Home · 2014 Ford Focus RS · Complaints

What 2,644 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Focus RS

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 (2,644)Crash / fire / injury (89)Transmission & drivetrain (1,589)Engine (455)Fuel system (360)Electrical system (274)Steering (225)Speed control (169)Body & structure (62)Latches & locks (47)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (39)Brakes (34)

1,589 of 2,644 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 12 of 64

Feb 13, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Transmission and engine failure Available for inspection Failure on highway Inspection by others: yes mechanics warning indicators failed

NHTSA ODI 11506890

Feb 12, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

I started having problems the minute I drove off the lot they told me my transmission was fine when I knew it wasn’t 2020 started going in to be repaired transmission needed rebuilt rear main seal needed to be replaced that’s when the tech realized my transmission needed to be rebuilt it’s been in the shop three or four times for the transmission and the clutches then I think my transmission started messing up again 2021 then found out it was misfiring replaced spark plugs and coils all of it now on top of all my other problems my check engine lights back on it’s flashing I’ve done the spark plugs again just replaced my O2 sensors going to take it back to a mechanic and have it looked at don’t know what’s going on I’m really worried that my coolant is leaking because it’s went down and done and now I just filled it up again and it looks like it’s dropping again i’m hoping it’s nothing because I just found out that the eco-boost motors are leaking coolant into the cylinder heads they’re saying trucks right now I think it’s in Canada in California I know I have a eco-boost your car flex fuel or whatever you wanna call it so I’m really hoping it’s nothing but problems after problems with his car and Ford doesn’t wanna do anything about it they gave me some money as a good faith thing but that’s it I got a hold of Ford and they will the lady called me once she says she called three times she won’t return my phone calls I was told that they wanted to buy my car back now they won’t do anything and like I said I’m having problems with it again these cars are crap they need to take all of them back and I’m sitting here reading even more people having issues that’s not OK and I don’t even know what’s wrong with my car right now

NHTSA ODI 11506808

Feb 9, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and failed to shift gears as needed. The contact stated that the transmission and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the PCM, TCM, and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11506377

Feb 8, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. Additionally, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the "transmission fault, service now," warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for 9 months before the TCM was replaced. Despite the initial repair, the failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer after the most recent failure and remained in the dealer's possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11506252

Feb 3, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her grandson was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The driver stated that after 20 minutes the vehicle restarted. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The dealer completed the recall repair, but the vehicle continued to experience failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an unknown module to be replaced. The dealer stated that the repair part was on backorder and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11505432

Feb 2, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and turning left at a traffic signal, the vehicle started shuddering and almost stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated and then lunged through the turn. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact had been advised by the manufacturer that there had been a Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Shudder) and that the vehicle was past the Warranty Extension period and not eligible for repair. The failure mileage was 126,029.

NHTSA ODI 11505272

Feb 1, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

My 16 year old daughter was driving this 2014 Ford Focus on the expressway in June of 2022 when the car lost power and would not excelerate. The car became inoperable and was shaking. There was no prior warning to indicate there was a problem with the vehicle and the vehicle has approx 79,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where we had purchased a warranty but due to a warranty through Ford that existed due to a major problem with the transmission and wiring harness, Ford was to cover this repair. Today is February 1, 2023 the car is still sitting waiting for repair. We have been told there are no after market parts and Ford through numerous phone calls has advised they do not have the part to fix the transmission with no eta. Besides the fact that this was a dangerous situation when my inexperienced daughter at 16 was driving on the expressway at 65 miles an hour and completely lost power and could of been killed, killed some one else, or at the very least caused an accident, the car still sets waiting for 9 months for a part that Ford does not know when will be available.

NHTSA ODI 11504982

Jan 30, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

I was driving home from work and the transmission just stopped shifting completely and I almost was Tboned in the street because of this my husband had to push the car out of the road so i contacted the ford dealer here because there was a recall on my transmission for that very thing and they said that they dont have to fix it unless i pay for it because it has 160,000 miles on it nevermind the fact that i just got the car less than 3 months ago . I am really upset and considering calling the media in an my attorney

NHTSA ODI 11504574

Jan 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission shudder is so significant that I cannot merge onto streets (city speeds or highway speeds) without causing traffic to slow down. There is a significant delay between the gear disengaging and the next gear engaging, all while shutter with sounds that feel like the car is falling apart. It started years ago, and it continues to this day. It continues to get worse and we are unable to sell this vehicle due to the safety concerns. No warning lights/check engine lights are illuminated on the dashboard.

