2015 Ford Focus engine problems

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 9 MPH. The vehicle was shifted to neutral and coasted to the residence. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02; extended warranty coverage for the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was provided the cost of a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall, warranty, or customer satisfaction program associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11747178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My engine is the same 1.0 that is in the recall for these cars getting a new short block. TheRecall Numbers: Ford recall 23S64 (NHTSA Campaign 23V905). . For some reason the 2015 is not covered in this whileine had the same catastrophic failure and I have been have a hard time (over 5 years) to get it repaired or find a replacement engine. The 2015 eco boost 1.0 should be included in this recall

NHTSA complaint #11745523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine Stalls: the engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds and city/street speeds. Loss Of Power: Sudden loss of motive power creates an immediate crash hazard. Starting Issues: the car struggles to start or cranks excessively after refueling. Erratic Fuel Guage: The fuel gauge fluctuates wildly and gives inaccurate readings. Malfunction Indicator: The Check Engine Light is illuminated with emission-related codes. Fuel Tank Noise: Loud clunking or thumping noises come from the fuel tank area. The problem began in September 2025 and I took the car to a local mechanic and they fixed the issued, however the issue has started again. The fix did not solve the problems.

NHTSA complaint #11744949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

There were two times within a week where the car stopped in the middle of traffic. One was on Route 100 in a merge lane and the other was on the offramp of route 30 to 100 Exton. This happened in the middle left turn lane with traffic behind me causing me to need immediate police assistance to ensure my safety. The Check Engine light was popping from the TCM indicator which I was told I could still drive on without repairing it immediately. This came directly from Fred Beans Ford of West Chester PA. My car has been in the shop multiple times since December 2025 beginning with the original CPV recall and things got worse from there. It's caused lots of anxiety and ptsd while driving to the point I want to sell the car after it is repaired because I just don't feel safe anymore in it.

NHTSA complaint #11745120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

No warning lamps until catastrophic engine failure. Power loss and that puts myself and others at risk. I have had multiple issues going back to first year owned when I had power loss while driving through interactions and on the freeway. Dealership tried to state it was due to bubble in coolant system. Then first engine failure occurred and was replaced by Ford

NHTSA complaint #11737191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Bought in 2024 ..few days later car wouldn’t change gears transmission overheats shutters jerks and won’t go when giving gas at times. Had the car in 5 times to fix, didn’t work.. I’ve almost been in accidents one of which was with a tractor trailer This car is a death trap had to quit job due to this .. and have a 7500.00 loan on a car I can barely drive. I want this loan paid off and given a check or car that has no problems and is reliable plus compensation for lost wages Im also willing to file suit immediately if this isn’t taken care of IMMEDIATELY!!!!

NHTSA complaint #11727157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

03/25/2026 Driving down the street card started jerking and acting like it did not want to move kept slowing down like it wasn't getting any gas. like the transmission was going out. There is nothing wrong with my transmission. The car had been on a recall for a part that has been replaced 2 different times. I tried to have it checked out the Ford dealers here where I live wanted to charge me $200.00 insisting that its my transmission. I know it is not my transmission. Its the same part they have replaced 2 times that was on the recall list for my car. What can I do? It is dangerous for me to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11727353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

At 116,500 miles, the oil pump failed on my Ford Focus. This was verified by an auto repair shop. The car has the Ford ecoboost 1.0 engine. Ford has a recall on this engine with a build date of March 24, 2015 to May 4, 2018. My car was built on Aug 4, 2015 within the range of the recall. The recall states that cars with automatic transmission are included. My car has a manual 6 speed. I don't believe that the transmission has anything to do with the oil pump failure. The car "check engine" and "check oil" lights came on and there were multiple instances where the car stalled and I became stranded, often on busy roads. It has been well documented on the internet that Ford has had issues with this engine. I am not planning on repairing this car as the shop explained it probably will be in the range of $7000 which way more than the value of this car that is almost 10yrs old and 116500. The car is currently sitting in my garage non drivable with a scrap value of pennies compared what trade-in value or extend life of the car.

