Ford Focus Complaints

22,326 consumer complaints on file.

#11731865April 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to the next gear and jolted into gear while upshifting. The contact stated that while stopped at traffic lights, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was warmed up, and attempting to shift to reverse(R), the transmission failed to respond. The contact had to wait for the transmission temperature to drop and then shift into reverse(R). The ABS, ESC, and transmission warning lights were illuminated, and the message “Hill Start Assist Unavailable” was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while the A/C was activated, there was water accumulating in the passenger’s side footwell, causing the carpet to become saturated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there were several major failures with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,300.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731483April 16, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and then accelerated to the desired cruise control setting. The failure had occurred several times. Approximately 2 weeks later, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the hazard lights were activated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731612April 16, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The block heater on this car is leaking. The recall 26V011 does not apply to this VIN, even though it falls under the year, make, model category. How can I get my vehicle to have the recall done when it shows that it is not affected, even though it is clearly leaking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731661April 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Manufacturer Recall Number: 14M02. However, after the repair was completed, the vehicle started stalling while driving at various speeds, and the transmission failed to shift above second gear. The failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer several times; however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0606 and P0702. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731107April 14, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle began to experience issues where it was difficult to start and ran rough. Multiple times after turning off vehicle and attempting to restart later it would not restart. Had vehicle towed to dealership for repairs, they conducted a recall repair and test over multiple days. Picked up vehicle, drove approximately 7 miles. Went into store came back and vehicle would not start. Multiple other recalls are listed for this date range and motor that likely could be impacting my current vehicle. However, this VIN is not listed as a specific recall. Current situation places driver and passenger at risk as the vehicle does not run properly and does not restart
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730978April 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a 2015 Ford Focus equipped with the PowerShift transmission. The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of the transmission control module (TCM) and clutch system despite multiple repair attempts. The vehicle has been repaired at least three times for the same issue, yet the failure continues. While driving at highway speeds (approximately 65–70 mph), the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle lost power and was unable to properly shift gears, creating an immediate safety hazard. I was forced to navigate traffic with limited acceleration and was left stranded. This condition significantly increases the risk of a crash, especially when merging, accelerating, or maintaining speed in traffic. The failure occurs unpredictably and without sufficient warning. This issue is not isolated. The 2012–2016 Ford Focus models equipped with the PowerShift transmission have a well-documented history of similar failures, including prior complaints and manufacturer acknowledgment of defects. Despite multiple repair attempts, the defect has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains unsafe to operate. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a safety defect, as it poses a serious risk to drivers and others on the road. I have found that many of the vehicles that recieved a replacement TCM, reported the problem came back, worsened, or the car had to be totalled all together. Even worse, took a huge hit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730706April 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I purchased a 2018 Ford Focus in Sept of 2023 with 30k+ miles. Financed. In April of 2025 the car started making strange noises when starting and then would not go into reverse. The car pushed in neutral and drove about 2 miles. Stopped for gas and then the car would not start. The car was towed to a mechanic. He had the vehicle for 2 wks trying to purchase a part called an Actuator. I reside on St. Croix USVI and purchased this vehicle from a fleet sale from Centerline Rental Cars. After the Actuators were placed, I drove the car and within a day had a screeching sound upon starting car. Drove it back to mechanic and we did a test drive.21 The car would slow down and speed up on it's own. The vehicle this time died and had to be pushed onto the lot. Was worked on again and still did not work properly. Car was towed to Ford Metro for analysis. The car now has 40k+ miles in 18 mos of use. They quoted me $4,213.00 for parts and labor. I am still paying $359.00 a month since April 2025. The car was towed back to my residence where it sits dead. Please advise.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730708April 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Powershift for the transmission is the issue. Got two notices about a software update and followed through with updates. When done my Ford dealership said they couldn’t do anything else and that I was just going to be like it was. I never received any more recalls or even a Class Action letter! I recently called Ford motor headquarters and they found my information and could not confirm any additional recalls to me or the class action letter that was sent to me and said that they would NOT DO anything for me! No goodwill — Thisissue from this area continues and I very concerned for my safety! Need help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729988April 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and unexpectedly came to a stop. The message that the transmission was hot was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence, but then failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with fuel system and clutch failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729609April 7, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, jerking, and hesitating to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729480April 6, 2026
