2015 Ford Focus: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Transmission · TN

The transmission was repaired at 48k and I am now at 76k having severe issues with jerking, shuddering, and so forth. The car has undergone excellent maintenance for the CARFAX proves this. I bought this car with the very last of my inheritance money thinking I was getting a reliable product and come to find out, I got screwed and am on the hook for EVERY foregoing transmission repair.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 30-70 MPH, the transmission was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · MD

Transmission overheating and internal wear (metal particles in fluid) following electrical/TCM malfunction in Ford Focus DPS6. Transmission failure recurred after earlier repair under 14M02. Current failure includes overheating messages, shudder, and loss of safe drivability. Ford acknowledges issue relates to known PowerShift defect but refuses coverage. Vehicle unsafe.

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 Jul 11, 2025 · Transmission · 143,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating and decelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the transmission failed to properly shift and failed to reverse. During the failure, the messages "Transmission Overheating" and "Transmission Fault" were displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V169000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 40,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was shuddering. The transmission fault and transmission overheating messages were displayed. The message to “Pull Over” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the vehicle failed to reverse. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Royal Oak Ford Service (27550 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067); where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission jumped out of gear. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The transmission overheating message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that clutch A and B had failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle failed to properly shift into gear with the engine revving abnormally. The transmission overheating and fault message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Automobile shudders horribly on first gear and shifting from first to second gear. Attempted repair, however in time the shuddering came back. Then downshifting to go up a steep incline transmission made grinding/ticking noise. Experienced too much anxiety driving, got rid of the car.

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 Sep 25, 2024 · Transmission · 91,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and shuddering abnormally. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission clutch shudder. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving down the highway the vehicle all of a sudden made a long depleted noise and then the vehicle shifted into 1st gear and wouldn't come go faster then 5 or 10mph. Check engine light came on and had to immediately put hazard lights on and get onto feeder to then drive the vehicle home at a very slow pace. Vehicle no longer shifts into higher gears. Got home and had family member test drive vehicle and vehicle would only go into 1st but with issues. Then tried reverse and the vehicle wouldn't shift into reverse, sounded like it was in neutral, would rev but not shift into Reverse gear. Managed to turn around and parked it back in driveway. Found in glove compartment the last inspection performed on the vehicle on September 24, 2023 which was done by the dealership I bought the car from. On the back of the inspection report it lists 2 recalls for power train issues on clutch shudder and clutch control module. However, both say something about warranty, and when I took the paper to the ford dealership I was told that's not a recall it's an extended warranty and it expired in 2022 for the clutch shudder issue but the module one they would replace for free. I would like to understand about the first one regarding clutch shudder and the warranty part. The ford dealer service tech was very unconcerned about this and pretty much says it's only a 7 year warranty on that issue so it would have needed to happen or be brought in 2022. Basically saying I'm out of luck with my problem. This seems like a very dangerous problem with this car and I would think was an actual recall item not just an extended dealer warranty item. I also had a auto mechanic test drive and look at the vehicle and they also confirmed this was a clutch issue. Can someone explain and verify this information?

Filed Sep 5, 2024 · Transmission · 56,378 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate and rolled backward. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the clutch and an unknown part needed to be replaced. The dealer only replaced the clutch. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Shudder / Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,378.

Filed Aug 30, 2024 · Transmission · VA

I'm writing to seek assistance with transmission problems in our 2012-2016 Ford Focus. Despite visiting a repair shop, we've encountered a roadblock with Ford's expired Manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Programs. Background: The repair shop diagnosed an issue with the Power Shift transmission, a known problem affecting all 2012-2016 Ford Focus models. Ford had two Manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Programs in place (Transmission Control Module and Transmission Clutch Shudder) until 2020. Unfortunately, we purchased the vehicle in 2023, and the previous owners didn't participate in these programs. Current Situation: Ford is refusing to address the issues due to the expired programs, despite the vehicle remaining dangerous to operate. We've contacted Ford headquarters, and they suggested reaching out to the federal safety agency for potential assistance in extending the warranty or instructing Ford to fix our vehicle. Request: We kindly request your help in exploring options to resolve this matter. We believe it's essential to ensure the vehicle's safety, even if the Manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Programs have expired. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.