NHTSA complaint #11707173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was getting ready to leave the grocery store and I crank up my car and I had a light come on stating that my car was overheating transmission turn off the car and as I tried to pull out of the parking lot, the car would barely accelerate it would barely go to mountain and it was stuttering up the heels I had to turn off the vehicle. Let it sit for five minutes to let it cool off and then I had to crank the car back up and then it started to drive again, but I did get a indication on my front dash stating that it was transmission

NHTSA complaint #11704157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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)

NHTSA complaint #11688519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While sitting in my driveway my car just killed and wouldn't start again. Towed it to osseo ford and there is no compression in engine. They said the timing belt is in the oil and disintegrated and broke causing the engine to fail. I've got documentation from dealer. They have a recall on 2016.. why not 2015s? My car has 163,000 on it and its junk now because of the belt design and it being a common issue. Why does there have to be a law suit filled for ford to admit this and why only 2016 and newer.. why not all 1.0 ecoboosts with this issue. For this reason I will never buy ford again. Nor will my friends and family. Stand behind your issues ford!

NHTSA complaint #11682265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel illuminated; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and the contact was waiting the diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11675153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact had to continually depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was included in a recall related to the failure and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under the recall; however, the failure recurred 6 months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, without a warning light being illuminated the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that stalling failure persisted, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and was returned to the dealer and was diagnosed with PCM and transmission failure. The dealer related the failure to the previous recall; however, the recall had since expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11672535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car keeps stalling and losing power while driving. There is no warning sign. Can cause accident if this keeps happening.Is not the first time.

NHTSA complaint #11672626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering, and the engine was showing symptoms of losing motive power and shutting down. The contact stated that the transmission failed to properly shift between second and third gears. The contact stated that the vehicle previously shut down unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the key, TCM, and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Performance Ford (906 Route 10 West Randolph, NJ 07869); where it was diagnosed that the clutch and TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but the manufacturer declined a buyback. The manufacturer confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA complaint #11666688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine failure occurred in the exact same manner as listed under Ford Recall Reference Number: 23S64 [XXX] ). My vehicle contains the same engine as listed in Ford Recall Reference Number 23S64 but for some reason my vehicle is not contained in this recall. - The engine and power braking assist failed - My safety and that of pedestrians was put at risk - The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center - The engine has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It has been inspected by an independent service center. - There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11663622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle stop from running on a red light and it wouldn’t go forward or backwards

NHTSA complaint #11659557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump belt tensioner, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11659374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My oil pressure pump and tensioner are the issues . I need a new engine replacement. Everything that 23s64 ford describes on there engine replacement claims is what the issue im going through now with my 1.0 ford focus 2015 . I took it to ford to get it diagnosed already and they are the ones that told me and as well got a second opinion through repairpal and they said the same. I have everything documented. Due to this issue I almost lost my life and my child's while driving my ford focus. Lost all pressure while driving with her in the car. Now she's nervous and scared when we get in any car . Due to she saw the car coming rite into her side on passenger side. No warning lights came on till after the issue had already happened . My brake pedal won't go down . Please help me this is my only form of transportation to work and to pick up my daughter. I dont have money to buy a new engine. Thank you so much for any assistance with this issue. This car has been nothing but problems. When my car was first bought from carmax it started having issues 6 months down the line. Under warranty.at the time carmax didn't want to help me and ford dealership didn't assist me with any help. Under warranty keep in mind . Then it's been issue after issue . I have receipts for everything . Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11657582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My transmission is always having problems with it. My check engine light will not turn after put over $5,000 into it.

NHTSA complaint #11655138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle is having the same issues as the recall associated with the 2016 ford focus with the 1 liter 3-cylinder turbo engine with the oil pump tensioner. I am not sure why this recall is not associated with my vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11653814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in a parking area, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000.

