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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:
18 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 1
Average Mileage:
41,323 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 3 of 20)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #341

Jan 072022

Focus

  • miles

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

The components and systems that failed are my engine and gas tank, they both are available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk, approximately two minutes before my vehicle slowed down enough to stop my brakes wouldn't work. Yes I have called the dealership and the problems that the representative listed explaining a recall; is what I have been experiencing with my vehicle. Yes, 6/15/2022 the day after my engine failed my car was diagnosed by All 4 U Auto and he confirmed that the engine had blown and along with the gasoline tank both needed replacements. No, there were no warning lamps nor messages prompting alerts of my vehicle. There were several symptoms of the problem prior to the failure that occurred before and after the Ford recall; 18S32. I completed the recall fuel tank deformation 1/3/2019. I am still experiencing issues with my gas tank, which are listed on the official Ford website. I can only pump approximately 80 miles worth of gas or 1/4 full worth of gas. If I pump anymore the vehicle will stall and require for me to restart it multiple times 2 - 10, the more I "over pump" the more I will have to restart and longer it will stall. During pumping even 1/4 worth of gas my entire vehicle will shake and make a loud sound, and with re cranking causing engine malfunction. The website mentions; "Owners are advised to maintain at least a half tank of fuel until their vehicle is serviced for this issue." although I can only pump 1/4 full worth of gas at a time. Another issue is I cannot leave the vehicle idle over 5 minutes, even when in traffic if I do not keep driving up 6 inches every five minutes it will turn off. This problem has negatively affected my battery, on a few occasions leaving the vehicle idle has caused my battery to need to be recharged and replaced. Lastly the vehicle does exactly what the recall mentions; "inaccurate fuel gauge readings". While pumping gas the mileage on the dashboard sometimes does not increase.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #340

May 012022

Focus

  • miles
Transmission, light comes on and off rpm's race and decline loses power. Sometimes won't go into gear. This is a huge safety concern.

- Cadiz, KY, USA

problem #339

May 092022

Focus

  • miles
There is multiple complaints with same make model and year involving shudder transmission. When you stop start or try to accelerate the transmission will stall and jerk at times even causing the vehicle to jerk violently this is a huge concern however after contacting ford themselves they refuse to repair.

- Mangum, OK, USA

problem #338

May 132022

Focus

  • miles

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

Had a transmission fault a week after I bought it in 2019. Dealership did a quick fix and the transmission has been shorty since. Sputters in first gear and just today the rpm-€™s shot up while on the highway and the check engine light came on. The dealership will not cover this. I feel like they should as it was a known issue from the start.

- Sylvania , OH, USA

problem #337

Mar 132022

Focus

  • 90,537 miles
The contact owned a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH the vehicle overheated, lost power, and caught on fire. The contact stated that the warning "HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE STOP SAFELY" was displayed. The contact stated that smoke was seen coming from the front of the hood. The contact stated that she opened the hood and flames were seen coming from the driver's side rear of the engine. The contact stated that the police and fire department was notified. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that a fire department report was filed. The vehicle was first towed to the police impound lot and then towed by the dealer. The contact stated that she had purchased the vehicle 2 days prior to the failure. The vehicle was at the dealer awaiting diagnosis. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the dealer. The failure mileage was 90,537.

- Atascosa, TX, USA

problem #336

Jan 172022

Focus

  • 113,878 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be rebuilt. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was jerking while driving. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was associated to a recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had remained at the dealer for three months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,878.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #335

Apr 112022

Focus

  • 78,516 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 driving 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 5 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure but did reset the codes that were shown. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,516.

- Evant, TX, USA

problem #334

Oct 142016

Focus

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the transmission overheating warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission control module was replaced. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was not able to successfully identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

- Steger, IL, USA

problem #333

Feb 232022

Focus

  • miles
Automatic clutch problem after initial recall -€œfixed-€ the problem.

