2015 Ford Focus transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

The transmission was repaired at 48k and I am now at 76k having severe issues with jerking, shuddering, and so forth. The car has undergone excellent maintenance for the CARFAX proves this. I bought this car with the very last of my inheritance money thinking I was getting a reliable product and come to find out, I got screwed and am on the hook for EVERY foregoing transmission repair.

NHTSA complaint #11756062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My transmission gave out for the 3rd time on 8-1-26 as I was driving it slow down while on the highway busy street and studder it only goes into 2nd and 3rd gear when slowing down I can hear things clicking i know its the duel clutch because this is the 3rd time it happen both times it was fixed by a ford dealer. No message prior to problem but when it happen this message showed up " transmission fault service now"

NHTSA complaint #11754542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

I made an initial post on 06/18/2026 so please reference that as well as this. I have not been able to drive the car since it died on me on the 18th of June. The car has been looked at a few times (actually stalling a third time while idling but was able to turn back on.) It has also displayed symptoms associated with the Ford Recall #26S40 / NHTSA recall #26V369 but it is listed at NOT included in the recall as of 07/06/2026. MIL is pulling Code P0420 (catalytic system efficiency below threshold) while only having 40k miles. It is also putting out an inaccurate fuel level for miles driven. The fuel tank itself is misshapen (concave bottom of the fuel tank). Again, reiterating here that it stopped twice while driving within 2 days on major PA highways/interstates and stalled for a third time while in idle mode as described earlier in this post. This has all happened within 28 miles of the TCM being replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11748702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Power clutch failure resulting in $6500 repair for a known issue by Ford. Ford refused to cover the repair or any part of the repair.

NHTSA complaint #11748613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Car wants to stall out when "shifting gears" like a loss of power

NHTSA complaint #11747034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 30-70 MPH, the transmission was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I got a 2015 ford focus titanium. I bought it 2 years ago. Well about 2 months after I bought it the transmission started jerking and not really wanting to go out of 1st gear. Well I had to get a TCM replaced and then I was told about the studder wasn't under no warranty and the recall has expired. So now its 6-1-26 and now the transmission is messing up again. This is ridiculous on people who buys cars hoping they will last for a long time but instead we pay 7,000 for a car and drive it for 2 years. WOW THANKS A LOT FORD

NHTSA complaint #11741276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a 2015 Ford Focus equipped with the PowerShift transmission. The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of the transmission control module (TCM) and clutch system despite multiple repair attempts. The vehicle has been repaired at least three times for the same issue, yet the failure continues. While driving at highway speeds (approximately 65–70 mph), the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle lost power and was unable to properly shift gears, creating an immediate safety hazard. I was forced to navigate traffic with limited acceleration and was left stranded. This condition significantly increases the risk of a crash, especially when merging, accelerating, or maintaining speed in traffic. The failure occurs unpredictably and without sufficient warning. This issue is not isolated. The 2012–2016 Ford Focus models equipped with the PowerShift transmission have a well-documented history of similar failures, including prior complaints and manufacturer acknowledgment of defects. Despite multiple repair attempts, the defect has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains unsafe to operate. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a safety defect, as it poses a serious risk to drivers and others on the road. I have found that many of the vehicles that recieved a replacement TCM, reported the problem came back, worsened, or the car had to be totalled all together. Even worse, took a huge hit.

NHTSA complaint #11730978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and changing gears. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11717290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My name is [XXX] I own a 2015 ford focus 4dr sedan It has 131908 miles and the issue I've been having is with The TCM module on the transmission it won't go into sleep mode and it's draining the battery is have gotten a customer care warranty notice on my car but the local Ford dealer said it's expired in November of last year and I've been having family issues and personal issues we're i wasn't able to take care of it but I need this issue fixed on my car it's my only means of transportation for me and my mom because she has altzimers and dementia Here's my number [XXX] this my cell to contact me I live in Portland Oregon And also right now I have no way of paying for the repairs on my car because I lost my job because of a lower back injury I thought it was going to be a easy fix but it something I'm not able to do And thought it was going to be covered under the so called warranty which it's actually part of the recall I've gone through something like this with a previous car I owed and it was supposed to be taken care of through a recall but the dealer wouldn't do anything about they wanted me to pay on my vehicle I have i need this repaired I should not have to pay for the repairs that should be done through warranty or a recall it's been happening since the past couple years INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11715922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owned a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, including the transmission slipping, the vehicle stalling, and the check engine warning light being illuminated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond after shifting to the reverse or drive. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission power shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.

