2015 Ford Focus: stuck in gear or won't shift

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 Sep 19, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · CO

The car would not shift into a gear, would not shift gear to propel itself in traffic causing a safety issue. A warning light would come on saying the transmission was getting overheated. Ford of Glenwood Springs Colorado refused to look at the car because of its age despite the recall on the clutch for the year, make and model of the car. A NAPA shop determined the clutches were out. NAPA quoted $4,253 to fix the problem. I called Ken Garff Ford in Fort Collins Colorado at 4809 S. College Avenue to get this fixed under the recall. They said my VIN number wasn't covered, and the cost would be $6,000. I called Ford 1‑866‑436‑7332 spoke to Ron employee #2192738 and was told he would document the call but could not do anything. Ford is aware of the safety issue we simply want them to standby their product and fix the problem or reimbursing us for the repairs to avoid a further hardship to get to work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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 Jul 9, 2024 · Engine · AZ

Clutch issue. When the automatic transmission shifts between 1st and 2nd gear and then 3rd and 4th gear, the vehicle pauses and revs at very high rpm's. When placing the gear shifter into reverse gear the vehicle, at times, does not go into gear and stays still without reversing. After further research, I found documentation related to the Ford PowerShift Transmission Settlement which my 2015 Ford Focus is included in.

Filed Feb 6, 2024 · Engine · IA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that there were metal fragments in the oil. The contact stated that the drive belt was disintegrating, and there were fibers in the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. No additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 21, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · MD

2015 Ford Focus - Car has less than 50k miles has 3 transmission codes showing: P07A5, P090C, and P07A5pd. Car will not go into reverse. Car has not been looked at by a technician yet. However, with less than 50K miles the fact that I am having transmission issues is unacceptable. Ford really needs to recall for these issues. After researching these codes that are showing, seems like there are thousands of people complaining about the same thing on different sites.

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Engine · MD

Car shudders while driving and now will not go into reverse. I have under 50,000 miles on the car. I have not had this seen by a mechanic yet.

Filed Oct 31, 2023 · Transmission · CA

My car has shuddered and stalled significantly since I purchased it brand new from Serramonte Ford on September 6, 2015. The car will lose acceleration quickly when I am on the highway and driving on hills. I have had the clutch replaced by Serramonte Ford three times over the last 7 years and I have been informed that it needs to be replaced again. I have only once, on 10/27/2023 had a warning displayed on my dashboard immediately after a shuttering and stalling incident. I was driving up a hill when the car began jerking and shuttering. I pulled the vehicle perpendicular to the hillside and received the message, "transmission fault, service now". The car would not go into reverse to allow me to back up and safely park the vehicle. I immediately had the car towed to Serramonte Ford, per the service waring, and have been told that the clutch needs to be repaired again. This car is a ticking time bomb, I have been fortunate not to have had this stalling and shuttering cause a serious accident where myself or others could be seriously or fatally harmed.

Filed Oct 12, 2023 · Electrical · FL

In August 2023 Focus would not accelerate smoothly while in traffic. Check engine light turned on. Vehicle would not go into reverse. Diagnostic scan negative with personal scanner. Took to transmission shop. Actuators replaced per diagnostic check $880. TCM ok. Slipping on acceleration continued with RPM to between 5-6 on acceleration. Took vehicle back to shop and actuators resynched with TCM. I received Ford Recall for defective TCM module dated September 2023. Ford evaluated by local Ford repair shop. Diagnostics performed. Recommendation was to replace clutch assembly $4100. Was charged $200 for diagnostics. Ford diagnostic report states: Description-U0073 Control module communication bus A off Failure type-88 Bus off Status-28 (Not current DTC) *Fault previously detected, not currently present* My concern with this info is if the fault was detected there is still fault! Am concerned that the faulty TCM and actuators caused issues with the clutch assembly and do not feel safe operating my 8 year old Ford due to skipping while accelerating in traffic. Vehicle one owner with 70,000 miles. No accidents and am young senior driver-age [XXX] . I can forward repair shop documentation. Thank you for your review and look forward to your recommendation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2023 · Acceleration, Fuel system · IL

I just bought this car 2 months ago after saving for a whole year. I’ve been having problems week into the purchase due to the transmission. My car has been overheating with the transmission (almost every 4 miles), going on limp mode (when pressing the gas), jerking (while driving), not reversing and not starting right away. Im trying my hardest to get on my feet after a being in a domestic abuse relationship that affected my and my daughters life. I just want to get my baby back and fourth from school. So I BEG you to approve the transmission recall for Ford Focus. PLEASE!!!

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · Engine · IN

While accelerating from a stop at a red light, engine shuddered and almost died out in the middle of the intersection. Check engine light came on. Drove carefully for a few more minutes to work. While trying to accelerate, RPMs go really high like it doesn’t want to shift gears. Got to work where I always back into my parking spot, vehicle would not go into reverse.