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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2015 Ford Focus & its "Powershift" transmission has a defect trend where the car shudders when accelerating, especially when starting uphill.

Most owners have reported their Ford Focus remains driveable while the vehicle is still at low mileage, but the shuddering is annoying & unpleasant & may reduce the resale value of the vehicle.

However, owners of higher-mileage vehicles from earlier 3rd generation Focus model years report transmission failure & a host of other major & expensive transmission-related problems. Potential buyers beware.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,233 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.

2015 Ford Focus engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Ford Focus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #124

Jan 292024

Focus

  • 107,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speed and attempting to accelerate, the RMP would rise, but the vehicle would not move. The check engine warning light illuminated with the following messages: Transmission friction element B performance/stuck in off position - control module of transmission (TCM); Apply time range/ performance of transmission friction element B- control module of transmission (TCM); and Control module communication Buss 'A' off instrument control panel module. The contact stated, when the engine failed there was a message that stated transmission fault, service now. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed. The dealer stated that the clutch was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

- Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

problem #123

Dec 202023

Focus

  • miles
My 2015 Ford Focus was operating without issue until one day in December the engine power significantly decreased. At that time, the oil pressure light came on as well as the check engine light. I stopped driving the car immediately and had it towed to a local Ford Dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, they found metal debris in the oil suspecting internal pump belt fracture causing internal damage to the engine. They advised a new engine and turbocharger replacement of the EcoBoost engine at a cost of $7,800 +tax. After research, it appears a recall for this issue may be forthcoming and would like to report the 2015 model year as a candidate for the recall with cost of engine replacement to be covered. This car is in otherwise great shape with only 110k miles.

- Hebron, OH, USA

problem #122

Nov 292023

Focus

  • miles
1. MY car shuts off while driving and I don't understand why because my battery is new and all other components don't seem to be the issue i.e.: battery, starter, alternator. 2. My safety and the safety of my passengers were at risk because the car shuts off with no warning while driving. 3 I currently have the vehicle being inspected by my local Ford dealership but the problem has happened several times before taking the car to the dealership. 4. The problem is currently being inspected by the Ford dealership. 5. There were no warning's before the car shut off.

- Weeki Wachee, FL, USA

problem #121

Oct 142023

Focus

  • miles

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

2015 Ford Focus - Car has less than 50k miles has 3 transmission codes showing: P07A5, P090C, and P07A5pd. Car will not go into reverse. Car has not been looked at by a technician yet. However, with less than 50K miles the fact that I am having transmission issues is unacceptable. Ford really needs to recall for these issues. After researching these codes that are showing, seems like there are thousands of people complaining about the same thing on different sites.

- Rising Sun, MD, USA

problem #120

Oct 142023

Focus

  • miles
Car shudders while driving and now will not go into reverse. I have under 50,000 miles on the car. I have not had this seen by a mechanic yet.

- Rising Sun, MD, USA

problem #119

Aug 152023

Focus

  • 44,000 miles
?The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact also stated that the transmission failed to shift into reverse(R) several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact about an unknown warranty coverage on the PCM; however, the dealer informed the contact that while inspecting the vehicle, it became noticeable that the clutch was damaged due to the faulty PCM. The dealer stated that the contact had to pay for the clutch repair out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 14N02 (Extended Warranty Coverage for PCM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

- Concord, CA, USA

problem #118

Aug 262023

Focus

  • miles

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

We are experiencing the fuel tank evaporate issue where car shuts off while driving. We were not recalled specifically but now have car in shop waiting on the recall to be reopened as the conditions match the issue under the recall. We have had 3 incidents that could have ended up in a collision as car abruptly shuts down. This is related to the evap fuel tank and sensor issues reported in the original recall. Our vehicle apparently had the programming updated during a past service visit but obviously has not corrected this issue. This vehicle has also had the transmission recall done shortly after purchase and transmission still acts up on occasion. Not happy with the current issue as it is a potential death trap when car shuts off for no reason.

