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Ford Focus Transmission Problems

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  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    Is the VW's tranny wet or dry?
    TY Puffin
  • fujisawafujisawa Member Posts: 1
    This just happened to me on Monday. They said the car had no problem. I took the car in two weeks ago and they said they uploaded new software. I think I am getting the runaround. I will try once more at the dealer the call Ford HQ.
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    Kam, a wet tranny is better than a DCT
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    I just got home from the bank and the teller 2013 Focus Ti lost it's tranny.
    Ford has had this problem for 4 years now and has played new Focus buyers for fools.
    Also, the mechanic haven't got a clue about Sync as they can't keep up with the technology.
    I have a 2013 and to day because it has 3500 miles on it I got The Premium EWP at a steal.
    Why ? Because, when I trade it salesman love EXP's in force.
    I have had the Focus Ti since February, but drive my 328 from spring until November .
    Still feel for the girl at the bank it was her dream machine.
    Well read my post and Maniac's go back to pages 34 and so on . All I can say is that when Edmunds post the address who to complain to at the government level there is a problem.
    Spread the word people. Peace and prosper, Puffin
  • dgnoiddgnoid Member Posts: 1
    Had a 2011 Fiesta with DCT and spent more time in the shop than on the road. Dealer got so fed up with it, I thought they were going to assemble it with velcro so it came out easier. Traded for a 2013 Focus and it was worse. My wife finally fixed it by totaling the car out last week. She hit so hard it broke the transmission case. I installed a 2013 Civic and it is all better now.
  • steve5556steve5556 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 ford focus ztw with auto transmission and am experiencing the same problems. Transmission slipping periodially while driving and lights flickering. I have changed the alternator several times and that does not fix the light flickering. Sometimes when shifting from park to drive there is a hesitation to go into gear and when it does engage it slams into gear. While driving at highway speeds when going up a slight hill the transmission appears to come out of gear and then go back into gear. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remedy these issues and if they are related?
  • angieb7angieb7 Member Posts: 1
    I just brought the 2013 Ford Titanium on Aug 3,2013 and I ended up taking it back the dealership about the noise and the way it changed gears and it is a automatic. They took it for a test drive and said everything is okay. And that it has a selective shift transmission and its going to change like a straight drive. I was not please with that but I still hear a noise. And I am have electronic problems the Sync sticks on station and you can't really turn your radio off without it popping back on. What problems are you experiencing?
  • mr_cassandramr_cassandra Member Posts: 19
    To understand the scope of problems being reported you should take as long as you need reading posts at the website focus fanatics dot com.

    Do a forum search for the word transmission to get started.

    Most focus's seem fine but a small percent are plagued with these problems and their owners battle a dealer memo which says its all normal and you must be driving it wrong. If you end up with one of the problem vehicles, you face a very discouraging uphill battle against the "everything is normal" memo.

    This memo's mis-information can be quickly de-bunked by driving at VW GTI which also has a dual clutch transmission.

    Fixes posted over there range from re-flashes, to clutches to complete teardowns.

    Worth your time to read the hundreds and hundreds of posts over there from other focus owners.

    Also if you goto fords focus facebook page, scroll back days under "recent posts by others" and you can see people over there seeking help for the same symptoms.
  • klangstonklangston Member Posts: 1
    I also have a 2012 Ford Focus I have 98,000 miles on it but it has always been a problem since day one. In face the transmission actually began shifting hard when it hit 1,000 miles and between July 2011 until now I have constantly taken it back with them only telling me that thats just how the transmission is. O by the way it is a Ford Focus SE.....I feel like the t est dummy tellng you to take it back tell them you want to switch it out if you are still under warranty. The car is horrbly made....from the insulation floors and everything my bike is more qualified to ride than this car. O yea my transmission overheats and I stay in chicago. The computer tells me to wait 8 minutes.....the engine is also running hard....but the biggest concern is the trans! Im really stuck with a piece of [non-permissible content removed]....Fords are terribly built they should be ashamed and I hope that hopefully we as consumers will one day get our money back for alll this crap!
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    I'm on Focus Fanatics a lot and Ford has just been fined for not recalling the Escape soon enough. The Focus will be next and well it should be. Spread the word Puffin
  • butlersridebutlersride Member Posts: 4
    Now lucky to get 22 MPG; thing shutters and shakes; thrusts and rushes. Horrible horrible and unsafe car. Taught me for buying American. It's a shame. Truly.
  • mr_cassandramr_cassandra Member Posts: 19
    This thread is located at:
    http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271673&goto=newpost

