2013 Ford Focus: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · MN · crash · 2 injuries

erratic shifting and eratic slipping gears , first happened while on highway and then it wouldnt go in any gear besides reverse and would say transmission overheat wait 5 min . caused another veihcal behind me to slam on there brakes and they ended up getting rear ended from the car behind them ..... all becouse of my cars tcm or transmission issues>!!!! also not too mention ` random unusual noises coming from clutch or shifter when not even start car yet _delayed start and delayed shifting .. i could go on and on this car is a nightmare

Filed Aug 8, 2020 · Transmission · 92,200 miles · AL

While driving, vehicle experienced sudden hard shifting and jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a bad TCM and two bad clutches. The bad TCM was covered under an extended warranty by ford under customer satisfaction program 14m02 (10 yr/150k mile warranty), but the clutches were not eligible under program 14m01 (7 yr/100k mile warranty) because the car was 7 yr 5 mo old. It is a major safety issue to have failed shifting while driving. This is a known issue with this transmission and these clutches need to be recalled and promptly repaired in all affected vehicles.

Filed Jan 19, 2020 · Transmission · 104,050 miles · MI

Very hard shifting through gears when first starting to drive. After car is warmed up and driven for a time. There is a shuddering in the transmission when starting from a stop. The hard shuddering makes it seem like the transmission is going to fail.

Filed Sep 9, 2019 · Transmission · 14,590 miles · CA

Shuttering, rattling and clunking when engaging the gears. Vehicle will jerk when accelerating like it will stall out. Sometimes the vehicle will just not start.

Filed Aug 28, 2019 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · GA

Transmission shifting issues that affect the safety of the vehicle in use. Transmission will lag, hard shift, vehicle will get "stuck" when attempting to accelerate. The vehicle will violently shake and shudder going around slow turns or when accelerating from a stop. In traffic, the acceleration lag as well as she shuddering are dangerous. The vehicles brakes do not respond as well when shuddering. Ford insists that all vehicle parts are operating correctly. If that is the case, ford has designed an incredibly unsafe vehicle.

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · AR

Just picked up yesterday after 4th transmission visit. Car was hard shifting in low speeds and when accelerating the car will hesitate and lunge. Won't drive distance or on freeway only good for local small routes.

Filed Aug 14, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 62,905 miles · CA

Transmission is overheating; light comes on while in stop and go traffic. The car shifts harshly, makes gurgling noises, hesitates and jerks. Roaring and clunking coming from engine when starting the vehicle and when vehicle is running.

Filed Jul 30, 2019 · Driver assistance, Transmission · OH

We had had this car in at least 6 times for issues with the transmission. The last visit was 2 weeks ago when the car would not start. There is also a warning light that is constantly on. They told us it has to do with a sensor by where the gas is put into the car but they don't seem to be able to fix the problem or turn off the warning light. The car still stutters and runs rough after many complaints. Mostly when first accelerating after a stop. Also clunks when turning.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Transmission · WV

Since we bought our 2014 ford focus it has had a "bucking"with the transmission also when I have accelerated hard to move into traffic it will act like its in nuetral then slam into gear when we took our car in for a recal it was brought up to the service clerk and we were told its what they do and there was nothing they could do our car is now out of warranty

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

I purchased my brand new 2013 ford focus, from the dealer in may of 2013. I took it back a week later because it was "clunky" when accelerating. The ford dealership told me "the car just needs to learn how you drive, we will reset the computer". Since then I have had it "reset" 4 times and am on my 3rd clutch repair. Last week while braking my car decided to accelerate instead. This is the 4th time in a year, one resulting in a bumper on bumper accident with minimal damage. I dont feel safe driving my car, I commute two hours a day. Ford should be ashamed of themselves! If the I had been told back in 2013 when I purchased that there was an issue I would have traded that car the first week.

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · PA

Transmission clutch shuddering/chattering on acceleration, primarily in 1st and 2nd gear. Worse when ambient temp is warmer. Slams into gear, sometimes breaking tires loose on pavement. Only owned this car for 1 week. Mileage in the 70k range. Especially dangerous pulling out on a turn. Car will jerk sideways and hesitate, leaving you open to being struck by another vehicle.

Filed Feb 27, 2019 · Fuel system, Suspension · 124,790 miles · MO

Takara recall my car is shifting weird the evap canister for fuel is clicking and my car is getting bad mpg my car clunks when going over bumps the front end clicks when you turn and feels like something might break I dont think the electrical system is working rite