Home · 2015 Ford Focus Bev · Complaints

What 979 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 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 (979)Crash / fire / injury (35)Transmission & drivetrain (536)Fuel system (165)Engine (157)Steering (94)Electrical system (63)Speed control (43)Airbags (17)Body & structure (16)Wheels (12)Visibility & wipers (10)

Newest first · 979 complaints · page 11 of 40

Dec 12, 2022

Smells like gas especially after adding fuel and when idling with either defrost or heat on. Causes head ache, shortness of breath, blurred vision, light headed, and fainting while operating vehicle. I was lucky I fainted while stopped at a red light so the driver in the vehicle next to me assumed i had over dosed called 911 but when he came to see if i had a pulse and to turn my vehicle off he noticed the oder as he was opening the door and i came to so he told 911 operator i was not over dosing.

NHTSA ODI 11497154

Dec 8, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifted to reverse(R). The contact also stated that the transmission was slipping while driving and the vehicle failed to accelerate properly while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the transmission control module (TCM), but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the clutch had previously been replaced; however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496551

Dec 8, 2022

Ive had this vehicle for almost 3 yrs and I've taken it to the Ford Dealership numerous of times. They have failed to repair ANYTHING that's associated with this particular model. I have been without transportation for a year now. I've had several break-downs that "I" had to come out of my pocket to repair. I really and desperately need help or some kind of reimbursement.

NHTSA ODI 11496675

Dec 7, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while parking the vehicle in a parking lot, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle into reverse(R). The contact stated that she then shifted the vehicle to drive(D) and was able to front-end park the vehicle and then shift to park(P). When the contact returned and started the vehicle, she could not shift the gear shifter into reverse(R). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that once she left the parking lot, the vehicle engine would rev as she depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The TCM was replaced; however, the contact was told by the dealer that the transmission needed additional work. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496478

Dec 5, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the clutch intermittently started to shake. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that clutch and the seal 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 vehicle was previously repaired and there was no warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496040

Nov 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the "Transmission Not in Park" message was displayed, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart, and the "System Fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that after waiting an hour, she was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle would only restart after waiting for several hours. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11494585

Nov 21, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

This is a automatic transmission car. Accelerating from a stop, the car shakes/shudders when the transmission is going through first gear and again in second gear. The shaking/shuddering stops when the car reaches third gear and beyond.

NHTSA ODI 11494355

Nov 15, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The vehicle has continuous issues with the TCM. Error lights were presented on the dash. Shortly after the error light presented - the reverse stopped. This is the 3rd time the TCM has been worked on in 2.5 years. Currently, the vehicle is at the dealership waiting on a national back ordered part.

NHTSA ODI 11493589

Nov 15, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

When I was driving on the highway I received a notification that my transmission was overheating. The car dropped to 40 mph and I had to put on my 4-ways. I managed to get off the next exit where the transmission died.

NHTSA ODI 11493683

Nov 15, 2022Electrical systemFuel system

When driving my car the first day I bought it, the wrench icon illuminated, telling me to check the manual. I figured I would do so after work, but as I tried to start the car to leave work, I received a "Stop Safely Now" message and could not start the car. It had at least 30% charge, being electric, so that had nothing to do with it not starting. I am glad this did not happen when I was driving, as I have seen other instances of earlier years of the Ford Focus electric with this same issue. In other cases, it came in while the owner was driving, causing all power to the accelerator to stop. It was recently serviced since I just bought it, so I know there shouldn't have been any outlying service to be done. I am calling a tow service in the morning to have it taken to a dealer, so hopefully they can figure out the issue. I just wanted to let others know that this item that has had a recall on earlier years still persists with the 2015 model.

NHTSA ODI 11493726

Nov 13, 2022Electrical system

Ford Focus 2015 w Select Shift. The warranty is in effect for 10 yr 100,000 drivetrain. TCM - AE8Z7Z369F The car began sputtering in the middle of August when pressing on the gas. The car would jump when hitting about 12-15 mph and again at 28-35 mph. At this point the engine light was on I took the car to a local certified auto shop where it was diagnosed that the TCM module was having problems and I would need to take it to a dealership. Late august I took it to the Beacon Healey Ford Dealership to get it fixed and they confirmed it was the TCM and that it could be a few weeks because the part was on backorder. I called every few weeks and it has been the same status since then. Luckily this part and the labor will be covered under warranty but this has left me in a very difficult situation that the dealership or ford are not doing much to help with. I was not offered a loaner/rental car and have been using a relative's car which they will be needing back soon. It has been 3 months and they still do not have a loaner for me or any updates at all on an estimated time for resolution or when the part will at least become available.

