NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Ford Focus. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Check engine light came on due to the code P0442. It was caused by a faulty purge valve, which my car was already recalled due to this. To my knowledge the valve was replaced. The check engine light is on again, same code. The purge valve was replaced again, but the engine light did not turn off. Upon further inspection, the fuel tank is deformed. The purge valve defect can cause the fuel tank to be vacuumed in on itself, and there happens to be another recall on this issue. My car is not part of this recall. Not only is the check engine light on for the deformed fuel tank, but my MPG number does not match up with the amount of mileage I actually have left. There needs to be another recall with the cars that were not in the original group recalled.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module had 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 VIN was included in the Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign Number: 14M02 however, the parts to perform the repair were on backorder. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on four occasions at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into neutral(N) inadvertently and would not shift into any other gear. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed again, and the transmission eventually shifted into the desired gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment while changing gear. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly and shift motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The transmission has completely failed multiple times causing us to have to push the car out of lanes of traffic because the car would not move forwards or backwards. The transmission would slip during acceleration even after clutch cleaning and fluid flush. There were no warnings, lamps, or messages. Its very clear that there is an issue with these cars as everyone appears to have the same TCM issues.
Bought this 2014 Ford Focus from a used dealership for my 16 year old daughter's 1st car. Within a week of owning the car noticed the car had a hesitation going from a stop sign intersection stop to pulling out would not pickup speed but has a forced hesitation before eventually gaining speed. My daughter was also at a intersection one day when the car slipped and jerked as a result in sudden or delayed vehicle acceleration nearly causing an accident. We have a engine light code that was showing as well during the first week of owning the car and it reads as: Transmission code P090C-00 Clutch B Actuator Control Circuit Low. The Actuator part was replaced and the car continues to have the same problem and the engine light continues to go on and off.
This car has had the clutch fork, clutch and tcm replaced since ive owned it and continues to still produce the same scary issue erratically. When it's not throwing codes it's sticking in gears, shifting hard, accelerating on its own (( almost went through a drive through window when it did this last)) this car is going to cause an issue/wreck. I Will be driving yhis car and the focus looses power, no steering, no acceleration available during the main issue im addressing today. It will flash the engine light and the cluster will continue to flash for about 30 seconds and you have no choice but to stop or pull over. What's fascinating and scary each time , it throws different codes. Anywhere from one code to up to 13 codes. I now carry a code reader in my glove box. Took me one hour and 17 minutes to get 8 blocks home in a very small, non traffic, town four or five days ago. Sometimes you can clear the code(s) and be on your way right away until the next dreaded failure. Or sometimes as soon as you turn the car back on it goes right back into loss of power and throwing codes. Nothing particular sets this off, not heat or cold temperatures. Not running the heater or A/C. Not driving fast, slow or in-between. Not turning or driving straight. Not driving short distances or long distances. Nothing is the same to produce this issue. This was tested by not only myself, husband and two mechanics. Ofcouse each time the codes say something different, TCM,clutch,clutch forks, gas, you name it the code was thrown ,ect. Even after the money pit of fixing the supposed issue(s) we still continue to have the EXACT SAME VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. Ford should eliminate these cars, crush them so nobody else falls victim to these failing known issues they've produced.
Oil cooler failed forcing engine oil in cooling system. ECU did not indicate any overheat, low oil pressure or check engine light. By the time the vehicle was parked and shut off no oil was left in the oil pan. Oil/coolant covered the passenger wheel well and tire/rim. Probably a good idea to have a bigger OEM oil cooler rather than using coolant to cool the engine oil. Oil cooler failure was confirmed by ASE certified mechanics. Oil/coolant could possibly cause loss of traction, overheat condition and total engine failure with no oil providing lubricant to internal components and the turbo. Total repair costs are $1200 for a part that is $100 or $250 in the aftermarket world. Repair cost could have been much higher if vehicle would have been running any longer.
I was driving the car and RPMs dropped to 0 and car would not go. Has had issues shifting, slipping, stalling and shuddering for over a year. Paid for a transmission fluid flush AT A DEALER. Never helped the situation. Has been ongoing issue for over a year. Now after checking the VIN my car is NOT a part of the recall? This seems to be a wider issue with no resolution. Now I am without a car and without a fix
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate from a stationary position. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Error p2196 and p1450 issue with PCM, EVAP and bank 1 sensor know issues and recalls on same year make and model st I have an se having same problem
mY TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS IN TRAFFIC AND FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE .WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING. NOW THEY SAY IT IS UNDSER RECALL . THAT IT HAS BEEN FIXED.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop, the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train). The dealer repaired the vehicle under the recall however, the vehicle experienced the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission control module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop sign, the vehicle began to hesitate and jerk abnormally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,580.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the driver's side air bag erroneously deployed. The contact stated that no collision had occurred to cause the air bag to deploy. During the failure, the driver sustained a neck injury that required medical treatment. A Police report was filed at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 84,000.