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #332

Jan 282022

Focus

  • miles
My car keep stalling while driving on the freeway with my daughter in the car skipping and jerking than it slow speed down extremely low no pressure at all very dangerous

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #331

Dec 012021

Focus

  • 84,000 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 starting the vehicle it shuddered. While driving uphill the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A financial assistance claim was submitted on the contact's behalf. The transmission clutch assembly and fuel assembly were previously repaired under warranty in July 2020 at approximately 66,421 miles. The manufacturer was notified and offered to pay half of the cost of the repair. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

- Ruffs Dale, PA, USA

problem #330

Nov 082021

Focus

  • miles
The vehicle's engine continues to run after turning off and removing the keys. After the engine has stopped running it is also draining the battery.

- Menasha, WI, USA

problem #329

Apr 232018

Focus

  • miles
I'm being persecuted by Ford Motor. I purchased a 2014 Ford Focus SE Jan. 26th 2018 from Rocco Degregorio at 6701 Essington Ave. told no recalls or safety issues.The car was brought back next day, driving improperly. Many problems found, was told all fixed.The car malfunctioned April 23rd 2018 accelerating forward disabling me for life! UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. Former attorneys, Rosenbaum &Associates mishandled my case, filed suit in 2020. Honorable Judge New gave me a stay. I'm representing myself for justice, in severe pain & more needed surgery.I have documents to prove all I say. How can I face trial alone"! I suffer physically, emotionally, financially going without medical supplies, medication. I pay $209.97 a mo.for a car that almost killed me, sits at auto collision where malfunction codes were obtained since 2018 to date, its evidence. A state investor detective said its the worse case of auto fraud she ever saw. Ford is blaming 3rd party suppliers for the defects on the suit. No inspection was done on my car from incompetent deceitful former attorneys. They blame me! I didn't do this! Read article, Watch the NBC nightly News 15 minutes in Links below. I was lied to, deceived from salesman, former attorneys, & Ford. The NBC nightly news aired 2019 Ford knew car was assembled dangerously, but put it in production! Ford took my life, identity, trust, mobility! This is injustice and inhumanity. Permanent injuries deteriorate my body, stress causes further health issues. Ford is killing what life I have left by torturing me. I wont give up on Justice! Please help! Speak with me, my witnesses, read my evidence auto fraud, product liability, personal injury, attorney malpractice, and Intervene! I want an end to the unhealthy involvement with Ford with Justice. Respectfully. Case ID 200102572 https://suddenacceleration.com/how-ford-concealed-evidence-of-electornically-caused-ua-and-what-it-means-today https://www.youtube.com/watch"v=CJRG7MLR5GU Nightly News Broadcast

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #328

Jul 272021

Focus 4-cyl

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #327

Sep 142021

Focus

  • 82,544 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refilling the gas tank, the vehicle would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 82,544.

- Hilo, HI, USA

problem #326

Jul 182021

Focus

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving the vehicle would not exceed 45 MPH. The RPM would rev up however, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Duncan, AZ, USA

problem #325

Apr 012021

Focus

  • 74,000 miles
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair and the vehicle was diagnosed with the clutch needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that upon taking possession of the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

- Highland Village, TX, USA

problem #324

Jul 052021

Focus 4-cyl

  • 137,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the driver-€™s side door was not closing properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that there were two other open unknown recalls on the vehicle related to the transmission control module failure and the fuel tank deformation. The contact stated that the recall repairs were completed however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would stall and shift gears independently while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts for the repair were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts for the repair were not available and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

- Odenton, MD, USA

problem #323

Jun 012021

Focus

  • 117,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn failed to operate as needed. Occasionally, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was corrosion on the wiring harness which caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a supervisor would reach out to the contact. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

- Brooklyn, CT, USA

problem #322

Jun 012021

Focus

  • miles
Shuddering Stalling Jerking motions When coming from stop to start Hesitation

- Cornelius, NC, USA

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