Ford Focus Complaints
22,326 consumer complaints on file.
- #11515515April 5, 2023STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POWER STEERING ASSIST, FAILURE: ENGINE FAILURE TO START: POWER BRAKE ASSIST, FAILURE: TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, FAILURE: CLUTCH FAILURE AND SHIFT ROUGHNESS:. CAR UNUSEABLE FOR THREE YEARS WITHOUT BECAUSE OF PARTS INAVAILABILITY: This type even happened mutiple times because of the transmission control module failure. The first sign of problems was shuddring and rough shifting beginning with about 30,000 miles on the vehicle Multiple trips to the Ford Dealerships resulted in Unsatisfactory action by Ford Motor company to repair the problem The result was safety problems like stalling and losing power steering and brake assist in traffic. It displayed multiple system failure warnings when it failed, Steering asist, Brake assist, ABS, transmission position light was in park while driving. We tried to get repairs done but they just kicked it down the road till we fought with the car to get 160,000 miles out of it because there was no other choice and they denied there was a problem. It was completely unserviceable beginning on the shown date because the clutch control and transmission control module have been faulty, It has started a few times but will not shift properly and the clutch is faulty because of the control module being bad. We paid to have the control module replaced when it became available, but the vehicle is not servicable because the clutch and flywheel are damaged from the module being faulty. This should have been a safety recall as soon as the problem was discovered, but it was hidden and the owners of these vehicles have had to deal with it over the last 10 years. Any of these cars on the road are just as dangerous as this one It.is still at the shop 4 months after they tried to patch it awaiting the determination of whether a clutch recall will fix it or not. These owners of these cars are driving time bombs if they are not able to react to the problems listed in traffic.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515518April 5, 2023ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clinking sound detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the TCM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515638April 5, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As I was stopped at red light it stalled as I drove thru. So I pulled over. Got out to open hood. It was smoking.struggled to open hood. Ran around to get towel to smother the fire. But it was too far gone. Man told me just leave it. It was total loss.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515438April 4, 2023WHEELS
JUST CAME FROM DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME i NEEDED NEW LUG NUTS BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN THEY SWELL AND CANNOT BE TAKEN OF EASILY AND MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $150
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515450April 4, 2023POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS, POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch and the clutch seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle warranty had expired and to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515150April 3, 2023POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module (TCM) to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch, and transmission module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515286April 3, 2023FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hello this complaint is in reference to recall #18S32. I had issues with my vehicle telling me I had gas when it was really empty. The dealership got me in, said it was a recall and repaired it quickly for me, This was in 2019. The past couple months my vehicle is stalling when I get gas. It's usually always associated with me getting gas. I had some mechanics check it out and they all said it was the purge evaporator valve. They informed me to contact the dealership because there should be a recall on this issue. I contacted them and was told there isn't. So I haven't gotten it fixed because well money. I looked it up and there is a recall on that specific thing but the dealership is claiming it was "fixed" in 2019, and they cannot fix it again. I contacted ford and they told me the same thing. I'm just at a lost and concerned because I do not know who to contact or where to go from here since this issue is still tied to a recall issue that was supposedly "fixed"
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515292April 3, 2023POWER TRAIN
My daughter purchased a 2014 Ford Focus in August of 2021 with roughly 35,000 miles. She was starting college as a full time student and needed a dependable vehicle.....which she DID NOT get. Zeck Ford in Itasca, Tx is where this was purchased and they KNEW of the issue regarding the TCM in this particular vehicle. This vehicle should have never been on that lot for sale. Ford recently closed this dealership in Feb/March 2023. The car did great till about Spring/Summer of 2022. It suddenly started jerking and check engine light would come on. It appeared it was possibly a loose cable...it was not. It drove fine till Oct of 2022 and again did the same thing. Contacted local dealership and we were THEN told of the issue with the TCM. We were also told all we could do was wait untill it acted up again bring it in to the dealership so that they could open a ticket. Well it never acted up in proximity to a dealership. It happened again in Dec of 2022. This time with the rmps revving up so far the vehicle would not drive and she had to have it towed paying out of her pocket. Today, April 3, 2023 she was on her way to school and it stalled on her TWICE going down the interstate. My husband and I had to go get her and he somehow managed to get it back to our house. She did purchase an extended warranty but they helps none in this situation . At this point we were at a loss of what to do. The dealership that has been trying to help us has informed us numerous times that they have not received the TCM part in their dealership in 2 