2015 Ford Focus: hesitation when accelerating

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 Feb 11, 2026 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and changing gears. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V523000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Transmission · 113,000 miles · NH

The contact's son owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the mechanic could not diagnose the failure because there were no active warning lights illuminated. The contact's son had received a message from the Ford App that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program for the TCM (Transmission Control Module). The failure persisted, and the dealer was notified of the program, and the contact was informed that the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer informed the contact that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the purge valve. The contact was instructed by the manufacturer to inform the dealer to have the purge valve replaced under the warranty. The contact informed the dealer about the purge valve warranty, and the dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to the purge valve and insisted that the failure was related to the TCM. After several disputes between the dealer and the manufacturer about the issue, the contact was informed that no assistance for the repair would be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered or hesitated while idling. Additionally, the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the transmission intermittently failed to shift as designed, and the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was occasionally coasted or pushed to the side of the road, and several attempts were made to restart the vehicle. However, the failure recurred while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The failure had become more persistent. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving approximately 50 - 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The “Service Vehicle Soon” and an unknown warning were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM had failed, causing the transmission to overheat, reaching over 1,000 degrees, causing damage to the shifting forks. The wiring harness was burned due to the failure. The mechanic stated that the PCM had caused damage to the forward gears. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or covered under warranty. The manufacturer opened a case and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed May 15, 2025 · Transmission · 90,050 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle was jerking and hesitated while attempting to accelerate. Additionally, the message "Transmission Fault" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under a Manufacturer’s recall related to the transmission. The failure mileage was 90,050.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission clutch was replaced several times under an extended warranty; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · 41,180 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a red light, the vehicle failed to move or respond as needed. The vehicle hesitated and the vehicle then worked as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to accelerate. The RPM increased to high. The message that the engine was running hot was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 41,180.

Filed Jan 10, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · KY

What happened: My 2015 Ford Focus has significant safety defects Ford has refused to address, despite these issues being covered under their Customer Satisfaction Programs (CSPs). These defects include engine stalling, power loss, and transmission issues, which pose serious risks to my safety and that of others. Ford’s inaction has exacerbated these problems. Key Issues: Engine Stalling and Hesitation (CSP 24N07 - Canister Purge Valve): The car stalls unpredictably at low speeds, especially during turns or stops, with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. This has led to dangerous situations, including near-accidents at intersections. Transmission Problems (CSP 14M02 - Transmission Control Module): The vehicle experiences intermittent power loss, failure to start without gas application, and a "Service Engine Soon" light. These issues have worsened over time. Clutch Defects (CSP 19N08 - PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission): The car exhibits jerking, shuddering, and slipping during normal operation, compromising control and safety. Timeline of Events: June 2020: I reported clutch issues under CSP 19N08, but Ford dismissed them as "not severe enough." January 2025: I returned to address worsening CSP issues, but Ford denied repairs, claiming the mileage cap had been exceeded. They demanded $4,000 for clutch replacement and $190 for diagnostics—fees I consider unjustified since these problems are related to acknowledged defects. Risks and Observations: The frequent stalling and transmission failures create significant safety hazards. As a veterinary technician who drives daily with my dog, these malfunctions put both our lives at risk. The stalling often leaves me stranded in traffic, endangering myself and other drivers. Warning lamps are consistently illuminated, and the issues have been confirmed by the dealership during prior visits. Despite these known defects, Ford refuses to perform repairs under their CSPs. This neglect of safety obligations necessitate

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated before losing motive power and was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the dual-clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while driving up an incline. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle almost stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch and transmission assembly. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was included but already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 34,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2024 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered, hesitated to respond, and the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle jolted while shifting to first and second gear. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly while driving 30-65 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly sluggish while depressing the accelerator pedal and decelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission fluid was replaced. Additionally, the dealer recommended the transmission clutch replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond while shifting to drive(D) and to reverse(R). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had become undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 19N08. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.