2006 Ford Focus: jerking or lurching

6 of the 205 complaints about the 2006 Ford Focus describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 54,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2018
76
2017
98
2016
129
2015
141
2014
486
2013
295
2012
346
2011
4
2010
6
2009
2
2008
4
2007
8
2006
6
2005
3
2004
5
2003
8
2002
11
2001
37
2000
36

What owners say

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford focus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not run as smooth when driving at 45 MPH and the vehicle would also jerk abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who performed a diagnostic but was unable to generate a failure code. The transmission was also inspected and the failure was located at the transmission solenoid springs. The transmission was rebuilt by the mechanic and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was not included in any recalls pertaining to the transmission. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000 and the approximate current mileage was 49,000. Updated 05/08/13

Filed May 21, 2012 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · FL

When accelerating from stop the transmission wouldn't go into gear, when it did it would jerk and sometimes there would be a squeeling noise as if it was trying to stop the car. It jerks as if the transmission is going to fall out and the over drive comes on while driving and won't go off. Sometimes the transmission just jerks and jerks continuously so bad it won't go into gear and won't gain any speed. I have to pull off the road. Thank god I haven't been hit by someone, it's very scary and dangerous when this happens.. The car is in the shop on diagnostics and so far we are being told there is no communication from the car computer to the diagnostic analyzer. I've found other complaints about this same transmission problem with this car online and I'm wondering why ford hasn't issued a recall for this problem. One person said he had to have his transmission replaced. When these same kind problem occurs it sounds like it is a ford motor product problem and should be treated as such. What is causing this and where's the recall ford???

Filed Jul 1, 2011 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · IL

Transmission problems. Transmission intermittently does not kick into gears when accelerating. I went to get on the high way,(speed limit 65mph), got up to 55 and the transmission just started revving as if I was locked in neutral, almost caused 2 accidents from moving traffic, as my car was driving considerably slower than the rest going the speed limit). Very dangerous and very scary. Pulled off at next exit(was considerably close). Car would then not go over 25 MPH. It's like it would not switch into the next gear. Had to call a tow. Ford garage says tranny definitely has problems and needs rebuilt/replaced. It had happened a few times before where I would go to accelerate and would get stuck in one gear, but after a few seconds would finally kick into gear - when it did finally kick into gear, it was a strong jerk as if I punched the gas. After looking around online, apparently many people with the same yr make model have had this problem.

Filed Feb 27, 2011 · Seats · 54,000 miles · NY

2006 ford focus st. Driver side seat back has broken/cracked during normal operation. Reaching for change in pocket to go through a toll booth, seat back frame broke on the right hand side causing driver to lurch back toward back seat and temporarily lose control of the vehicle. Ford motor company refuses to assist in repairs. Seat back should never break as it is the only protection a passenger has in the event of a rear end collision. Seat back has not been repaired.

Filed Apr 12, 2010 · Fuel system · 52,814 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford focus. While the contact was traveling approximately 55 MPH the check engine warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle began to hesitate in a jerking motion. The vehicle was driven off the roadway. The engine was turned off and restarted after waiting for a few moments. The vehicle was able to operate normally. The fuel filter was replaced by a certified mechanic and the failure stopped. The engine light failure occurred on a separate occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated the failure was contributed to the fuel pump and fuel pump driver module. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 50,000. Updated 06/04/10. *lj the fuel pump was replaced.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Suspension · 98,000 miles · MN

The rear of the car jerks/pulls around. It is very hard to keep control of the vehicle when this happens. Thought it was an alignment problem. After having four wheel alignments done, the problem still existed. Several mechanics tried diagnosing the problem with no luck. Finally one mechanics was able to pinpoint the problem. Seems the rear lower arm assemblies are failing (defective or weak parts). My wife was in an accident a few weeks ago which I believe may have been due to not being able to control the car (back end basically does what it wants to do) this is not an isolated problem. I know of three other people within a ten mile radius who are also having the same problem with there ford focus. This is definitely a safety issue when it take every little bit of effort to keep your car in control especially on snow covered roads.