    Here is the message that has just been posted:
    ***************
    It's been a while since I posted. But I watch this thread constantly, looking for info "just in case". I went to my dealership today for routine maintenance, and like always, I asked about the transmission issues they've seen. I let them know that on this site, I had seen that some have received "new & improved transmission replacements". My rep told me that, yes there is a revised trans, with a re-designed clutch assembly, that Ford has available, for the replacement of defective trannys. Mine, "KNOCK ON WOOD!!!" is still flawless at 32,000 miles. But I do have the extended 100k warranty, which he said if mine does start to act up, they would probably implement the replacement tranny. I am now FULLY CONFIDENT, that Ford is on top of this, and I know longer have a feeling of dread. But to those of you who are having the serious issues, look for dealerships that really care. If you are in the Virginia area, go to Williamsburg Ford [headbang] THEY ROCK!
  • nofordforme754nofordforme754 Member Posts: 9
    That is great news to hear ,I just wish ford had better p.r about these issues.
  • nofordforme754nofordforme754 Member Posts: 9
    After our 2012 focus was in service department for third time for same transmission problems they told us everything was correct and they gave us that memo of characteristics of the transmission that other people have been getting,so i have sent a formal complaint letter to Ford Motor Company this week and I will post the reply if I receive one.
  • nofordforme754nofordforme754 Member Posts: 9
    Is the DCT the exact same transmission on both the focus and the fiesta?
  • frazgofrazgo Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2013 Focus hatch with the DSG tranny. I've only run into rough shifting after coming off the highway in extreme heat. Specifically a Vegas run over the July 4th Holiday and when we got off the freeway for gas the car shuddered and stumbled on take off and had rough shifts. There is a TSB for this condition and my dealer did the ECU reprogram for me and haven't had the problem since, even in stop and go in Palm Springs a few weeks ago.
    I've had no other problems, love my MyFord and Sync.
  • nofordforme754nofordforme754 Member Posts: 9
    I received my reply letter from Ford today as I mentioned sending complaint letter in message#744. The letter basically said that owner satisfaction is very important to them. However, limits must be placed on the efforts to resolve customers concerns and they support the decision of dealerships service department. This focus is the 6th Ford I have purchased and is the last Ford I will ever buy.
  • jcoker12jcoker12 Member Posts: 2
    I replaced the "out speed sensor" and it seems to have solved the problem. I was waiting for any recurrence of the problem since it was intermittent but now a month has passed and no problems.
  • jay80009jay80009 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I got rid of the car 1 1/2 years ago. Your solution sounds very promising and now I wish I still had the car to try it out myself. I really did like the 05 Focus a lot.
  • guido65guido65 Member Posts: 25
    I own a 2012 Focus SE hatchback with over 18,000 miles. It has the sports package with sunroof, winter package and convenience package and 6spd sportshift automatic. At about 6K I had to take the car in for a "slipping" transmission. When taking off from a light the car would lag a bit and the wheels felt like they were hopping or jerking. I guess I must have a great dealership because they were well aware of my issues. Re-programmed and away I went. I have not had any issues since. I love the DCT transmission and the sports shift can be fun when you have learned how to use it. Overall, this is a fun car to drive.
  • abqwinterabqwinter Member Posts: 6
    The problem with these Ford transmissions is all over the Internet. Ford has, at the least, come out with a fix and it made an improvement for you. That's the good news. The bad news is that Ford has not manned up to the problem out front and informed owners that there is a problem, what it is and should you feel ........ Take your car to your dealer for the approved repair.

