1,117 complaints reported

2014 Ford Focus Power Train

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
1,117
Crashes
6
Fires
1
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally and was sluggish. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2026

10/02/23. Recall repair 14M02B was performed by blue Springs Ford, blue springs MO. Milage on car 96,028. Car has had normal oil change by same dealer. Car now at 107,000 miles only slightly over 10,000 miles in two years has same TMC issue but code now is P07A5. Diagnosed by same dealership and because 1st time replacement done. They are not obligated to fix again. I would agree except for the lack of miles put on Car since repair. Asking for another repair due to faulty parts.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2026
Jan 2026

Transmission has a shudder when shifting from first to second gear. The transmission exhibits a noticeable shudder during the transition from first to second gear, indicating potential issues that may need to be addressed. This shudder can affect the overall driving experience and should be inspected to ensure smooth and efficient gear shifts.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2025
Nov 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Oct 2025

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2025
Sep 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Sep 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Sep 2025

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate or exceed 30 MPH. The message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train); the VIN was included but was already repaired under the recall. 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 75,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Aug 2025

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)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking and shuddering while accelerating. The contact stated that there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle while attempting to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed the same failure. The clutch was replaced a total of three times. The failure was persistent. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the vehicle no longer being under warranty. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 34,720.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2016
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch failure. The dealer determined that the clutch assembly, the clutch actuator, and the levers needed to be replaced. 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 102,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

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)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact became aware that while attempting to accelerate, the RPMs increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the clutch had failed. The clutch was replaced under warranty. The failure persisted, and the clutch was replaced approximately 4 additional times. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2013
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear and the transmission was slipping. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

Jerking or shuddering when shifting gears Delayed or harsh gear changes The check engine light is on Trouble accelerating or decelerating The car stalls or has trouble starting

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Jun 2025

2014 Ford Focus SE with PowerShift automatic transmission. Transmission Control Module (TCM) failed, causing vehicle to lose power while driving. Ford confirmed VIN not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02 despite identical issue and safety risk. Requesting investigation and expansion of TCM coverage. Ford is stating that this was never attached to my vin number although it is an identical issue

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2014 Ford Focus has 1,117 Power Train complaints on file. 6 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.