ENGINE
engine failure - coolant entering engine cylinder #2, Internal engine failure. Car was stalled loss of power on highway and almost killed. Towed to nearest mechanic shop. Need to disassemble and confirm failure point. Ford law suits for coolant internal engine damage and failure. This is a known defect with Ford Ecoboost engines. Including coolant/antifreeze entering the engine. Also, the coolant intrusion into cylinders. Requesting good will assistance as unable to use car for over 2 months. Ford headquarters is acting like they know nothing about this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728958April 3, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
●Unknown- transmition seem to slip or acted like stalling or about to die. Would jerk forward and shutter till finally would not start after being turned off. So had it towed because would not start again. ●myself and others in my 2017 Ford Focus titanium edition were traveling over a bridge at the time of the incident and very well have stalled out or quit running in the middle of traffic on a bridge causing a collision or worse loss of life ●No- no service center has addressed the issue not due to me not trying but merely, nothing's been done from where I've taken it to ●No- at the moment that is not required as of yet. ●Yes- the forward jerking and shuttering started a couple of years every now and then, until it turned into such a severe situation. ●No - no signs signals lights or anything on the dash showed any kind of sign of anything wrong with the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728225March 31, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, but no diagnostic trouble code was found, and there was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727541March 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The powertrain/transmission in my 2016 Ford Focus is malfunctioning. Specifically, the vehicle shudders and hesitates when accelerating in low gears, causing delayed engagement and unpredictable power delivery. This issue occurs at low speeds, such as when entering traffic or moving through intersections, creating a potential safety risk for myself and other drivers. The problem has been officially diagnosed by a Ford dealership as a transmission/clutch issue, with a repair estimate of approximately $3,700. The issue has been reproduced consistently and confirmed by the dealer. No warning lights appeared prior to the malfunction, but the shuddering and hesitation are noticeable during normal driving. The vehicle currently has approximately 26,000 miles, which is very low for transmission failure, and the manufacturer has denied goodwill assistance despite the early and confirmed failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727157March 26, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Bought in 2024 ..few days later car wouldn’t change gears transmission overheats shutters jerks and won’t go when giving gas at times. Had the car in 5 times to fix, didn’t work.. I’ve almost been in accidents one of which was with a tractor trailer This car is a death trap had to quit job due to this .. and have a 7500.00 loan on a car I can barely drive. I want this loan paid off and given a check or car that has no problems and is reliable plus compensation for lost wages Im also willing to file suit immediately if this isn’t taken care of IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727219March 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The car shakes when I turn the car on. I always thought it was normal until they told me it wasn't. Also ive smelled like a burn oil smell... Ive gotten stuck on intersection, guessing its the transmission.. i had to put the car it park and put it drive to see if it moved. When it did moved the whole front car shook while doing the turn. That happened like 2x. Both times I've parked afterwards and I tried to put it in reverse and nothing. It did not reverse. And that was the last of it moving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727353March 26, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
03/25/2026 Driving down the street card started jerking and acting like it did not want to move kept slowing down like it wasn't getting any gas. like the transmission was going out. There is nothing wrong with my transmission. The car had been on a recall for a part that has been replaced 2 different times. I tried to have it checked out the Ford dealers here where I live wanted to charge me $200.00 insisting that its my transmission. I know it is not my transmission. Its the same part they have replaced 2 times that was on the recall list for my car. What can I do? It is dangerous for me to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726919March 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission in this model is horrible they already have recall for the 1.0L mine of course is the 2.0L its 2016 Ford Focus it has last than 165,000 miles. I already replaced put new transmission in it last year and here I am again transmission is out. And of course no repair shops will touch my car deal this known issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726736March 24, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,604.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726335March 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I filled up my gas tank and a couple minutes later experienced shuddering while parked so I decided to turn the vehicle off and turn it back on but it struggles to turn back on. I then drove back home and as I was driving the acceleration was going up and down and then to 0. As i stopped on a red light the car completely shut down while the light then turned green and the check engine light, battery, and oil light came on. I then turned the vehicle off and in order to start it I had to step on the gas. I made it home but have not driven it since. I noticed there was a 19S22 recall but I spoke with ford and they said my vehicle didn’t get it but it is experiencing the same issues that the recall mentioned. There is a one time replacement for the CPV but it doesn’t cover half of what the 19S22 does and it seems to be the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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