What 2,641 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Focus

During acceleration there is a hesitation. With the Transmission almost like the car was put into neutral. The accelerator needs to be fluttered to get it to respond. This has happened several times pulling into traffic. This last time it happened the notice came on stating that the Transmission is over heating. Pulled over to let it cool down. I notice recalls for this problem but my car is not listed. This happens at different speeds Any help would be appreciated. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11696956

I understand there were problems with the 2014 transmissions on Ford Focus models. Even though my car has a manual transmission, I believe it had similar problems to the automatic teansmissions.in switching from 1 to 2, it would sometimes drop. I'm now having issues with my transmission and wondering if the problem is the same.

NHTSA ODI 11690460

I am having an issue with the duel transmission. My car has been stalling making it unsafe. It has been giving me a warning saying the transmission is overheating even just driving short distances. The clutch A has been getting stuck and not dis engaging causing the car not to be able to shift gears. I have spent all of the money I have on this car and can’t afford to pay money to get it fixed when ford is aware of the issues when it was manufactured. They have issued recalls and are responsible to fix the problem. The recall needs to be extended so that hard working tax payers like me don’t feel screwed over by ford and out of so much money. I feel taken advantage of. And I’m broke , stuck with a car that is unsafe to me or others on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11690147

I am filing a complaint against Ford Motor Company for their refusal to honor Recall 15B22 (Customer Satisfaction Program) related to the transmission issues on my 2014 Ford Fusion Hatchback. We purchased this vehicle as the second owners, and it currently has only 140,000 miles. Despite the recall still being in effect, Ford has denied coverage and is demanding nearly $2,000 to repair the transmission, stating that it needs a new computer. This has caused significant hardship for my family. The vehicle is my son’s first car, purchased with the last of our savings, and it has been stuttering horribly, making it unsafe and unreliable to drive. What should have been an exciting and empowering first-car experience has turned into a stressful financial and emotional burden. Recalls exist to correct known defects that compromise safety and vehicle reliability. Ownership status should not be grounds for denying repairs. Ford’s refusal to perform the repair under Recall 15B22 violates the spirit and intent of consumer protection laws and leaves families like mine without recourse. I respectfully request that your office investigate this matter and require Ford to cover the transmission repair under the recall, as they are obligated to do. I am happy to provide additional documentation, including my vehicle information, service denial, and any related correspondence. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your assistance in resolving this matter fairly and promptly

NHTSA ODI 11686083

I am writing to file a complaint regarding my 2014 Ford Focus, which is experiencing transmission failures related to the known defective transmission system. Ford acknowledged widespread issues with this transmission in Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, which extended coverage for the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Unfortunately, my vehicle’s failure occurred 2 months after the program expired in June 2025, and I was informed by my dealer that Ford will no longer cover the repair. This situation is deeply concerning for several reasons: Known Defect: Ford has long been aware of systemic failures in the transmission. Numerous recalls, service programs, and even class-action settlements confirm that these problems are widespread and not isolated. Safety Hazard: Transmission hesitation, shuddering, and sudden loss of power create dangerous driving conditions, especially when merging or crossing intersections. Unfair Limitation of Remedy: The expiration of 14M02 leaves owners like me with expensive repairs for a defect Ford already admitted responsibility for. Ford’s responsibility to address this issue should not end simply because the program expired, particularly when the defect poses ongoing safety risks. I am requesting that Ford: Provide goodwill coverage to replace/repair the failed transmission control module (or related components) at no cost to me. Extend support for affected owners beyond the June 2025 expiration, as the defect persists in vehicles on the road today. I have filed or will be filing this complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Better Business Bureau Auto Line, and my State Attorney General’s office so that my concerns are documented at the federal and state level. I urge Ford to take responsibility and ensure customer safety by addressing this defective transmission beyond arbitrary deadlines. [XXX] 2014 Ford Focus INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11685562

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

NHTSA ODI 11683900

My car has been to the shop twice for the TCM issues, and both times, in 2016 and 2021, the shop performed adaptive learning and cleared the codes, instead of replacing the faulty part. Now, the TCM has completely broken and needs to be replaced. The car wouldn't start at the gas station suddenly. After rocking the car back and forth it did start, but wouldn't go when shifted into drive. It is apparently 2 months out of the extended warranty coverage and now, I have to pay $1,300+ for a repair?! This seems unfair. They knew they had a faulty part, they performed band-aid fixes, and now I am holding the bag.

NHTSA ODI 11683393

The vehicle started two jerk while driving and dropped in speed. My dashboard displayed a “transmission fault” message. After stopping the vehicle would have trouble getting back up to speed.

