The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
2014 Ford Focus transmission complaints
Page 3 of 54: complaints 41 to 70 of 1,576, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My car has been to the shop twice for the TCM issues, and both times, in 2016 and 2021, the shop performed adaptive learning and cleared the codes, instead of replacing the faulty part. Now, the TCM has completely broken and needs to be replaced. The car wouldn't start at the gas station suddenly. After rocking the car back and forth it did start, but wouldn't go when shifted into drive. It is apparently 2 months out of the extended warranty coverage and now, I have to pay $1,300+ for a repair?! This seems unfair. They knew they had a faulty part, they performed band-aid fixes, and now I am holding the bag.
The vehicle started two jerk while driving and dropped in speed. My dashboard displayed a “transmission fault” message. After stopping the vehicle would have trouble getting back up to speed.
Car running rough/jerky. Trouble accelerating, especially up hills, and following stops. On [XXX], car stalled on [XXX]. Dash light came on saying "transmission overheating pull over immediately". This happened multiple times on the same day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was later towed to the local Pep Boys Service Center. The service mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was later towed to the local dealer. The local dealer also stated that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the Extended Warranty for the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern – Transmission Failure on 2014 Ford Focus (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a critical and ongoing safety issue with my 2014 Ford Focus. The vehicle stalls without warning, pops out of gear, and frequently overheats regardless of outside temperature. These failures occur while idling at traffic lights, merging into traffic, and during regular driving conditions. This issue has placed me in dangerous situations daily—I've narrowly avoided collisions and have been forced to block traffic because the car will not engage gear for 5 to 20 minutes at a time. It is not safe for me to exit the vehicle during these episodes, and I am deeply concerned for my safety and the safety of others. I understand there may not be an active recall for this VIN, but the symptoms align with known issues related to the PowerShift transmission. I am requesting an immediate diagnostic review and assistance under any applicable warranty, customer satisfaction program, or technical service bulletin. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The message "Transmission Overheating - Stop Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact waited for 20 minutes to restart the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred a short distance afterwards. The contact coasted to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure had progressively worsened. Most recently, the transmission overheated, and the contact had to pull over and wait for the transmission to cool down. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
My 2014 Ford Focus is having problems with the engine. For starters is several occasions the car will start and not turn off when turning the key to the off position, the car will still stay on. I took it to the automotive parts store and the guy there had me turn the key off and disconnect the battery and that seem to turn off the car. After they had my car scanned with a computer and found lots of issues with. Car stalls and had check engine lights and also a transmission warning light on making it difficult for the car to drive. Recently water dripping inside the vehicle passenger side when the AC is turned on. The car also doesn’t unlock the doors from the inside have to open it for the passenger side.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle after a few minutes, the vehicle responded as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH on another occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch Actuator B had failed, which caused the TCM to fail. The contact was informed that the clutch Actuator B and the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting to reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The contact was able to shift to neutral(N) after several attempts, and the vehicle was pushed into a gas station with assistance. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a TCM failure. The contact accidentally reset the codes, and the vehicle became drivable; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure because the code had been reset. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Nielsen Ford of Morristown (170 Ridgedale Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960), where it was diagnosed with TCM failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,711.
This car should have been added to two customer service programs through Ford. 19N08 and 19N08. This covers problems with the TCM and clutch pack. After speaking with Ford customer service, they confirmed that my vehicle fell within the build dates outlined in those programs and was built at the Michigan facility that is outlined in these programs. They refused to add my VIN to these customer service programs stating that it has expired. Had I known about the customer service programs when I was supposed to know about them, I would have easily had this issue fixed, but now I am left with a car with severe transmission issues. The only thing they could tell me to do was file a complaint with the federal safety agency. I need help getting Ford to acknowledge and fix this issue.
My car was purchased in 2015 and currently has ~69,000 miles. All routine maintenance has been completed on schedule. The clutch was repaired under warranty around ~10,000 and the Transmission Control (TCM) was corrected via software update in 2017. The TCM is now failing and requiring replacement. Ford Motor company was offering extended warranty to 150,000 miles or 10 years with one free replacement after that milestone was reached. That program apparently expired 6/30/25. Ford lost litigation on this vehicle as they sold the vehicles knowing the defect in the transmission. I am now responsible for an out of pocket repair due the expiration of the program. I contacted Ford Customer Care Ford Customer Care case number CXH05090063W2F2H4 and they suggested I file a complaint with the federal safety agency.
1) power train system- P090C AND P090C-00 clutch b actuator circuit low causing transmission to slip. dangerous when driving 2) anti-lock brake system code U0401-00 and U3003-16
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, failed to accelerate, or shift into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
I recently purchased this car from a private seller. Within weeks, the vehicle began exhibiting serious transmission issues — including sudden loss of power, inability to shift correctly, and entering “limp mode”, which severely restricts speed and performance. I had the codes scanned and received P090C and P090C-00, which point to a transmission control module (TCM) or clutch actuator circuit failure — an issue widely known in these vehicles with the DPS6 PowerShift transmission. Ford previously issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP 14M01) for this exact TCM failure, but they have since ended the program (as of June 30, 2025), and they are refusing to cover the repair — even though my vehicle is within the affected model year range and has not yet had the TCM replaced. The car has already had the clutch replaced, but the shifting problems and check engine light returned, putting me at risk while driving. This is a known, recurring safety issue, and the manufacturer is not standing behind its repair despite the car being part of a program that previously acknowledged this defect. I’m filing this complaint to urge the federal safety agency to reopen its investigation or require Ford to reinstate support for affected owners
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart and remained on the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,800.