NHTSA complaint #11653773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact's husband owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while he was driving to work at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started running rough with the check engine and low oil pressure warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her husband drove the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the parts to complete the repair were not available. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The contact informed the manufacturer of the issue and was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA complaint #11644079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked and made abnormal sounds. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump drive belt failure had caused the engine to fail. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11643862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH and coming to a stop, the driver became aware that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated while the driver was driving from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road, on the gravel. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to FAS Auto Repair, where it was diagnosed and determined that an oil pump failure had caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,770.

NHTSA complaint #11643943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a red light, the vehicle failed to move or respond as needed. The vehicle hesitated and the vehicle then worked as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The accelerator pedal was depressed but failed to accelerate. The RPM increased to high. The message that the engine was running hot was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 41,180.

NHTSA complaint #11641904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Ford has been fully aware of its DPS6 transmission design flaws and failures for many years. A formal recall was appropriate and they have not done so all this time; therefore, a consumer is not warned of the problem through the tried and true channels of BMV lookups during new registrations, dealer records resulting in notices sent, or other lookup tools. This causes the problem to present itself unexpectedly and progressively, and it causes quite a bad hazard by affecting the ability of the vehicle to accelerate and decelerate as expected. These transmissions slip into neutral unexpectedly as well, and it shouldn't be accepted that that is considered not a hazardous situation. Especially on the interstate, it can cause a crash. Support and responsibility by Ford is very bad. An auto transmission that isn't a flawed design may cost $2,000 to fully replace. The dual-dry clutch in Ford's PowerShift design is prone to failure. Even despite that Ford says it extended coverage for PowerShift transmissions, this can result in a $3600 repair bill, promises to cover it defaulted on, and factory warranty dishonored. I've been told by Ford it will make the defect right, but the repair estimate was $6800, twice what the car is valued for and impossible to afford to fix.

NHTSA complaint #11640849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was shuddering. The transmission fault and transmission overheating messages were displayed. The message to “Pull Over” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the vehicle failed to reverse. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Royal Oak Ford Service (27550 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067); where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission jumped out of gear. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The transmission overheating message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that clutch A and B had failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle failed to properly shift into gear with the engine revving abnormally. The transmission overheating and fault message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11637599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

What happened: My 2015 Ford Focus has significant safety defects Ford has refused to address, despite these issues being covered under their Customer Satisfaction Programs (CSPs). These defects include engine stalling, power loss, and transmission issues, which pose serious risks to my safety and that of others. Ford’s inaction has exacerbated these problems. Key Issues: Engine Stalling and Hesitation (CSP 24N07 - Canister Purge Valve): The car stalls unpredictably at low speeds, especially during turns or stops, with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. This has led to dangerous situations, including near-accidents at intersections. Transmission Problems (CSP 14M02 - Transmission Control Module): The vehicle experiences intermittent power loss, failure to start without gas application, and a "Service Engine Soon" light. These issues have worsened over time. Clutch Defects (CSP 19N08 - PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission): The car exhibits jerking, shuddering, and slipping during normal operation, compromising control and safety. Timeline of Events: June 2020: I reported clutch issues under CSP 19N08, but Ford dismissed them as "not severe enough." January 2025: I returned to address worsening CSP issues, but Ford denied repairs, claiming the mileage cap had been exceeded. They demanded $4,000 for clutch replacement and $190 for diagnostics—fees I consider unjustified since these problems are related to acknowledged defects. Risks and Observations: The frequent stalling and transmission failures create significant safety hazards. As a veterinary technician who drives daily with my dog, these malfunctions put both our lives at risk. The stalling often leaves me stranded in traffic, endangering myself and other drivers. Warning lamps are consistently illuminated, and the issues have been confirmed by the dealership during prior visits. Despite these known defects, Ford refuses to perform repairs under their CSPs. This neglect of safety obligations necessitate

NHTSA complaint #11635314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.