NHTSA ODI 11682013

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was later towed to the local Pep Boys Service Center. The service mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was later towed to the local dealer. The local dealer also stated that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the Extended Warranty for the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11681324

Car running rough/jerky. Trouble accelerating, especially up hills, and following stops. On [XXX], car stalled on [XXX]. Dash light came on saying "transmission overheating pull over immediately". This happened multiple times on the same day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11681349

Subject: Urgent Safety Concern – Transmission Failure on 2014 Ford Focus (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a critical and ongoing safety issue with my 2014 Ford Focus. The vehicle stalls without warning, pops out of gear, and frequently overheats regardless of outside temperature. These failures occur while idling at traffic lights, merging into traffic, and during regular driving conditions. This issue has placed me in dangerous situations daily—I've narrowly avoided collisions and have been forced to block traffic because the car will not engage gear for 5 to 20 minutes at a time. It is not safe for me to exit the vehicle during these episodes, and I am deeply concerned for my safety and the safety of others. I understand there may not be an active recall for this VIN, but the symptoms align with known issues related to the PowerShift transmission. I am requesting an immediate diagnostic review and assistance under any applicable warranty, customer satisfaction program, or technical service bulletin. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11680860

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The message "Transmission Overheating - Stop Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact waited for 20 minutes to restart the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred a short distance afterwards. The contact coasted to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure had progressively worsened. Most recently, the transmission overheated, and the contact had to pull over and wait for the transmission to cool down. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

NHTSA ODI 11680507

My 2014 Ford Focus is having problems with the engine. For starters is several occasions the car will start and not turn off when turning the key to the off position, the car will still stay on. I took it to the automotive parts store and the guy there had me turn the key off and disconnect the battery and that seem to turn off the car. After they had my car scanned with a computer and found lots of issues with. Car stalls and had check engine lights and also a transmission warning light on making it difficult for the car to drive. Recently water dripping inside the vehicle passenger side when the AC is turned on. The car also doesn’t unlock the doors from the inside have to open it for the passenger side.

NHTSA ODI 11680009

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle after a few minutes, the vehicle responded as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH on another occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch Actuator B had failed, which caused the TCM to fail. The contact was informed that the clutch Actuator B and the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.

NHTSA ODI 11678297

This car should have been added to two customer service programs through Ford. 19N08 and 19N08. This covers problems with the TCM and clutch pack. After speaking with Ford customer service, they confirmed that my vehicle fell within the build dates outlined in those programs and was built at the Michigan facility that is outlined in these programs. They refused to add my VIN to these customer service programs stating that it has expired. Had I known about the customer service programs when I was supposed to know about them, I would have easily had this issue fixed, but now I am left with a car with severe transmission issues. The only thing they could tell me to do was file a complaint with NHTSA. I need help getting Ford to acknowledge and fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11677715

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting to reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The contact was able to shift to neutral(N) after several attempts, and the vehicle was pushed into a gas station with assistance. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a TCM failure. The contact accidentally reset the codes, and the vehicle became drivable; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure because the code had been reset. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Nielsen Ford of Morristown (170 Ridgedale Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960), where it was diagnosed with TCM failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,711.

NHTSA ODI 11677726

My car was purchased in 2015 and currently has ~69,000 miles. All routine maintenance has been completed on schedule. The clutch was repaired under warranty around ~10,000 and the Transmission Control (TCM) was corrected via software update in 2017. The TCM is now failing and requiring replacement. Ford Motor company was offering extended warranty to 150,000 miles or 10 years with one free replacement after that milestone was reached. That program apparently expired 6/30/25. Ford lost litigation on this vehicle as they sold the vehicles knowing the defect in the transmission. I am now responsible for an out of pocket repair due the expiration of the program. I contacted Ford Customer Care Ford Customer Care case number CXH05090063W2F2H4 and they suggested I file a complaint with the NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11676729

1) power train system- P090C AND P090C-00 clutch b actuator circuit low causing transmission to slip. dangerous when driving 2) anti-lock brake system code U0401-00 and U3003-16

NHTSA ODI 11676415

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, failed to accelerate, or shift into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675607

I recently purchased this car from a private seller. Within weeks, the vehicle began exhibiting serious transmission issues — including sudden loss of power, inability to shift correctly, and entering “limp mode”, which severely restricts speed and performance. I had the codes scanned and received P090C and P090C-00, which point to a transmission control module (TCM) or clutch actuator circuit failure — an issue widely known in these vehicles with the DPS6 PowerShift transmission. Ford previously issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP 14M01) for this exact TCM failure, but they have since ended the program (as of June 30, 2025), and they are refusing to cover the repair — even though my vehicle is within the affected model year range and has not yet had the TCM replaced. The car has already had the clutch replaced, but the shifting problems and check engine light returned, putting me at risk while driving. This is a known, recurring safety issue, and the manufacturer is not standing behind its repair despite the car being part of a program that previously acknowledged this defect. I’m filing this complaint to urge the NHTSA to reopen its investigation or require Ford to reinstate support for affected owners

NHTSA ODI 11674945

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop at an intersection, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart and remained on the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,800.

NHTSA ODI 11674067

Driving and all of a sudden the engine light comes on while sitting at the light. Went to accelerate and it was like I was driving a stick shift and then it was a big jerk. The car has never done this. Pulled over in a parking lot and then was not able to reverse my car.

NHTSA ODI 11673282

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Transmission Malfunction" message was displayed, and the contact continued driving to the destination. Additionally, the message "Transmission Overheating – Pull Over Now", displayed and the contact stopped driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672929

Transmission Control Module stopped working. The car is significantly below amount of miles when the TCM should stop working.

NHTSA ODI 11672597

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating" was display while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of a possible recall but confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672173