    Ford's communication is disingenuous and not in the best interest of their customers. Very disappointing.
  • octaviamoctaviam Member Posts: 1
    I am having the same transmission problems, and they just kept telling me it was the way I was driving. They are replacing the clutch assembly now, but I went ahead and contacted the national highway traffic safety at 1-888-327-4236. It took only 5-10 minutes and they seemed like they really cared. Per the Florida lemon law, you have to have contacted the NHTSA. If enough people complain then a safety recall can occur.
  • nofordforme754nofordforme754 Member Posts: 9
    I hope Ford is listening and really cares about resolving all these issues with the focus transmission. From what I have read online they also have alot of problems with the F-150 w/ Ecoboost v-6.
  • lulu291lulu291 Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have more information on the clutch assembly replacement? That's been recommended by my dealer, but I'm torn. If ford has been saying the problem is the computer system's communication with the engine, how does replacing the clutch help? And if the clutch is replaced do I lose any rights to pursue the lemon law? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.
  • butlersridebutlersride Member Posts: 4
    The "Rear Park Aid" indicator is "on" when we are in "D" / drive and going at highway speeds. It keeps doing it and they can't seem to fix it. Along with the jumpy/thrusty tranny. It's like riding with a driver's ed kid on his first day with a stick shift.
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2013
    Ok, I think I know what's wrong with the DCT.
    I have a 328i BMW I use from April to Nov and I own a 2013 ford focus Ti sedan.
    Four or five years ago I wanted a Mini Coopers S .I told my mechanic that I was thinking Mini he said to get the 6 speed Gertrag , as the auto trannies were failing like crazy.
    They were too, as I keep reading the complaints as I'm reading them about the Focus.
    I Binged Focus extended warranties and on the site it said Gertrag makes the Focus DCT. No wonder it took them 4 years to get it right with Mini, but I was smart enough to not buy a mini ,but dumb enough to buy a Focus Ti.
    Mr. Cassandra see you on Ford Fanatics a lot and Mini had no recall I remember so I don't think Ford will.
    BE well and prosper Puffin
  • nofordforme754nofordforme754 Member Posts: 9
    We purchased the extended warranty on our 2012 focus which I feel was a good investment , considering the problems with the focus DCT, but then again it was not a good investment to purchase the focus in the first place.I have never owned a car that wears on my nerves as much as our focus does. I was planning on keeping this car for a long time and giving to my daughter when she was old enough to drive , but I do not think that would be a good idea , considering I do not feel confident driving the focus myself as a new car. I will probably end up getting rid of this focus and getting another brand car and say to myself lesson well learned. Just out of curiosity does anybody know how much it cost to replace the clutch pack on the focus DCT if car is our of warranty.
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    ya ,go to My Ford if you registered your car with Ford for updates and TSB or you have My Ford Garage. I found a break down and prices of all power train parts on The Ford Extended warranty pkgs. I think you are talkin' $400.00.
    Puffin
  • lolitalibralolitalibra Member Posts: 1
    hi,
