2014 Ford Focus

2,602 complaints on file, page 1 of 131.

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Jul 16, 2026bacliff, TXBody

   door latch recall

   NHTSA complaint 11767497
2. Filed Sep 12, 2026Failure Jul 10, 2026Henrico, VAPower train

   The Transmission Control Module (TCM), within the PowerShift DPS6 Automatic Transmission, failed completely on a 2014 Ford Focus (72,000 miles). The failed component is no longer physically available for inspection as it was retained by the independent service facility as a core replacement, but full repair invoices and diagnostic documentation are available. The failure caused a sudden and unpredictable loss of forward motive power, severe gear hesitation, and failure to engage drive gears while operating the vehicle. The gears would slip and it made continuous forward acceleration at the speed limit nearly impossible. This created an immediate hazard of being rear-ended and/or stranded in ongoing traffic without acceleration capability. Shortly afterwards it also completely lost the ability to reverse. The problem was formally reproduced, diagnosed, and confirmed by an independent repair facility during service. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. A Check Engine Light illuminated came on at approx 72,000 miles while I was running morning errands. The light came on as I started feeling some sudden rough driving after accelerating from a red light, and within 1-2 miles of driving was when the TCM started failing completely. While Ford acknowledged this systemic DPS6 defect under Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, strict guidelines required an active diagnostic code (P090C) before approving a warranty replacement, preventing lower-mileage owners from receiving preventive service before the 10-year calendar cap expired. I was forced to pay $1,927.26 out-of-pocket for a replacement with an OEM part.

   NHTSA complaint 11763818
3. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2026Oklahoma City, OKFuel/propulsion system

   Car has been cutting off while idleing, or at a stop light. It has also cut off while driving. It has also lost a form of power while going down the highway. The car doesn’t cut off, but pressing the gas does nothing and the rpm’s go crazy, then eventually it catches and the gas peddle works again.

   NHTSA complaint 11763225
4. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 3, 202627,665 milesRoanoke, VAFuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle jerked and shuddered abnormally. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the RPM fluctuated. The contact believed that the engine was going to shut off. The contact stated that a technician arrived and the residence to perform an unknown recall repair associated with the purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the technician inspected the vehicle and took notes. The failure reoccurred. The contact was informed that the failure was possibly associated with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The contact stated that a recall repair was scheduled. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 27,665.

   NHTSA complaint 11762685
5. Filed Sep 3, 2026Failure Jun 15, 2026133,283 milesColumbus, GAPower train

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the transmission was slipping with the message “Transmission Overheated - Stop Vehicle” displayed. There was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle while stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, shifted to neutral, and remained stopped for 10 minutes before the vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure had occurred several times. Eventually, the vehicle was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch actuator and throw-out bearing had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,283.

   NHTSA complaint 11761884
6. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Mar 18, 2026Geneva, ALPower train

   The transmission over heating light comes on and says stop safely or wait 5 mins you can be going down the road and it jumps out gear and want go anywhere and it very dangerous.and I want no if ford fixes the problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11759050
7. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Dec 1, 202183,000 milesHephzibah, GAEngine, Steering

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that upon reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The message "See the Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power while driving uphill and the steering became very loose. The contact stated that while turning to the left or the right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V369000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 14V514000 (STEERING); as possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11756250
8. Filed Aug 8, 2026Failure Jun 8, 2026Danville, PAPower train

   I own a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium with approximately 75,000 miles and the DPS6 automatic transmission. The transmission has developed a serious and recurring problem. The vehicle began violently jerking/shuddering while moving forward and suddenly would not go into reverse. A transmission warning light came on. After the battery was recharged, reverse temporarily returned, but the same transmission problems came back while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed with trouble code P090C:68, related to the clutch actuator system. Ford has known about recurring DPS6 transmission problems in these vehicles for years and has issued multiple technical service bulletins and customer programs addressing transmission clutch shudder, shifting problems, loss of engagement, and related failures. Ford’s own documentation has acknowledged conditions that can result in loss of transmission engagement, loss of power, and other driveability problems. My Ford dealer told me Ford has known about this problem for a long time but considers it not to be a safety issue and therefore will not pay for the repair. The dealer estimated the repair at $6,077.31, and I was charged $159 for the diagnosis. I believe this is a serious safety concern. Sudden jerking, unpredictable transmission engagement, inability to reverse, or unexpected loss of propulsion can create a dangerous situation when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, accelerating from a stop, or attempting to move out of the path of another vehicle. I am concerned that Ford has known about these recurring transmission failures for years, yet affected vehicles can still experience potentially dangerous transmission failures without a permanent safety remedy. I request that NHTSA investigate the DPS6 transmission in 2014 Ford Focus vehicles and determine whether these known defects constitute a safety-related defect and whether a safety recall or other corrective action is warranted.

   NHTSA complaint 11755617
9. Filed Aug 7, 2026Failure Jul 24, 2026174,400 milesSan Antonio, TXPower train

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle stopped independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted; however, the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,400.

