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)

Newest first · 2,584 complaints · page 9 of 104

Oct 24, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was jumpstarted. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while attempting to reverse at 2 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact parked the vehicle. A mobile mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was then towed to a certified transmission specialist, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the PCM needed to be replaced; however, the dealer did not replace the PCM although the replacement was covered under warranty. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the transmission in 2017. The vehicle was later taken to the second dealer, Metro Ford, Inc. (2860 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055), where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would partially cover the cost of the repair. The manufacturer also referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ODI 11551678

Oct 23, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the engine revved significantly, and the vehicle experienced hard shifts. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted from 1st gear to 3rd gear, and from 3rd gear to 5th gear. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The power train warning light and the message "Transmission Overheating - Puller Over As Soon As Possible When Safe" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission actuator motor B was replaced; however, the failure recurred within an hour of driving the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact pulled into a parking lot, turned off and restarted the vehicle several times. The contact then drove to the residence. Upon restarting the vehicle, the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown TCM recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11551366

Oct 20, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and the vehicle started to shudder. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that the clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was also diagnosed that the dual clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11551082

Oct 20, 2023Body & structure

I noticed that KIA had a recall for emergency trunk release. I have a 2014 Ford Focus. The manual says there should be a release latch in the trunk, but there is none.

NHTSA ODI 11551093

Oct 19, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the clutch assembly was previously repaired and the TCM was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ODI 11550815

Oct 19, 2023Speed controlEngine

I know it’s the transmission because it gears just goes and the car doesn’t go anywhere. Now I have my car parked

NHTSA ODI 11550917

Oct 16, 2023Engine

The engine control module failure. I was on a busy two lane highway and my car stalled out almost causing me to get hit from the back. I had to be pushed off the busy road from a police officer so I wouldn’t get hit by the heavy trucks. This is a dangerous for anyone whom experienced this. An investigation need to or process

NHTSA ODI 11550146

Oct 14, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The car continues to stall and buckle while driving. Doug Henry og Tarboro NC Diagnose came up with replacing clutch and transmission with a cost of of 10237.57 dollars. This car is a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11549907

Oct 13, 2023Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

Car jerking and started to not move forward when step on gas pedal then had to pull over and stop car. Was on local road. Brought car to dealer and they found it was due to TCM mail notice saying this car year / model needs replacement, but they have ordered parts 6 months ago and none has been received nor do they know when they will receive. This would be covered by Ford. Dealer also said Clutch needs to be fixed, around $5,000, which dealer will not pay, we will need to pay. Dealer did not provide paperwork. My car is only 9 years old, 30,000 miles, and Dealer warned us not to drive car till the 2 problems are fixed because they are unsure when car is going to suddenly be volatile and cause major unknown problems

NHTSA ODI 11549728

Oct 12, 2023Fuel system

I purchased a new 2014 Ford Focus Electric (FFE) in 2014. I have learned since then that every FFE develops a high voltage battery, the battery that powers the electric motor, coolant leak at no more than 80,000 miles, rendering the car inoperable. Ford will not repair the leak and will only sell a replacement battery. Ford has not issued a recall and is allowing the cooling system for a battery made from a highly combustible material to fail. The cooling system failure also requires the driver to get off the road immediately with the "Stop safely now" message and leaves the driver stranded with a useless car. The following are links about the FFE battery coolant leak. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11549705

Oct 6, 2023SteeringAirbagsSeat beltsCrash1 injury

Unable to control vehicle in light rain conditions. Steering took me straight off the highway into a steel wire fence. Totalled the car with massive front end damage. Seat belt did not lock. Knocked window out with head during impact. The ONLY airbag to deploy was the knee airbag, shooting the hard plastic straight into my kneecap.

NHTSA ODI 11548551

Oct 6, 2023Engine

My car has Direct Clutch Transmission that I am told has a design flaw so even after a $3,000 transmission repair the problem will re-occur. The car revs like crazy & doesn’t move forward. It is so dangerous when I am transporting my grandchildren to & from school crossing 4-lanes if traffic in town to get to the other side & the transmission does this in front of oncoming traffic! And no - no fatalities yet!

NHTSA ODI 11548658

Oct 6, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when attempting to accelerate from being idle the vehicle would jerk and or began lagging. When driving at various speeds and attempting to increase in speed the RPMs would begin revving up as if the vehicle would accelerate, however, it would fail to increase in speed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the who diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11548661

Oct 5, 2023Engine

The contact owned a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle was hesitant while accelerating. The contact heard an abnormal sound before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The engine failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed away from the scene and deemed a total loss by USAA Insurance Company. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11548457

Oct 3, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled off the roadway and then turned off and restarted the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

NHTSA ODI 11547972

Sep 27, 2023Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the front driver’s side door independently opened. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

NHTSA ODI 11546956

Sep 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

We bought this used vehicle from Toyota of Peoria Dealership in April 2023. Was in the middle of traffic when my vehicle stop almost getting into a accident.Due to a clutch recall that we were not informed of. When we got it into a Ford dealership they told us that we would have to pay for theses recalls that ended going bad in the vehicle. Told us that recall only last for 5 years or 100 thousand mile it would of been covered. Being a big dealership in our area they should of checked all recalls as well looking over everything before selling a car. These recalls should go longer then 5 years.

NHTSA ODI 11546995

Sep 26, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission dual clutch failed causing transmission to fault in the middle of highway driving

NHTSA ODI 11546697

Sep 25, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the RMPS increased significantly. Additionally, the contact stated upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond while driving from a complete stop. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop at the traffic light. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting into reverse(R) and failed to respond intermittently when shifting into reverse(R). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the TCM was operable, and that the failure was due to the transmission clutch shudder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 19N08; however, the dealer informed the contact that the campaign had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11546360

Sep 21, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting erratically, causing the vehicle lunge forward. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty shift fork in the transmission, and a faulty spark plug. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a complaint on behalf of the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545906

Sep 20, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and shifting between gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle taken to the dealer on two occasions, and the transmission clutch was replaced and the PCM was reprogrammed twice; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting into reverse (R) and the engine revved. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as if the transmission was in neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Lynch Ford of Mukwonago (1015 Main St, Mukwonago, WI 53149) where it was diagnosed that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was not shifting as intended and the vehicle was shuddering while shifting between gears. The message "Transmission Overheated" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a third dealer, Griffin Ford (1940 E Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186), where it was diagnosed and the transmission actuator was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the ignition key, the vehicle failed to start at first attempt, and there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,661.

NHTSA ODI 11545668

Sep 19, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after shifting the gear selector to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 89,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545422

Sep 18, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to Essential Ford of Stuart (4000 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34997) where the failure was acknowledged; however, the dealer could not service the vehicle in a timely manner. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer where the contact paid out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545125

Sep 18, 2023Steering

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 10-15 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 48,700.

NHTSA ODI 11545271

Sep 18, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle ceased to accelerate as designed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road where the transmission overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545277

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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 →