2014 Ford Focus Problems

The Transmission Control Module (TCM), within the PowerShift DPS6 Automatic Transmission, failed completely on a 2014 Ford Focus (72,000 miles). The failed component is no longer physically available for inspection as it was retained by the independent service facility as a core replacement, but full repair invoices and diagnostic documentation are available. The failure caused a sudden and unpredictable loss of forward motive power, severe gear hesitation, and failure to engage drive gears while operating the vehicle. The gears would slip and it made continuous forward acceleration at the speed limit nearly impossible. This created an immediate hazard of being rear-ended and/or stranded in ongoing traffic without acceleration capability. Shortly afterwards it also completely lost the ability to reverse. The problem was formally reproduced, diagnosed, and confirmed by an independent repair facility during service. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. A Check Engine Light illuminated came on at approx 72,000 miles while I was running morning errands. The light came on as I started feeling some sudden rough driving after accelerating from a red light, and within 1-2 miles of driving was when the TCM started failing completely. While Ford acknowledged this systemic DPS6 defect under Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, strict guidelines required an active diagnostic code (P090C) before approving a warranty replacement, preventing lower-mileage owners from receiving preventive service before the 10-year calendar cap expired. I was forced to pay $1,927.26 out-of-pocket for a replacement with an OEM part.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the transmission was slipping with the message “Transmission Overheated - Stop Vehicle” displayed. There was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle while stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, shifted to neutral, and remained stopped for 10 minutes before the vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure had occurred several times. Eventually, the vehicle was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch actuator and throw-out bearing 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 133,283.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V369000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 14V514000 (STEERING); as possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.

Car has been cutting off while idleing, or at a stop light. It has also cut off while driving. It has also lost a form of power while going down the highway. The car doesn’t cut off, but pressing the gas does nothing and the rpm’s go crazy, then eventually it catches and the gas peddle works again.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle jerked and shuddered abnormally. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the RPM fluctuated. The contact believed that the engine was going to shut off. The contact stated that a technician arrived and the residence to perform an unknown recall repair associated with the purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the technician inspected the vehicle and took notes. The failure reoccurred. The contact was informed that the failure was possibly associated with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The contact stated that a recall repair was scheduled. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 27,665.

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.

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

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V369000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 14V514000 (STEERING); as possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

When I turned on my car the power steering said at fault and normally I could turn it off then turn it back on and it worked but after that time it never turned back on

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear, causing the transmission to slip, and the vehicle shuddered heavily while accelerating forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the backup camera failed to function since the vehicle was purchased in 2022. The vehicle possessed a long history of identical transmission failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions for transmission failures. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer at 56,838 miles, where an electrical failure covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 was addressed, and the dealer replaced the TCM assembly, performed adaptive learning, and installed a replacement clutch assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a second time at 69,000 miles, where the dealer replaced the clutch assembly due to the recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a third time at 90,000 miles, where it was determined that the clutch assembly had failed once more and required a third replacement. The dealer was notified of the current failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing transmission and Transmission Control Module (TCM) issues with my 2014 Ford Focus. In October 2022, the transmission was replaced, yet I continue to experience serious transmission-related failures. Most recently, the vehicle would only start in neutral and would not reliably shift into drive or reverse. These recurring issues have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe. I have contacted Ford Customer Service three separate times seeking assistance and a permanent resolution. Despite these efforts, I have not been provided with a fix that addresses the root cause of the problem. Ford has long been aware of widespread TCM issues affecting certain Ford Focus models, making the continued failure of this vehicle especially concerning. My greatest concern is safety. During a recent incident, the vehicle unexpectedly slammed into gear with significant force while my son and I were inside. The sudden engagement nearly caused me to lose control of the vehicle and almost sent us into a ditch. Had road conditions or traffic been different, the outcome could have been much worse. I have dash camera footage documenting the incident and am willing to provide it upon request. A vehicle that has already undergone a transmission replacement should not continue experiencing severe transmission-related failures, particularly failures that create a risk of loss of vehicle control. This ongoing issue places not only my family at risk but also other motorists sharing the road. I respectfully request a thorough investigation into the recurring transmission and TCM failures affecting my vehicle, including a review of the October 2022 transmission replacement and Ford's response to these repeated issues. I also request that Ford provide a permanent solution and appropriate assistance given the history of repairs and the known defects associated with this model. I have made every effort to work with Ford and they could care less.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was later towed to the local Pep Boys Service Center. The service mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was later towed to the local dealer. The local dealer also stated that the TCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the Extended Warranty for the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting to reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The contact was able to shift to neutral(N) after several attempts, and the vehicle was pushed into a gas station with assistance. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, the contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a TCM failure. The contact accidentally reset the codes, and the vehicle became drivable; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure because the code had been reset. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Nielsen Ford of Morristown (170 Ridgedale Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960), where it was diagnosed with TCM failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,711.

