Ford Focus 2015 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2015 Ford Focus? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2015 Ford Focus issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2015 Ford Focus in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Ford Focus review: 2011-2018
By Graham Smith · 27 Jun 2018
It should have been plain sailing for Ford with the European designed Focus, but it wasn't to be. The introduction of a dual-clutch automatic transmission saw the Focus badge develop a reputation for appalling reliability. Dual-clutch automatics were hailed as a revolution in transmission technology, promising the
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Used Ford Focus reviews: 2002-2015
By Ewan Kennedy · 20 May 2016
Ewan Kennedy reviews the Ford Focus as a used buy.
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Conventional auto Focus best?
Answered by Graham Smith · 11 Dec 2015

Certainly. The Focus is a great driving car, and now with a regular auto it is a really attractive proposition.

Refund wanted on Fiesta
Answered by Graham Smith · 09 Oct 2015

I can understand your frustration and I think you have a good case for getting a refund, but it's very hard to do that in this country where the manufacturer holds all the cards. The only thing you can do if you want to pursue it is to get legal advice. We understand there is a class-action suit happening in the USA on this same subject, you might be able to hook up with that.

This is an issue that continues the haunt Ford even after it paid millions of dollars in fines levied by the ACCC for way it conducted itself in the face of the dual-clutch transmission fiasco. Fundamentally, about half the Fords delivered in Australia with the Powershift transmission, experienced either problems or outright transmission failures. Some of them on multiple occasions.

Ford’s response of initially ignoring the problem and then blaming its customers stands as a 24-carat example of how not to do things. And the ACCC agreed, fining and condemning the company’s behaviour. Eventually, Ford was forced to offer customers a good deal on the next model Focus which featured a conventional automatic gearbox. Even then, the ACCC’s view was that Ford should have offered a full refund, not a sweetened deal to trade up to the newer model. Simply replacing the problem gearboxes wasn’t a widespread permanent fix as the replacement units would have given precisely the same problems.

If you bought your car second-hand, that’s another problem because, really, the affected cars should have been scrapped, not resold to unsuspecting buyers (another beef the ACCC had with Ford at the time).

I think your first port of call should be to the ACCC who will be able to give you an idea of the current situation as far as the problem goes, and what Ford is currently doing about it. Bear in mind, though, the original problem surfaced many years ago, so you’re a late member of the Powershift club.

Ford’s EcoBoost engines have a bit of a track record with blown head gaskets thanks to the fundamental design of the crankcase where it meets the cylinder head. Given the relatively high turbo-boost pressure some of these engines use to produce their impressive performance, the head gasket can fail.

But it’s also fair to say that this engine design has also seen its share of overheating problems, blown turbochargers and coolant leaks (often into the cylinders). With that in mind, don’t bother guessing what the problem is, allow a mechanic to inspect the engine and give you a professional opinion based on facts.

What's a good small car for $20,000?
Answered by Graham Smith · 21 Aug 2015

Of those you have been looking at I would rule out the Cruze on the basis of its transmission troubles. The Focus and the Hyundai are good cars and would do what you want nicely. Others to consider would be the Mazda3 and the Kia Rio.

Ford Focus vs Kia Cerato
Answered by Paul Gover · 23 Nov 2015

The Cerato is a great package. If she is a keen driver who wants the sporty feel of the Focus, go with the Ford.

Ford Focus 2015: How reliable is it compared to competitors?
Answered by Graham Smith · 28 Sep 2018

Ford changed from the LW model to the LZ in 2015. The LW had a dual-clutch automatic, which was very problematic and should be avoided; the later LZ had a regular automatic transmission and has none of the problems that beset the LW. In short the LZ is worth buying, and can be compared to the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla for reliability.

 

Transmission failure in 2015 Ford Focus Sport
Answered by David Morley · 14 Mar 2023

Perhaps you've been lucky and simply bought a freakish Focus without any DCT Powershift transmission problems. But when more than half the small Fords sold in Australia fitted with that transmission  experiencing either single or multiple failures, I'm afraid the odds are stacked against you in the longer term. It seems there are two types of Focus Powershift transmissions: Those that have failed, and; those that will fail at some stage.

The price you paid is probably about where the market is now, but this is a car we can't recommend at any price.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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