Ford Focus won't shift problems

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Transmission · NC

My car had been driving fine. Until one day I leave my house and crank my car up and it does not go into reverse. It loses engine power and stalled into traffic. This is an on going issue as you can see stories from other people with the same make and model as my car with the same issue. No warning signs, hasn’t been checked out but I have contacted Ford and they only cover models with this issue 2012-2016. I think it should cover 2018 as well.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · ME

Rowe ford came stated he checked to see it the software was there also stated there were codes and said he was done. He never fixed the software cause i have u codes that state pcm and has locked my car into limp mode which means my car is immobilized due to the bad software. They closed Out the recall on there end with out the proper Fix. It was their mobile service. I know For a fact the pcm is causing this communication issue in my car. Inlost my job due to this very issue cause it Left Me With no transportation. My car is now a brick just sitting here cause of there negligence to do the job correctly and also the mobile technician was Only here 10 minutes and that also told me he did not reflash my pcm software as the letter states for the remedy. They seemed to think i want a free Transmission fix and My transmission is fine its the pcm software Causing this lockout and a mechanic has stated it as the issue to my lockout issue. Also all i was Getting was a run around to get this resolved. Don’t like being treated like an idiot. This is the original recall safety recall 26S40/ the federal safety agency 26V369. It was falsely complered.

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The transmission on my 2017 Ford Focus started not shifting correctly. It would shudder, slip and hesitate when shifting. At times when it did get up to speed it would unexpectedly downshift and go into limp mode. The automobile is not safe to drive and is now parked at my residence. A warning would flash up on the dash that stated the transmission was overheating and for me to pull over to a safe location as I recall. On October 22, 2025 the automobile was delivered to a local Ford dealership for a diagnostic system check. Per the diagnostic test report a PPT G was performed and found it necessary to replace the transmission due to a failed B clutch shift fork. The estimate quote for a transmission replacement along with some other repairs was $10,000.00. I had the car towed to my home and it now sits in my driveway until and if a recall is issued. According to an article published by MSN. com that enough complaints were filed that Ford extended warranty coverage, issued a long series of software and hardware fixes, and settled a class action covering roughly two million Focus an Fiesta cars. I have in my possession the invoice for the diagnostic testing which was performed. I however do not know how to upload the invoice for your review, but would be willing to take it to the service department for them to do it.

Filed Aug 8, 2026 · Transmission · PA

I own a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium with approximately 75,000 miles and the DPS6 automatic transmission. The transmission has developed a serious and recurring problem. The vehicle began violently jerking/shuddering while moving forward and suddenly would not go into reverse. A transmission warning light came on. After the battery was recharged, reverse temporarily returned, but the same transmission problems came back while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed with trouble code P090C:68, related to the clutch actuator system. Ford has known about recurring DPS6 transmission problems in these vehicles for years and has issued multiple technical service bulletins and customer programs addressing transmission clutch shudder, shifting problems, loss of engagement, and related failures. Ford’s own documentation has acknowledged conditions that can result in loss of transmission engagement, loss of power, and other driveability problems. My Ford dealer told me Ford has known about this problem for a long time but considers it not to be a safety issue and therefore will not pay for the repair. The dealer estimated the repair at $6,077.31, and I was charged $159 for the diagnosis. I believe this is a serious safety concern. Sudden jerking, unpredictable transmission engagement, inability to reverse, or unexpected loss of propulsion can create a dangerous situation when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, accelerating from a stop, or attempting to move out of the path of another vehicle. I am concerned that Ford has known about these recurring transmission failures for years, yet affected vehicles can still experience potentially dangerous transmission failures without a permanent safety remedy. I request that the federal safety agency investigate the DPS6 transmission in 2014 Ford Focus vehicles and determine whether these known defects constitute a safety-related defect and whether a safety recall or other corrective action is warranted.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · PA

Transmission overheated. Transmission fluid leaked but the computer in the car didn't let me know there was a leak. Couldn't move my car into reverse so I had to get a tow to Ford. They said it was a Transmission leak which caused the overheating. But once the car received Transmission fluid the car did not go into reverse. Clutch failed.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

