2014 Ford Focus Electrical Problems

My 2014 Ford Focus with a DPS6 dual-clutch transmission began experiencing severe shuddering and harsh shifting. A Ford dealership confirmed the concern and diagnosed DTC P07A3 — Transmission Friction Element A Stuck On — using Ford's prescribed pinpoint test. Recommended repair exceeds $4,000. Vehicle is available for inspection. This is a recurring failure on this specific vehicle. Ford's own warranty history documents six prior DPS6 repairs between 2016 and 2023, including two full clutch replacements, three TCM/PCM reprogramming sessions, and a full TCM replacement under program 14M02 — all at Ford dealerships. The current failure occurs just 35,000 miles after Ford's most recent transmission repair. Prior repair orders document dangerous safety events including sudden loss of drive while in motion, no-start conditions, and complete loss of throttle control on the highway — consistent with the known DPS6 failure pattern. Ford issued six Customer Satisfaction Programs covering this transmission over eleven years — 14M01, 14M02, 15B22, 19N07, 19N08, and 14M02 Supplement 7 — acknowledging a persistent design defect. Despite this documented repeat failure history on this specific vehicle, Ford has denied goodwill assistance. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's continued denial of repair assistance on vehicles with documented repeat DPS6 failures and the ongoing safety implications of this transmission's known design defects.

NHTSA ID

11743241

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

The Transmission Controm Module (TCM) has gone bad on my car. Ford has recalled other cars of the same Make, Model and Year, but they refuse to repair the same problem on mine, because my VIN was not included in the initial recall

NHTSA ID

11741994

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

hello my name is [XXX] and I bought this 2014 Ford focus from a private dealer without being told what was wrong with the car for 4100 dollars and since I have had it it's been giving me problems it has a salvaged title.also it sounds like the inside of the hood is gurgling water ,sometimes it won't go in to reverse,it has a hard start the tcm module needs to be replaced and I guess it has something to do with the check engine light going off and turning back on every other day something about the clutch keeps popping up.i looked it up the first time and it said that it was a recall now it doesn't show any recalls anymore can you please help me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11739649

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

My 2014 Ford Focus with approximately 145,000 miles is experiencing a failure of the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The vehicle hesitates, jerks, and has difficulty shifting, which creates a safety concern when driving in traffic. The issue was diagnosed by a dealership, and I was quoted approximately $1,800 for the TCM replacement. I contacted Ford for assistance, but they stated the vehicle is “outside of their programs” and refused to help, despite this being a widely known issue with Ford Focus transmissions. This defect affects the safe operation of the vehicle and should be investigated.

NHTSA ID

11725168

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Windshield wipers won't move and I got caught in the rain on the highway so its definitely unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11724863

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

Complaint Description: This complaint involves a 2014 Ford Focus with VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experiences severe transmission shuddering, slipping, delayed acceleration, and hesitation when attempting to accelerate from a stop. The vehicle sometimes struggles to move forward normally when entering traffic or crossing intersections. These symptoms appear consistent with the widely documented PowerShift DPS6 dual-clutch transmission defect affecting 2012–2016 Ford Focus vehicles. The hesitation and delayed engagement create a potential safety hazard when merging into traffic or attempting to accelerate normally, as the vehicle does not respond immediately to throttle input. The vehicle also appears to have electrical irregularities associated with the transmission control system, which may be related to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) failures previously reported in these vehicles. Although there are currently no open recalls associated with this VIN, the vehicle continues to exhibit transmission behavior that creates an unsafe driving condition. This complaint is being submitted so that the issue can be documented as part of the ongoing safety record regarding PowerShift transmission failures in these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11723055

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

Transmission failure, lots of jerking. Also I think there are some electrical components messed up. As when my car is off no keys in the ignition, it sounds as if the engine try to turn over. Also when no keys in the ignition loud clicking noise comes from down by the transmission. Received multiple information dashboards messages started about 2 years ago.”Trasmission Failure” Only happened once each year in the past 2 years. I’d let the car sit for the weekend and then it would be fine to drive. Also related to this issue when the loud clicking noise comes from the Transmission while the car is off when I go to start the car it won’t turn over have to pump the gas pedal or put it in neutral and it will turn over. Also have had other dashboard messages a lot recently, but haven’t drove my car in 2 weeks as it’s unsafe as will stall up at stoplights. These include “Transmission overheated”. Brought it to Advanced Auto part to try getting codes to see what’s wrong, but all that would pop up on their reader was “Error”. Date below is when i received the first Transmission failure message. Happened again in May 2025, and now the car is undrivable as of February 10 2026. Video I’m attaching is the noise the transmission makes when the car is turned off with no keys in the ignition. Will not let me upload it. Can send it in an email when you respond. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11720830

Incident

Jun 7, 2024

Problems with dual clutch automatic transmission Ford Focus Class action lawsuit of 2013.

