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.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Transmission control module failed after I got gas. Part is under recall by FORD. Ford does not have the part. 6-8 month wait. I need my car so I had to purchase a used part. Cost of part $486. Then I had to pay for labor. Ford charges $580 to install and program used part. I could not afford this. I had to pay another mechanic to install. Currently waiting for repair and paying for a rental car. It’s been 2 weeks.
Cars check engine light comes on sporadically and the engine runs rough and cut off in traffic and transmisson jerks
My 2014 Ford Focus is having issues with the clutch and powertrain. This is the same issue that the PowerShift transmission lawsuit describes here ( http://fordtransmissionsettlement.com/ ). I had problems with this before 100,000 miles and after 100,000 miles. Currently, it needs another clutch and the total price quoted by Future Ford of Clovis, CA is $2,355. I feel it is ridiculous that Ford and their dealers are making profit off of products that they put out for sale. The Ford rep said that since the car has over 113,000 miles, that it is over the 100,000 limit and there is no assistance available. This is very frustrating and is something that I cannot afford. Any help you can offer would be appreciated. The vin is 1FADP3K29EL238082.
a degraded or detached bushing connecting the transmission and shifter cable may prevent proper gear shifting, and the vehicle may also roll after being put into ‘Park’ position; either scenario can increase the risk of crash or injury.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. Consumer purchased the car in July 2020, an was not notified of any recalls when car was purchased. Consumer was not notified of any recalls when car was purchased.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the check engine and transmission overheating warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure; however, the contact was informed that it was okay to keep driving the vehicle. On another occasion while the contact was at a stop light, the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer also stated that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the vehicle was over the mileage for Extended Warranty Coverage. The failure mileage was 107,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle felt as if it had shifted to a lower gear and then to neutral. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine revved; however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact stated that the vehicle would slip back into gear independently. Additionally, the contact stated that when placing the vehicle in reverse, the vehicle would stall causing her to have to shift the vehicle into park and restart the vehicle. The vehicle would drive normally after a restart. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure became recurring and eventually the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on backorder and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I was parked and it was the first hot day and my car turned off then cut back on after an hour, it did that for the next two days which lead me to tow I.T back home. An auto shop said that my car needed a new pcm . When the car is about to stop it says transmission not in park n no light are on
Transmission jerks and I think this is caused by fuel system cars got p1450 code unable to bleed fuel tank vacum this code was in the system august 24/2021 this vehicle has all the symptoms of a recall on these cars of recall 18s32 but this cars vin does not show up and it has been a problem since 62000 miles
Put car in gear and upon take off the car shudders and shakes and then loses power and doesn't shift into higher gears. It's like it slips into neutral and will not go into reverse and the car has 90,000 miles on it and I am the second owner. It belonged to my mom who passed away 2 years ago. She had the same issues with the transmission. I called a Ford dealership and they told me to drive it like I stole it to help with the shudder and shifting issues, instead of trying to help resolve the issues. Has almost caused me to get re- ended several times and twice but emergency vehicles on a two lane road because of the shifting issues and loss of power. Ford needs to recall and fix the transmission issues before it gets someone killed.
This car had transmission problems from the day I bought it. Then with less than 50,000 miles on it, it quit on the highway. I had it towed to the local Ford dealership where they charged me $150. to tell me the antifreeze had leaked into the engine and ruined the engine and it would cost me $9,000 to have it fixed.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after arriving at her destination, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission dual clutch and shifter cable. 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 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the message "Transmission Fault" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle would surge while braking or accelerating. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and the failure was associated with Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign Number: 14M02. However, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally while shifting gears. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000. The contact stated that the warranty expired so no financial assistance was offered at the time of the repair. The clutch was replaced and the shuddering seems to have stopped.
Car transmission shutters when car accelerates, which creates a danger especially when trying to pull into traffic. Cannot have a dealership look at this car without leaving it there for two weeks. Generally no warning lights, but ABS light will turn on when shuttering is heavy.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle downshifted and inadvertently accelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and notified of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with a control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
There is a problem with the clutch slipping
Transmission fault. Shuddering, entered highway and vehicle became unresponsive. Sat in highway lane with ems flashing lights to keep me from being killed.