There are 2 recalls listed for my vehicle, 1) the Transmission Control Module, and 2) the Transmission Clutch Shudder. I had brought my car in to the dealership a couple of years ago to ask about the two issues/recalls listed, as my transmission was overheating and I was unable to accelerate, and the engine shuttered when shifting between 1st and 3rd gear, and was told that the Transmission Clutch Shudder recall had expired and the active recall, the Transmission Control Module, could not be repaired due to parts being on backorder, and I was told that the parts for that specific recall were not longer being made. The clutch recall lasted for 7 years and/or to 100k miles, whichever came first. My car is under 100k, and I had gotten the car in 2017, but it is a 2014 model so that recall cannot be covered by the dealership. I have been informed, though, that the Clutch issue directly correlates to the function of the TCM (transmission), so without that issue being resolved, the TCM will continue to have issues. I understand that the warranty has expired for one recall, but since it directly correlates to the function of the other recall, it doesn't make sense to have one expire before the other. Without it resolved, my transmission runs the risk of overheating again, and in previous instances I have had to pull over on highways, on roads where there were no safe places to pull off, and delayed other drivers due to the cars inability to accelerate properly, which has occurred at stop signs and at traffic lights which poses a risk to my safety and others. The dealership has informed me that the issue is in relation to the two recalls, but again with one expired I am expected to cover it even though the issue lies with Ford.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Car feels sluggish and transmission is starting to slip. I do know that the 2012-2018 Ford Fiestas and Focus's have the same transmission.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the transmission. The contact stated that the sound increased while the RPM was ascending or descending. While driving, the vehicle jerked and shuddered. The vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. The contact stated the problem was the transmission and repairs were made at the owners expense. The contact is requesting to be reimbursed for the repairs to the vehicle.
There was a recall several years ago on my 2014 Ford Focus in regard to the dual-clutch system. The system has been replaced once already. The vehicle is now showing the same symptoms. I feel that Ford should be replacing the system again at no cost to me. I am afraid to drive the vehicle. I am a cancer survivor and also work full-time. I need access to a functional vehicle that is safe to drive. The contact stated Ford replaced the clutch once and the car is doing the same thing again.
The Steering Assist went out while driving 65 mph on the 15 south freeway.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while her father was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated her father pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that her father could not shift the vehicle into park(P). The contact stated that he turned the vehicle off, set the parking brake, and waited for almost an hour. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and the transmission functionality resumed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, and her father had stopped driving the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer had retrieved DTC code: P2027B (Powertrain Control Module). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
In heavy traffic, car slowed down and stopped. Got it started but it hesitated a few times until the next time I had to stop again.
Transmission control module failed in my daughters car. Contacted ford they will not assist or repair. Had vehicle towed due to tcm failing & staling. Transmission fault service now light came on. Had it inspected by dealership which confirmed tcm failure. My daughter is traumatized by this due to this almost causing her to wreck & being stuck on the side of the busy road for hours. I was currently without transportation
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger's side wheel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the tire but provided no diagnosis for the warning lamp. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who diagnosed failures with the rear passenger’s side wheel bearing and clutch. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was accelerating from a stop, the vehicle vibrated, lost motive power, and the RPM briefly became elevated before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission assembly, related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle had to travel for five to ten minutes before it would accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent who checked the transmission, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not covered under warranty and was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound and failed to respond. No further information was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R). The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed and codes P087E (Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit), P087A (Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent), P287A (Clutch B stock Engaged), P087A-00 (Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit), P087E-00 (Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent), and P287A-00 (Clutch B Stuck Engaged) were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the clutch actuator A and B needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file the complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 85,441.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally without warning. The contact stated that after the transmission upshifted, the vehicle stopped shaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while coming to a complete stop. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 (Transmission Clutch Shudder - Transmission Clutch Warranty Extension) however, the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle routinely failed to start, but would restart after 15-20 minutes. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System had failed. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V515000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle ceased to accelerate as designed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road where the transmission overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Car stalls, shakes,won’t accelerate properly, won’t go passed 35mph, engine fault light comes on, and car goes into limp home mode.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while shifting from first to second gear, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the clutch release bearing, and the master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V169000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. 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 70,000.
