Check a VIN

2016 Ford Focus transmission complaints

Page 20 of 24: complaints 551 to 580 of 674, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2016 Ford Focus transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 1, 2019 · Transmission · 26,842 miles · FL

January 2019 had transmission clutch replaced under warranty july 2019 transmission went out again on major highway, replaced tansmission control module and clutch motor, car has been in service for 8 days still not repaired. Car was stationary at a red light, went to accelerate, revved like it was in neutral, then hot transmission error, and after repeatedly putting it in park and drive, it drove for 10 seconds and was able to get farther to the edge of the road to wait for tow truck. High speed traffic and cross traffic at intersection extremely hazardous, very lucky not to have been in a major accident.

Filed Jul 31, 2019 · Transmission · 27,000 miles · MD

I had the transmission clutch replaced one then took back because of the hesitation started again before warranty was up took back to len stoler dealer nd they told me that the hesitation was within the threshold. Now the hesitation is worse with grinding sound and they tell me the warranty is up nd I would have to pay.

Filed Jul 31, 2019 · Fuel system, Transmission · 75,748 miles · DE

The transmission of this vehicle has had a consistent problem of being erratic and requires constant very particular pressure on the gas pedal to avoid shuddering and shaking when accelerating which when it happens makes the car very difficult to safely control in any type of traffic since other drivers do not anticipate the lurching and staggering from the car unless they happen to note the ford emblem and are aware of the safety problems facing all focus drivers of the affected models. I have found the issues manageable by assertive manipulation of the gas pedal during acceleration and gentle and gradual application of the brakes when possible to offset the dangerously inconsistent acceleration and the tendency for car to misshift when slowing down. I'm absolutely appalled to discover that this is not an isolated situation but is typical of most if not all 2012-2016 it is inconceivable to me that ford was aware of this life threatening malfunction in their products and instead of solving or addressing it sold cars to unsuspecting public on the basis of the their good name and reputation as a quality american manufacturer. I also had to have the car serviced at hertich ford of milford delaware for a separate issue involving fuel system sensors which caused the fuel gage to be inaccurate and caused my vehicle to stall several times due to a vacuum created in the gas tank, which was fixed by the recall work but again caused a potentially dangerous situation for myself and passengers. Apparently there is another recall for the fuel system error which I have not been able to schedule as yet. To whom it may concern and anyone reading this do yourself a favor and buy chevrolet or toyota two brands I can highly recommend. Thanks

Filed Jul 31, 2019 · Transmission · MO

Automatic transmission shuddering while accelerating in 1st and 2nd gears. Transmission actually completely cuts out occasionally, forcing the car to lurch backward somewhat until the transmission engages again. High RPM levels at shift points between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Definitely a safety issue, as there have been and will continue to be times that I try to accelerate to get up to appropriate speed, but the car takes too long to be able to get up to highway speeds. Articles are saying 2012 to 2016 focus are affected, yet there is no transmission recall on my 2016? The issues did not go away!

Filed Jul 30, 2019 · Transmission · PA

Car has shuddered and failed to properly accelerate which started within a few weeks of buying the vehicle new. The shuddering of the transmission sounds like rattling and that the car is going to stall when it is a automatic vehicle. The car is shuddering often from stops to accelerations, feels like the car is trying to grip into the next gear and is a safety concern. I have personally had my clutch replaced by ford 2 times and I have only owned the vehicle for a little over 2 years. To get ford to replace the clutch is a huge headache. For months when I would take the vehicle in due to this safety compliant they would say that the shuddering transmission is within normal limits and refuse to fix it under the warranty. I also tried to contact the corporate headquarters to get it fixed and no results there either. For the most recent repair I had to really fight the service center to drive it and get it replaced upon failing their diagnostic tests. Car also has a rough idle which has resulted in the motor mount being replaced. Car is low mileage and a 2016. It is truly a safety issue because when the shuddering occurs the car fails to accelerate to a safe speed timely.

Filed Jul 29, 2019 · Transmission · NV

2016 ford focus titan automatic transmission: the transmission has caused the vehicle to lose acceleration and has slipped into neutral. At 1 point the display/monitor turned white with a small car in the center. The car was moving forward and on city streets when it slipped into neutral. This has happen at least 4 times since ownership.

Filed Jul 28, 2019 · Transmission · 19,000 miles · VA

When accelerating from a stop, the car shudders as it goes from first gear to second gear and there is a noise that sounds like gears are grinding.

Filed Jul 28, 2019 · Transmission · 18,755 miles · CA

I was driving on the I-5 south when my car suddenly loses acceleration and speed in between shifts nearly causing an accident. Luckily the car behind me swerved to the other lane. Very scary moment because my car couldn't find it's gear.

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford focus. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lunged forward, and lost power without warning while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to felix sabates ford lincoln (7601 south blvd, charlotte, nc 28273, (980) 224-5854) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: cas-22244697. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · MI

Car shudders and shakes when switched between low gears. Is an automatic transmission. Was promised by ford dealer when buying that the transmission issue did not effect the 2016 models. After owning the car for less than a month the car needed to have its clutch replaced. Ford again promised this was a new part and would fix the issue permanently. Less than a year later and I am having the exact same issue.