While driving approximately 53 mph on a main road, my 2017 Ford Focus suddenly displayed the message “Engine Fault Service Now.” The vehicle immediately entered limp mode, downshifted into 2nd gear, and would not accelerate above approximately 31 mph. During the event, the engine shook noticeably and made abnormal noises. No check engine light appeared during this initial incident. This problem occurred multiple times over several days, most often when the fuel tank was below approximately half full. Each time, I was able to temporarily restore normal operation by shutting the vehicle off, waiting about one minute, and restarting it. After restarting, the vehicle would drive completely normally until the problem occurred again. A few days later, while sitting in my vehicle during a work break, I started the engine and it immediately entered limp mode without being driven. A check engine light then illuminated, and the engine stalled shortly afterward. The diagnostic trouble codes retrieved were: * P1674 (Stored, Pending, Permanent, and Enhanced) * U0100 (Enhanced ABS Code) A mechanic familiar with Ford vehicles suggested the symptoms could be related to the EVAP canister purge valve issue that has been investigated on similar Ford Focus models. He recommended keeping the fuel tank above half full as a test. Since keeping the fuel tank full, the limp mode condition has not reoccurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the purge valve issue evaluated. The dealership declined to perform any purge valve-related repairs because they believed the problem was transmission-related and stated the engine issue would need to be repaired first. I am submitting this report because the vehicle unexpectedly loses power while driving, creating a significant safety hazard when traveling at normal traffic speeds.

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 Apr 28, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Beginning in approximately May 2025, the vehicle began displaying diagnostic trouble codes identified by independent auto parts retailers and service providers. These codes indicated potential issues within the engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle was subsequently brought to a dealership for diagnostic evaluation and remained there from approximately May 15 through May 19, 2025. During this time, the dealership reported that no diagnostic codes were present and did not resolve the reported issue. However, the vehicle had recently exhibited repeatable symptoms, including entering “limp mode” and triggering diagnostic trouble codes, prior to being delivered to the dealership. Similar codes and issues were again identified after the dealership visit. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of entering “limp mode,” resulting in sudden loss of power and reduced drivability while in operation. This condition occurred without reliable warning and created unsafe driving situations, including the inability to maintain normal traffic flow. Due to safety concerns, the vehicle has not been driven under normal conditions since approximately May 2025 and has been limited to short, local movements only. The issue poses a safety risk to the driver, passengers, and surrounding traffic due to unexpected loss of power and inconsistent system diagnostics. The problem appears to be ongoing and unresolved. Independent diagnostic records and service visit documentation are available upon request.

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Transmission · VI

I purchased a 2018 Ford Focus in Sept of 2023 with 30k+ miles. Financed. In April of 2025 the car started making strange noises when starting and then would not go into reverse. The car pushed in neutral and drove about 2 miles. Stopped for gas and then the car would not start. The car was towed to a mechanic. He had the vehicle for 2 wks trying to purchase a part called an Actuator. I reside on St. Croix USVI and purchased this vehicle from a fleet sale from Centerline Rental Cars. After the Actuators were placed, I drove the car and within a day had a screeching sound upon starting car. Drove it back to mechanic and we did a test drive.21 The car would slow down and speed up on it's own. The vehicle this time died and had to be pushed onto the lot. Was worked on again and still did not work properly. Car was towed to Ford Metro for analysis. The car now has 40k+ miles in 18 mos of use. They quoted me $4,213.00 for parts and labor. I am still paying $359.00 a month since April 2025. The car was towed back to my residence where it sits dead. Please advise.

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Transmission · OK

The transmission begin to stall and would not shift. The motor would get to high RPMS and then shift hard into the next gear. I was able to pull over and the TCM error code popped up on the dash. I was able to get the car to the dealer. I was notified that the TCM failed and Ford would no longer cover this failed part. The car is a 2012 Focus with only 69,000 miles. Dealership is wanting $2,116.00 to fix.