The TCU/TCM has been going in and out of control. Sometimes it will work then others it will shut off. Speedometer won’t work, power steering won’t work, cruise control won’t work, etc. and when you do the transmission reset for it, it won’t work at all.
Ford Focus adaptive cruise problems
139 of the 22,112 owner complaints about the Ford Focus describe adaptive cruise control problems, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 139
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $600
- typical mileage
- 51,691
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 15Grinding brakes 10Loss of power 8Shudder 7Jerking 7Wipers 6Slipping 5Hesitation 5
What owners say
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and then accelerated to the desired cruise control setting. The failure had occurred several times. Approximately 2 weeks later, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the hazard lights were activated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Cruise control fails constantly, has trouble picking up speed going up hills. Can't maintain speed on hills and sloaps. Gave to dealership for two months said it was fine only for them to tell me they had no mechanic. Engine continues to fail and they won't check for new recall for free on my car. My check ending light is currently on, I believe it is the same issue with the other Ford Focus recall.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic who stated that the transmission belt had caused of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 70–72 MPH, the vehicle decelerated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The check engine and cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM and transmission control module, snap ring, transmission fluid, two clutch ports, transmission case, and input bearing needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that he depressed the accelerator pedal and heard an abnormally loud bang and pulled over. The contact stated that the “Engine Fault - Service Immediately" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Vehicle with no warning or signs displayed a transmission fault while in cruise control on flat straight road and began to rev. Pulled off of main road into parking lot and attempted to back into space but vehicle would not reverse. There was no issue backing up 15 minutes prior and of course it happens shortly after the 100,000 mile mark.
It was a fateful day on June 16th, 2020 when our lives took an unexpected turn. Engaged in a peaceful drive, cruising at a steady 60mph with the assistance of the trusty cruise control, we were abruptly jolted towards the left, instantly relinquishing any grasp of control we had over our vehicle causing us to loose control and wreck our car in a corn field. Reason for mechanical failure unknown
I was driving on interstate at 75 mph when my vehicle oil light came on. Before I could react, I lost cruise control and my engine began to stall. A loud noise came from my engine and it shut off while still driving. I was able to pull over without being involved in an accident. I towed the vehicle from the side of interstate to the nearest ford dealer. I explained the oil pressure light came on and my car instantly stalled and how I was put in a dangerous situation. He told me before the inspection that I would need an entire engine replacement. He explained this is a very common issue with 2016-2018 ford focus with eco boost engine. The timing belt fails early, causing debris to fail the engine,. He explained that if this light comes on, ford will automatically recommend a new engine as the light comes on too late. He explained that Ford have been aware of this problem but have not provided any solution or guidance besides to quote an engine replacement. He showed me that in his small service lot of 20 cars, 5 of them were 16-18 ford focus with the exact same timing belt issue and awaiting motors. I contacted ford and explained my situation. Ford said they could not help in any way as I was 7k miles over my 60,000 mile warranty. I am the only owner of this vehicle and maintain frequent oil changes. The repair was quoted at $10k by a certified Ford dealer.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH with the cruise control engaged and making a turn, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact applied the brake pedal for 30 minutes. The contact called the local dealer and was informed there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact then called Crain Ford of Little Rock (4601 Colonel Glenn Plaza Dr, Little Rock, AR 72210, (501) 436-0341) however, the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact researched the failure and stated that when she placed her foot underneath the accelerator pedal it stopped the vehicle from accelerating. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 23,054. Consumer stated battery corroded and has been replaced.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Ford Focus adaptive cruise
Which Ford Focus years have adaptive cruise control problems problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (38 complaints), 2012 (13 complaints) and 2014 (13 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix adaptive cruise control problems on the Ford Focus?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $600 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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