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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:
39,086 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 5 of 69)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #1288

Jul 242023

Focus

  • 114,000 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 an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked into second gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

- Rhome, TX, USA

problem #1287

Jul 102023

Focus

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the -??Transmission Hot-?? message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- North Highlands, CA, USA

problem #1286

Jul 212023

Focus

  • 126,383 miles
as I am not 100% sure where the problem comes from. And I know that this car and other Ford vehicles are infamous for these issues. My Ford focus-??s transmission will spontaneously without warning completely shut off while driving which has caused me to almost get into crashes multiple times. I have brought my car to a ford dealership to get inspected in hopes of being included in a program which makes ford pay for a rental car while the part that causes the issues is delivered (there is large back order on the TCM) but when my car was done being diagnosed they claim my clutch needs to be replaced for 3200 which is ridiculous first of all but the main problem with this is that the broken TCM is what is causing the clutch to break creating a never ending cycle of replacements I have to pay for and even if i get a clutch replacement it won-??t fix my overheating issue. These problems that are caused by ford have caused me to almost get into mulitple crashes and is restricting me from getting to work and I am getting no help from ford customer service and the individual dealerships try and scam me any chance I get so this is my last resort at getting any help

- Ivoryton, CT, USA

problem #1285

Jun 202023

Focus

  • 100,000 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 while depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The dealer repaired the vehicle under the recall however, the vehicle experienced the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Carrollton, MO, USA

problem #1284

Jun 222023

Focus

  • miles
mY TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS IN TRAFFIC AND FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE.WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING. NOW THEY SAY IT IS UNDSER RECALL. THAT IT HAS BEEN FIXED.

- Carrollton, MO, USA

problem #1283

Jul 152023

Focus

  • miles
I was driving the 2014 ford focus and it slipped out of gear no warning lights when accelerating only rpm-??s would go up the vehicle still out of gear I immediately put on my flashers and pulled to the side of the highway with cars going by and the vehicle would restart no go in or out of gear. I had it towed to the nearest dealership after pulling over and turning car off after I turned key back on the engine light was on red and stated transmission fault, repair immediately. It was very dangerous situation I was in four lanes of traffic doing 65 mph when the vehicle slipped out of gear with no acceleration. It completely stalled at 65 mph.

- Starcity, AR, USA

problem #1282

May 012023

Focus

  • 134,000 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 his daughter was accelerating from a stop, the vehicle vibrated, lost motive power, and the RPM briefly became elevated before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission assembly, related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.

- North Bend, WA, USA

problem #1281

Jun 302023

Focus

  • miles
The transmission has completely failed multiple times causing us to have to push the car out of lanes of traffic because the car would not move forwards or backwards. The transmission would slip during acceleration even after clutch cleaning and fluid flush. There were no warnings, lamps, or messages. Its very clear that there is an issue with these cars as everyone appears to have the same TCM issues.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #1280

Jul 022023

Focus

  • miles
Hello, We are writing in regards to Ford Motor Company-??s inability to resolve their (Automatic) Transmission Control Module issue, as noted in TSB-16-0129, in a timely and reasonable manner. Our 2014 Ford Focus (with 47,000 miles, and we are the only owner) stalled, without warning, in a busy intersection while we were traveling out of state to a major suburb of Chicago. This stall almost caused a major accident, and we had an 18-month-old child in the vehicle. We had it towed to the closest Ford Dealer (Buss Ford in McHenry, Illinois). We have this part escalated with Ford, however Ford and the dealership have no timeline on when the part will arrive. We believe the part to be AE8Z7Z369F. We called a local Wisconsin Ford Dealer to see if they had the part. They stated that there were about 27,000 of these parts on backorder, and it could take more than 3 months to resolve. Our car is out of state, with no timeline of a repair due to Fords inability to get the part, so we cannot even plan when we can pick it up, and we are down a car. The dealer is out of loaner cars, and they are maxed out of the rental cars. We are on a wait list that is 12 people long. We called Ford customer service to request Ford to provide a rental car until the vehicle is fixed, however they are unwilling to do so. Ford sold a defective transmission (this is not the only issue with this transmission) and is not providing a reasonable timeline to get the part fixed, and they even knew of these issues. In addition, they are not providing customers with a rental car or loner car during this unknown time period. I am asking that you require Ford to provide loaner or rental cars free of charge until these vehicles can be fixed, not only for our family, but the 27,000 families that are out there waiting for this part. TSB-16-0129 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10109047-9999.pdf

- Delafield, WI, USA

problem #1279

Jul 122021

Focus

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while stopped at a stop light, the contact attempted to accelerate, and the vehicle lunged forward with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated and then started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission might have failed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.