My daughter purchased a 2014 Ford Focus in August of 2021 with roughly 35,000 miles. She was starting college as a full time student and needed a dependable vehicle.....which she DID NOT get. Zeck Ford in Itasca, Tx is where this was purchased and they KNEW of the issue regarding the TCM in this particular vehicle. This vehicle should have never been on that lot for sale. Ford recently closed this dealership in Feb/March 2023. The car did great till about Spring/Summer of 2022. It suddenly started jerking and check engine light would come on. It appeared it was possibly a loose cable...it was not. It drove fine till Oct of 2022 and again did the same thing. Contacted local dealership and we were THEN told of the issue with the TCM. We were also told all we could do was wait untill it acted up again bring it in to the dealership so that they could open a ticket. Well it never acted up in proximity to a dealership. It happened again in Dec of 2022. This time with the rmps revving up so far the vehicle would not drive and she had to have it towed paying out of her pocket. Today, April 3, 2023 she was on her way to school and it stalled on her TWICE going down the interstate. My husband and I had to go get her and he somehow managed to get it back to our house. She did purchase an extended warranty but they helps none in this situation . At this point we were at a loss of what to do. The dealership that has been trying to help us has informed us numerous times that they have not received the TCM part in their dealership in 2 YEARS!!!!! They currently have 2 identical vehicles like my daughters on their lot that DO NOT DRIVE due to this issue and have been sitting there for almost a year. I have reached out to Ford to no avail. Ford and ALL ford dealerships knew of this issue in Feb 2017 but continued selling this vehicle.
Back passenger side door won’t latch
2014 Ford Focus transmission has been giving me problems for years, It shudders badly. I am afraid to drive the car, It has been diagnosed.with needing a transmission. Ford has told me that that is how it supposed to run, Please take a look at all the transmission problems of the ford focus that people continue to have today. This is truly a safety issue. The cars are still on the highway. Having zero recalls doesnt make the road safe if someone doesnt listen and solve the problem of ford focus transmission.
BCM failed the mechanic states that it is corroded moisture in the dashboard causing the brand new battery to die and car not function
My car if jerk when taking off. Horn stopped working and will not sound when you lock it with the key fob.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the gear shifter became inoperable. The vehicle was rocking forward and backwards. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under a warranty or recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch and the clutch seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle warranty had expired and to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
The transmission control module cause my car to only work in drive. I was in a rural area without adequate resources or any warning that the module would go out. After being able to get if eventually towed to a dealership they fixed the tcm module and then informed that the clutch in my vehicle with an automatic transmission was out and the vehicle was now stuck in reverse. The clutch going out is a result of the tcm component wearing out the clutch this information was provided by a ford mechanic. Both the parts are faulty in the vehicle leaving drivers stuck in places without any warning that they will soon need to be serviced. Ford covers repairs for some of these things under their customer satisfaction program; however, that does not remedy the fact that the parts are faulty and will need constant repair throughout the vehicles lifetime.
Trunk will randomly open while at a high rate of speed. Has happened several times while driving on the highway it will just pop open for no reason.
When car is wet, windshield wipers turn on an go crazy an will not stop. Even when car is off they continue to wipe at crazy speeds. Car stay parked in wet weather. Fuse had to be pulled to shut off
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on several occasions while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the transmission shifted gears rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving up an incline, there was a delay in acceleration while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced due to the clutch shudder failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 and Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08 had expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Transmission slipped sending me like a rocket
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lunged into gear and shuddered before moving forward. The contact stated that the failure occurred whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed while driving forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The independent mechanic advised the contact that the transmission failure was covered under Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 19N08 - Automatic Transmission Clutch Shudder (Power Train). The contact called the dealer and was advised that the vehicle was out of warranty for Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N08. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Transmission on these fords are bad!!!!not only me but everyone I know with a ford focus has had some issue with their transmission. My car has spontaneously stopped driving while kids in car. Transmission fault service light and engine light will immediately come on when car starts or it will give you about 1 mile to drive before it shuts car down. Recently dealership “fixed recalls” fuel tank. It is not fixed. I also believe it is the reason my transmission fault come on. I have had the car since April 2022 drove for a few month ran out of gas, because I believed it was wrong because it always is ultimately I only ran out of gas. Since that day I’ve had major issues. The transmission light was never on until a few months ago, it did use to stall when attempting to start. It would show up spontaneously and once it happens there is nothing you can do. It is very dangerous! I have gotten recalls “fixed” drove the vehicle for 2hours the miles to empty were still reading wrong, dealership said give it a few miles. It never changed, it is still wrong I’m pretty sure this issue of the fuel tank has brought on transmission issues that are very alarming and costly. The dealership did not successfully fix the issue with the fuel tank because of the obvious of the miles to empty, also engine light came back on, and ultimately did shut the car back down.
Car stuttered and stalled while driving
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the transmission overheated and failed to allow the vehicle to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and produced code: P0805 P0809. The contact was informed of Manufacturer Recall Number: 19N08 (PCM). The vehicle was repaired; however, after the vehicle was retrieved, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired a third time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a different dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026