Ford Focus 2012 Problems

To lose drive at any time is potentially very dangerous; it's something that should be of immense concern to you, the dealer and the carmaker. I would urge you to strongly register your concerns with Ford directly and demand the company sit down with you and work out a plan of action to correct the situation. At the very least you should have a new transmission fitted. Lee-Ann Woods succeeded because she refused to give in and go away, she pursued her complaint through the consumer affairs department in her state, and that's something for you to consider.

The noise is not coming from the computer, that's for sure. I've heard explanations before that it's the ABS braking system self-checking as you take off after restarting the car, but I can't accept that either. It only happens on some cars and all cars basically use the same ABS system, so that explanation doesn't stack up.
 

Yes it is. I also observed a shudder similar to what you report when road testing a Focus some time ago. The so-called auto in this case is not a traditional automatic gearbox that we have become used to over many, many years, it's a new technology automated manual gearbox, which in effect means it's a manual gearbox, but with an automated shift mechanism. As part of that mechanism it has two clutch packs that release and engage when it's shifting gears, and these are known problem areas. These gearboxes are not just fitted to Fords, but many other vehicles as well. VW's recent well-publicised difficulties are related to the gearboxes it uses. The shudder is annoying and will potentially get worse, so I would press your case with the dealer and with Ford to have it fixed.

If the RACV found a fault with the car ask them for a report on that fault and take it to the dealer. That at least gives the dealer a head start in locating the problem. The only thing you can do is persist with the dealer until it is fixed.

It's interesting that Ford acknowledges there is an issue, but that it is acceptable. That would suggest that they don't know how to fix it. One owner we know of has managed to get her car replaced after complaining about transmission shudder, perhaps you should try the same course of action through your state consumer affairs people.

It's interesting that you have been told that it is within specification. Next time you talk to the dealer ask him to see the specification for shudder. That's trying to get out from under the problem. You should keep the pressure on Ford, through the dealer and directly, and you could also consult the consumer affairs people in your state.

First, your car has a double-clutch automated manual gearbox, not a conventional automatic you probably thought you were getting. One of the differences between a double-clutch transmission and a conventional automatic is that they roll backwards on an incline if you don't keep your foot on the brake, as you would if you were driving a manual. A number of carmakers use similar transmissions, from the same maker or other producers. VW was one of the first to use one of the new-age automatics and it has been plagued with issues, essentially the same ones you complain about. The clutch packs appear to be the cause of the issues, the shuddering etc. that you report; the electronics can be another source of trouble. We have spoken to Ford and we know that a Ford representative has been in contact with you to arrange a test drive of your car, and the company ha s arranged a loan car while yours is being evaluated.

It's good to hear that you have been able to come to a satisfactory resolution with Ford over the issue. It's also good to hear that the consumer protection system works.