NHTSA ODI 11503978

Jan 26, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started jerking and shuddering. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to experience the failure while driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the manual clutch and transmission pressure plate to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle a second time to the local dealer in August of 2018, where it was diagnosed with needing the manual clutch and transmission pressure plate to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle for the third time to the local dealer on November 15, 2019, where it was diagnosed with needing the clutch assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer on January 26, 2023 and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,718.

NHTSA ODI 11503827

Jan 23, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and experienced rough shifting. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch 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 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11503249

Jan 19, 2023SuspensionTransmission & drivetrainEngine

My car is still at the dealership (CrossRoads Ford ,of Indian Trail, NC). The vehicle has been there since 11/22/22. The Service Department keeps telling me they are waiting on a Recall Part to come in and have not given me anything else. The car will not drive, and they advised it was a Recall Part, but the system shows all Recall has been repaired? I need my car back- I have already paid 3 months for a car payment, on a car that is still sitting in the Service Department there.

NHTSA ODI 11502558

Jan 12, 2023Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine hesitated to respond then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while accelerating the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The transmission fault warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. Other unknown failures were found. The contact was made aware of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V350000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11501522

Jan 11, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while shifting gears. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed 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 42,000. The contact stated that the warranty expired so no financial assistance was offered at the time of the repair. The clutch was replaced and the shuddering seems to have stopped.

NHTSA ODI 11501190

Jan 5, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot on a level surface, the RPMs revved up, the vehicle hesitated to respond and made an abnormal sound as it was shifting from first gear to second gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact slightly released the accelerator pedal and was able to continue driving while the vehicle was in first gear. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while making a right turn on an incline. The contact continued driving and the vehicle gradually shifted into second gear while driving uphill. However, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission clutch was previously replaced on 5 occasions due to the vehicle lunging forward and shuddering while shifting from first to second gear. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,500.

NHTSA ODI 11500293

Jan 2, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

My 2014 Ford Focus which I have had for 6 years has developed a problem with the Powertrain Control Module. This is a known problem with the car, and Ford extended the warranty for 10 years. I have been waiting 8 months now for the part which is still on backorder, with no estimate of when the part will be available. I can no longer drive the car because the car violently jerks when accelerating and almost comes to a complete stop. I can temporary fix the problem following online instructions, but it last only a day. I am afraid to drive the car because the jerking/hesitation might result in an accident. Ford does not seem to be addressing their responsibility with this dangerous issue.

NHTSA ODI 11499785

Dec 29, 2022SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

When trying to accelerate, it hesitates. Not sure if it’s a transmission problem.

NHTSA ODI 11499453

Dec 15, 2022Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shudder while accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions where the clutch assembly and PCM (Power Train Control Module) were replaced under warranty after each failure. The failure persisted, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11497615

Dec 14, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The entire car is a a safety issue. From the breaks and door latches, to the fuel system, electrical system, to the transmission. The 2014 Ford Focus SE needs to ne recalled aand taken off the roads.

NHTSA ODI 11497494

Dec 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, jolted, and hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure also occurred while shifting into a lower gear. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission dual clutch was replaced under an unknown recall in 2019. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had been informed that the transmission dual clutch was previously replaced in 2016 by the previous owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11497147

Dec 6, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch and an unknown transmission part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496297

Dec 5, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

There was an open recall on the vehicle that was extended to 2021 regarding the clutch. There is a shudder that occurs when the vehicle is accelerated from a stop. I bought the vehicle used from a dealership in April 2022, and this problem was obviously not fixed. The dealership did not indicate any past recalls or current issues with the vehicle, even though the problem has persisted. I now have an unsafe vehicle that needs a complete part replacement. I am being quoted at 3,500 dollars. I am baffled that the safety of the person driving the vehicle and others on the road is being blatantly disregarded. Is there anything that can be done about this with Ford. I know that the recall warranty expired in 2021, but this issue should have been fixed upon the vehicles purchase by the previous owner or fixed under their ownership as they had almost 8 years to fix this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11496061

Nov 30, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The third clutch has failed. This has caused massive jerking and the car actually slips out of drive stalling the car temporarily in the road of traffic. This vehicle is a danger to me and people on the road driving near me. Ford refused help with this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11495455

Nov 28, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate moving forward or while attempting to reverse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who installed a rebuilt transmission to replace the existing transmission. Approximately 6 months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the same certified mechanic who stated that the TCM needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who performed the reprogramming of the TCM; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware by the dealer who denied the repair under the recall due to the VIN not being included. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11495141

Nov 18, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

2014 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 18V-735. THE CONSUMER STATED ITS BEEN ALMOST 3 YEARS AND VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AWAITING FOR THEM TO PERFORM THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11494100

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Working with the data? Download all 2,644 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 22, 2026

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 RS verdict →