What 1,017 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Focus

Power clutch failure resulting in $6500 repair for a known issue by Ford. Ford refused to cover the repair or any part of the repair.

NHTSA ODI 11748613

own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on November 16, 2024 under Ford Field Service Action 14M02 after diagnosing transmission-related problems, including Diagnostic Trouble Code P087A. Despite that repair, the vehicle continued to experience transmission-related concerns. Approximately one year later, another Ford repair order documented multiple TCM-related diagnostic codes and directed that the vehicle be returned to a Ford dealership for further evaluation. The transmission concerns persisted even after the previous TCM replacement. Most recently, I again presented the vehicle to a Ford dealership because of continuing transmission issues. I was provided an estimate of approximately $2,000 for additional transmission repairs. At the time of the estimate, I was not provided the complete diagnostic trouble codes or technician findings explaining why another major transmission repair was necessary. Over the course of ownership, I have made multiple appointments, diagnostic visits, and repair visits related to the transmission and have incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, including diagnostic charges, towing costs, and repairs. The repeated failures and recurring transmission concerns have required multiple visits to Ford dealerships and have not resulted in a lasting repair. My concern is not only the financial cost but also the safety of operating this vehicle. Unexpected transmission malfunction can affect acceleration, shifting, and the vehicle's ability to move normally in traffic, creating a potential safe

NHTSA ODI 11747178

Car wants to stall out when "shifting gears" like a loss of power

NHTSA ODI 11747034

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the fuel tank was cracked and leaking fuel. The fuel warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 246,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745580

My engine is the same 1.0 that is in the recall for these cars getting a new short block. TheRecall Numbers: Ford recall 23S64 (NHTSA Campaign 23V905). . For some reason the 2015 is not covered in this whileine had the same catastrophic failure and I have been have a hard time (over 5 years) to get it repaired or find a replacement engine. The 2015 eco boost 1.0 should be included in this recall

NHTSA ODI 11745523

Engine Stalls: the engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds and city/street speeds. Loss Of Power: Sudden loss of motive power creates an immediate crash hazard. Starting Issues: the car struggles to start or cranks excessively after refueling. Erratic Fuel Guage: The fuel gauge fluctuates wildly and gives inaccurate readings. Malfunction Indicator: The Check Engine Light is illuminated with emission-related codes. Fuel Tank Noise: Loud clunking or thumping noises come from the fuel tank area. The problem began in September 2025 and I took the car to a local mechanic and they fixed the issued, however the issue has started again. The fix did not solve the problems.

NHTSA ODI 11744949

There were two times within a week where the car stopped in the middle of traffic. One was on Route 100 in a merge lane and the other was on the offramp of route 30 to 100 Exton. This happened in the middle left turn lane with traffic behind me causing me to need immediate police assistance to ensure my safety. The Check Engine light was popping from the TCM indicator which I was told I could still drive on without repairing it immediately. This came directly from Fred Beans Ford of West Chester PA. My car has been in the shop multiple times since December 2025 beginning with the original CPV recall and things got worse from there. It's caused lots of anxiety and ptsd while driving to the point I want to sell the car after it is repaired because I just don't feel safe anymore in it.

NHTSA ODI 11745120

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 30-70 MPH, the transmission was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742105

I got a 2015 ford focus titanium. I bought it 2 years ago. Well about 2 months after I bought it the transmission started jerking and not really wanting to go out of 1st gear. Well I had to get a TCM replaced and then I was told about the studder wasn't under no warranty and the recall has expired. So now its 6-1-26 and now the transmission is messing up again. This is ridiculous on people who buys cars hoping they will last for a long time but instead we pay 7,000 for a car and drive it for 2 years. WOW THANKS A LOT FORD

NHTSA ODI 11741276

No warning lamps until catastrophic engine failure. Power loss and that puts myself and others at risk. I have had multiple issues going back to first year owned when I had power loss while driving through interactions and on the freeway. Dealership tried to state it was due to bubble in coolant system. Then first engine failure occurred and was replaced by Ford

NHTSA ODI 11737191

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a 2015 Ford Focus equipped with the PowerShift transmission. The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of the transmission control module (TCM) and clutch system despite multiple repair attempts. The vehicle has been repaired at least three times for the same issue, yet the failure continues. While driving at highway speeds (approximately 65–70 mph), the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle lost power and was unable to properly shift gears, creating an immediate safety hazard. I was forced to navigate traffic with limited acceleration and was left stranded. This condition significantly increases the risk of a crash, especially when merging, accelerating, or maintaining speed in traffic. The failure occurs unpredictably and without sufficient warning. This issue is not isolated. The 2012–2016 Ford Focus models equipped with the PowerShift transmission have a well-documented history of similar failures, including prior complaints and manufacturer acknowledgment of defects. Despite multiple repair attempts, the defect has not been resolved, and the vehicle remains unsafe to operate. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a safety defect, as it poses a serious risk to drivers and others on the road. I have found that many of the vehicles that recieved a replacement TCM, reported the problem came back, worsened, or the car had to be totalled all together. Even worse, took a huge hit.