This vehicle has hesitated when pulling in front of other vehicles, putting myself and passengers in severe danger, bucks when accelerating, and has left me stranded on a major highway when the transmission wouldn't engage (slipped). The transmission is known to be faulty, but Ford will not take responsibility for the problem. It has occurred numerous times. My wife and I are disabled, and need transportation, but I feel this car is unsafe to drive.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer who confirmed there was no associated recall under the VIN. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
My 16 year old daughter was driving this 2014 Ford Focus on the expressway in June of 2022 when the car lost power and would not excelerate. The car became inoperable and was shaking. There was no prior warning to indicate there was a problem with the vehicle and the vehicle has approx 79,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where we had purchased a warranty but due to a warranty through Ford that existed due to a major problem with the transmission and wiring harness, Ford was to cover this repair. Today is February 1, 2023 the car is still sitting waiting for repair. We have been told there are no after market parts and Ford through numerous phone calls has advised they do not have the part to fix the transmission with no eta. Besides the fact that this was a dangerous situation when my inexperienced daughter at 16 was driving on the expressway at 65 miles an hour and completely lost power and could of been killed, killed some one else, or at the very least caused an accident, the car still sets waiting for 9 months for a part that Ford does not know when will be available.
Transmission and engine failure Available for inspection Failure on highway Inspection by others: yes mechanics warning indicators failed
The radio made unpredictable loud booming and crackling noises even with the radio turned off and including when the car engine was initially turned off until all courtesy lights were off. These jolting noises scared me, caused me to be a tense and distracted driver and potentially prohibited me from hearing outside sounds I should have been aware of. The independent service center confirmed this was a recognized problem with this vehicle. Other than the repair center, the problem has not been inspected by others. There were no warning signs of the problem.
The part that failed was the dual clutch. I was in traffic and my car did not want to accelerate after the stop it began to sputter then went to accelerate this happened more then once. It has been inspected and diagnosed for a worn clutch but I bought the car like that. No check engine light or anything has came on. I am financing this car and it sucks that I am not able to drive it if it was an emergency then I risk it and drive the car but the whole time I am scared because of the way it is struggles on the freeway and streets
The transmission shakes violently at take off and while driving it accelerates and acts as if the transmission is slipping. It has gotten worse since I bought it. The shimmy at start up was brought to the attention of the dealership at the time of purchase but I was told there was nothing wrong it was just a common thing with this transmission. The message center says Transmission fault and the dealer says it is a covered problem TCM but the part is not available due to being back ordered. It has been parked fir 5 weeks and have been told to expect a year before the part is available
I was driving from Missouri to Michigan when my power steering failed. I was unable to operate my vehicle and 95 miles from my destination. My car was towed to Preferred Ford in Grand Haven, MI. The problem was diagnosed as a power steering module failure which is unable to be replaced in this model and requires replacement of the entire steering rack. My car gave no indications of any problems and is serviced regularly. My car also has less than 25,000 miles on it.
My car is coverd under the extended warranty for TCMs and Clutch parts resulting in the decision in the powershift class action lawsuit. My TCM has now failed, and Ford can not fix the car for up to 6 months, and will make no form of compensation. I don't understand how a car with a known defect like the Focus can still be allowed to plague owners like this while Ford escapes all responsibility.
In May 2022, I was stopped at a stoplight when it turned green, I pushed the accelerator but my car did not move forward. The engine revved but it seemed to not automatically shift into gear and accelerate. This caused me to hold up traffic and put myself and others at risk by not accelerating as anticipated or expected. Since then, the dealer has confirmed that the transmission control module is faulty. I believe this is the 4th time I have had a transmission related issue (either the control module or the clutch) since I purchased this car. Prior to this event, there were no warning lights that the transmission was about to fail.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that when driving forward the vehicle fails to change gears. The vehicle was emitting a cranking/grinding noise when being driven. The contact stated the vehicle is now inoperable due to it no longer being able to go past 1st gear. The transmission failure warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that they believed their failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (power train) however their vin was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Car shudders and bucks because of a faulty clutch brake as stated by the dealership that diagnosed it.
The transmission will slip at times especially when accelerating. It’s dangerous when pulling into traffic. Also the transmission overheats The transmission is known to slip and go out. The warning light for transmission overheating comes on.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle began to shudder. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) had failed. The TCM was flushed. However, the failure persisted. The transmission specialist diagnosed that the module needed to be replaced. The contact referenced Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number:14M02. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 38,232.
My 2014 Ford Focus which I have had for 6 years has developed a problem with the Powertrain Control Module. This is a known problem with the car, and Ford extended the warranty for 10 years. I have been waiting 8 months now for the part which is still on backorder, with no estimate of when the part will be available. I can no longer drive the car because the car violently jerks when accelerating and almost comes to a complete stop. I can temporary fix the problem following online instructions, but it last only a day. I am afraid to drive the car because the jerking/hesitation might result in an accident. Ford does not seem to be addressing their responsibility with this dangerous issue.