NHTSA ID

11717626

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

I am requesting an investigation into a vehicle I purchased on November 28, 2025, in a transaction conducted using the business name RideTime LLC. After taking possession of the vehicle, I noticed inconsistencies related to the title and odometer reading. I titled the vehicle on December 1, 2025, prior to full confirmation of these discrepancies. Subsequent investigation through Experian AutoCheck, consultation with the Virginia DMV, and inspection by a licensed mechanic revealed evidence consistent with title jumping and possible odometer tampering. Additionally, a mechanic identified indicators consistent with prior flood damage that were not disclosed at the time of sale. I acted in good faith and relied on representations made during the sale, including the use of the business name RideTime LLC. Once the discrepancies were confirmed, I immediately ceased any attempt to sell or transfer the vehicle and am reporting the matter for investigation and guidance on proper resolution.

NHTSA ID

11716083

Incident

Nov 28, 2025

While has had the transmission recall work done x 2 and was told by the mechanics that to recync “drive it like you stole it” when you can prior to the last recall fix in Feb and just had the cpv recall replacement done in February it was not driven a lot and I am in my late 60’s so I do not drive it like a teenager. During that recall repair they said I needed to replace the engine bolts ( I would think would be related due to the “drive it like you stole it” to resync the transmission but had to pay for out of pocket and found a transmission bolts also needed replaced that I wasn’t told by the ford service guy. Recently in driving it would thunk when stopping and pinched forward and had major excelleration delay when trying to turn in traffic causing safety issues. Shifting was erratic and would stay in like 1st or 2nd when should have been going to 3/4th gear.Took in to service at ford again as the wrench showed up on dash finally thinking it was the auto shift transmission to be told I had a complete computer failure to replace at my cost of approx $2400. Isn’t this part of what controls the sync in the transmission in the first place? Isn’t this part of what they should have done on the other recalls like the 18v-735 or should it not be covered as the reprogramming apparently failed and at some point destroyed the computer module system?

NHTSA ID

11706094

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

Be reaching out and taking my car to Ford for recalls within the time limit told me they did not see no code I replace it it breaks down put me and my daughter at risk on the highway unsafe and now I spent all my money and can’t afford another car because of Ford not Doing their job with the policy and the warranties the recalls I’ve been going through so much trying to fix this car and now I have to take a complete loss because it’s finally broken down and no one wants to take the car

NHTSA ID

11684353

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

My car has been to the shop twice for the TCM issues, and both times, in 2016 and 2021, the shop performed adaptive learning and cleared the codes, instead of replacing the faulty part. Now, the TCM has completely broken and needs to be replaced. The car wouldn't start at the gas station suddenly. After rocking the car back and forth it did start, but wouldn't go when shifted into drive. It is apparently 2 months out of the extended warranty coverage and now, I have to pay $1,300+ for a repair?! This seems unfair. They knew they had a faulty part, they performed band-aid fixes, and now I am holding the bag.

NHTSA ID

11683393

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Car running rough/jerky. Trouble accelerating, especially up hills, and following stops. On [XXX], car stalled on [XXX]. Dash light came on saying "transmission overheating pull over immediately". This happened multiple times on the same day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11681349

Incident

Aug 17, 2025

Door lock and windows dint work properly. Transmission not working appropriately or at . Randomly says transmission overheating or won't go in reverse

NHTSA ID

11681072

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

My 2014 Ford Focus is having problems with the engine. For starters is several occasions the car will start and not turn off when turning the key to the off position, the car will still stay on. I took it to the automotive parts store and the guy there had me turn the key off and disconnect the battery and that seem to turn off the car. After they had my car scanned with a computer and found lots of issues with. Car stalls and had check engine lights and also a transmission warning light on making it difficult for the car to drive. Recently water dripping inside the vehicle passenger side when the AC is turned on. The car also doesn’t unlock the doors from the inside have to open it for the passenger side.

