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CarComplaints.com Notes: Ford changed a lot of things for its 3rd generation, just none of them were a good idea.

The transmission tends to hesitate and jerk when accelerating. The new electronically-driven power steering can fail suddenly and without warning. Even Ford's SYNC can be a headache. Actually, scratch that last one — it's always been a headache.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$0
Average Mileage:
18,700 miles
Total Complaints:
44 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (32 reports)
  2. a 2014 recall letter from ford about transmission problems (3 reports)
  3. replaced clutch discs (3 reports)
  4. updated module software (3 reports)
  5. tsb 13-4-18 (google it) (2 reports)
  6. replace clutch (1 reports)
2013 Ford Focus transmission problems

transmission problem

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2013 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 3 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #4

Nov 012012

Focus SE 2.O

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,000 miles

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

rear main oil seal leaking on clutch discs. both replaced Ford is VERY AWARE of this issue but cannot acknowledge it publically according to their zone rep.

Dealer couldn't get parts for nearly 3 weeks, when I questioned why this could be, he pulled up a list of dozens of other dealerships waiting on the same parts to fix the same problem.

Nothing happened until I called Ford Customer Service. Parts magically showed up the next day.

Transmission shifts better - but made a loud clatter when I tried to engage drive after it sat for a couple of days.

- mifocus13, Temperanceb, MI, US

problem #3

Mar 042013

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150 miles

There is not much to say. Previous person said all about the problem. There are many discussions on the internet about this issue. The sound of the transmission gets worst over time. Specially when drive some distance and oil in the transmission gets hot. There is other video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHAL96pMWlQ that may be the reason for the problem. Dealer will not even look at the problem, referring to drive it longer without "babying it". Such a bool. The problem started first week, after the delivery. Now I have more them 3000 miles and it get only worst.

- Alexander M., Palm Coast, FL, US

problem #2

May 112013

Focus Titanium 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50 miles

Purchased vehicle with 8 miles less than 2 weeks ago. Nearly all available trim options etc.

On the way home - it was VERY noticeable that the vehicle was having problems upshifting from 1-2-3. But it was quickly corrected each time - so it wasn't much of a thought - chalked it up to the new style transmission.

On arriving home for research - Various websites stated the ecoboost "double clutch" engines needed 1000 miles to "learn" your driving habits.

The vehicle now has 1100 miles (90+ mile round trip daily commute), and the problem is worse than ever. Now, on down-shift it feels like a manual transmission that you forgot to press the clutch on when slowing down. Shuddering and surging to the point of stalling with RPMs all over the spectrum.

This problem subdues as the engine/fluids warm up. Very bad on initial take-off.

Also had an instance when using Cruise control - and used the (-) control button to decrease from 70 to 65... the engine bucked - and then downshifted - felt like 1st gear slam - the RPMs went to 6K and stayed there until the car reached the set speed (65) while i got up close and personal with the steering wheel.

Using the Manual Select shift option relieves the issue - so it MUST be a computer related problem - but I purchased an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION optioned car - I should not need to select the gears FOR it!

I'm scared to drive my +$30K lemon... and KNOW the vehicle will not make it to the 36K warranty period!

Off to the dealer to hear their first round of excuses.

- Jackass F., Monroe, MI, US

problem #1

Sep 132012

Focus SE 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 400 miles

We bought a new yearend model 2011 Chevy Cruze in August 2011. On September 6,2012 we traded it in on a 2013 ford focus se because we had several issues and recalls with the cruze and we heard all good about the focus. On September 13th we took the car back to the dealership because of issues with the transmission. It was shifting hard and would even clunk at times. The mileage was only 400 miles. They kept the car for about four days and gave us a loaner. When we went to pick up the car they told us they replaced a sensor and it should be fine. The problem continued and a knocking noise started up, sounding similar to when a strut is going bad. We took it back in again and they told us the car had " to get used to the way we drive " and to give it to about 1,000 miles. At 2100 miles we took the car to another Ford dealership. They kept it about four days and "took turns driving it around town" but detected nothing. We told them that you have to drive at least 25 to 30 miles because that's when the trouble starts. But they said they found nothing wrong and if a light came on to let them know. Two days later the front end knocking started again but has since stopped. It occurs randomly and the duration varies. Shifting problems are still occurring. The original dealer said not to worry because we have a warranty, but what about when the warranty runs out? Not to mention the inconvenience. Are we supposed to drive this car until the transmission just goes out? What if this happens in the middle of traffic? That could be very dangerous. We wanted a new car so we wouldn't have to worry about these kind of problems for a least a couple of years and to feel safe. My wife is afraid to drive this car. I think they should have replaced this car for us the first time when it only had 400 miles on it, or at least replaced the transmission. We are very angry how this situation has been handled and how we have been treated. We have only made the first payment two weeks ago. We should not be having these issues with a brand new car.Does anyone have any suggestions???

- momspt0807, Petersburg, OH, US

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