March 27th I went to have my focus recalled March 31st there was still one unopened recall. I did not go back to them to fix it the my documentation was falsified there's still an open recall on my Ford there's no documentation that I have it replaced. In fact it'd be easier to prove that they falsified information nths. It is a simple way to prove you need to remove the door handle and see if the door lock has been repaired and it hasn't

At stop sigh,another vehicle coming down from a hill with a high speed hit and crush my car from behind.Two back passenger doors bent and the trunk hood bent as well.This is why i'm requesting a salvage title.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, all four doors opened, prompting the driver to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where he became aware of the failure to securely lock the doors. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the front driver’s side door independently opened. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Unable to control vehicle in light rain conditions. Steering took me straight off the highway into a steel wire fence. Totalled the car with massive front end damage. Seat belt did not lock. Knocked window out with head during impact. The ONLY airbag to deploy was the knee airbag, shooting the hard plastic straight into my kneecap.

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.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to the next gear and jolted into gear while upshifting. The contact stated that while stopped at traffic lights, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was warmed up, and attempting to shift to reverse(R), the transmission failed to respond. The contact had to wait for the transmission temperature to drop and then shift into reverse(R). The ABS, ESC, and transmission warning lights were illuminated, and the message “Hill Start Assist Unavailable” was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while the A/C was activated, there was water accumulating in the passenger’s side footwell, causing the carpet to become saturated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there were several major failures with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,300.

1) power train system- P090C AND P090C-00 clutch b actuator circuit low causing transmission to slip. dangerous when driving 2) anti-lock brake system code U0401-00 and U3003-16

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

When you turn on defrost it fogs up all the windows quickly. Can't see out windows. Have to roll windows down to see.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio was making an abnormally loud cracking noise whether the vehicle was started or turned off. The contact stated that radio fuse was hot to the touch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

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 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.

My car is still at the dealership (CrossRoads Ford ,of Indian Trail, NC). The vehicle has been there since 11/22/22. The Service Department keeps telling me they are waiting on a Recall Part to come in and have not given me anything else. The car will not drive, and they advised it was a Recall Part, but the system shows all Recall has been repaired? I need my car back- I have already paid 3 months for a car payment, on a car that is still sitting in the Service Department there.

Unable to control vehicle in light rain conditions. Steering took me straight off the highway into a steel wire fence. Totalled the car with massive front end damage. Seat belt did not lock. Knocked window out with head during impact. The ONLY airbag to deploy was the knee airbag, shooting the hard plastic straight into my kneecap.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON YESTERDAY OUT OF NOWHERE. CAR STARTED JERKING BAD AS I TOOK OFF. SLOWLY BUT GETTING WORSE TIL I HAD TO STOP. THEN DIDN'T WANNA CRANK BACK UP. STRANGE. SO WE HEAR A LOUD TICKING NOISE .. THIS IS WITH KEYS OUT OF THE CAR IGNITION.... I PUT KEYS IN , STILL NOTHING. EVENTUALLY IT CRANK BUT NO REVERSE. GOD HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked and shuddered, and lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that while driving at night, she became aware that the headlamps provided inadequate illumination, severely compromising nighttime visibility. After a visual inspection of the headlamps, the contact became aware that the housing had deteriorated significantly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the transmission but diagnosis for the failure with the headlamps. The contact was informed that the headlamps needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission was replaced however, the failure recurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V813000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.

WHEN I ACCELERATE IT KEEP STALLING, SPEED WON'T CHANGE IT TAKES LIKE 10 SECONDS TO PICK UP SPEED.

Had brakes and rotors replaced 4/07/2025 and both repair shops indicated that the front passenger tire is bulging but they state also that these are not in warranty since they were only purchased 11/8/2023 and are an 85,000 mile rated tire which I purchased all new, with balancing and alignment at time of purchase. Mavis where I purchased them refuses to fix this problem stating they aren't in warranty any further which I don't see how when I definitely didn't drive 85,000 miles in less than a year and a half. When looking up this tire it seems they're not easily available at this point either.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE: P215/55/R16 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING SOUND. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,088.