Home · 2014 Ford Focus Bev · Complaints

What 2,584 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Focus Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (2,584)Crash / fire / injury (89)Transmission & drivetrain (1,550)Engine (437)Fuel system (354)Electrical system (259)Steering (221)Speed control (165)Body & structure (61)Latches & locks (47)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (39)Brakes (33)

1,550 of 2,584 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 15 of 62

Mar 25, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond, started jerking, and the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch and the transmission sensor system had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer seven more times. The dealer replaced the transmission clutch and the transmission sensor system; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who provided the same diagnostic result and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

NHTSA ODI 11458328

Mar 24, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The original shudder issue was noted in 12/13/2017 about a shudder happening when stopping and then trying to accelerate and it occurred periodically over the past year. The shuddering continued to get worse and at (79058 miles) I was told that the clutch could be replaced for $3000.00, and nothing was covered under any warranty. Even though continued complaints about this model to Ford On 8/27/2018 the shutter was determined to be related to the recall module 955442 causing shift issues (86575 miles). I was advised to watch nothing else stated. Still issues. It was then determined that the clutch assembly would need to be replaced. Claim number through Ford stated they would pay for the parts and I would have to pay the labor. No one at this time stated that there was a Ford DPS6 Powershift Transmission Settlement that gave options to deal with this vehicle. Not even when getting the CAS#. This was to cover all 2012-2016 Ford Focus Vehicles. The clutch was replaced on 4/11/2019 (91195 miles) and then again replaced on 7/30/2019 (100,379 miles) A 2nd clutch assembly was put in because there were issues from the 4/11/2019 clutch assembly parts put in. Now on March 21, 2022 (176,000 miles) the vehicle again in in the shop for a 3rd time stating the clutch will need to be replaced. Engine light came on relating to the DPS6 clutch again. Unable to drive had to be towed. This will be the 3rd time the clutch is replaced and is getting just over 75000 miles again where the clutch gives out and the car shutters while accelerating. The original clutch was to be covered to 100,000 miles and was not covered and now again Ford is stating it won’t be covered again. And that yes this is a DPS6 Transmission and that they will need to replace the shift fork and the clutch. This is a vehicle hazard because the clutches are not making the original 100,000 at any time for these models 2012 - 2016. Even when the clutch is replaced again the parts don't last.

NHTSA ODI 11458187

Mar 21, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with Transmission Control Module (TCM) and clutch failure. The dealer informed the contact that the TCM and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11457696

Mar 18, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on the highway approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and was shuddering while shifting gear. The “Service Engine Now” warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to side of the roadway, turn off, and restart the vehicle and drove to the residence safely. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Additionally, there was also an unstated failure with the engine. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457261

Mar 18, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Took my car to Apple Ford in Columbia, MD on 3/10/22 for unrelated recall repairs on my 2014 Ford Focus, dealt with Service Rep #1. The car was finished around closing time. As I drove home a loud rattle was coming from the engine while idling causing the whole dashboard to shake. The clock was also now pushed 2 hours and 3 minutes ahead which was odd. I continued to drive the few miles to home. The next day I drove 20+ miles to Baltimore for an appointment. While there I stopped for gas. When I pushed the remote door lock button, the lights blinked, the door locks clicked but the horn did not beep twice as it usually does. I hit the door lock button several times but the horn did not beep so now the horn was not working. Before I took my car to Apple Ford it was working. I went to my appointment and parallel parked on the street. When leaving I had a hard time getting my car out of the parking space. As I drove I noticed the car was jerking, shaking, shuddering, vibrating and lunging every time I slowed down, came to a stop, then accelerated again and getting on and off the highway. While on I-95 the car continued to jerk, shake, shudder, vibrate and lunge and the RPM gauge needle shot over to high RPMs over and over again. Then the engine light came on. I exited I-95 onto Rt. 216 then a 2nd emergency warning sounded and another message came on that the transmission was overheating pull over immediately. I pulled over, called Apple Ford, told Service Rep #1 what happened, AAA was towing the car back. He said it was probably the Transmission Controller, they had several other Ford Focuses with the same problem. On 3/14 I called and spoke to Service Rep #2, he didn't even know the car was there. I told him what that happened. Rep #2 called back said he took it for a test drive and found nothing. I insisted there was something wrong. He said he'd take it for a test longer drive. Called again 3/18 they are referring problem to a manager. No resolution as of yet.

