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2015 Ford Focus: transmission slipping

71 of the 1,022 complaints about the 2015 Ford Focus describe transmission slipping.

owner complaints
71
of this car's complaints
7%
typical repair cost reported
$4,000
typical mileage
45,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 29 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Transmission slipping by model year

What owners say

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Transmission · 149,000 miles · AR

The contact owned a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, including the transmission slipping, the vehicle stalling, and the check engine warning light being illuminated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond after shifting to the reverse or drive. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission power shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Transmission · AZ

2015 Ford Focus with DPS6 automatic transmission failure. 109,### miles only. Symptoms: No reverse gear, severe clutch slip (high RPM but car barely moves), strong burnt clutch smell, check engine light on. DTC codes: P07A3, P07A5, P087A, P087B, P090C. Ford dealer (Camelback Ford, Phoenix AZ) diagnosed the issue but quoted $3,175 just for labor to open the transmission for inspection, refusing any goodwill assistance after 14M02 program expired in August 2025, despite low mileage and known widespread DPS6 problems covered by TSB 16-0129. Note : "November 20, 2025 – Date I purchased the vehicle. The transmission problem (no reverse, clutch slip, burnt smell) was present immediately upon purchase." Requesting the federal safety agency investigate Ford's refusal to offer reasonable post-warranty assistance for this well-documented safety-related transmission defect.

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · RI

The transmission keeps slipping at 2nd and 3rd gear. The shop I got it at fixed it twice and this time the transmission light turned on. They told me to go through this process

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Transmission · 109,100 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the transmission started slipper while shifting out of 2nd gear with the message "Transmission Overheating" and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and a diagnostic scanner retrieved DTC: P090C and P207A. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,100.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Transmission slipping. I was waiting to turn into my apartment and as I went to turn, my gear slipped where i was stuck in on coming traffic. Found out that there is a lot of ford focus having the same issue with transmission.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Transmission · 109,007 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at a roundabout at 20 MPH, the "Transmission Overheating - Please Pull Over to a Safe Location" was displayed, and the contact pulled over for 30 minutes for the transmission to cool down. However, after restarting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the contact noticed that the transmission was slipping between 1st and 2nd gear. The contact proceeded to pull over and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the dual clutch assembly and the fuel rail pressure sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,007.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Transmission · 153,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the message "Pull Over to Prevent Transmission from Overheating" was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

Filed May 8, 2025 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission malfunctioned, and was slipping and shifting erratically. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission fork and transmission clutches were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V169000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Ford has been fully aware of its DPS6 transmission design flaws and failures for many years. A formal recall was appropriate and they have not done so all this time; therefore, a consumer is not warned of the problem through the tried and true channels of BMV lookups during new registrations, dealer records resulting in notices sent, or other lookup tools. This causes the problem to present itself unexpectedly and progressively, and it causes quite a bad hazard by affecting the ability of the vehicle to accelerate and decelerate as expected. These transmissions slip into neutral unexpectedly as well, and it shouldn't be accepted that that is considered not a hazardous situation. Especially on the interstate, it can cause a crash. Support and responsibility by Ford is very bad. An auto transmission that isn't a flawed design may cost $2,000 to fully replace. The dual-dry clutch in Ford's PowerShift design is prone to failure. Even despite that Ford says it extended coverage for PowerShift transmissions, this can result in a $3600 repair bill, promises to cover it defaulted on, and factory warranty dishonored. I've been told by Ford it will make the defect right, but the repair estimate was $6800, twice what the car is valued for and impossible to afford to fix.

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 Aug 21, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Parts replaced, according to 2019 R/O from Ford Dealer: clutch assembly Parts needed for replacement, according to R/O from Ford Dealer: clutch, clutch forks x2, clutch bearing, clutch hardware, 1 qt of transmission oil Available for inspection, however it is getting diagnosed with possible proceeding of replacement at an independent service provider. I experienced gear slippage, resulting in high rpms and no gaining of speed while driving on an on ramp onto a 65 mph limit freeway, which my vehicle then maxed out at 50 mph. Following this, the transmission did not engage into reverse when shifted from within the car. Yes, I had the work done in 2019 for the 14m02, TCM recall, and the dealer saw that the "clutch assembly" was worn and not performing within the necessary standards. This was covered by my general warranty, not the 14m02 extended warranty. I currently don't have the repair order from the 2019 fix as it's in my car at the independent mechanic, but can be provided. The vehicle will be inspected by an independent service center this week/today. This model has had a known problem of "shuddering" in earlier years, which my personal vehicle does experience from time to time, specifically when stopping and going or going uphill. My engine light did eventually turn on, but with no direct messages, once the vehicle became fully undriveable (not shifting from 1st to 2nd without major kickback and no reverse). Using my personal code reader I received the following DTC codes: P07A5 - Transmission Friction Element "B" Stuck On P287A - Clutch 'B' Stuck Engaged

Filed Aug 3, 2024 · Engine · CA

It was mainly the clutch, apparently, but the work order includes a lot more. Yes, it is available for inspection. The car was difficult to control. It was slipping and was having trouble getting into gear. I was driving on a winding mountainess road, parts of it are along a cliff with a reservoir/lake below. Just my usual drive to work here in the Sierras. It go's without saying that others were put at risk since the car was difficult to handle. Yes, the car needs a new clutch and other stuff to the tune of $5,000 up. The car has less than 80,000 miles on it and has had two transmission replacements and a prior clutch replaced a little over a year and a half ago. I was unaware of these prior problems as the car was purchased by me one year and a month ago. The Ford Corporation was part of a class action suit and it was settled a few years ago, unfortunately, I did not own this 2015 Ford Focus at the time. No, the car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative. But, yes, by a Ford Dealership mechanic here in Sonora, California. The extended warranty for the clutch has expired on this car not that long ago. The extended warranty for the transmission has not expired. I wonder if the problem is the transmission since the transmission light came on but then I would'nt have to pay them anything. The independant garages around here won't work on this car. The first time the car engine light came on the car died. I went to the nearest repair shop and they put in a new battery but that was not the problem. So, the next day I'm driving to work on the winding mountainous road and a light came on, it said transmission overheating.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: manual transmissionReported June 9, 2026 · 5,252 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on July 6,2026.

Recall number 26V376000 · Recall details

Power train: manual transmissionReported March 12, 2018 · 5,361 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission and 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L GTDI engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Also included are four 2017 Ford Focus vehicles that had clutch replacements with potentially affected parts. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Risk
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Focus vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. Owners of Fusion vehicles will have their clutch assembly replaced free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07.

Recall number 18V169000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2015 Ford Focus slipping

Is transmission slipping a common problem on the 2015 Ford Focus?

71 of 1,022 owner complaints about the 2015 Ford Focus (7%) mention transmission slipping. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

How much does it cost to fix transmission slipping on the 2015 Ford Focus?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,000 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Ford Focus?

There are 2 recalls and 29 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2015 Ford Focus

Stalling 187Check engine light 165Jerking 141Shudder 133Hesitation 86Transmission failure 57Loss of power 46Overheating 46Power steering loss 32Won't shift 32Grinding brakes 24Engine failure 21Fuel pump 19Won't start 18Fuel gauge 13Steering lock-up 11Door locks 10Wipers 10Knocking 8Fire or smoke 8No deployment 7Harsh shifting 7Sudden acceleration 7Misfire 5Seat belt 5

All model years of the Ford Focus

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