The Ford Focus, particularly models produced between 2012 and 2018, became infamous for its problematic PowerShift dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This issue led to widespread customer dissatisfaction, class-action lawsuits, and a significant blow to Ford's reputation. Understanding the extent of the problem and whether Ford ultimately resolved it is crucial for current and prospective Focus owners.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Ford Focus transmission issues, detailing the problems, the attempted fixes, and the ultimate outcome for consumers.
| Issue/Action | Affected Years/Models | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShift Transmission Problems | 2012-2018 Ford Focus, 2011-2019 Fiesta | Jerking, shuddering, delayed acceleration, harsh shifting, and complete transmission failure. Caused by clutch wear, software glitches, and design flaws in the DCT. |
| Software Updates | 2012-2017 Ford Focus | Ford released numerous software updates aimed at improving the transmission's performance and shift quality. These updates attempted to compensate for clutch wear and refine the transmission's control algorithms. However, these updates were often only partially effective, providing temporary relief but not addressing the underlying mechanical issues. |
| Clutch Replacements | 2012-2017 Ford Focus | Ford offered clutch replacements under warranty and extended warranty programs. These replacements were intended to address the excessive clutch wear that was a primary cause of the transmission problems. However, the replacement clutches were often the same design as the original, leading to recurring issues. |
| TCM (Transmission Control Module) Replacements | 2012-2017 Ford Focus | The TCM controls the transmission's shifting and overall operation. Faulty TCMs were identified as contributing to the transmission problems. Replacing the TCM was sometimes necessary, but it didn't always resolve the core issues if the clutches were already damaged. |
| Buyback Program/Settlements | 2012-2017 Ford Focus | Facing mounting legal pressure and negative publicity, Ford implemented a buyback program and reached settlements in multiple class-action lawsuits. This allowed eligible owners to receive compensation for their vehicles or have them bought back by Ford. The specific terms and eligibility requirements varied depending on the settlement. |
| Design Changes/New Transmissions | 2019 Ford Focus (Europe) | The 2019 Ford Focus, sold in Europe and other markets (but not North America), featured a completely redesigned model. While the European Focus offered various transmission options, including automatics and manuals, the problematic PowerShift DCT was discontinued. Ford moved away from the dual-clutch design, opting for more conventional automatic transmissions in its later Focus models outside of North America. |
| North American Discontinuation | 2018 Ford Focus | Ford discontinued the Ford Focus in North America after the 2018 model year. This decision was partially influenced by the ongoing transmission issues and the desire to focus on SUVs and trucks. The Focus was never redesigned with a different transmission for the North American market. |
| Ongoing Issues Post-Settlement | 2012-2017 Ford Focus | Even after the settlements and buyback programs, many owners continued to experience transmission problems. Replacement parts remained difficult to source in some cases, and the underlying design flaws persisted in vehicles that were not bought back. This left many owners with vehicles that were prone to recurring transmission issues. |
Detailed Explanations
PowerShift Transmission Problems: The PowerShift transmission, a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, was intended to offer the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. However, its implementation in the Ford Focus (and Fiesta) was plagued by problems such as jerking, shuddering, delayed acceleration, and harsh shifting. These issues were often attributed to clutch wear, software glitches, and design flaws in the DCT, leading to a frustrating driving experience for many owners. In some cases, these problems escalated to complete transmission failure, rendering the vehicle undrivable.
Software Updates: In an attempt to address the transmission issues, Ford released numerous software updates. These updates aimed to improve the transmission's performance by adjusting the shift points and compensating for clutch wear. While some owners reported temporary improvements after applying these updates, they often proved to be insufficient in resolving the underlying mechanical problems. The updates essentially acted as a band-aid solution, masking the symptoms rather than fixing the root cause.
Clutch Replacements: Ford also offered clutch replacements under warranty and extended warranty programs. The intention was to replace worn-out clutches, which were identified as a major contributor to the transmission's poor performance. However, the replacement clutches were often of the same design as the original problematic clutches. This meant that the replaced clutches were also susceptible to premature wear and the recurrence of the same transmission issues, leading to a cycle of problems for owners.
TCM (Transmission Control Module) Replacements: The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is the electronic brain that controls the transmission's shifting and overall operation. A faulty TCM could misinterpret sensor data or issue incorrect commands, leading to erratic shifting and other transmission problems. While replacing a faulty TCM could sometimes resolve certain issues, it was not a guaranteed fix, especially if the clutches were already damaged or worn. The TCM replacement addressed a symptom, but not always the core problem.
Buyback Program/Settlements: Faced with a growing number of lawsuits and negative publicity, Ford initiated a buyback program and reached settlements in multiple class-action lawsuits. This allowed eligible owners to receive compensation for their affected vehicles or have them bought back by Ford. The eligibility criteria and compensation amounts varied depending on the specific settlement and the owner's individual circumstances. This was a significant step towards resolving the issues, but it didn't address the problems for owners who didn't qualify or chose not to participate.
Design Changes/New Transmissions: In 2019, Ford introduced a redesigned Ford Focus in Europe and other global markets (excluding North America). This new Focus featured different transmission options, including conventional automatic transmissions and manual transmissions. The problematic PowerShift DCT was discontinued in these markets, signaling a shift away from the dual-clutch design that had caused so much trouble. This represented a significant change in strategy, acknowledging the shortcomings of the PowerShift transmission.
North American Discontinuation: After the 2018 model year, Ford discontinued the Ford Focus in North America. This decision was influenced by several factors, including the ongoing transmission issues, declining sales of compact cars, and a strategic shift towards focusing on SUVs and trucks. The Focus was never redesigned with a different transmission for the North American market, effectively ending the PowerShift saga in that region.
Ongoing Issues Post-Settlement: Even after the settlements and buyback programs, many owners continued to experience transmission problems with their Ford Focus vehicles. Replacement parts could be difficult to obtain in some cases, and the inherent design flaws of the PowerShift transmission remained a persistent issue. This left many owners with vehicles that were prone to recurring transmission problems and facing ongoing repair costs. The settlements provided some relief, but they didn't eliminate the underlying problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ford ever completely fix the Focus transmission problem? No, Ford never completely fixed the underlying design flaws of the PowerShift transmission in the 2012-2018 Focus models sold in North America. While software updates and clutch replacements offered temporary relief, the problems often recurred.
What years of the Ford Focus had transmission problems? The most significant transmission problems were found in the 2012-2018 Ford Focus models equipped with the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission.
What should I do if I own a Ford Focus with the PowerShift transmission? Research your eligibility for any remaining warranty coverage or settlement options. Consider having the transmission inspected by a qualified mechanic and be prepared for potential repair costs.
Is it safe to buy a used Ford Focus with the PowerShift transmission? Buying a used Focus with the PowerShift transmission is risky. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle, check its service history, and be aware of the potential for transmission problems and repair costs.
Did Ford offer any compensation for Focus owners with transmission issues? Yes, Ford offered buyback programs and settlements in class-action lawsuits for eligible owners of affected Ford Focus vehicles.
Conclusion
While Ford attempted to address the PowerShift transmission issues in the Ford Focus through software updates, clutch replacements, and ultimately buyback programs and settlements, they never truly fixed the underlying design flaws in the affected models. The best course of action for current owners is to be aware of the potential issues and carefully consider repair options, while prospective buyers should exercise caution when considering a used Ford Focus with the PowerShift transmission.