Ford Focus 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.

It’s likely the clutches need replacing; it is a common problem with your model. Take it to a Ford dealer and ask them to approach Ford about repairing it under warranty at no cost to you. You could also approach Ford’s customer service people directly. The problem you will have in getting them to fix it for you is that the car is now seven years old and you bought it secondhand.

If only it was that easy. I assume that it’s not giving you any trouble now, but if it is you could get it repaired under the warranty. If it’s not I don’t see you have grounds for a full refund, even though that model has a poor reputation for its transmission troubles. If you had done your homework before buying it you would have found lots of reports on the troublesome transmission.

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.

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.

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.

Our checks with Ford suggest there is no shortage of supply of the Focus, so shop around at other dealers.