- Lawson, MO, USA

problem #117

Aug 092023

Focus

  • miles
Transmission had randomly started to jerk and then stopped accelerating. Left me stranded on the side of the road on a 5 hour trip and when I turned it off and back on it would move very little and I could hear grinding noise from the gears. I had to get a tow truck which cost me 1.5 k to tow back to my house

- Newberry, SC, USA

problem #116

Aug 012023

Focus

  • 158,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH on the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with clutch failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission and clutch had previously been replaced twice by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #115

Jun 252023

Focus

  • miles
Service engine soon light came on, repair shop said I needed a tune up and could still drive ok. Broke down. Got that done and still engine light on so transmission fluid changed too. Now repair shop says it-??s the transmission and clutch assembly that the dealer recalled and fixed a few years ago. I-??m stuck with payments still and no way to get the $5000 the dealer days it will cost to fix this. Car value is the same. Everyone I-??ve talked to has said this is a bad year-??s model and will continue to break down even after fixing. Can you offer any advice? Thank you!

- Lady Lake , FL, USA

problem #114

Jul 282023

Focus

  • 163,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually resumed normal operation and was driven to the residence. The contact informed the dealer of the failure by phone and informed the dealer that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) recall repair had not been performed. The dealer researched and confirmed that the recall repair was not completed. The dealer stated the vehicle was only inspected. The dealer advised the contact to contact the manufacturer for approval to reopen the recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to see if there could be an investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

- Hilliard, FL, USA

problem #113

Jul 242023

Focus

  • miles
The power train control module & transmission control module has failed since I bought the Focus 2016 at 660 m on it. I-??ve had this serviced 8 times @ Ford. Check engine light is on. Code P060A Was shown @ Ford. Mileage now is 72000. TCM & PCM were recall several times. Ford is charging me to fix it. Please tell me how this is NOT covered 10 yr. 150 k mile warranty OR by the 8th time being -??serviced-?? & UNRESOLVED?

- Anderson, SC, USA

problem #112

Apr 042023

Focus

  • miles
Transmission control module causing jerking, vibrating, and stalling out.

- Leander, TX, USA

problem #111

Apr 262023

Focus

  • miles
2015 Ford Focus, 67,000 miles would jerk, shudder & shut off completely, it would not accelerate or reverse half of the time. Stops in the middle of no wear.. the engine light would come on for a few days then go off and come up again.. the music stopped working& the RPM-??s would go pass the 6,7 or 8 at only 10-15 miles & jerk while goin forward.. a safety problem would pop up -?? transmission overheating stop safety -?? my air would blow hot some days and it would smell like something burning.. confirmed by dealership it-??s the clutch.. no warnings for these problems besides jerking / not accelerating at a reasonable speed and safety problem stating to -?? stop safely transmission overheating -?? &a burning smell & 2 safety recalls for the clutch & TCM with extended warranty. Warranty would not cover for the clutch problem they stated.

- Jennings, LA, USA

problem #110

Jun 162023

Focus

  • miles
While accelerating from a stop at a red light, engine shuddered and almost died out in the middle of the intersection. Check engine light came on. Drove carefully for a few more minutes to work. While trying to accelerate, RPMs go really high like it doesn-??t want to shift gears. Got to work where I always back into my parking spot, vehicle would not go into reverse.

- Crown Point, IN, USA

problem #109

Jun 012023

Focus

  • 72,700 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking and made an abnormal sound after refueling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 72,700.

- Coconut Creek, FL, USA

problem #108

Jul 012023

Focus

  • miles
My car stopped working on the freeway due to a recall. Multiple Ford dealerships have refused to fix it.

- St Paul, MN, USA

problem #107

Jun 292023

Focus

  • miles
When driving in stop and go traffic 0=5 mph for about 30 mins the car began to act as if was slipping and revenge up without moving and engine light came on and would sometimes slam into gear. I placed vehicle in sport mode and it idled irratically to the point I felt it was going to shut down. Upon arrival home I realized that now reverse had went out when attempting to put car in driveway. I will be taking it into Ford today for the 1 recall on the fuel canister software but I feel that it is not related and hope they will make some discovery and fix it accordingly.

- Maynardville, TN, USA

problem #106

Apr 292023

Focus

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and after the vehicle cooled down the contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 97,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #105

Aug 012022

Focus

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH in traffic, the air condition vents started to blow hot air inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine overheated, and the -??Pull Over Safely-?? message was displayed. The contact stated that the temperature gauge rose to the HOT level. The contact was able to park the vehicle safely and waited approximately 15 minutes before being able to drive to her destination. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated on June 26, 2023, she became aware that the vents were not blowing any air when the vehicle was started. The contact stated that within 30 minutes the failure recurred. The contact had experienced the failure four times. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the cooling fan was not functioning properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with Manufacturer Recall Number: 21N01; however, the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

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