Ford Focus Gearbox & Transmission Problems

I feel your pain, but I fear that neither Ford nor its dealers know how to fix this problem. They are clearly muddling along in the dark, making so-called software changes, and ultimately putting a new clutch in. I suspect they know that it won't fix the problem, and they're just waiting for the day these cars are off he road and no longer a problem for them. I don't believe you will get anywhere with Ford, what I would suggest is that you contact a lawyer and try to get a class action up. It rarely happens in this country, where we tend to roll over and cop it, but at some point something has got to give and carmakers held to account. Another reader who doesn't want to be identified has recently got back to us to tell is that they have reached a settlement with Ford over a similar issue. That suggests that if you're persistent enough you could reach a resolution.

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

It’s best of you can come to a resolution with Ford and as there are plenty of reports of problems with this transmission that should be possible. I would maintain the pressure on the company until you get the response you want. If that ultimately fails I would have a solicitor send them a letter demanding action.

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.

In theory the DSG is a no-brainer, but it's different in practice because of the troubles that have plagued the DSG in all brands. The safe option is to go for the Focus; the riskier one is to go with the DSG. If it weren't for the well-documented reliability issues I would go for the DSG.

Persist in contacting Ford's customer care people and seek a solution. If you give up, there's no chance of getting a resolution. We are prepared to contact Ford on your behalf, but we need your name and details of your car before we can do anything.

I can understand your frustration; the only option is to get out of the car. Ford has obviously offered you a deal that is unsatisfactory to you. You won't get back the money you have already spent on the car, your best course of action is to negotiate the best possible deal you can with Ford. You could try Consumer Affairs for help, or consult a lawyer, but should you do that you should be prepared for a long and protracted process that it is only likely to cause you considerable anguish. If a satisfactory deal can't be worked out with Ford go shopping and buy a car from another brand.

Your mechanic and the Ford dealer are correct; your car has a dry clutch transmission, so there is no call for the oil to be changed.

You’re right to be skeptical and question the information the dealer has given you. Ford claimed that the shuddering was caused by fluid contamination due to leaking transmission seals, and offered owners extended warranty coverage on the transmission up to five years. We have no evidence of the success of the changes made, so can only advise you to be cautious and make sure you get the extended warranty coverage if you go ahead and buy one of the cars you’re considering.

You're right there doesn't seem to be a fix for the problem; no matter what the dealer or Ford does it always comes back. The answer is to cut your loses and get out of the car the best way you can, and seeing you bought it from a Ford dealer you could appeal to their conscience to give you a good deal on a trade-in on another car. Other owners have been able to negotiate their way out of these troublesome cars, so try that.