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Transmission · 14,000 miles · TX

Whenever I take off from a stop my car shakes and shudders so bad. It's done it ever since I I bought the car back in 2018. I was not made aware of this issue. If I would have known my car was going to have this many issues I wouldn't have bought it. The transmission shifts so rough even in high gears.

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · IN

The transmission slips and makes noise - I've taken it to 2 different ford dealers and they say there is no problem.

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Brakes, Transmission · 57,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford focus. On several occasions, while attempting to accelerate from a traffic light, the rpms dropped below 500 and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vacuum assist for the brakes was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to don franklin ford (located at 388 ky-192, london, ky 40741, (888) 461-0896) on two separate occasions to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the dual clutch in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v845000 (power train). The contact was informed by the dealer that the recall campaign would not be honored because the vehicle had a rebuilt title. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · IL

The transmission on my car will commonly shudder when shifting in lower gears, frequently creating an unsafe lag in moments where quick acceleration is required. The problem becomes more pronounced as the period of continuous or near-continuous use increases. It is my understanding that, at present, the transmission is not shuddering enough to warrant a repair under the terms of my warrantee, however I believe that is due to my continual adjustment to driving style to accommodate this unsafe situation. I don't believe it's prudent for me to exacerbate the situation at the risk of my family's safety in order to qualify for repair at the manufacturer's expense. The shuddering itself can range from a light flutter to a complete disengagement of the clutch for a second or two. At highway speeds, that amount of time is unacceptable. To me, it feels as though the software is attempting to decide and actuate a desired gear ratio, but doing so in a timeframe that is far longer than what it would take me to do so in a manual transmission. Additionally, some engagement mechanism or program frequently misjudges the engagement of the clutch, resulting in mechanical abnormality ranging from a flutter to a shudder to a loud and forceful knocking as it attempts to engage. The odd behavior is most pronounced when shifting between first, second, or third gear. Occasional but very alarming disengagement of the clutch can occur at highway speeds. Turning can seem to exacerbate the problem.

Filed Jul 23, 2019 · Transmission · 100 miles · AL

The transmission shudders when trying to accelerate. The car jerks and sputters so bad that for fear of getting in a collision we have to wait for all traffic to clear when making a left turn at an intersection. Very unsafe for my family! I was not this bad on the test drive and the sales man told it the clutch plates needed to be broken in!

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Acceleration, Transmission · 23,529 miles · MI

Vehicle stutters and has trouble accelerating/staying in gear after coming to a stop or slowing down and starting movement again multiple times a day. Sounds like transmission is grinding daily when accelerating after being at a stop, or slowing down. Vehicle drops gears randomly while maintaining speed highway speeds. Made right hand turn out and even with the accelerator floored vehicle did not accelerate until almost rear ended when care just took off almost uncontrollably, was like it was in neutral gear and was just rolling for just under a quarter mile on city streets. Even felt like the vehicle might of been slowing down.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Transmission · DC

My car has extreme stuttering when it shifts, as though the clutch is slipping or not engaging properly. It also does not shift when going up a hill unless the throttle is released and the rev counter is allowed to drop very low. According to news reports, ford set a deadline of 7/19/19 for warranty repairs of this issue. My local dealer confirmed this deadline and told me to call ford for information. Ford refused to confirm anything and said that I needed to schedule an appointment with the dealer to do anything. The fact that they hid a deadline for repair coverage for a known issue and that the public was only made aware when that information was leaked and reported one day before its expiration is incredibly anti-consumer and dangerous. There can be no reasonable expectation that anyone would be able to have a problem diagnosed and fixed in one day at a dealer, and ford is clearly acting in bad faith.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 45,522 miles · TX

The transmission seems like it is slipping and not going into gear. When I try to put I put the car into reverse and push gas peddle it does not go, but when I put in drive it moves. The car only has 45,xxx miles. When I start the car a bunch of clicking sounds come from the motor, and when I turn the car off it makes a bunch of weird clicking sounds also

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Transmission · 13,803 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford focus. While driving at any speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle made a rattling noise and shuddered. The contact also stated that the vehicle lunged forward when it was shifted into reverse. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to uptown ford lincoln (414‑771‑9000, located at 2111 n mayfair rd, milwaukee, wi 53226) to be diagnosed, but the failures could not be duplicated. The clutch was replaced, but the failure recurred several times. The clutch was replaced again. The contact was informed that the transmission could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 13,803. *as

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · MI

At about 20,000 miles, the dps6 transmission started shuddering and vibrating during acceleration. It got progressively worse, and at 21,988 miles, on 6/12/2019, I took it to the dealer from whom I had purchased the car new on 6/20/2016. A technician performed labor code #160109a. He then noted, "found some clutch shudder still present but fewer than 250 RPM, ok per ford." after I complained, the service manager sent me a letter offering me a free oil change (which I declined). Today, 7/17/2019, at 21,988 miles, the transmission is still shuddering. I am waiting to see what happens on the ford focus/fiesta transmission settlement. My claim id no. On this settlement is 10612086.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Transmission · 200 miles · AL