Had a transmission fault a week after I bought it in 2019. Dealership did a quick fix and the transmission has been shorty since. Sputters in first gear and just today the rpm’s shot up while on the highway and the check engine light came on. The dealership will not cover this. I feel like they should as it was a known issue from the start.
I was driving and my car started to have no power on shift then while driving down the highway my car shifted into neutral. I had to bail off to the side of the very dangerous road. I contacted Ford to have this issue fixed and they said it would be over a year for them to get me a new part. I do not fell safe driving this car and they offered me no help with this.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter ceased in gear and the contact was unable to change gear. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was over the warranty mileage coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
There is multiple complaints with same make model and year involving shudder transmission. When you stop start or try to accelerate the transmission will stall and jerk at times even causing the vehicle to jerk violently this is a huge concern however after contacting ford themselves they refuse to repair.
At 153,000 Miles my car began to slip gears in the third and 5th and the transmission and a week after that started happening I lost complete steering all steering went out the ball joint had sounded rough for a couple of days and then and just went out the car was stuck at the hospital then I was at luckily I wasn't on the main road when it happened I was in a parking lot otherwise that could have been very very bad however my car doesn't fit in your little spectrum of August 8th to whatever it was August 15th of 2014 for manufacturer date for the steering and obviously my car is over $150,000 for the powertrain either thing could cost a collision and the steering thing I could have been majorly hurt but the recall doesn't include my car
May 7th, my car a 2014 ford focus se lost all function of power steering. something else may have happened to the steering as well, because the steering wheel will not turn at all, not even one inch. I've driven cars without power steering and u can still drive them, its just hard to do so. the car was dinging while i was driving, when i looked down at the instrument panel "power steering warning service soon" that went away and this one replaced it "steering warning, service NOW!!!! after stopping the car and turning it off, the car could not be driven again. it had to towed from its spot. this malfunction is not in the recalls for my car. there was also a clicking noise in the front drivers side wheel area when i would turn a corner. luckily i was in a parking lot and no one was injured. thankfully there was a parking stall straight head because the power steering had locked up and i was unable to turn the wheel. had i been out on the open road, there could've been an extreme tragedy for my family and children and maybe others as well. i would like for y'all to include my car for the ball barring/steering recall, as well as all 2014 ford focuses. when the made and model are typed in to this website and immediate warning pops up saying to stop driving this vehicle due to the steering.
Transmission problems at all speeds will like some help from ford
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered, and the transmission was slipping with a grinding sound present while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the clutch was previously replaced but the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 20,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was called out to the location to reset the ECU module to be able to drive to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired; however, there was also a pending repair for an unknown recall. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was not available.
Transmission, light comes on and off rpm's race and decline loses power. Sometimes won't go into gear. This is a huge safety concern.
Took my vehicle to a dealership for TCM work they could not see anything wrong with it even though I had the check engine light on for it and read the code and it said it was the TCM. took it to the dealership again they said they replaced it but my vehicle is still having the same exact issue intermittently as always. I have been stranded once as it failed JUST after they said they “fixed my car. I didn’t even make it home at least the dealership towed my vehicle again saw nothing wrong with it then said there was a wire that was cut. (That was not there before at this point they were doing things and just wanted money) in the long run they said they fixed everything but my car is still having the stalling of tcm modual part failing and going to neutral. I’ve had almost MULTIPLE car accidents with the TCM going out at stop and go lights, and stop signs. ford NEEDS to fix this issue in all vehicles before someone gets hurt or worse.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and the vehicle started decelerating independently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal several times but the vehicle failed to respond. The warning message "Transmission Service Required" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds and was surging continually. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as an internal transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 131,090.
My car kept stalling with service engine soon light. Took it to a ford dealer and had a recall for the tcm. Upon them doing a diagnostic on them they stated I also needed a clutch on it but because I was just a little bit over mileage it was not covered under warranty. I never received a notice in the mail for the recall or I would of definitely took my car knowing that it in the transmission. I feel this is unfair to those whom have experienced this and there should be an extended warranty on this particular part.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
The "automatic" transmission jerks you forward as it switches gears. Makes the car slow down rapidly and jerks itself into gear which could cause a driver behind to rear end you. If this were to happen on the freeway, a major accident could occur. Problems diagnosed by transmission shop is actuator motors needing replacement along with the TCM. No one with any official capacity has inspected the car but this can be accomplished. An engine light came on after the transmission failed. Just purchased this car on April 5, 2022. Within one week of purchase this problem began. This car is available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while shifted into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact also stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the RPM increased and the engine revved while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced codes: P090C, U0100-00, U3003-17, U3003-16, U0101-00, U0401-00. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 5 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure but did reset the codes that were shown. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,516.