Ford Focus Complaints
22,326 consumer complaints on file.
- #11531674July 11, 2023ENGINE
My car was hesitant to accelerate when both stopped and while cruising. When stopped, I would release the brake and the car would shudder and not accelerate. It would sit for a few seconds before going forward. When stopped on a hill, my car would roll backwards when I would release from the brake. When accelerating up a hill, my car would shudder and stop accelerating for a few seconds. Once, while on the Highway, I went to pass a car, getting into the left lane and pressing on the gas. The car did not go any faster but my RPM went all the way up. It was such a danger to drive. The service engine light would go on and off, but never be consistently on. When it turned on, it only stayed on for a day and then went back off. It almost caused a few accidents. When I took it to my local Ford dealership thinking it was the TCM, they told me the car needed a new clutch, levers, and slave cylinder.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531506July 11, 2023STEERING
Power steering went out after a repair to the transmission control module.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531516July 11, 2023POWER TRAIN
I have a customer satisfaction program 19N08 for Transmission clutch shudder -transmission clutch warranty extension,I have 96000 miles and was told I have to pay for a new clutch
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531560July 11, 2023ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Have tried repeatedly to get the CPV recall performed however all dealerships or authorized repair locations have been giving me multi month waits since it started showing the alarm code for it in Dec. 2021. Due to it being the only vehicle my family has we were out in a wait list to bring it in when they had the parts and never got called back. Now the Transaxle is not engaging 4/5/6th gear intermittently. Was informed that it would be 3K for a new transaxle even though I have not had the vehicle for that long.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531242July 10, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle has an intermittent problem that causes it to lose power, become unresponsive, and leave the occupants vulnerable to a collision if it becomes necessary to accelerate from cross traffic or to be rear ended due to rapid deceleration. At random intervals usually daily the check engine light will begin to flash and pressing the throttle the driver will find that the vehicle will not accelerate. This condition last typically 30 seconds, during that time the vehicle is essentially coasting along under simple inertia. Then as suddenly as it began the light turns off and the car returns to normal. My vehicle experienced catastrophic failure during one such episode resulting in a thrown rod in cylinder number 3, the vehicle had the engine replaced under warranty at a cost of $12,000. After the car was returned I found that it continued to experience the same problem, returned to the place that installed the engine and they weren't able to repair the problem. Was directed to take to Temecula Ford, they required I allow their technician to drive the vehicle home nightly over 40 miles each direction and after 2 weeks weren't able to supposedly recreate the problem. I picked the car up with nothing to show but extra miles. Immediately the problem once again began, I scanned the ecu and took screen shots and data recordings to provide the dealer. Directed to return the car, they had it another week and despite having the provided information stated they couldn't duplicate the issue. Decided to take it to another local dealership, they had it a week and stated the problem was caused by using NGK spark plugs instead of MotorCraft plugs. I informed them they were installed with the new engine and they required I purchase their spark plugs. I paid $400 for plugs and picked the vehicle up, the problem persisted. I was however given a refund. Still can't use the car, Ford corporation refused to do anything for me.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531244July 10, 2023POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE:BODY
New clutch failing after 20000 miles about 1.5 years after factory change. Car shutters when trying to change gear. Dealership has been able to reproduce issue but doesn't want to cover it. Transmission randomly goes into neutral when driving on highway at speed. This has caused issues with maintaining control as engine power is not going to propel car while surrounded by other vehicles on highway. Dealer has not reproduced issue. Driver side door when ambient air temperature exceed 85 or 90 degrees, door not easily opened. Occurred for dealership personnel too. In none of these instances, warning lights appeared. My safety and others is at risk if the clutches fail prematurely, transmission randomly goes into neutral while in Drive at speed around others on the highway, and if the driver door is sticking closed when temperatures get hot. Car is available for inspection.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531256July 10, 2023POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the clutch; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. The VIN was unavailable.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531357July 10, 2023ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the brakes locked up. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road and apply the parking brake. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank was deformed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531425July 10, 2023ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately restart. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle eventually restarted and was driven to an independent mechanic. The contact was notified of fuel tank failure caused by an excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531475July 10, 2023POWER TRAIN
In Jan/Feb 2023, my 16 year old was driving her 2013 ford focus which we have had problems after problems… this particular time she was at a red light and it would not go! She quickly put in park and switched back to drive and it went… a day or 2 passed and it did it again and started shifting gears weird and jerking at certain speeds! Took it to the mechanic he basically said he wouldn’t touch it because of how crappy and complicated these transmissions are… but he did run codes and to a transmission flush! That didn’t do any good… I started researching and low and be ahold find out that this is a know issue with these cars! And guess what my “extended warranty” expired less than 2 months prior to this! Ford would not help me what do ever! I contacted the manufacturer and the dealerships! They want to charge a diagnostic fee and everything!! Then last week I get a letter in the mail stating they would do a one time replacement on the TCM now until 2025! Ok that’s fine and all but at this point I don’t know if I even trust this car for my daughter to drive! I have been reading all the horror stories! If I could afford to get her a new one I would but I’m a single mom with one income! I think ford needs to own up to this and buy back these lemons and make it right!!!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11531479July 10, 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving normal speed on a highway and all of a sudden my speed slowed to 0 and I had to hurry and pull over fast. I was so scared and it was so dangerous. I took it to a shop and they said I need a new transmission. The car never indicated there was an issue prior to this incident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530860July 7, 2023POWER TRAIN
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.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530969July 7, 2023FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Error p2196 and p1450 issue with PCM, EVAP and bank 1 sensor know issues and recalls on same year make and model st I have an se having same problem
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530729July 6, 2023POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the TCM; however, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced due to extreme internal damage. 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 100,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530566July 6, 2023ENGINE
Oil cooler failed forcing engine oil in cooling system. ECU did not indicate any overheat, low oil pressure or check engine light. By the time the vehicle was parked and shut off no oil was left in the oil pan. Oil/coolant covered the passenger wheel well and tire/rim. Probably a good idea to have a bigger OEM oil cooler rather than using coolant to cool the engine oil. Oil cooler failure was confirmed by ASE certified mechanics. Oil/coolant could possibly cause loss of traction, overheat condition and total engine failure with no oil providing lubricant to internal components and the turbo. Total repair costs are $1200 for a part that is $100 or $250 in the aftermarket world. Repair cost could have been much higher if vehicle would have been running any longer.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530383July 5, 2023POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and high engine temperature warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the transmission experienced rough shifting and failed to shift into Sport(S) mode. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed that the clutch was engaged and the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530397July 5, 2023POWER TRAIN
At ~84k miles the vehicle lost the ability to shift into reverse gear. Upon reading about the issues with dual clutch transmission, swapped the actuator motors and some gears were restored but quickly lost all gears. Took to local transmission shop where they explained this is common issue with vehicle model. My options were to rebuild the transmission or replace the transmission, in either case costs would be approximately 50% of the vehicle's fair market value. Given other year model issues with the powertrain, this needs to be addressed by Ford and extend the same options given to purchasers of earlier year models. I was told the 2018 models had this issue "fixed", which led me to purchase the vehicle. Otherwise, great car but this is a design issue that there is no fix for.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530491July 5, 2023POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated sluggishly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while leaving the dealer, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,123.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530054July 3, 2023STEERING
Driving down the windy mountain road and all power steering fails and the steering locks up and cause it to jerk hard. Can’t control vehicle at any speed. Not inspected but put on computer and it says steering module failure. 06/20/2023.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11530062July 3, 2023FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12-18 ford focus equipped with 2.0 GDI or 2.0 GTDI equipped with purge valve, failing causing gas tank deformation
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0