NHTSA ODI 11493351

Nov 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Trying to cross road with traffic. Car sometimes not accelerating. Rpms go up but seems no power to the wheels. Car is shaking when this happens. Not all the time but very frequent

NHTSA ODI 11493266

Nov 11, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

I had 5 clutches put in it and now with 87,000 miles it stalls when I start it and put it in gear. This happens 4 or 5 times before it will stay running. The transmission shudders and shakes always. Vehicle also periodically will almost stall while driving. Overall the vehicle just feels incredibly unsafe and unreliable while operating.” I feel it is unsafe to drive. The last time it stalled the engine light came on so I made an appointment to get it checked. I took it to the dealer and he told me it was the high pressure fuel sensor. which he replaced and charged me $419 dollars. The next day it did the same thing, it stalled. So I took it back to the dealer and that is when he told me it was the transmission and that there was a waiting list and that the parts are unavailable. So I asked for a refund on the $419 I just spent and did not rectify the problem. He then told me there would be no refund because the engine light is no longer on. At this point I became upset and raised my voice and said but the problem is not fixed. At this point he asked me to leave. So now I have a broken car, I'm out $419 and don't know if they are going to give me a loaner or even fix the car. I had it to the dealer and he told me there is a recall, however the part is unavailable. He also told me he has 4 cars sitting at the dealer waiting to be fixed. [XXX] Don't recall his name, I believe he is the service manager INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11493215

Nov 7, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Overheating. Car stalling. Jerking of the vehicle while in motion. Pauses in between acceleration.

NHTSA ODI 11492532

Nov 5, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Ford dealership allowed someone to trade-in their 2015 Ford Focus. I bought it, 7/2020. 10/2022 the transmission and reverse stopped working. After having the car towed to the dealer, the TCM was the issue and is on back order. No ETA and was notified (surprisingly) I had an extended warranty; 10yrs 150,000 miles - which covers a rental. I had to call the dealership owner with docs to request a loaner. I was notified I could trade it in - but why would I pass this issue onto someone else? Once I got through that I began arbitration. I was notified by Ford manufacturer they’d offer a $1500 cash and keep settlement! I still owe $4k on a while that has 3 yrs left on a transmission warranty that is known to reoccur! Ford is continuing a vicious cycle!

NHTSA ODI 11492415

Nov 1, 2022Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on various occasions after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately restart and required multiple attempts. The contact also stated that when she was able to restart the vehicle soon after refueling, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure was reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve (CPV) needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V479000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in either recalls. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491746

Nov 1, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and started to shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring mostly while driving uphill or while turning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission clutch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign Number: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Shudder-Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension) due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491805

Oct 31, 2022Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond and seemed as if the vehicle was in neutral(N). The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved a fault code on the transmission. The contact was also informed that there was an extended warranty on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was notified, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491564

Oct 28, 2022Fuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated after several attempts the vehicle restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while her daughter was at a complete stop, the vehicle was making an abnormal pumping sound. Additionally, the vehicle would shudder and would hesitate to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the engine was making abnormal knocking sounds while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to start and was towed to her residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491300

Oct 18, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the TCM; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. Additionally, the vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at 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 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11489751

Oct 12, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

I bought this car from Carvana and have only had it for 1 month. The clutch is slipping upon acceleration from a complete stop. It posses a safety hazard especially in busy traffic as it jerks and sputters. Was told by Ford dealer it has a bad clutch Ford dealer informed me my car is no longer under extended Ford warranty on this problem!

NHTSA ODI 11488976

Oct 11, 2022Fuel system

Car stalling out while driving with gas tank under half full. Canister fuel pump bad again after 2 1/2 years of replacements

NHTSA ODI 11488818

Oct 11, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission stuttering, stalling while accelerating

NHTSA ODI 11488819

Sep 29, 2022Steering

A warning saying steering assist failure appeared after which I couldn't turn the wheel more than 10 to 15 ° in either direction. I pulled over on the shoulder and 30 minutes later, the check message had disappeared the steering worked fine.

NHTSA ODI 11487038

Sep 29, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 67 MPH, the vehicle would no longer accelerate and instead decelerated to 30 MPH. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift as designed. The check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated she was almost struck by an oncoming truck but was able to pull over safely and waited until the vehicle cooled down. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dual clutch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the mechanic stated that the actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11487132

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Working with the data? Download all 979 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 23, 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 2015 Ford Focus Bev verdict →