- Coral Gables, FL, USA

problem #1278

Jun 072023

Focus

  • 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 an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #1277

Jun 282023

Focus

  • miles
This car has had the clutch fork, clutch and tcm replaced since ive owned it and continues to still produce the same scary issue erratically. When it's not throwing codes it's sticking in gears, shifting hard, accelerating on its own (( almost went through a drive through window when it did this last)) this car is going to cause an issue/wreck. I Will be driving yhis car and the focus looses power, no steering, no acceleration available during the main issue im addressing today. It will flash the engine light and the cluster will continue to flash for about 30 seconds and you have no choice but to stop or pull over. What's fascinating and scary each time, it throws different codes. Anywhere from one code to up to 13 codes. I now carry a code reader in my glove box. Took me one hour and 17 minutes to get 8 blocks home in a very small, non traffic, town four or five days ago. Sometimes you can clear the code(s) and be on your way right away until the next dreaded failure. Or sometimes as soon as you turn the car back on it goes right back into loss of power and throwing codes. Nothing particular sets this off, not heat or cold temperatures. Not running the heater or A/C. Not driving fast, slow or in-between. Not turning or driving straight. Not driving short distances or long distances. Nothing is the same to produce this issue. This was tested by not only myself, husband and two mechanics. Ofcouse each time the codes say something different, TCM, clutch, clutch forks, gas, you name it the code was thrown, ect. Even after the money pit of fixing the supposed issue(s) we still continue to have the EXACT SAME VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. Ford should eliminate these cars, crush them so nobody else falls victim to these failing known issues they've produced.

- Laurel, MT, USA

problem #1276

Jun 012023

Focus 4-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the transmission. The contact stated that the sound increased while the RPM was ascending or descending. While driving, the vehicle jerked and shuddered. The vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. The contact stated the problem was the transmission and repairs were made at the owners expense. The contact is requesting to be reimbursed for the repairs to the vehicle.

- Corning, CA, USA

problem #1275

Jun 012022

Focus

  • miles
The part that failed was the dual clutch. I was in traffic and my car did not want to accelerate after the stop it began to sputter then went to accelerate this happened more then once. It has been inspected and diagnosed for a worn clutch but I bought the car like that. No check engine light or anything has came on. I am financing this car and it sucks that I am not able to drive it if it was an emergency then I risk it and drive the car but the whole time I am scared because of the way it is struggles on the freeway and streets

- Banning, CA, USA

problem #1274

Jun 272023

Focus

  • miles
I was driving the car and RPMs dropped to 0 and car would not go. Has had issues shifting, slipping, stalling and shuddering for over a year. Paid for a transmission fluid flush AT A DEALER. Never helped the situation. Has been ongoing issue for over a year. Now after checking the VIN my car is NOT a part of the recall? This seems to be a wider issue with no resolution. Now I am without a car and without a fix

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #1273

Jun 012021

Focus

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking while changing gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Bountiful, UT, USA

problem #1272

Jun 232023

Focus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate from a stationary position. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 56,000.

- Sewell, NJ, USA

problem #1271

Apr 202023

Focus

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally without warning. The contact stated that after the transmission upshifted, the vehicle stopped shaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.

- Clinton, LA, USA

problem #1270

Jun 132023

Focus

  • 151,580 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop sign, the vehicle began to hesitate and jerk abnormally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,580.

- Mims, FL, USA

problem #1269

May 192023

Focus

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her father was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated her father pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that her father could not shift the vehicle into park(P). The contact stated that he turned the vehicle off, set the parking brake, and waited for almost an hour. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and the transmission functionality resumed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, and her father had stopped driving the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer had retrieved DTC code: P2027B (Powertrain Control Module). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

- Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

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