28 complaints reported

2015 Ford Focus POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

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

Reports
28
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact had to continually depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving. The failure also occurred while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was included in a recall related to the failure and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under the recall; however, the failure recurred 6 months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, without a warning light being illuminated the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that stalling failure persisted, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and was returned to the dealer and was diagnosed with PCM and transmission failure. The dealer related the failure to the previous recall; however, the recall had since expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The VIN was not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 2025

What happened: My 2015 Ford Focus has significant safety defects Ford has refused to address, despite these issues being covered under their Customer Satisfaction Programs (CSPs). These defects include engine stalling, power loss, and transmission issues, which pose serious risks to my safety and that of others. Ford’s inaction has exacerbated these problems. Key Issues: Engine Stalling and Hesitation (CSP 24N07 - Canister Purge Valve): The car stalls unpredictably at low speeds, especially during turns or stops, with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. This has led to dangerous situations, including near-accidents at intersections. Transmission Problems (CSP 14M02 - Transmission Control Module): The vehicle experiences intermittent power loss, failure to start without gas application, and a "Service Engine Soon" light. These issues have worsened over time. Clutch Defects (CSP 19N08 - PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission): The car exhibits jerking, shuddering, and slipping during normal operation, compromising control and safety. Timeline of Events: June 2020: I reported clutch issues under CSP 19N08, but Ford dismissed them as "not severe enough." January 2025: I returned to address worsening CSP issues, but Ford denied repairs, claiming the mileage cap had been exceeded. They demanded $4,000 for clutch replacement and $190 for diagnostics—fees I consider unjustified since these problems are related to acknowledged defects. Risks and Observations: The frequent stalling and transmission failures create significant safety hazards. As a veterinary technician who drives daily with my dog, these malfunctions put both our lives at risk. The stalling often leaves me stranded in traffic, endangering myself and other drivers. Warning lamps are consistently illuminated, and the issues have been confirmed by the dealership during prior visits. Despite these known defects, Ford refuses to perform repairs under their CSPs. This neglect of safety obligations necessitate

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering, and the engine was showing symptoms of losing motive power and shutting down. The contact stated that the transmission failed to properly shift between second and third gears. The contact stated that the vehicle previously shut down unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the key, TCM, and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Performance Ford (906 Route 10 West Randolph, NJ 07869); where it was diagnosed that the clutch and TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but the manufacturer declined a buyback. The manufacturer confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2016
Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was shuddering. The transmission fault and transmission overheating messages were displayed. The message to “Pull Over” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the vehicle failed to reverse. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Royal Oak Ford Service (27550 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067); where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission jumped out of gear. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The transmission overheating message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that clutch A and B had failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle failed to properly shift into gear with the engine revving abnormally. The transmission overheating and fault message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2019
Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. Additionally, while shifting the gear shifter, there was a delay before the shifter would move to the desired position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch had failed. The clutch was replaced. After having the vehicle repaired, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and failed to exceed 2 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the transmission failure was confirmed. The dealer had stated the transmission and the clutch might need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2015
Sep 2024

While driving down the highway the vehicle all of a sudden made a long depleted noise and then the vehicle shifted into 1st gear and wouldn't come go faster then 5 or 10mph. Check engine light came on and had to immediately put hazard lights on and get onto feeder to then drive the vehicle home at a very slow pace. Vehicle no longer shifts into higher gears. Got home and had family member test drive vehicle and vehicle would only go into 1st but with issues. Then tried reverse and the vehicle wouldn't shift into reverse, sounded like it was in neutral, would rev but not shift into Reverse gear. Managed to turn around and parked it back in driveway. Found in glove compartment the last inspection performed on the vehicle on September 24, 2023 which was done by the dealership I bought the car from. On the back of the inspection report it lists 2 recalls for power train issues on clutch shudder and clutch control module. However, both say something about warranty, and when I took the paper to the ford dealership I was told that's not a recall it's an extended warranty and it expired in 2022 for the clutch shudder issue but the module one they would replace for free. I would like to understand about the first one regarding clutch shudder and the warranty part. The ford dealer service tech was very unconcerned about this and pretty much says it's only a 7 year warranty on that issue so it would have needed to happen or be brought in 2022. Basically saying I'm out of luck with my problem. This seems like a very dangerous problem with this car and I would think was an actual recall item not just an extended dealer warranty item. I also had a auto mechanic test drive and look at the vehicle and they also confirmed this was a clutch issue. Can someone explain and verify this information?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that for approximately two years while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle jolted forward and lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure for five months. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly, clutch lever, and cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2022
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the engine power was reduced. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a turn, the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with clutch failure. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the clutch had previously been replaced twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown,

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2022
Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch assembly and flywheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Apr 2024

