2018 Ford Focus: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Engine, Visibility · AL

First my wind shield wipers were coming on by themselves and not cutting off when I flicked the switch. Now my car is jerking when I press the gas to drive and sometimes moving in reverse after I press the gas to drive. Jerking and barely accelerating, then it decides to driver in between gaps. My safety is put at risk because sometimes it slows down or barely accelerates in oncoming traffic and moves backwards when cars are behind me at a light or stop sign. Manufacture by others which is a neighborhood auto shop. Just the check engine light came on.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Transmission · 63,451 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was idling roughly, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be shifted into neutral in to be started. Upon shifting into reverse, the vehicle shut off, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the TCM was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,451,

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Engine · 62,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering, jerking, and hesitating to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · NM

My 2018 Ford Focus with DPS6 PowerShift transmission exhibits documented defect symptoms: shuddering, delayed engagement, jerking, slipping, and unpredictable low-speed behavior. Ford corporate has refused to open a defect case or provide arbitration review. This transmission family has known litigation history and systemic defect documentation.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 8,899 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown transmission repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and an unknown dealer were contacted and offered to take the vehicle in a trade-in, but the contact declined. The vehicle was taken to Marcino Enterprises LLC, where it was test-driven, and the failure recurred. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission fluid was contaminated with metal shavings and had become brown. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 8,899.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · SC

The recall has yet to be resolved for me and the nearest appointment is 2 months away, A new problem that has arisen is the transmission jerks, struggles with the car not having any warning indications

Filed Aug 28, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Engine Oil Pump Stuck Canister Purge Valve Clutch Fracture My car has difficulty starting. I have had problems with my hill start assist and air bags. My car stalls when I press gas at a light. it makes a funny noise and jerks. My engine light will come on and stalls even more and then the transmission alert comes on my dash to tell me to pull over because it’s over heating. The takeoff is extra slow like a turtle and fluid leaking. I’ve had my car at the same dealership I purchased my car.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Transmission · 79,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear, the engine revved up, and the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle responded. The contact stated that several weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact’s neighbor used a handheld diagnostic machine to retrieve a code related to transmission failure. The neighbor performed unstated repairs to the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred days later. The contact stated on the last occasion, while driving at an undisclosed slight incline, between 1st and 2nd gears, the vehicle started jerking and failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated with a message to "Transmission Safety - Stop for 5 Minutes" displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the fuel line was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with clutch failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Transmission · 93,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

Filed May 30, 2025 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the RPM fluctuate. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving very slowly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission and intermittent clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that months before the failure, the vehicle experienced transmission failure and the transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Acceleration, Steering · NC

My vehicle was inspected in order to determine why my vehicle is stalling, jerking, not going into reverse and giving a warning message that the car is overheating. My spouse and I were told the transmission control module needs to be replaced. Upon reading about my car's maje and midel, I learned this is a problem with 2018 Ford cars. It stalls and almost cuts off in traffic which is very dangerous