NHTSA ODI 11457296

Mar 7, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder and shake. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle would not shift into reverse. Additionally, the vehicle would remain in first gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

NHTSA ODI 11455539

Mar 2, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

2010-2016 Ford focus Se transmission Don't matter what transmission is installed they all have same issue 000000 miles to 150k transmission never shift correct or stops shifting or the gear get stuck.

NHTSA ODI 11454931

Feb 14, 2022SuspensionTransmission & drivetrain

I went to Tom Ford Ford in Carmel, IN in 2016 on this issue and was repaired under warranty then Ford sent an updated letter warranty letter about the DPS6 transmission and reduced warranty from 10 years to 7 years which expired in 2021. Car started having transmission trouble in early 2022; Tom Ford will not repair because not under the reduced warranty terms. I asked for Zone mgr from service manager but would not give me his contact and number on the issue. I’m having same problem again

NHTSA ODI 11451856

Feb 10, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Please help in desperate need of my cars recalls getting fixed and no one will help me I have a baby and a single mother and need my vehicle and still nothing it was recalls on my 2014 Ford focus SE

NHTSA ODI 11451314

Feb 10, 2022SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 10 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal and pulled into the parking lot of her apartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist as they did not have a transmission mechanic or parts. The contact contacted other unknown dealers who advised as the first dealer. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist where the transmission was taken apart and the transmission assembly was replaced. The transmission specialist drove the vehicle to the contact's residence and informed her that the steering rack might have failed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making abnormal grinding sounds while driving. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V514000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle did not qualify for the lemon law. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA ODI 11451339

Feb 10, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The dealership confirmed I have the case of a well known clutch shudder problem. But my car is not covered as it has 112K miles on it. Why the recall does not cover cars with 112K miles? Are they immune to this well known problem? Can anyone answer?

NHTSA ODI 11451369

Jan 25, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact's wife owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had been shuddering, hesitating, and lunging while driving. The vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers and the dealers informed the contact that it was a known failure and that the TCM was reprogramed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission clutch was replaced in 2019; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light and the warning message "Service transmission immediately" illuminated. The contact's wife was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer - Pacifico Ford (6701 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153) who diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer repaired the vehicle under an unknown extended warranty; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was then taken to Lawrenceville Ford Service (2920 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648) who diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not cover the repair because the transmission clutch was not covered by the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448882

Jan 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Mid August last year my 2014 Focus lit up on the dash “service transmission immediately”. The car hesitated and shuddered through the gears and the automatic transmission wouldn’t go through all the gears. It is still under warranty. Took it to a local Ford dealer, they said the Transmission Control Module is out. This is the second time this has happened. My car has 65,000 miles on it. The dealer said the part was on back order, and could take months, and they could not offer a rental/loaner. They said I could “still drive the car until it finally just stops moving.” I tried driving it, it REALLY “stops moving” like when you’re trying to merge onto the interstate and semis are coming. It took the dealer 5.5 MONTHS to get the part. No loaner car could be offered from Ford or the local dealer. Just “sorry the part is ordered but that’s all we can do.” Almost 6 months without a car that I was still paying on, that was under warranty. It’s fixed now, but this is the SECOND TIME this issue has happened and when you’re driving it is EXTREMELY dangerous to both those in the vehicle and other commuters as well. The car will literally shift out of gear when you’re going 70+ miles per hour and you lose all control. It won’t accelerate from a stop when you need it to. It won’t slow down smoothly so that you can stop on time. It’s extremely dangerous and it’s apparently a common issue in these vehicles that hasn’t been properly addressed. If I could trade my car in I would before this issue recurs again but I owe on it a little more than its trade in is valued. This issue needs addressed asap, Ford should honestly offer a lemon buy back for those vehicles affected. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11448450