NHTSA ID

11680009

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a wiring harness needed to be repaired. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. 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 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11675325

Incident

Nov 22, 2024

Mileage

62,000 mi

Improperly shifting, intermittently stalls in shifting and loses transmission power. Scan code PO902 Clutch Actuator circuit low Plus 3 other possible

NHTSA ID

11671339

Incident

Jun 4, 2025

I HAVE TWO RECALLS ON MY FORD FOCUS 2014. FORD REFUSES TO FIX THE TCM DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN WITH ISSUES DEALING WITH THE TSB REVOLVING AROUND THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND TOLD THEM MY CAR BATTERY DIED AND IT COULDN'T REVERSE NOW BROUGHT IT TO GET THE WORK DONE WHICH I THOUGHT INCLUDED THEM LOOKING AT WHY IT COULD NOT REVERSE I PAID THEM OVER 1,300 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS ISSUES AND THEN AFTER I PULL OFF AND NOTICE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON I BRING IT BACK INSIDE AND THEY HIT ME WITH OH THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS A DIAGNOSTIC AFTER I PAID THEM A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT I WANT THEM TO GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK

NHTSA ID

11639681

Incident

Sep 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and then stalled with the “Service Transmission” warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle shut off in the middle of the roadway. The contact was assisted by a Police Officer was nearby in moving the vehicle over to the shoulder. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that occasionally while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that occasionally while driving and exceeding 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the horn and the hazard lights failed to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11626171

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

Mileage

81,000 mi

This TCM issue is a known issue with Ford. They issued recalls on this in 2015 and 2017 and extending the coverage in 2023. Please put this on the recall list as it has affected many people

NHTSA ID

11603225

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

The general information I have is my transmission is not working, and it causes the car to stall and jerk unexpectedly, it will be driving fine then aggressively slow down almost to a stop, then launch forward, which could cause an accident to the person in front of me or behind. When these events happen it’s on and off, and the stalling will follow multiple times during a driving period. The engine light will come on, and many mechanics we have talked to have said to either replace the transition or sell the car, and the transmission is the same price I paid for the car. It’s ultimately unfortunate because it is a great car, low miles, in great condition, and I am young into college with big loans and can’t afford to fix this car.

NHTSA ID

11597904

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

I have been trying to get my car fixed but they will not honor the recalled part. I took it to another garage bc Ford is saying it's my clutch but I seem for my own eyes the only code was for the tcm. And then Ford told me they do not honor another mechanics diagnostics.

NHTSA ID

11594781

Incident

Jun 17, 2024

It did the exact same thing it did in April! Driving in traffic this time. The jerking, and not wanting to excelerate... then jumps from drive to neutral doing 70 mph! On hwy 59! THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AT THIS POINT! MAKE FORD FIX THIS

NHTSA ID

11590585

Incident

May 17, 2024

I was driving my 2014 Ford Focus electric car sometime in 2023 and the system told me to immediately pull over for no reason. I was able to pull it over but it would not start again after turning it off. I let it sit and came back the next day since I needed to go somewhere and it started. The car then had issues starting and I tried to diagnose with the dealership and we ended up recharging the battery because it was low. It was a little more consistent but it died again but this time it would not turn over. I finally got the car to the dealership to diagnose and it took them over a month to do so. It seems the High voltage wire harness was bad and needed to be replaced. It seems that this should be a recall because it is a major component and even a safety issue since the car died while driving.

NHTSA ID

11564715

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

My 2014 Ford focus SE hatchback is having bad transmission codes throwing at me. Automatic transmission electrical system codes and transmission stuck in clutch A. I have 123,000 miles on it. I'm afraid to drive it as it being a electrical problem and I have my teenage son in the car with me. I'm afraid of a fire. Ford wants hundreds of dollars just to diagnose what 3 other mechanics have already diagnosed it. I have a picture of the codes. Ford knows about this problem but wants hundreds of dollars to tell me what I already know and then thousands of dollars to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11557733

Incident

Oct 1, 2023