    i just bought my ford focus 2013 i noticed the engine is very hot after drivng 40kilometers and even after 3 hrs still very hot.pls advise ..do i need to bring to dealer fro check up
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    as long as the temperature gauge reads in the middle .I say your ok
  • mateo8mateo8 Member Posts: 2
    Purchased Jan 2013 the new Ford Focus.. worst decision in my life to buy this car. Weeks later it was lurching forward and almost caused us to get in an accident more than once. Later it didn't go in reverse. I took it in for "reprogramming" less lurching..reverse is ok...last
    couple of months..shudders in 1st and lurches in 2nd and 3rd... It seems to be when it's warmer outside..but I can't put my finger on this.... will take it in again on Thursday....for whatever they need to do to it....Higher speeds and gears seem fine... How about if I ask them to put in a clutch and I would drive it much smoother myself... Should I file a complaint..? I am a bit leary of having my kids with me in this car... I lust looking at the Honda Civic lately.
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2013
    I would go on record with a complaint with the NHtSA and with Ford.
    It's no joke I know how you feel.
  • wardamnadamnwardamnadamn Member Posts: 1
    I have 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 SE automatic with about 157,000 miles that will not go into any gear. I've only had the car a few months, it has a rebuilt transmission but I have not noticed any slipping or other issues with it. I was leaving a soccer game on Saturday when the problem occurred. I backed out if the parking space, drove forward about 30 yards to the exit and waited for traffic to clear. When I stepped on the gas to go I went forward fir about 3 secs then heard a weird screeching noise and it was as the car was in neutral. After getting the car to the side of the road I tried shifting from park to reverse and to drive but still no luck in either. When moving the shifter it does not even sound like its going into gear.
    The mechanic I took it to is saying something broke inside the transmission requiring a rebuild or replacement. I was really hoping that it would not come to that. Please let me know any other possibilities.
  • nofordforme754nofordforme754 Member Posts: 9
    I see that Ford has been selling alot of new vehicles and I wonder how may have been focus,s. I have also noticed that Ford has alot of recalls going on right now and it bothers me that there are so many. I hope Ford will step up and fix the transmission problems all of us are having with the focus.
  • guido65guido65 Member Posts: 25
    edited September 2013
    I took the time during my last oil change to talk with the service advisor about these Ford Focus Transmission issues. He admitted that at first the 2012 and some 2013 did have some re-programming issues with the DCT transmissions. However when they are re-programmed they are fine. He has not seen any repeat issues. This is a fairly large Ford dealership. I then went home took the time to call an additional 3 Ford dealerships in my city. All of them said about the same thing. So, I have to wonder how many of these posts are Ford haters spreading rumors about a great little car?? Shame on you if you are doing this...
  • hollyartershollyarters Member Posts: 1
    I totally agree with the others my 2012 had a transmission recall so i took it in then now a couple months later I'm having the same issues from before....I wish I never traded my 09 for the 12 worst mistake!
  • mateo8mateo8 Member Posts: 2
    so how will a report to NHTSA help me..?

