119 of the
1,327 complaints about the 2015 Ford Focus are about the
other systems — 9% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
51,657 miles.
Clutch not shifting and was told by Lincoln for the TCM neede to be replaced. Got a second option and it was to by AAAMCO that it was clutch and it was replaced and now it’s says transmission which I’m told is external and insurance is not willing to pay for it but I keep coming up with all the information that’s says there is a recall and letters went out July 6 2026 on 2015 ford focus for these parts on the car.
NHTSA complaint #11752566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rutherfordton, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Inside of door latch malfunctioned and my driver side door opened up while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11751419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashport, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought my car last Feb and didn't know there was a recall on it was never told I have had shutter problems with it as well as sticking in gear when parked it ide high then battery jus goes dead get a jump n the check engine light comes on n have no reverse this hasn't been safe to drive my sister was perivous owner nnwhen she bought it they told her that when it would shutter she jus needed to go through the gears on an open rd to make it stop shutter n now it is showing that there no recall on this site but showing on my credit n other platforms as well as ford that there is a recall for this along with other but ford refuses to fix this n had never sent a letter about this to my self or my sister who bought it In 2020 this needs to be fixed or car bought back
NHTSA complaint #11748968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Vista, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver’s side door will not latch and the door cannot close. This is the same defect covered by Ford recalls 16S30 and 20S30, but my VIN was excluded. Ford CRC opened case number CXH05284452-Z8X6J1, but denied coverage. I have had to rent a vehicle while my car is unsafe to drive. This is a major safety hazard as the door can open while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11682505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winthrop, ME
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A major electrical issue has occurred in this car since June 1, 2025. The Traction Control System dashboard indicator (the skidding car) comes on even though I am not using the TCS. When this happens, I get a message saying "Hill start assist not available," and am unable to manipulate my headlights, use turn signals, or lock/unlock my doors (I need to use the physical key to lock/unlock the driver's side door). If this "Hill start assist" issue occurs and I turn off my car (or if it occurs when the car is off), then I am unable to start my car. I get a new message saying "No Key Detected," and the ignition does nothing. I have a physical key, and not a fob. If the TCS light goes away, then I am able to start up my car. However, this is unpredictable; there appears to be no way to force the TCS light to disappear, and sometimes it will stay on for over an hour with my key in the "on" position. As of late, it hasn't gone away at all, making the car unusable. This causes obvious safety issues when on the road, as I cannot use turn signals or change my lights as it gets darker or it begins to rain/snow. When not on the road, I cannot use my car at all. A dealer recently confirmed the problem with the Body Control Module, but was unable to fix it. They managed to turn the car on, but the problems returned after 24 hours. As I was driving home on July 18, 2025, the TCS light came on and suddenly I could not use turn signals or change my lights. I still had over an hour to drive home. I did arrive home safely, but have not been able to use my car since.
NHTSA complaint #11675262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle stopped in the middle of the road while driving and would not restart. My safety was put at risk. No warning
NHTSA complaint #11652331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission control module, transmission clutch
NHTSA complaint #11628309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission system, specifically the clutch assembly, failed or malfunctioned. The Ford dealership conducted a diagnostic test and determined that the clutch assembly needed repair. To manage costs, I had the repair performed at AAMCO. Despite this repair, the issue was not resolved, and AAMCO later found metal shavings in the transmission fluid, suggesting internal transmission damage. Yes, the vehicle and its transmission system are available for inspection upon request. The malfunctioning clutch and potential transmission damage pose significant safety risks. A failing clutch can lead to the inability to change gears properly, which can cause the vehicle to stall or lose power unexpectedly while driving. This could result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of an accident, especially in high-traffic situations or on highways. Furthermore, the presence of metal in the transmission fluid suggests that there might be further internal damage that could lead to sudden transmission failure, further endangering the driver, passengers, and other road users. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by two different service centers. Initially, the Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a stuck clutch and replaced the clutch assembly, but this did not fix the problem. Subsequently, AAMCO inspected the vehicle and identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating a more severe transmission issue. Both these findings confirm that there is a persistent problem with the vehicle’s transmission system. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership (the manufacturer’s representative), who diagnosed the clutch issue and performed the initial repair. Additionally, the vehicle was inspected by an independent service center (AAMCO), which identified metal in the transmission fluid, indicating internal transmission damage. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance representatives at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11610865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ames, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought a brand new Ford Fusion in 2015 at Planet Ford Dallas. Since then, I have had my car maintained regularly at this dealership. However, my car has recently showed symptoms of intermittent loss of transmission. Then, I made an appointment on Aug. 19, 2024 and showed the recall letter to the dealership to request an inspection, but the rep refused to take a look at it, saying there were 20 people ahead of me and said the wait time for fixing TCM (the transmission control module) problem was at least three or four months. On Aug. 20, 2024, I called Ford Customer Relationship Center but could not fix this issue. I am very angry and frustrated because I trust Ford and its dealership will take good care of my car whenever I have my car maintained there. I believe fixing recalls is mandatory, so Planet Ford Dallas should fix it for me voluntarily. Why did they not notify me about this TCM problem and fixed it for me in the first place whenever they serviced my car in the past 9 years? If they had found this problem, I would not have to worry about the possibility of my car breaking down in the middle of the road anytime, not to mention the possibility of a car accident. Ford company should monitor its dealerships whether they fix Ford Recalls and if Ford customers still experience some problems because this is an issue of passenger's safety. Also, Ford company should notify Planet Ford Dallas about its poor performance and poor customer's satisfaction. If all dealerships work like this one, no customer will want to buy any Ford cars any more just like me.
