Home · 2014 Ford Focus · Complaints

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

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 (2,641)Crash / fire / injury (89)Transmission & drivetrain (1,587)Engine (454)Fuel system (359)Electrical system (274)Steering (225)Speed control (169)Body & structure (62)Latches & locks (47)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (39)Brakes (34)

1,587 of 2,641 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 8 of 64

Dec 4, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idle, the vehicle shuddered before accelerating forward. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact felt as if the transmission had shifted into neutral and or lost motive power. The vehicle was included in the Customer Satisfaction Program NHTSA ID: 10237441 (Power Train) however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11558270

Nov 30, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

My 2014 Ford focus SE hatchback is having bad transmission codes throwing at me. Automatic transmission electrical system codes and transmission stuck in clutch A. I have 123,000 miles on it. I'm afraid to drive it as it being a electrical problem and I have my teenage son in the car with me. I'm afraid of a fire. Ford wants hundreds of dollars just to diagnose what 3 other mechanics have already diagnosed it. I have a picture of the codes. Ford knows about this problem but wants hundreds of dollars to tell me what I already know and then thousands of dollars to fix it.

NHTSA ODI 11557733

Nov 17, 2023Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

Transmission programming recall, clutch recall, fuel cap recall and many more recalls were not performed at ford dealership! Had to pay out of pocket at dealer for “labor” task was never performed at dealer for all recalls!

NHTSA ODI 11555744

Nov 14, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and jerked before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to immediately restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly failed to indicate that the power was available to the vehicle before finally displaying electronic information. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 133,318.

NHTSA ODI 11555064

Nov 14, 2023SteeringTransmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably, and the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact also became aware that the clutch was slipping. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to start with a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 135,610.

NHTSA ODI 11555141

Nov 9, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02, prompting her to schedule the vehicle for service with the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the service could not be completed, due to a general failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554377

Nov 9, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngineSuspension

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger's side wheel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the tire but provided no diagnosis for the warning lamp. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who diagnosed failures with the rear passenger’s side wheel bearing and clutch. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554387

Nov 9, 2023Transmission & drivetrainLights

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked and shuddered, and lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that while driving at night, she became aware that the headlamps provided inadequate illumination, severely compromising nighttime visibility. After a visual inspection of the headlamps, the contact became aware that the housing had deteriorated significantly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the transmission but diagnosis for the failure with the headlamps. The contact was informed that the headlamps needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission was replaced however, the failure recurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V813000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554440

Nov 8, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was refueled, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC code: P1450 (EVAP Emissions Control System) was retrieved. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V813000 (Electrical System) and 14V495000 (Electrical System) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall repairs. The contact stated that the transmission control module and the clutch had been replaced several times however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554169

Nov 7, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle had to travel for five to ten minutes before it would accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent who checked the transmission, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not covered under warranty and was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554005

Nov 3, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle revved; however, the vehicle did not respond as needed and stalled. The contact pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutches needed to be replaced; however, the dealer stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty for the Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 Transmission Clutch Shudder (Power Train). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11553440

Nov 1, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to reverse however, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty transmission and that the Shift Motor-B stop was fractured inside the case. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA ODI 11553094

Oct 31, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while the shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ODI 11552798

Oct 24, 2023EngineTransmission & drivetrain

My clutch which we paid out of pocket for the first time we need to get it fixed and I only had the car for 6 months when the clutch went out the first time then only a year later I had to get it fixed again and got it under warranty and then the following year I had to get it fixed and it was covered again under warranty and now 2023 again a year later my clutch went out and even tho my clutch was covered under a two year warranty they are refusing to fix my clutch because it is a "transmission issue" even after running my diagnostic it clearly states it is a CLUTCH issue and since they are calling it a "transmission issue" my car can no longer be fixed and covered under warranty because it is not a "transmission issue" it is a CLUTCH issue. I have only ever gotten my car fixed from Ford and we cant understand why this is a recurring issue and there for WHY FORD CANNOT FIX THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11551586

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 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 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 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 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, 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

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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 verdict →