Jan 14, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

On 08/18/2021, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on our 2014 Ford Focus failed completely in a parking lot with NO ADVANCE WARNING. This failure of the transmission could have happened while driving in a dangerous location such as an entrance ramp, a busy highway or other location where it would have been impossible to move out of the traffic lane. THIS LACK OF ENGAGEMENT OR LOSS OF POWER COULD HAVE POSSIBLY ENDANGERED OUR LIVES OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. The car was towed to a nearby Ford dealer who diagnosed the problem as a failed TCM. Ford sent us a letter in August 2016 titled as “Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02” for our specific 2014 Focus, with our specific VIN # that Ford was extending the warranty of the TCM, to a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. The Ford dealer ordered the TCM, but it is STILL ON BACKORDER with no estimated arrival time. The car has been unusable & sitting at the dealer’s lot WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT TCM FOR 4-1/2+ MONTHS! According to the Detroit Free Press article of 07/11/2019 (“Ford knew Focus, Fiesta had flawed transmission, sold them anyway”), Ford was aware of the problem. The serious transmission reliability issues with my 2014 Ford Focus go beyond just the TCM. The original TCM was reprogrammed after 30,000 miles. In the 126,728 miles the car has been driven, I have had the CLUTCH REPLACED FIVE TIMES due to SHUDDER DURING SHIFTING. In my opinion, it is a BREACH OF CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS WHEN FORD DOES NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY IN A TIMELY MANNER. That indicates to me that Ford hasn’t taken ownership of these transmission problems and has DELAYED/NEGLECTED ITS DUTY TO REPAIR & MAKE THE CAR SAFE & RELIABLE. NHTSA should launch an investigation and force Ford to fix this transmission design failure before we and/or others become seriously injured or die because of the inadequate performance of this car’s transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11447559

Jan 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

In September 2021, I contacted Allan Vigil Ford in Morrow, Georgia, to make an appointment for a recall transmission service of a 2014 Ford Focus. Recall transmission repairs have been done at this same dealership in the past. I was unable to drive the car and was given an appointment to drop the car off on October 18, which I did. I immediately requested a loaner vehicle and was told one wasn’t available. After, several weeks I was approved to receive a rental through Enterprise but cannot use that rental care company due to owing a balance. I had a similar issue in the past with Geico, who immediately allowed me to rent a car through Hertz. I was eventually informed I could rent with another car rental company and receive reimbursement. However, I did not receive this information in writing, and it would incur thousands of dollars upfront with no clear standard on the rental process or when I will receive reimbursement. This is not feasible considering I am still paying the monthly note to Navy Federal Credit Union and the insurance while the car is inoperable. I would also like to make it known I am a Registered Nurse and frontline worker and must travel from Locust Grove to Decatur to work, at least 40 miles one way. This hardship has created tension at my workplace because I cannot take any time off due to the pandemic. There is also tension in my relationships as I beg for rides and provide them cash, increasing my debts. I have done an online buyback quote with Carmax, and in working condition, they will pay $8000 for the vehicle, which will cover the remaining loan balance. Since it has been almost three months with no anticipated end date due to the needed transmission module, suitable options include Ford to buy back the vehicle, provide compensation, and a rental car.

NHTSA ODI 11447259

Jan 10, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

My vehicle has been sitting at a Ford dealer needing a TCM for months neither Ford Motor Company nor the Autonation Ford Dealer has made any real attempts on getting it repaired. the car has already stopped on the interstate and slowed down without warning numerous times will not go into reverse and limps along at like 20 miles per hour Ford knows about this problem and keeps blaming the dealer and saying they let the part ticket expire the dealer will not return either of my phone calls. This is car has been in and out of the shop for this same problem for years and started having problems @ less then 1000 miles and Ford put this car back up for sale and thus putting my families life in danger

NHTSA ODI 11446890

Dec 20, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but found no issues. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the engine mounts were replaced however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact was informed that the canister purge valve was stuck. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the automatic dual-clutch was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11444501

Dec 13, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission issues. Repaired multiple times but keeps coming back. Out of warranty but needs repaired again.