Driving and all of a sudden the engine light comes on while sitting at the light. Went to accelerate and it was like I was driving a stick shift and then it was a big jerk. The car has never done this. Pulled over in a parking lot and then was not able to reverse my car.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Transmission Malfunction" message was displayed, and the contact continued driving to the destination. Additionally, the message "Transmission Overheating – Pull Over Now", displayed and the contact stopped driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Transmission Control Module stopped working. The car is significantly below amount of miles when the TCM should stop working.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating" was display while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of a possible recall but confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Improperly shifting, intermittently stalls in shifting and loses transmission power. Scan code PO902 Clutch Actuator circuit low Plus 3 other possible
I have a 2014 Ford Focus. For years, the car has been shaking when I slow down and speed up. I never really cared because it got me from point A to point B. But now it stalls and won't shift gears unless I go to high RPMS. The check engine light is on and a mechanic told me the transmission needs replaced. I have a DPS6 transmission and discovered that it is part of the class action lawsuit and extended warranty. I called Ford and they told me to write a letter to their office of general counsel. I am worried that is a stall tactic so I want to report it here. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle.
Car stalls and have had three car accidents and ford refused to pay for gas tank isoes and car does not start after it is used for a few mins. There is a serious mileage fluctuations and ford dealership tefises to repair failed recall and claim ford Corp will not pay for repairs so that is nothing to be seen. Car has been seen 3 ties after failed repair and ford will nit take any responsibility for tevlls that didn't work.. Ford might offered some repair program but honoring it is another matter. Ford is aware of car accidents and claim they rather be sues then Repair car.
In 2018/2017 I became aware of the extended ford warranty on the TCM for a period of Fords in which my vehicle fit under. It was difficult discussing this issue with ford in getting it in to be replaced under warranty but eventually I was able to get it in for a diagnosis and appointment. Meanwhile, the whole time my car has maintained shifting roughly even though it had gotten the supposed replacement - and the vehicle was sold to me this way from Hayes Chrysler in Lawrenceville, GA. ]About a month and a half ago, my car shifts rougher than usual and my check engine light comes on, I make an appointment with Ford since there is another extended warranty covering the TCM but the dealership fails to replace it and states that it needs a new clutch - when in fact it is reading a code unrelated to the clutch (P07A5).
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear and the transmission was slipping. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
On June 10th 2025 the engine light came on in my 2014 Ford Focus and I lost transmission function. The car was slipping out of gear, completely losing power and speed between first & second gear and third & fourth gear. I pulled into traffic before realizing the issue and almost got hit by two oncoming vehicles - one locked up their brakes to avoid hitting me, the other swerved into another lane which thankfully was empty. Slowing down was difficult, it was very hard to stop and I lost reverse gear. The overall driving experience was very rough and jerky. Driving 3 miles home I almost got rear ended two times due to loss of power between first & second gear. Driving 6 miles to the Ford dealership I almost got rear ended 1 time & 1 time I could not completely stop until I was halfway into a busy intersection. I had no ability to backup and traffic was completely blocked in one direction until I was able to safely cross the other 3 lanes of the intersection on a red light!! Prior to this incident & since I bought the car with 12,000 miles in 2020, it ALWAYS had rough transitions between gears & sputtering/brief loss of power when accelerating from stopped. I formerly had a 2013 Ford Focus which had these same issues so I figured that’s just how these cars drive with the Powershift dual clutch transmission. I had no idea that I should have been extremely concerned about the hard shifts & sputtering. I never received a single Customer Satisfaction Program letter from Ford about the clutch, leaking seals, or TCM warranty extensions and issues. If I had I would have brought my car in for service a long time ago. I am disappointed & dismayed that a recall has not been forced by the federal safety agency. Ford has gotten away with putting unsafe vehicles on the road with little to no accountability. I, and dozens of others, could have been killed or severely injured while I was on the road in this unsafe car.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. While the contact’s daughter was driving approximately 30 MPH, the lost motive power and started to decelerate unintendedly. The driver coasted to the side of the road; however, while attempting to turn around to return home, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The driver drove the longer route back to the residence because the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated but was off the following morning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Jerking or shuddering when shifting gears Delayed or harsh gear changes The check engine light is on Trouble accelerating or decelerating The car stalls or has trouble starting
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate or exceed 30 MPH. The message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train); the VIN was included but was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
The clutch keeps giving out. It’s been fixed 2 times and I have the same issue. It takes a bit in order for the car to generate power to go forward & it shutters when it moves froward when pushing on the gas. It can sometimes move forward a bit when placed in reverse and same thing when I shift to move forward from a parking mode it will go backwards a bit forward a few seconds then moves forward. It also shutters a lot more after I been driving longer distances. It’s a scary feeling when it shutters really bad, makes it feel like the car is going to power off.
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