Ford Focus Gearbox & Transmission Problems

The PowerShift is Ford’s dual-clutch automatic transmission, and is used on petrol and diesel engines. If you really want to buy a Focus buy a manual.

There’s every chance that it is the dreaded PowerShift transmission problem. Ford generally takes responsibility for the problem, so it would be in your best interest to contact Ford and register your problem with its customer assistance people (13 3673), particularly if your warranty is about to expire next month. It's well documented the dual-clutch transmissions in the Ford Focus and Fiesta have issues.

There is a class action underway against Ford over the problems with the Focus automatic transmission. More information can be found here.

It seems there is no fix for this problem. Ford has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the problem and treatment of customers with problem cars. Even the ACCC has decided to get involved, which is very rare. You could ask Ford for a refund or a replacement car, but as the ACCC chairman pointed out the deal Ford offers customers looking to get out of their cars isn't a great one. If you don't get any satisfaction from Ford go to the state government's consumer affairs department for advice, or call the ACCC.

The problem affects 2010-2016 Focus cars with petrol engines, at this time the transmission in your car is not affected. Once you know what is causing your problem you can decide what course of action you will take.

The shuddering that caused such a flap with the Focus was related to the dual-clutch automatic gearbox that was fitted to earlier models. The 2016 model has a conventional six-speed auto and doesn’t have those issues.

Not all cars with the Powershift have been affected, but many have and it’s impossible to say yours won’t be at some time. If the deal with your dad is a good one, and it seems as though it is, then it’s probably worth taking the risk. If you can feel any shuddering when you drive it then it’s likely you could have a problem; if you don’t then you could be in the clear. It’s not really dangerous to drive it, but it is annoying.

The trade-in value is appallingly low; it should be around $7000. If you haven’t already talked directly to Ford then do so (13 3673) and explain your concerns with the car, and request a better deal. If that fails to get a satisfactory response then go to the ACCC or VCAT.

There is a class action underway against Ford over the problems with the Focus automatic transmission. It sounds like you have as good a claim as anyone else.

The PowerShift is Ford’s dual-clutch automatic transmission, and is used on petrol and diesel engines. If you really want to buy a Focus buy a manual.

You’ll get market value, and on the Focus that will take into account the transmission problems it suffers. I don’t believe you can escape the fact that it has issues.