Ford Focus Reliability
Ford Focus complaints are not uncommon. Serious complaints about the Ford Focus began in 2003, when the ignition key failed to turn inside the ignition switch. Questions about Ford Focus’ reliability grabbed the spotlight again in 2012, and every year thereafter. The sheer volume of complaints throws Ford Focus reliability into question.
Complaints regarding the Ford Focus’ transmission system leads the list of Ford Focus problems. Specifically consumers report that the later model Ford Focus’ transmissions will shudder, slip, grind and hesitate in various driving conditions.
The problem involves the dual-clutch “PowerShift” transmissions used in 1.5 million 2012-2016 Ford Focus and 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta vehicles. Problems became so severe and widespread Ford is now involved in a class action lawsuit with owners of vehicles equipped with the transmission. The lawsuit, Vargas et al. v. Ford Motor Company, was recently settled and the court is currently reviewing the terms of that settlement.
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The PowerShift transmission uses a dual clutch system. One clutch operates the even numbered gears, while the other clutch operates the odd numbered gears. Both clutches share the same inner transmission shaft. Consumers allege the PowerShift gearbox causes the vehicle to lunge, jerk and shudder, as well as hesitating during accelerating.
Ford issued two customer service programs throughout the years regarding the transmission, which extended warranty coverage for its input shafts, clutch, software calibration and transmission control module. However, those efforts did not satisfy enough consumers who eventually filed a number of lawsuits.
Problems with the Ford Focus aren’t limited to the transmission. Several consumers reported engine problems, ranging from overheating to unexpected engine stalling. The complaints of the engine stalling resulted in a recall of 159,395 2013-2014 Ford Focus and Ford Escape vehicles. The recall notice cited a wiring problem as the cause of the stalling issue.
Consumers also reported a slew of small, middling interior issues with the 2015 Ford Focus. These small problems range from the annoying to the potentially dangerous. Issues reported by Ford Focus consumers include a malfunctioning child safety lock, squeaking headliner, a nonfunctioning radio and a gear shifter stuck in the park position.
While smaller frustrations may not be dangerous, they can definitely affect the value of a vehicle going forward.
If your Ford Focus is still under warranty, Ford is compelled by its terms to fix any of these recall problems. If the dealership refuses to repair your warrantied vehicle, contact the manufacturer immediately. If the manufacturer does not remedy the situation, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you.
Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.