NHTSA ODI 11730978

Bought in 2024 ..few days later car wouldn’t change gears transmission overheats shutters jerks and won’t go when giving gas at times. Had the car in 5 times to fix, didn’t work.. I’ve almost been in accidents one of which was with a tractor trailer This car is a death trap had to quit job due to this .. and have a 7500.00 loan on a car I can barely drive. I want this loan paid off and given a check or car that has no problems and is reliable plus compensation for lost wages Im also willing to file suit immediately if this isn’t taken care of IMMEDIATELY!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11727157

03/25/2026 Driving down the street card started jerking and acting like it did not want to move kept slowing down like it wasn't getting any gas. like the transmission was going out. There is nothing wrong with my transmission. The car had been on a recall for a part that has been replaced 2 different times. I tried to have it checked out the Ford dealers here where I live wanted to charge me $200.00 insisting that its my transmission. I know it is not my transmission. Its the same part they have replaced 2 times that was on the recall list for my car. What can I do? It is dangerous for me to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11727353

After my car was left on idle for a couple minutes ( about 5), it began to shake, the check engine light came on, then it completely died. When I went to restart it, it stalled and then finally turned on but when I began to take off it began to shake and died on me again while driving. I was left in the middle of rode. I put my blinkers on and had to leave my car off for a couple minutes so it would restart again. Then I pulled over to the side so I wouldn’t be in harm’s way. My mechanic believes there is something wrong with thee fuel pressure system whether it be a fuel pump or a fuel pressure sensor.

NHTSA ODI 11723164

While driving steering suddenly stopped working. Red light came up onto dash stating "steering down safely pull over"

NHTSA ODI 11717604

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and changing gears. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11717290

My name is [XXX] I own a 2015 ford focus 4dr sedan It has 131908 miles and the issue I've been having is with The TCM module on the transmission it won't go into sleep mode and it's draining the battery is have gotten a customer care warranty notice on my car but the local Ford dealer said it's expired in November of last year and I've been having family issues and personal issues we're i wasn't able to take care of it but I need this issue fixed on my car it's my only means of transportation for me and my mom because she has altzimers and dementia Here's my number [XXX] this my cell to contact me I live in Portland Oregon And also right now I have no way of paying for the repairs on my car because I lost my job because of a lower back injury I thought it was going to be a easy fix but it something I'm not able to do And thought it was going to be covered under the so called warranty which it's actually part of the recall I've gone through something like this with a previous car I owed and it was supposed to be taken care of through a recall but the dealer wouldn't do anything about they wanted me to pay on my vehicle I have i need this repaired I should not have to pay for the repairs that should be done through warranty or a recall it's been happening since the past couple years INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11715922

The contact owned a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, including the transmission slipping, the vehicle stalling, and the check engine warning light being illuminated. Additionally, after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond after shifting to the reverse or drive. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission power shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.

NHTSA ODI 11709895

I am in possession of Recall18S32/NHTSA recall18V-735 notice that has not been repaired but it is not showing up on my VIN and Model lookup.

NHTSA ODI 11707118

At 116,500 miles, the oil pump failed on my Ford Focus. This was verified by an auto repair shop. The car has the Ford ecoboost 1.0 engine. Ford has a recall on this engine with a build date of March 24, 2015 to May 4, 2018. My car was built on Aug 4, 2015 within the range of the recall. The recall states that cars with automatic transmission are included. My car has a manual 6 speed. I don't believe that the transmission has anything to do with the oil pump failure. The car "check engine" and "check oil" lights came on and there were multiple instances where the car stalled and I became stranded, often on busy roads. It has been well documented on the internet that Ford has had issues with this engine. I am not planning on repairing this car as the shop explained it probably will be in the range of $7000 which way more than the value of this car that is almost 10yrs old and 116500. The car is currently sitting in my garage non drivable with a scrap value of pennies compared what trade-in value or extend life of the car.

NHTSA ODI 11707173

Vehicle acceleration dies out during normal pressure of gas pedal. Coding showing transmission Actuators malfunctioning. Odometer Reading 120,631 check engine light came on. Date of malfunction 11/24/2025 , Vehicle was taken to Affordable Transmission on 11/25/2025

NHTSA ODI 11705241

I was getting ready to leave the grocery store and I crank up my car and I had a light come on stating that my car was overheating transmission turn off the car and as I tried to pull out of the parking lot, the car would barely accelerate it would barely go to mountain and it was stuttering up the heels I had to turn off the vehicle. Let it sit for five minutes to let it cool off and then I had to crank the car back up and then it started to drive again, but I did get a indication on my front dash stating that it was transmission

NHTSA ODI 11704157

2015 Ford Focus with DPS6 automatic transmission failure. 109,### miles only. Symptoms: No reverse gear, severe clutch slip (high RPM but car barely moves), strong burnt clutch smell, check engine light on. DTC codes: P07A3, P07A5, P087A, P087B, P090C. Ford dealer (Camelback Ford, Phoenix AZ) diagnosed the issue but quoted $3,175 just for labor to open the transmission for inspection, refusing any goodwill assistance after 14M02 program expired in August 2025, despite low mileage and known widespread DPS6 problems covered by TSB 16-0129. Note : "November 20, 2025 – Date I purchased the vehicle. The transmission problem (no reverse, clutch slip, burnt smell) was present immediately upon purchase." Requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's refusal to offer reasonable post-warranty assistance for this well-documented safety-related transmission defect.

NHTSA ODI 11703609

Transmission overheating and internal wear (metal particles in fluid) following electrical/TCM malfunction in Ford Focus DPS6. Transmission failure recurred after earlier repair under 14M02. Current failure includes overheating messages, shudder, and loss of safe drivability. Ford acknowledges issue relates to known PowerShift defect but refuses coverage. Vehicle unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11701399

The contact's son owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the mechanic could not diagnose the failure because there were no active warning lights illuminated. The contact's son had received a message from the Ford App that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program for the TCM (Transmission Control Module). The failure persisted, and the dealer was notified of the program, and the contact was informed that the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer informed the contact that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the purge valve. The contact was instructed by the manufacturer to inform the dealer to have the purge valve replaced under the warranty. The contact informed the dealer about the purge valve warranty, and the dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to the purge valve and insisted that the failure was related to the TCM. After several disputes between the dealer and the manufacturer about the issue, the contact was informed that no assistance for the repair would be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11699754