NHTSA ODI 11443587

Dec 12, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

when driving or just moving forward or back the vehicle jerks violently. seems that the transmission is not working properly. my research online has found many owners of this similar vehicle to have the same issue. this began happening at 56k miles, I use this vehicle less than 5k miles a year. many people online claim that this type of vehicle has a poor/bad transmission design. This should not be occurring this soon in a young vehicles life. I am reporting this because there is a chance that a pause or jerk hesitation while in traffic or freeway can cause a serious accident.

NHTSA ODI 11443540

Dec 7, 2021SteeringSuspensionTransmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

Transmission is overheated, burning smell, the car lost control, start zigzagging on the high way , and got into an accident, I was injured, and lost my job. The CarMax dealership, refused to take care of a car, or even take it back, because of the safety issues. Then, second time, the transmission slips on acceleration at starts and on highways. It feels like it's the transmission is in neutral. For the third time, the car was jerking and going forward and backward , that the transmission would slip badly, even totally disengage. I was getting on a very busy road and accelerated and suddenly the car decelerated; the car behind me almost rear ended me, honked his horn, but there was nothing I could do. As you can see, the problem been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center as a non-safe to drive. But CarMax dealership ignoring the issues regardless.

NHTSA ODI 11442970

Dec 6, 2021Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle it shuddered. While driving uphill the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A financial assistance claim was submitted on the contact's behalf. The transmission clutch assembly and fuel assembly were previously repaired under warranty in July 2020 at approximately 66,421 miles. The manufacturer was notified and offered to pay half of the cost of the repair. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11442859

Dec 3, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

I went to Oxford ME to buy a part on the way back to Augusta, ME the shift module shifted itself from (D)drive to (N) and the car was Rolling backwards as I was on a hill I pump the gas peddle until it shifted back into (D)drive this happened 3 times, I think it's the TCM also, the transmission began slipping after this problem and then the computer shut off the motor and I had to pull over to the side of the road and call a flatbed driver to pick me up at my house that's where I could use the phone 10 miles away! The tow was $127.00 The TMC Shift Module is $298.00 plus 5.5% Tax. This car Is Very Dangerous To Drive In Traffic or Anywhere!!! I took it to Quark Ford Dealership in Hallowell, Maine and there they said they can do a safety check on the doors & trunk the transmission check would cost me $126.00 an Hour to do! So, I left!

NHTSA ODI 11442504

Nov 15, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

I was driving my vehicle home from a friend's house, and just as I was turning into my parking spot, I got a notification in regard to my transmission needing to be serviced. I believe my transmission light was currently on, because I have recently gotten an oil change and that didn't seem to be the problem. I've experienced issues with the vehicle after i put gas in the car. When I go to start it back up, it stalls or acts as if it wants to start, but then just doesn't. After a few moments I go to start the vehicle again and in most cases this seems to be effective for the time being. There was also a notification that stated my transmission was hot, and that I should pull over safely.

NHTSA ODI 11440435

Nov 12, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate, shudder, and would not accelerate properly with the RPM’s fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the duel clutch however, the failure reoccurred. The contact indicated that the duel clutch had been replaced on six separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 9,000.

NHTSA ODI 11440201

Oct 10, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

My Vehicle Transmission Gear shifting Malfunction while I was Making a Maneuver with my Vehicle going into forward Driving mode. I had too make a sudden Brake and place the gear back into the Park position. I turn the Engine off and restarted the Engine and placed in drive mode. I drove home with no other incidents but this could have been a crash into other cars and People in the area. I need someone too check into this matter concerning my Vehicle. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11436209

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Ford Focus Bev verdict →