NHTSA complaint #11709895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle acceleration dies out during normal pressure of gas pedal. Coding showing transmission Actuators malfunctioning. Odometer Reading 120,631 check engine light came on. Date of malfunction 11/24/2025 , Vehicle was taken to Affordable Transmission on 11/25/2025

NHTSA complaint #11705241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2015 Ford Focus with DPS6 automatic transmission failure. 109,### miles only. Symptoms: No reverse gear, severe clutch slip (high RPM but car barely moves), strong burnt clutch smell, check engine light on. DTC codes: P07A3, P07A5, P087A, P087B, P090C. Ford dealer (Camelback Ford, Phoenix AZ) diagnosed the issue but quoted $3,175 just for labor to open the transmission for inspection, refusing any goodwill assistance after 14M02 program expired in August 2025, despite low mileage and known widespread DPS6 problems covered by TSB 16-0129. Note : "November 20, 2025 – Date I purchased the vehicle. The transmission problem (no reverse, clutch slip, burnt smell) was present immediately upon purchase." Requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's refusal to offer reasonable post-warranty assistance for this well-documented safety-related transmission defect.

NHTSA complaint #11703609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission overheating and internal wear (metal particles in fluid) following electrical/TCM malfunction in Ford Focus DPS6. Transmission failure recurred after earlier repair under 14M02. Current failure includes overheating messages, shudder, and loss of safe drivability. Ford acknowledges issue relates to known PowerShift defect but refuses coverage. Vehicle unsafe.

NHTSA complaint #11701399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact's son owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the mechanic could not diagnose the failure because there were no active warning lights illuminated. The contact's son had received a message from the Ford App that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program for the TCM (Transmission Control Module). The failure persisted, and the dealer was notified of the program, and the contact was informed that the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer informed the contact that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the purge valve. The contact was instructed by the manufacturer to inform the dealer to have the purge valve replaced under the warranty. The contact informed the dealer about the purge valve warranty, and the dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to the purge valve and insisted that the failure was related to the TCM. After several disputes between the dealer and the manufacturer about the issue, the contact was informed that no assistance for the repair would be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA complaint #11699754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission keeps slipping at 2nd and 3rd gear. The shop I got it at fixed it twice and this time the transmission light turned on. They told me to go through this process

NHTSA complaint #11696849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission problem

NHTSA complaint #11691794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle was checked by local dealer and stated repair code 14M02 needed to be completed. 10 year extended warranty was concluded in June, 2025, but this is a safety concern. The car stopped in the road, right off the interstate, because the transmission quit working properly. Gears shifted very hard when transmission started working again. After parking, the car would not go back into reverse.

NHTSA complaint #11690619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the transmission started slipper while shifting out of 2nd gear with the message "Transmission Overheating" and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and a diagnostic scanner retrieved DTC: P090C and P207A. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,100.

NHTSA complaint #11680969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that failure occurred most often after the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign and then attempting to accelerate. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module (TCM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch had failed. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle, stating that since the check engine warning light was not illuminated, the vehicle would not be repaired. The contact was informed to take the vehicle back to the dealer once the check engine warning light was illuminated. A month later, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,007.

NHTSA complaint #11679799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission slipping. I was waiting to turn into my apartment and as I went to turn, my gear slipped where i was stuck in on coming traffic. Found out that there is a lot of ford focus having the same issue with transmission.

NHTSA complaint #11678763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at a roundabout at 20 MPH, the "Transmission Overheating - Please Pull Over to a Safe Location" was displayed, and the contact pulled over for 30 minutes for the transmission to cool down. However, after restarting the vehicle and attempting to drive, the contact noticed that the transmission was slipping between 1st and 2nd gear. The contact proceeded to pull over and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the dual clutch assembly and the fuel rail pressure sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,007.

NHTSA complaint #11678873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving my car on July 25, it started jerking then it stopped reversing. My LCD dashboard stopped displaying several years ago. This affects my ability to see warning lights and my mileage.

NHTSA complaint #11677241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered or hesitated while idling. Additionally, the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the transmission intermittently failed to shift as designed, and the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was occasionally coasted or pushed to the side of the road, and several attempts were made to restart the vehicle. However, the failure recurred while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The failure had become more persistent. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving approximately 50 - 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The “Service Vehicle Soon” and an unknown warning were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM had failed, causing the transmission to overheat, reaching over 1,000 degrees, causing damage to the shifting forks. The wiring harness was burned due to the failure. The mechanic stated that the PCM had caused damage to the forward gears. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or covered under warranty. The manufacturer opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11676686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

FORD Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 - Transmission Control Module I purchased a 2015 Ford Focus for my son in 2021. I PAID WITH CASH. In June 2024, he moved from GA to UT for a job after he graduated college. 2 months later, his transmission went out with no notice. I paid to get the Focus towed to the Ed Kenley Ford Inc. Ford had a Customer Satisfaction Program that started in 2015. There are 7 supplements to the original issue. I called Ford to get some kind of reimbursement since they would not fix the module even though it was covered until June 30, 2025 (3 weeks ago). Ford says that there is nothing they can do since the date of June 30, 2025 has passed. I feel that this is FRAUDULENT BEHAVIOR as my son had to buy a newer vehicle to go to work. Thank you for all you do.

NHTSA complaint #11675402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle experienced transmission shifts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the sensor needed time to reset. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse, experienced hard transmission shifts, and felt as if the vehicle would stall while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 14M02 (Transmission control module extended warranty coverage); however, the contact was informed that the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired a week prior to the failure. 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 88,300.

NHTSA complaint #11674459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.