2015 Ford Focus: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OK

own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on November 16, 2024 under Ford Field Service Action 14M02 after diagnosing transmission-related problems, including Diagnostic Trouble Code P087A. Despite that repair, the vehicle continued to experience transmission-related concerns. Approximately one year later, another Ford repair order documented multiple TCM-related diagnostic codes and directed that the vehicle be returned to a Ford dealership for further evaluation. The transmission concerns persisted even after the previous TCM replacement. Most recently, I again presented the vehicle to a Ford dealership because of continuing transmission issues. I was provided an estimate of approximately $2,000 for additional transmission repairs. At the time of the estimate, I was not provided the complete diagnostic trouble codes or technician findings explaining why another major transmission repair was necessary. Over the course of ownership, I have made multiple appointments, diagnostic visits, and repair visits related to the transmission and have incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, including diagnostic charges, towing costs, and repairs. The repeated failures and recurring transmission concerns have required multiple visits to Ford dealerships and have not resulted in a lasting repair. My concern is not only the financial cost but also the safety of operating this vehicle. Unexpected transmission malfunction can affect acceleration, shifting, and the vehicle's ability to move normally in traffic, creating a potential safe

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · KS

Engine Stalls: the engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds and city/street speeds. Loss Of Power: Sudden loss of motive power creates an immediate crash hazard. Starting Issues: the car struggles to start or cranks excessively after refueling. Erratic Fuel Guage: The fuel gauge fluctuates wildly and gives inaccurate readings. Malfunction Indicator: The Check Engine Light is illuminated with emission-related codes. Fuel Tank Noise: Loud clunking or thumping noises come from the fuel tank area. The problem began in September 2025 and I took the car to a local mechanic and they fixed the issued, however the issue has started again. The fix did not solve the problems.

Filed Jun 30, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

When driving in stop and go traffic 0=5 mph for about 30 mins the car began to act as if was slipping and revenge up without moving and engine light came on and would sometimes slam into gear. I placed vehicle in sport mode and it idled irratically to the point I felt it was going to shut down. Upon arrival home I realized that now reverse had went out when attempting to put car in driveway. I will be taking it into Ford today for the 1 recall on the fuel canister software but I feel that it is not related and hope they will make some discovery and fix it accordingly.

Filed Jul 10, 2020 · Transmission · FL

Rough shift starting at 1st and going into second that vibrate and rattles entire car. The buckle make it sounds like bones are being broken . This happens driving anywhere and changing gears. Stop and go traffic is the worse. Has been happening since gotten from ford dealership.

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Acceleration, Transmission · 95,000 miles · IL

My husband was driving the car in rush hour traffic, on the highway, and the car suddenly made 3 clunks and then the car suddenly started losing power, almost died out.he could not get the car to accelerate, even though he was stepping on the gas pedal. He almost got hit. This is not the first time that the car has done this. The first time, it stalled out completely and left him stranded on the highway. Ford is aware that there is a stall risk, but they can not repair the car. I have contacted ford headquarters regarding this safety issue. I have not heard back from them. The 2015 ford focus has a bad transmission and the vehicle is not safe to drive because of the stall risk. The dealership that has had my 2015 ford focus will not try to repeat the behavior that caused the car to completely lose acceleration. They keep trying to give the vehicle back to me and it is not fixed!! Ford motors needs to be held accountable for knowingly selling the 2012-2016 ford focus when they knew that all of these cars had bad transmissions. We do not want the car back. These vehicles should not be allowed to be driven because of the stall risk.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · TX

2015 ford focus has severe shuddering and hard shifting after stopping. When first moving from a stop sign or stop light the vehicle shudders and shifts hard. Ford told me that the only thing I can do is to file a complaint with the federal safety agency

Filed Jun 26, 2019 · 62,000 miles · FL

Recall with the PCM and TCM on this vehicle are a issue consistently every several months it is back at the dealership getting repaired. The recall only covers the vehicle till 80,000 miles. Unfortunately since it needs work (under recall issue) every couple of months to keep the car running I am at a loss as to what I am supposed to do when my car hits 80,000. The car has a hard shift, sometimes will not reverse, sometimes will not start, sometimes will not pass 1st gear.