep 012019

Focus

  • 190,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle will shudder while driving (city and highway), hesitate significantly when accelerating, has died in the roadway, has been in gear but would not accelerate, and jumps in and out of gear while traveling down the road. I took it to the dealer and they advised that both clutch actuators are defective. This is not in relation to any prior recalls. Was advised this is also a major issue that the dealer service department sees. This began happening several months ago and they want an outrageous amount to fix it. Major safety issue because people do not want to pay the high fee so these cars are staying on the road.

- Columbus, IN, USA

problem #1011

Jan 272020

Focus

  • 86,000 miles
Car was taken to Ford dealership to have the recalls done for the transmission, fuel tank evap and door latch. Ford completed the recalls for the fuel system and door latch at this poticular time the transmission was not fixed.(did not pass Ford shutter test). At this time the check engine light was on because of the transmission, according to the Ford dealership. I picked the car up amd drove with my son the vehicle did not drive right because transmission issues. I contacted the dealership again after contacting Ford Motor Company about my concern with the drivability of the car. I made an appointment but had to wait approximately three weeks because they were replacing the floor in their shop. The check engine light remained on the entire time until the appointment. After dropping he car off and Ford diagnosing the problem, I received a call saying Ford motor is now covering the transmission and they will have to wait for parts to finish it. At this time they also informed me that the check engine light is now on because of the purge valve. I had barely driven the car since the last visit when the recalls were taken care of?? they stated that the purge valve would not be covered because the recall had been completed on the fuel tank. Reluctantly I told them to replace at my cost. The dealership called to say the vehicle was complete. I picked it up that evening and made it 7 miles away from the dealer and the check engine light came on once again. I called the dealer immediatley to let them know and they could not get me in right away. My son and I took it for a ride the following day and approximaty 40 miles the car lost power and could not go above 40mph on the interstate. I called to make another appointment when they diagnosed this time both catylitic convertors are bad and will cost $2100 to repair. What caused these to go bad this was not an issue until reca

- Clear Spring, MD, USA

problem #1010

Jan 022019

Focus

  • 90,000 miles
Car studdering hard time going faster even getting on freeway, car stalled at light with other cars behind all of a sudden multiple times

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #1009

Jul 152017

Focus

  • 25,000 miles
See file upload

- Snohomish, WA, USA

problem #1008

Aug 192019

Focus

  • 113,711 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18V735000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated while her daughter was driving 30 mph, the vehicle hesitated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to local dealer holmes tuttle Ford Lincoln located at 660 w auto mall dr, tucson, AZ 85705, (866) 930-6255, where it was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission and clutch forks to be replaced. The contact stated the dealer replaced the clutch forks but declined to complete recall repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,711.

- San Manuel, AZ, USA

problem #1007

Dec 192019

Focus

  • 84,000 miles
I was driving on a city street. Came to a stop at a light and someone on a bicycle came by. While my foot was on the brake my RPM's shot way high and my car tried to drive itself forward. Luckily the bike rider had gone by. But could easily have been hit if my car did what it tried to do. I have been honked at and high beamed when I try to pass someone on a highway and I end up with little to no power and the person behind me nearly rear ends me because my car wont go. Why does it feel like someone has to tragically die before someone does something about these Ford Focus' on the road. These cars are not safe. Ford knew that, there is proof they knew that and made them anyway. Its your job as highway safety to make them liable and get better standards before cars are sent to distribution. There should be more prevention than there is correcting. Don't wait for someone to get hurt before deciding these cars are bad and unsafe. That should be a basic human reaction. Not a corporate one. I have sent two videos I took. One of my rpms sporadically going up and down and my car not shifting or having power. And the other my RPM's going up as I'm coming to a stop. Which is not normal. It should not try to rev itself as I'm slowing down to an almost complete stop. I guess I cant upload the type of video I have. But I'd be happy to send them another way if you'd like.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #1006

Dec 102019

Focus

  • 54,000 miles
I will begin with my concern and then proceed to give you my back story. I was almost involved in a very real broadside collision with an 18-wheeler and another Ford F-150 about two weeks ago. I was making a left turn with oncoming traffic when the vehicle failed to shift into second gear through the turn. The best way I can describe this is the feeling/noise we've all had learning to drive with a manual transmission and you miss the gear. The vehicle was stuck in neutral and the engine was reaching the rev limiter. I thought I was going to die. I'm very fortunate in the fact that the oncoming vehicles were able to come to a complete stop. I had to put my car in park, then put it back in gear to get it going again.the car just reached 55,000 miles and I've had to bring the vehicle in for warranty work on the clutch assembly five times since purchasing the vehicle. I have been told by the various service managers both to 'drive the hell outta the thing' to wear in the clutch properly. I've been conversely told to 'drive like a grandma' in order to wear in the clutch properly. I have spoken to the service manager about my safety concern and he states there is nothing they can do 'at the dealership level' and encouraged me to reach out to Ford Consumer Affairs. His next offer was to 'sit me down with one of the salesman' in order to 'get me into something better'. I'm not in a financial position to 'get into something better'. I had planned on keeping this car for another 2-3 years at least. This would get me through school and as my income potential increased, I planned to trade my Focus towards a larger vehicle. I want to reiterate that I do not feel safe driving my car, especially with a baby in it. The car continues to jump out of gear, leaving the vehicle powerless at random times, despite recent clutch replacements, especially in the cold weather.

- Waukee, IA, USA

problem #1005

Jun 302019

Focus

  • 50,000 miles
We test drove Ford Focus 2014 SE with 50K miles at the Dodge dealer in clermont gotta. The transmission shuttered when going uphill and turning left with 4 passengers. When pointed out to the dealer, they said it was fine. Just heavy load going up hill and turning. We drove the car 2000 miles and the transmission got worse. Ford dealer said they'd repaired the transmission clutches on many of these Focus automatic tiptronic transmissions and some were recalled some weren't. of course "ours" wasn't a recall and cost $2000 after owning the case less then 30 days. The dealer says it was sold as is. I won't recommend that Dodge dealer in clermont, Florida! after the Ford dealer repaired the transmission and driving 2000 miles more, the transmission is shuttering and hesitating again. Ford should issue a recall on this transmission as there are many people having this problem with low mileage.

- Georgetown, KY, USA

problem #1004

Jan 142020

Focus

  • miles
For at least the last three years the vehicle experienced short periods of non-starting. In October, 2019 the car would not start period. Previous it was able to start after moving the shifter from park to drive and back and sometime using the remote start. The October issue required towing to North county Ford in vista, ca. After five days, it was determined the transmission had failed and needed repalcement. After replacement the non-starting issue resolved, but in the last three weeks it has returned. I have not had any issues while the vehicle is moving.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #1003

Oct 152014

Focus 4-cyl

  • 5,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated without warning. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 13V523000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer (george wall Ford Lincoln 700 shrewsbury ave, red bank, NJ 07701) to be diagnosed however, the diagnosis was inconclusive. The mechanic was also unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

- Tinton Falls, NJ, USA

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