NHTSA complaint #11609640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sonora, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It was mainly the clutch, apparently, but the work order includes a lot more. Yes, it is available for inspection. The car was difficult to control. It was slipping and was having trouble getting into gear. I was driving on a winding mountainess road, parts of it are along a cliff with a reservoir/lake below. Just my usual drive to work here in the Sierras. It go's without saying that others were put at risk since the car was difficult to handle. Yes, the car needs a new clutch and other stuff to the tune of $5,000 up. The car has less than 80,000 miles on it and has had two transmission replacements and a prior clutch replaced a little over a year and a half ago. I was unaware of these prior problems as the car was purchased by me one year and a month ago. The Ford Corporation was part of a class action suit and it was settled a few years ago, unfortunately, I did not own this 2015 Ford Focus at the time. No, the car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative. But, yes, by a Ford Dealership mechanic here in Sonora, California. The extended warranty for the clutch has expired on this car not that long ago. The extended warranty for the transmission has not expired. I wonder if the problem is the transmission since the transmission light came on but then I would'nt have to pay them anything. The independant garages around here won't work on this car. The first time the car engine light came on the car died. I went to the nearest repair shop and they put in a new battery but that was not the problem. So, the next day I'm driving to work on the winding mountainous road and a light came on, it said transmission overheating.
NHTSA complaint #11606312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11590059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vinton, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11589004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Stalling, jerking when stopped
NHTSA complaint #11566464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In August 2023 Focus would not accelerate smoothly while in traffic. Check engine light turned on. Vehicle would not go into reverse. Diagnostic scan negative with personal scanner. Took to transmission shop. Actuators replaced per diagnostic check $880. TCM ok. Slipping on acceleration continued with RPM to between 5-6 on acceleration. Took vehicle back to shop and actuators resynched with TCM. I received Ford Recall for defective TCM module dated September 2023. Ford evaluated by local Ford repair shop. Diagnostics performed. Recommendation was to replace clutch assembly $4100. Was charged $200 for diagnostics. Ford diagnostic report states: Description-U0073 Control module communication bus A off Failure type-88 Bus off Status-28 (Not current DTC) *Fault previously detected, not currently present* My concern with this info is if the fault was detected there is still fault! Am concerned that the faulty TCM and actuators caused issues with the clutch assembly and do not feel safe operating my 8 year old Ford due to skipping while accelerating in traffic. Vehicle one owner with 70,000 miles. No accidents and am young senior driver-age [XXX] . I can forward repair shop documentation. Thank you for your review and look forward to your recommendation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11549596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sierra Vista, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car will go into reverse but won’t move. Car will not go over 2500 RPM and won’t go over 11 MPH
NHTSA complaint #11544967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newberry, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission had randomly started to jerk and then stopped accelerating. Left me stranded on the side of the road on a 5 hour trip and when I turned it off and back on it would move very little and I could hear grinding noise from the gears. I had to get a tow truck which cost me 1.5 k to tow back to my house
NHTSA complaint #11542575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought my car off of a friend who bought it pre-owned certified from a local ford dealer. The car had 59,000 miles on it and had the transmission already replaced by ford (the second transmission on the vehicle under 60,000). After having the vehicle a year I was driving home and the clutch in the transmission got stuck and the car would jolt me forward and when I would come to a complete stop it would skip me forward and jolt me, I also experienced the car not being able to move uphill. My situation was very dangerous and happened all of a sudden with no warning signs of a check engine light or symptoms of the car before. If I didn’t stop so far away from the other vehicles at stop lights I could have been very easily pushed into another vehicle, as well as other vehicles possibly hitting me when my car could not shift into gear. I was extremely disappointed due to the fact my car was at 80,000 miles and the transmission in the vehicle had already been replaced once before, this is also not a cheap fix and costed me close to $2,800. The transmission shop that fixed my issue told me this is the most common issue with the 2015 Ford Focus and that he’s repaired multiple with the same issue at moderate/low mileage.
