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2012 Focus Transmission Shaking

393K views 1K replies 297 participants last post by  drag-t 
#1 ·
I've had my new Ford Focus for less than 2 months. I'm about to take it back to the Northside Ford Service Center in San Antonio, which will make my fourth time to have it back in service since I bought it. At very low speeds, like in stop-and-go driving, with light breaking pressure, the car shakes and shutters. At first I was told it's just the way the new transmissions are. I drove to another dealership and drove another Focus. The problem was not there. So I took it back in and was they given a copy of a service bulletin that says the shuttering problem will soon clear up and the clutches needed time to break in. The problem got worse. I took it back in a third time, and on the way a cooling fan motor burned up, and after a week they said the cooling fan motor was replaced and the shuttering couldn't be felt. Well I drove it off the lot, turned around, and asked the service rep to go for a ride. When I showed him what I had been experiencing he was wide-eyed and went back in to get the transmission expert who also took a ride and said that's a real problem because our legs were shaking inside the car. The tech then agreed that he would not be happy paying $21,000 for a car that acted this way. So now, I'm leaving it at the service center again. Oh, and the trans tech now says he thinks if may be a braking problem. Has anyone experienced the same thing? I'm very, very close to just parking it and hiring a lawyer. I feel taken for a ride, and not in a Ford Focus.
 
#2 ·
This is normal. Many people have complained about this before (including Fiesta owners), but they're just not used to dual clutch transmissions. This isn't a PowerShift exclusive issue either. The DSG system used in Volkswagens have the same issue. It's just how these transmissions work. They have a very notchy feel to them because they're technically automated manual transmissions.

What makes this different from regular automatics is the absence of the torque converter, which smooths out the shifting process. You're probably asking "well why the hell don't they have one?" Because torque converters are highly inefficient and sap a lot of power from the engine and reduce fuel economy considerably. The only solution would be to switch to a CVT or another traditional automatic car.

Sorry to put it so bluntly but that's just the reality of it. If it makes you any happier Ford is talking about development of an 8-speed transmission in the future (which is not dual clutch). Personally I would love to get my hands on a PowerShift car. Ford is probably the only manufacturer in America that is pioneering this wonderful technology for entry level cars (bonus points for using a maintenance-free dry system).
 
#20 ·
Well Moose, I would be happy to sale you mine. I've had it for 3 weeks, it has 1300 miles on it. you can have it for what I paid.
We have almost been broad sided because it likes to stop after accelleration and try to figue out what gear to go to next. Problem is, the program is designed to "learn" our driving habits. Well, that may be fine if there is only one driver but, when there is 2, It can't handle the pressure. There are other issues with it as well; Shuddering, studdering and just when you get used to the hesitation, it shoots off the line making it impossible to learn to guage the merging process.
I took it back today They have 3 attempts to fix it and after 15 days "out of service" I can send FoMoCo the little form in the back of the Lemon Law brochure.
Thus begins my trip down Lemon Law Lane.....
 
#3 ·
You got to be kidding

Coffee sitting in a cup in the cup holder began splattering over the seats. If that is the new normal then forget Ford. The transmission tech said he would not buy a car that did what this one did. Can't believe they would design a car that acts this way.
 
#4 ·
Have you been in a manual transmission car before? I don't mean to sound asinine, just asking. Basically it's not the smoothest ride all the time. You'll have rough shifts, and yes a break-in period is involved. Maybe your case is a little more severe and you have every right to complain to Ford. But I figured I'd offer a heads up that dual clutch transmissions by nature are a little more jolty than your typical automatic.
 
#5 ·
I like how you attack the guy for not knowing "that's just how transmissions are" and "have you ever driven a manual!!!" when he clearly states he drove a different focus that does not have the problem and he had 2 different service people say it's not normal. There is a difference from DSG shuttering and an entire car shaking. Thanks for all the sterling advice moose.

To the OP: I wish I could help but I'm still waiting for mine to get delivered ><
 
#9 ·
Thanks, lyonsroar. This is a very common complaint for the PowerShift transmission. Dual clutch transmissions in general is a new technology for a lot of people. "Shuddering" is a very broad term that can vary in severity from person to person. And we know from several examples throughout different manufacturers that this type of transmission tends to be a little harsh at slower speeds.

As another example (albeit a normal automatic), my car "shudders" violently if I put it into Reverse gear right after I turn the ignition. It has this feature where it warms up the catalytic converter by revving the engine during startup automatically. So when I throw it into reverse, the entire transmission literally shakes violently and makes a loud clunking sound like it's about to rip itself apart. I freaked the f' out when I first discovered this after buying my car, thinking something was wrong. Turns out it's a built-in feature for most Aisin transmissions. Someone was explaining to me that I'd typically have to wait a few seconds for the car to warm up a bit. Never had a problem since.

