Ford Focus Gearbox & Transmission Problems

Transmission failure in 2015 Ford Focus Sport

Answered by CarsGuide 14 Mar 2023

Perhaps you've been lucky and simply bought a freakish Focus without any DCT Powershift transmission problems. But when more than half the small Fords sold in Australia fitted with that transmission  experiencing either single or multiple failures, I'm afraid the odds are stacked against you in the longer term. It seems there are two types of Focus Powershift transmissions: Those that have failed, and; those that will fail at some stage.

The price you paid is probably about where the market is now, but this is a car we can't recommend at any price.

Show More

Ford Focus 2014: Shuddering in the transmission

Answered by CarsGuide 15 Mar 2019

Ford has a responsibility to fix the problem, and they seem to have tried, but failed on five separate occasions. The next step is to contact Ford directly (13 3673) and lodge a complaint about the problem and your concerns with the dealership. If that doesn’t elicit a satisfactory response contact the ACCC and ask for their advice on further action you could take.

Show More

Ford Focus 2009: Locked in park, now won't start

Answered by CarsGuide 2 Nov 2018

The most likely cause is a faulty neutral/park start switch that prevents the car from starting unless it’s either in Park or Reverse.

Show More

Ford Focus 2015: How reliable is it compared to competitors?

Answered by CarsGuide 28 Sep 2018

Ford changed from the LW model to the LZ in 2015. The LW had a dual-clutch automatic, which was very problematic and should be avoided; the later LZ had a regular automatic transmission and has none of the problems that beset the LW. In short the LZ is worth buying, and can be compared to the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla for reliability.

 

Show More

Is the Ford Focus front wheel drive or all wheel drive?

Answered by CarsGuide 17 Aug 2018

All Ford focus models are front wheel drive except for the turbocharged RS performance car, which is an all-wheel-drive.

Show More

Ford Focus 2012: Does the manual gearbox have problems?

Answered by CarsGuide 3 Aug 2018

The auto had serious problems with the Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission, so serious that it’s a car to avoid, but of course those problems don’t affect cars with a manual gearbox. The manual is a good little car that can be bought with confidence.

Show More

Does the Ford Powershift issue affect the diesel-powered Focus?

Answered by CarsGuide 6 Jul 2018

The problem affects 2010-2016 Focus cars with petrol engines, at this time the transmission in your car is not affected. Once you know what is causing your problem you can decide what course of action you will take.

Show More

Is a 2012 Ford Focus affected by the Powershift dual-clutch transmission problems?

Answered by CarsGuide 25 May 2018

Not all cars with the Powershift have been affected, but many have and it’s impossible to say yours won’t be at some time. If the deal with your dad is a good one, and it seems as though it is, then it’s probably worth taking the risk. If you can feel any shuddering when you drive it then it’s likely you could have a problem; if you don’t then you could be in the clear. It’s not really dangerous to drive it, but it is annoying.

Show More

Does the PowerShift transmission problem apply to all petrol/diesel Ford Focus models?

Answered by CarsGuide 23 Mar 2018

The PowerShift is Ford’s dual-clutch automatic transmission, and is used on petrol and diesel engines. If you really want to buy a Focus buy a manual.

Show More

Will the transmission problems of the Ford Focus affect its value?

Answered by CarsGuide 9 Mar 2018

You’ll get market value, and on the Focus that will take into account the transmission problems it suffers. I don’t believe you can escape the fact that it has issues.

Show More

Over 8,000 questions answered by CarsGuide

Search
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Complete Guide to Ford
Focus

Reviews, price, specs and more