    Yesterday the vehicle when driven after 20 minutes locally went through this
    interval of bucking like a bronco.. today it started after about 25 mintues of local use..

    Can the NHTSA help?

    I was thinking of driving into Honda and trade it on for CIVIC..I dont' need this case of bad nerves its giving me...
  • stayfocus01stayfocus01 Member Posts: 1
    does anyone know if it's possible to install a pvez engine and tranny into a 01 ford focus sedan
  • daniluvsforddaniluvsford Member Posts: 1
    I am not a Ford hater. I LOVE Ford. I appreciate the fact that they didn't take the bail out. I have owned a Ford since 1999, with only a 2 year lapse when I owned a horrible Chrysler. I finally traded my 2003 Ford Taurus in this year for a Ford Focus. It bucks, jumps, grumbles and all that bad stuff people are mentioning. And my car dealer just admitted that he gets a car for testing, makes sure that it was revved and the kinks are out before the possible purchaser tries it.
    Love my Ford, hope they get this fixed. I really don't want to deal with this all the time. It's not a good feeling.
  • markus5markus5 Member Posts: 102
    The PZEV engine became available mid way in 03 year and was standard in certain States ( CA., NY and N.E. ) in model year 04. the 2.3 PZEV is a perfect engine for the Focus. The engine in mine runs as well as new at 135,000 miles. I would think that there would not be to many modifications to swap.
  • gene106gene106 Member Posts: 2
    Just got a Focus the first of July. Most annoying car I have ever driven.
    After reading the manual, (after having it back to the dealer) I have determined that some of the problem is the fact that the fuel is shut off when reducing speed no mater how little speed reduction is wanted. To me, this causes the car to jerk and lurch as the engine starts and stops when trying to maintain a slow speed. This is the stupidest idea I have ever heard of. I would gladly have a small reduction in gas mileage and not have the herky jerky driving experience. I hope Ford programs this out before I have to get rid of the car.
  • lemmings89lemmings89 Member Posts: 3
    Well my great little car has been traded in. Ford told my wife she had to change her driving habits and I changed my buying habits, back to Toyota. Ford salesmen sit behind their desk hoping one of their old reliable escort and focus for the past 20 years don't come in complaining about this focus blunder, it should be a recall. don't buy a focus 2012 to 2014
  • puffinalongpuffinalong Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2013
    Guido, no disrespect, but you need to do your homework.
    I'll tell you what. I have 3700 miles on my Focus Ti sedan loaded(every option available for a price that includes an extended premium warranty)Tuxedo black and drives like a dream when it's warmed up and in 6th gear.
    It shutters until warmed up .Sometimes at a stop sign in first gear it goes kaplunk. This car makes you want to drive by throttle.
    It should be recalled as flashing doesn't work and I do have a degree in computer programming and Sci.
    So, back to German ,or Japanese tech I go. Arivi Dechi
  • browns1980browns1980 Member Posts: 1
    my sister inlaw has the same symptoms, will not roll in neutral as well. were you able to find the problem? any help would be greatly appreciated
  • lag911lag911 Member Posts: 1
    guido65, I am not a Ford hater, but I am one that is having these transmission issues with my 2013 Ford Focus, however, I am having more problems with the dealership I purchased the vehicle from, refusing to service my vehicle. It is now at a different Ford dealership to have the transmission torn apart. After they reprogrammed mine, the transmission started to slip and stutter, I am attempting to get Ford to do a buy back of the vehicle. And just for information, the small town dealership I have it at now has already done 5 of these transmissions, with 3 more waiting to be repaired including mine.
  • lemmings88lemmings88 Member Posts: 12
    I asked ford to buy back the focus, They told my wife to adjust her driving habits, I couldn't chance her safety, I bit the bullet and traded it even though I couldn't afford it. I'm surprised at Ford, I feel sorry for the sales people.
  • nellydesignnellydesign Member Posts: 1
    This car has a dual clutch transmission. As such it has no torque converter. That is the thing that causes a normal auto equipped car to roll forward in "neutral" or when you take your foot off the brake. It is not a defect, but is simply the behavior of a dual clutch tranny.

    As for the shuddering at low speeds, I had the same issue when I first bought my 2012. It wasn't terrible but it was annoying. After two reflashes of the transmission computer it seemed to fix the problem and it drove great for a while.

    Then I took the car in for new tires. I could only afford two so they installed them on the back and the fronts gradually approached baldness. At a certain point my car started having the shuddering issues again, but a LOT worse. EVERY acceleration off the line seemed to be accompanied by a shudder before shifting to 2nd. Slow starts, fast starts, didn't matter. I was convinced I was going to need to take my car in and get it checked for a bad tranny.

    Then, after several months, I happened to buy the other set of tires for the front. LITERALLY from the moment I got them installed I haven't had a single low speed shudder. Nothing. Drives like a dream. No idea what the deal was but my only guess is the difference in tread depth on the tires from front to back was freaking out the traction control somehow, which led to the shuddering. All I know is it's now fine.
  • lemmings88lemmings88 Member Posts: 12
    NHtSA and ford will do NADA, nothing zip, save your nerves, trade it before someone gets hurt
  • jws2391jws2391 Member Posts: 1
    I recently went to the dealership to get a speaker fixed in my Focus, as I was talking to the service advisor I brought up that my car's transmission was real jumpy on stop and go traffic/rush hour traffic. I was told that a reflash of the transmission computer system "should" help the situation. I let them flash my transmission computer system and so far it has made a huge difference, it's no longer laggy or jumps after accelerating from stop and go traffic. I was very concerned about this problem because I didn't find out about this problem until after I bought my car from reading forums online, all I can say is get your transmission flashed it will help a lot, driving home from the dealership I got 42 mpg (16 mile drive).
  • lemmings88lemmings88 Member Posts: 12
    I had mine re flashed 3 times, it just keep getting worst, any way its gone now I traded it in on a reliable car. Your lucky it worked for you but read the forums,,, for how long will it last..read
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