NHTSA complaint #11542346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car was previously recalled for issues with the clutch. After “repairing” the clutch the issue has returned. Dealer refuses to pay for repairs as the repair warranty has “expired”
NHTSA complaint #11541328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,337 milesOpp, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I’ve been having issues with my automatic clutch transmission since I’ve bought this vehicle. There has been numerous repairs done but the company tells me they aren’t responsive on covering another. It causes the car to jerk when accelerating aggressively and has almost caused a wreck. It has been confirmed by the dealership. No warning signs with this. First started to appear a few months after buying the vehicle and then upon repair the issue would return I few months after the fact and the dealership would not help.
NHTSA complaint #11541275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lady Lake, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Service engine soon light came on, repair shop said I needed a tune up and could still drive ok. Broke down. Got that done and still engine light on so transmission fluid changed too. Now repair shop says it’s the transmission and clutch assembly that the dealer recalled and fixed a few years ago. I’m stuck with payments still and no way to get the $5000 the dealer days it will cost to fix this. Car value is the same. Everyone I’ve talked to has said this is a bad year’s model and will continue to break down even after fixing. Can you offer any advice? Thank you!
NHTSA complaint #11535599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jennings, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2015 Ford Focus, 67,000 miles would jerk , shudder & shut off completely , it would not accelerate or reverse half of the time. Stops in the middle of no wear.. the engine light would come on for a few days then go off and come up again.. the music stopped working& the RPM’s would go pass the 6,7 or 8 at only 10-15 miles & jerk while goin forward .. a safety problem would pop up “ transmission overheating stop safety “ my air would blow hot some days and it would smell like something burning.. confirmed by dealership it’s the clutch .. no warnings for these problems besides jerking / not accelerating at a reasonable speed and safety problem stating to “ stop safely transmission overheating “ &a burning smell & 2 safety recalls for the clutch & TCM with extended warranty. Warranty would not cover for the clutch problem they stated.
NHTSA complaint #11534454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My driver rear door does not shut. The latch is not broke but it will not latch on the metal part it is suppose to.
NHTSA complaint #11530095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverdale, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car I believe is transmission problem I just paid Ford to fix my car for $784.00 do to the care just completely stopped while driving and it shut down while driving and wouldn't restart. I have the receipt showing what the problem was suppose to be. Now 3 weeks later while driving the car I noticed it loses speed while driving and sound as if it want to cut off. I have a code popping up as PO3A7. I don't understand when my car was diagnosis this didn't pick up I'm thinking ford have know of the different problems with the engine or transmission and its began to be at the expense of the customers.
NHTSA complaint #11512717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mukilteo, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I found the ac compressor clutch hub plate in my driveway detached from my vehicle somehow...
NHTSA complaint #11504580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haworth, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After getting gas my 2015 ford focus takes several times to start after getting gas & lugs/spitters when taking off. It has also dies at red lights & stop signs, & even while driving a few times, it starts back up but won't go & the more you push gas, the faster it dies. Then, out of the blue, it'll just start running fine again. This happens often & it's very scary & dangerous & costly as well. It also has a problem with something killing the battery even when the car is parked through the night. This may be 2 separate issues, but both are concerning & have stranded me numerous times for hours at a time. And the stalling issue has almost gotten my mother, my baby, and myself killed several times by stalling in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11499661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Smells like gas especially after adding fuel and when idling with either defrost or heat on. Causes head ache, shortness of breath, blurred vision, light headed, and fainting while operating vehicle. I was lucky I fainted while stopped at a red light so the driver in the vehicle next to me assumed i had over dosed called 911 but when he came to see if i had a pulse and to turn my vehicle off he noticed the oder as he was opening the door and i came to so he told 911 operator i was not over dosing.
NHTSA complaint #11497154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shreveport, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ive had this vehicle for almost 3 yrs and I've taken it to the Ford Dealership numerous of times. They have failed to repair ANYTHING that's associated with this particular model. I have been without transportation for a year now. I've had several break-downs that "I" had to come out of my pocket to repair. I really and desperately need help or some kind of reimbursement.
NHTSA complaint #11496675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,053 milesLittle Rock, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Overheating. Car stalling. Jerking of the vehicle while in motion. Pauses in between acceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11492532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwood, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ford Focus 2015 the does not shift to the next gear and I got stuck in the middle of traffic and had to push it to a safe spot in neutral. This car was Part of a Ford Recall buyback program. It has been at Car Max in Norwood Mass for months I was towed 4 times close calls with kids in the car. These cars are still being sold by CarMax mine can’t be fixed I am paying for a death trap
NHTSA complaint #11483975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.