   NHTSA complaint 11755542
10. Filed Aug 6, 2026Failure Nov 1, 2025Greenville, TNSteering

    When I turned on my car the power steering said at fault and normally I could turn it off then turn it back on and it worked but after that time it never turned back on

    NHTSA complaint 11755369
11. Filed Jul 28, 2026Failure Jul 27, 202627,000 milesPhoenix, MDEngine, Power train

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11753298
12. Filed Jul 28, 2026Failure May 20, 2026100,000 milesLakewood, OHPower train

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed from the scene of the failure. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with a transmission module failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall associated with the powertrain; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance with repairing the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11753243
13. Filed Jul 21, 2026Failure Jul 21, 202696,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAEngine, Power train

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted from neutral(N), to park(P), and then to drive(D) for the vehicle to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11751912
14. Filed Jul 14, 2026Failure Jun 25, 2026Cedar Rapids, IAPower train

    Purchased 2014 Ford Focus from a private dealer. The vehicle had 75k miles on it and needed a reliable vehicle for my daughter who is in college. The same day as the purchase, the engine light came up as well as the transmission light. Had to tow it to ford and was advised the TCM needed replacement. Apparently this is a well known issue but the vehicle wasn’t covered under a recall for the issue. Paid $1960 to get that repaired as well as $135 for a tow. Ridiculous and Ford will not do anything about it.

    NHTSA complaint 11750441
15. Filed Jul 14, 2026Failure Jul 13, 2026Phoenix, AZEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    Ford Camelback Lincoln refused to replace my leaking fuel tank and would only complete the software updates for the CPV. The fuel tank is leaking due to a deformed seal on the filler neck. Ford Corporate advised me to drive to another dealership location for a second opinion. They advised me to drive a vehicle actively leaking fuel instead of assisting me to have the dealership replace the fuel tank.

    NHTSA complaint 11750315
16. Filed Jul 13, 2026Failure Jul 6, 2026128,000 milesRiverdale, GAPower train

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact used an OBD scanner to retrieve DTC: P06B8. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11750043
17. Filed Jun 24, 2026Failure Jun 3, 2026Muskogee, OKFuel/propulsion system, Power train

    I started smelling gasoline coming from the rear outside part of the car. I took the car to the local Ford dealership and they found a canister purge valve stuck open. They fixed it and I paid $414. A few days later and still smelling gasoline, I took it to tire place so they can lift it up to check the bottom where the fuel tank is located and the immediately saw fuel/gasoline leaking from the tank. I took it back to the Ford dealership and complained how they missed it the first time. They checked it and told me the fuel tank was completely ruined from excessive vacuum effect of the previous canister purge valve issue and that I needed a new fuel tank. They put in a new fuel tank and I told them this issue had a recall on the same make and model of car in 2018 and from that recall, this issue had been fixed then but it just happened again. I paid $2,088 for the new fuel tank and power train control module reset. So the total I have paid to fix this issue over $2,500 and about two days later, Ford motor company issued a new recall 26S40 for this specific issue on this specific 2012-2018 make and model car. So I hope my car will be added and searchable for the recall on both Ford’s and government’s websites when they initiate it on July 6, 2026. I have all the repair receipts and will file for a refund as soon as I receive the recall letter. Thank you.

    NHTSA complaint 11746187
18. Filed Jun 24, 2026Failure Aug 27, 202556,838 milesDenver, COBack over prevention, Power train

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear, causing the transmission to slip, and the vehicle shuddered heavily while accelerating forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the backup camera failed to function since the vehicle was purchased in 2022. The vehicle possessed a long history of identical transmission failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions for transmission failures. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer at 56,838 miles, where an electrical failure covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 was addressed, and the dealer replaced the TCM assembly, performed adaptive learning, and installed a replacement clutch assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a second time at 69,000 miles, where the dealer replaced the clutch assembly due to the recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a third time at 90,000 miles, where it was determined that the clutch assembly had failed once more and required a third replacement. The dealer was notified of the current failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11746151
19. Filed Jun 19, 2026Failure Jun 17, 2026Denver, COEngine

    I have a 2014 Focus. I wasn’t aware that there was an issue with the Focus make for the years 2011-2016. There’s a PO9OC and loss of reverse issue. It’s a transmission. The car isn’t safe to drive. My car is at 52,496. It sounds like this was a known issue by Ford and I was not made aware of a Power-shift history.

    NHTSA complaint 11745308
20. Filed Jun 10, 2026Failure Jun 4, 2026Salt Lake City, UTElectrical system, Power train

    My 2014 Ford Focus with a DPS6 dual-clutch transmission began experiencing severe shuddering and harsh shifting. A Ford dealership confirmed the concern and diagnosed DTC P07A3 — Transmission Friction Element A Stuck On — using Ford's prescribed pinpoint test. Recommended repair exceeds $4,000. Vehicle is available for inspection. This is a recurring failure on this specific vehicle. Ford's own warranty history documents six prior DPS6 repairs between 2016 and 2023, including two full clutch replacements, three TCM/PCM reprogramming sessions, and a full TCM replacement under program 14M02 — all at Ford dealerships. The current failure occurs just 35,000 miles after Ford's most recent transmission repair. Prior repair orders document dangerous safety events including sudden loss of drive while in motion, no-start conditions, and complete loss of throttle control on the highway — consistent with the known DPS6 failure pattern. Ford issued six Customer Satisfaction Programs covering this transmission over eleven years — 14M01, 14M02, 15B22, 19N07, 19N08, and 14M02 Supplement 7 — acknowledging a persistent design defect. Despite this documented repeat failure history on this specific vehicle, Ford has denied goodwill assistance. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Ford's continued denial of repair assistance on vehicles with documented repeat DPS6 failures and the ongoing safety implications of this transmission's known design defects.

    NHTSA complaint 11743241