Studdering, won’t shift, stalls out , recall repaired still does the same thing, transmission doesn’t shift right and stalls out in traffic.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2024
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speed and attempting to accelerate, the RMP would rise, but the vehicle would not move. The check engine warning light illuminated with the following messages: Transmission friction element B performance/stuck in off position - control module of transmission (TCM); Apply time range/ performance of transmission friction element B- control module of transmission (TCM); and Control module communication Buss 'A' off instrument control panel module. The contact stated, when the engine failed there was a message that stated transmission fault, service now. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed. The dealer stated that the clutch was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Nov 2023

2015 Ford Focus - Car has less than 50k miles has 3 transmission codes showing: P07A5, P090C, and P07A5pd. Car will not go into reverse. Car has not been looked at by a technician yet. However, with less than 50K miles the fact that I am having transmission issues is unacceptable. Ford really needs to recall for these issues. After researching these codes that are showing, seems like there are thousands of people complaining about the same thing on different sites.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2023
Nov 2023

I literally had this car for about a week heard a puppy sound on the left side now my rpm's rev up car seems to be running extremely rough it shakes and jerks sometimes. I know there are a lot of recalls on the 2015 for transmission power train/engine Just wondering why my car is not one of them

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2022
Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH on the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with clutch failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transmission and clutch had previously been replaced twice by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Apr 2023

 The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact also stated that the transmission failed to shift into reverse(R) several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact about an unknown warranty coverage on the PCM; however, the dealer informed the contact that while inspecting the vehicle, it became noticeable that the clutch was damaged due to the faulty PCM. The dealer stated that the contact had to pay for the clutch repair out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 14N02 (Extended Warranty Coverage for PCM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2023
Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 90,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2022
Dec 2021

FROM A STOP,VEHICLE SEEMS TO SHUDDER AS IT SHIFTS FROM 1 TO 2, AND 2 TO 3

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2021
Aug 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate over 25 MPH. The vehicle was jerking while shifting gears. The vehicle overheated and shut down however, the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The transmission warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions and diagnosed that the transmission module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 72,664.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2021
Jun 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the RPM started to rise. The contact also stated it the vehicle was rough when shifting gears. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact called a local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2021
Jul 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND THE RPM REVVED UP WHILE SWITCHING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION FORD MIAMI (16800 NW 57TH AVE, MIAMI, FL 33015, 305-707-0141) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2020
Nov 2019

CAR SPUTTERS, HESITATES, MAKES CLINKING NOISES WHEN ACCELERATING. ENTIRE FRONT END INCLUDING STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND VEHICLE HESTITATES WHEN GIVEN GAS. WHEN STOPPED CAR RANDOMLY IDLES WITHOUT USING GAS PEDAL, EVEN COMPLETELY LOSES POWER AS IF OUT OF GAS REQUIRING CAR TO BE RESTARTED. ENGINE ALSO SHIFTS GEARS LATE IN RPM SEQUENCE. I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET THE ISSUE RELATED TO THE GAS CYCLINDER WHICH IS THE OPEN RECALL AND THESE PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO PERSIST. PROBLEM HAS PERSISNTED EVERY DAY SINCE DATE SELECTED WHIHC IS WHEN I PURCHASED VEHICLE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2017
Sep 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V735000 (ENGINE). PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE SERVICED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT NO LONGER DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MATT BOWERS FORD (3724 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD, METAIRIE, LA 70002, 504-887-8410) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINED FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2019
Jul 2019

WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT SHUTTERS, AND SLIPS GEARS. I EXPERIENCE POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING, AND HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED TROUBLE TRYING TO GET IT TO SWITCH GEARS PROPERLY WHEN ACCELERATING. WHEN I INITIALLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (FIRST TIME CAR BUYER) AND TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE, I WAS TOLD THESE ARE NORMAL, AND WOULD NOT BE CAUSE FOR CONCERN, BUT HAVE SINCE BECOME A HUGE CONCERN.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2016
Feb 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE DROVE ROUGHLY AND THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN POWER AND SPEED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL. NORTH COUNTY FORD (450 W VISTA WAY, VISTA, CA 92083, 1-(888) 833-0634) STATED THAT CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18S32 (STUCK CANISTER PURGE VALVE MAY CAUSE A STALL) COULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2018
Jul 2018

THERE IS NOW THIS GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM MY CAR ENGINE. WAS ACTING UP A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT IT IN 2017. EVERYONE SAID OH IT'S FINE THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WELL IT ACTS UP AS SOON AS I START TO DRIVE IT SLOW.... OTHERS SAY IT'S THE TRANSMISSION. AND OTHERS SAY I'M STUPID. IT SLIPS WHEN YOU START TO GO. I WANT THIS FIXED

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 FORD FOCUS, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2017

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2015 Ford Focus has 28 POWER TRAIN,ENGINE complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.