YEARS!!!!! They currently have 2 identical vehicles like my daughters on their lot that DO NOT DRIVE due to this issue and have been sitting there for almost a year. I have reached out to Ford to no avail. Ford and ALL ford dealerships knew of this issue in Feb 2017 but continued selling this vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515111April 3, 2023ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Good Year Service Center to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC code: P1405 (EGR Valve). The contact stated that a smoke test was performed that indicated that one of the valves remained open. The contact then stated that the valve was lubricated, and the vehicle was presumed repaired; however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515009April 2, 2023POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I pulled out of my brothers driveway as I pulled out the car failed to go over 10mph and started to lurch back and forth. I almost got in an accident because of this. There was a car coming down the road and they had to swerve to miss me because I couldn’t get the car to go over 10. I promptly pulled the car over after that.The car also would go into reverse but would not move. I had the car towed to a local Ford dealer because I did not feel it was safe to drive. There were no warning lights on the car at the time of the incident. The check engine light did come on later though. The dealership said the TCM had failed and would need to be replaced but I would need to wait for the part because it’s on national factory back order. After waiting 4 months and calling Ford to complain multiple times the part finally came in. They installed the part and told me it did not fix the issue and I would need a replacement transmission. The car has not been fixed, failure date was at 87,300 miles. The car is no longer safe to drive and costs way too much for me to fix.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11515037April 2, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn has never worked for me since I had the car. I’ve had so many close calls where people almost backed into me and there is nothing I can do but pray! And also the stereo system I’ve had to go in and disconnect due to the fact that I’d come outside with my car off haven’t even started it that day yet the speakers would be blaring a horrible cracking and popping sounds also happens randomly while driving it’s very scary
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514918April 1, 2023POWER TRAIN
Transmission Control Module (TCM) does not work and the car does not start on.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514921April 1, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BCM failed the mechanic states that it is corroded moisture in the dashboard causing the brand new battery to die and car not function
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514850March 31, 2023POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he reset the transmission control module; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514534March 30, 2023POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Initially the check engine light came on; took it to service center and the fuel sensor was replaced. Check engine light comes on the next day which revealed an evap code error. Suggestion was take it to dealer for recall check. Safety became an issue when the vehicle sputtered and stalled on the highway. I visually inspected the fuel tank which appeared "sunken" which suggested a vacuum pressure problem which the dealer also confirmed. All this is part of a recall which "should" include my VIN, make, model and year.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514632March 30, 2023POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle would not shift gear and would not accelerate as needed. The hill assist, and parking brake fault warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side on the road and waited for the vehicle to cool down. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact was able to drive home. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnoses and the dealer stated that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired since parts were not available. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 53,611.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514636March 30, 2023POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to shift gear, the transmission was slipping and failed to register the intended gear. The failure caused the vehicle to stall, and the vehicle needed to be restarted to change gear. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514359March 29, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2014 Ford Focus transmission has been giving me problems for years, It shudders badly. I am afraid to drive the car, It has been diagnosed.with needing a transmission. Ford has told me that that is how it supposed to run, Please take a look at all the transmission problems of the ford focus that people continue to have today. This is truly a safety issue. The cars are still on the highway. Having zero recalls doesnt make the road safe if someone doesnt listen and solve the problem of ford focus transmission.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514270March 28, 2023POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Engine Overheated” message was displayed. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle and waited for the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the clutch was previously replaced in 2019. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11514313March 28, 2023ENGINE
The engine component transmission failed. Yes it’s available for inspection on request. I was driving my car on the highway and out of nowhere the car went into limp mode, no lights or anything appeared on the car prior to this, when the car went into limp mode it began going 7 mph on the highway causing myself to be in danger. Multiple repair shops have inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps or symptoms appeared prior to failure.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0