We bought this car new, from the very beginning my husband complained that the transmission was slipping, and losing power, we have had numerous close calls with the car, while trying to advance from a stop sign pull out and the car loses power, also pulling on the highway on the on ramp, the car will just lose power, and shudder, we have taken to it to the dealer we purchased it from three separate times only to be told that the shudder is within normal limits, that's hard to understand with a brand new car, it should not have any problems, the last and final incidents was when we took our grandchildren to a attraction where you stay in your vehicle and you ride through it, the car started to shudder, and buck, and then the whole vehicle shut down, we kept trying to start it, it would start but when you would put it in gear it would not move, we are so thankful that the car behind us was paying attention, and saw we were stranded in the road, we had to sit in the middle of the road for about a half hour so the transmission could cool off, we knew that it had overheated because of the oder, my son who is a machanic drove it and told us the car is unsafe, and now my husband has forbidden anyone from driving it but him, we can't afford to replace it because we owe more on it then the car is worth, something needs to be done before someone does get killed,

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Transmission · NH

Ongoing problems with the transmission in my focus. After numerous returns to the dealer, twice for clutch kit replacements and at least 5-6 times for other "adjustments" it still has problems. Jerking, hesitation, loss of power even while driving. I pulled out of a shopping plaza the other day and was almost rear ended by another car because the car would not move for several seconds. This has happened several times. My car will feel like it's downshifting and dragging, even while I'm driving at a steady speed. It jerks and shudders when I accelerate at a stop light or stop sign. Rpm dial often goes all the way to 8 or 9 until the car finally shifts. Dealer can not seem to fix this. Also, at times when moving again after a stop, the car will feel like it's "banging" underneath. Have addressed this with service at the dealer, but it still does it. This has been happening constantly for the two plus years I've had it. I have many documents and repair receipts to download, please let me know when and if you will need them.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Fuel system, Transmission · 50,000 miles · TX

My car has had transmission problems since 20k & has run out of gas on me twice & left me stranded on the side of the road. Clutch & several sylenoids have been replaced several times. I have reatained a lawyer for help with my issues with this car.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Transmission · 4,475 miles · FL

Transmission slips constantly. Vehicle has a transmission that is manual with clutch plates but operates as automatic. I find it shudders at about 18/19 miles per hours shifting from 1st to 2nd gears. This is hazardous when pulling out into traffic because it is intermittent and you never know if your car is going to go or shudder until it finds the gear. The transmission clutch plates have been replaced once and it has been in twice more for transmission issues. Not what I expected when I purchased a new car and was not told by the dealership that this was the way the transmission worked. Vehicle is less than 3 years old and has been in 3 times for transmission and needs to go again. First issue was 12/12/16, vehicle was 2 months old and has been ongoing.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 24,000 miles · AL

I was driving on my way home, and my car stalled in the middle of the road. I had to throw the car in neutral and crank it back up and slam it into drive and speed off, because I was going to get hit both directions. The transmission shudders hard in between gears, stalls out on hills/ struggles on hills, it fails to accelerate in the moment, the car fails to know what gear it wants to be in. That's just the beginning. I live in the city a small area not very populated but I still deal with stop and go traffic the transmission jerks hard if you don't start moving at a steady pace. The highway though it does relatively well, but that's when other problems start I have loss of power at times while in cruise control, it will bounce back and fourth like I have bad gas or something, it also has a very bad glitch with the windshield wipers (they hit each other). I have had the upmost problems with this car primarily the transmission, but that's not all folks. I do however feel this car is such a safety hazard to people, I have a "dont buy a focus" sticker going down both sides of my cars windows. I'm stuck with this car because of credit issues so I'm going to let everyone know my story if I can save them having problems not even a year after buying this brand new focus. All ford had to say is it's a clutch problem if completely safe. That's even when I told them I didn't feel safe and I didn't want to drive it till they did something about it. I'm not on transmission clutch set #5 I've dealt with so much lost time because of this matter and ford should be held completely responsible. Start date for the problems is the day I bought the car. Dont buy a focus!!!!

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · MI

The transmission slips under load and shakes the vehicle badly. It has currently been to the dealership twice for this repair. This occurs most frequently under acceleration and gets worse with increased load.

Filed Jul 14, 2019 · Transmission · 20 miles · MI

Vehicle seems to hesitate when stepping on gas

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Transmission · 10 miles · MI

Automatic transmission makes rattling noises when starting and stopping. It hesitates when it tries to downshift and lurches when it gets to the right gear. It will stay in a higher ear for too long causing the engine to strain. The dealership says it is normal and can't be fixed.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · NY

My car has severe hesitation when starting from a stop and or low speed. It has also stalled on two different occasions when pulling into a parking lot

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · TX

Shudder and power loss on acceleration when automatic transmission shifts. Was told is normal by dealership however it is not as it jerks heavily.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2016 Ford Focus?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history