Lots of cars come with quirks like that. With the EPA cramming more and more restrictions into our cars, manufacturers are thinking up unique ways of handling those challenges with their own patented technologies. The dual clutch transmission is another example that comes with its own set of quirks. Although now it sounds like this case is probably not normal, since no new car is supposed to shake to the point of spilling coffee everywhere. Notchy feeling of gears shifting, yes... but not physical violent shuddering.

I apologize for sounding so harsh and blunt in my post. It wasn't meant as a personal attack. But like I said you have to realize that the term "shuddering" can be interpreted in a many number of ways. Maybe a quick video clip through a cellphone or digital camera could offer a little more insight into the problem. In any case the OP did the right thing and got the dealership involved ASAP. They have the tools and knowledge to know if it's really an issue. I was just going by the brief description that was posted and the previous complaints of the PowerShift transmission being harsh (typical in Fiestas).
 
#11 ·
Me again

Good morning,
Yes, I've been in a manual transmission car. I've driven autocross and hill climb events. First car was a Sunbeam then a manual tran Mustang 289. I've also bought many, many new cars and I've never experienced problems that caused me to take it back to the dealership this many times. I'm 59 years old and not a newbie to what smooth and rough rides feel like. I don't mind a harder than normal shift to gain power and economy; I just don't want to crack a tooth. Also remember, this is all happening at a constant 2 or 3 miles an hour. There is no acceleration involved. In fact, it is under very light pressure on the break, just like in a stop-and-go traffic situation. It feels like the trans can't make up it's mind if it wants to be in neutral of first gear and very quickly shutters between the two. And, the trans expert at the Ford dealership says it's not normal when he rode in the parking lot with me yesterday. He was actually astonished. Finally, I've done more than make a cell phone video of this. As the news director for a television station, I've had a photographer record the shuttering on a Panasonic P2 camera to document this whole episode. If I wind up having to post it online, I'll provide a link. I just want it fixed or my money back.
 
#212 ·
Good morning,
Yes, I've been in a manual transmission car. I've driven autocross and hill climb events. First car was a Sunbeam then a manual tran Mustang 289. I've also bought many, many new cars and I've never experienced problems that caused me to take it back to the dealership this many times. I'm 59 years old and not a newbie to what smooth and rough rides feel like. I don't mind a harder than normal shift to gain power and economy; I just don't want to crack a tooth. Also remember, this is all happening at a constant 2 or 3 miles an hour. There is no acceleration involved. In fact, it is under very light pressure on the break, just like in a stop-and-go traffic situation. It feels like the trans can't make up it's mind if it wants to be in neutral of first gear and very quickly shutters between the two. And, the trans expert at the Ford dealership says it's not normal when he rode in the parking lot with me yesterday. He was actually astonished. Finally, I've done more than make a cell phone video of this. As the news director for a television station, I've had a photographer record the shuttering on a Panasonic P2 camera to document this whole episode. If I wind up having to post it online, I'll provide a link. I just want it fixed or my money back.
Amen!!!! Best of Luck!!!!
 
#12 ·
Hi hgrizzard,

I am truly sorry for the hassle you are experiencing with your shifting concerns. I understand that it is very frustrating to have to worry about your brand new car shaking all over inside, especially to the point you are unable to even have a cup of coffee. It is positive news that the dealer is actively working to diagnose your issue. I would like to assist in resolving this for you. Please PM me your VIN, contact info, mileage, and dealer so I can try to help.

~Natasha
 
#138 ·
I have 12,000 miles on my 2012 Focus now and the problem with the shaking is not getting better but worse. It shutters (or hunches as my husband calls it) when you try to take off, it shifts like some one who does know how to drive a straight drive (and it is an automatic). It is now making the rattle sounds like a straight drive when you fail to down shift in a timely manner going up a hill. It is ridiculous that Ford can't figure out how to make this better. I love the car, how it drives once it gets going and the ride, but for a new car to act like a manual transmission and the driver has never driven a straight drive is ridiculous. It even jumps forward like you popped the clutch at times going into 2nd or 3rd gear or like it skips a gear. The dealer also told me that Ford said this is all normal and the car needed time for the clutch to break in. Well, 12,000 miles should be borken in enough to be getting better not worse. Any ideas on what to do now. Let the transmission fall apart and then Ford has to fix it??? Or can the dealer not try to find some kind of solution to this.
 
#14 ·
And how would I do that?

Natasha,
How exactly do I PM you? This is a no reply email.
And, here is the latest from the service department, where the car has now sat for nearly two weeks: the brake supposedly disengages the transmission when you step on it. In an earlier conversation they denied that that happens. So at low speeds, they say, the computer is having trouble determining if the transmission should engage or disengage. Thus, the fluttering back and forth between neutral and first gear. The shaking is the car not being able to make up its' mind to go or not to go. So, they say they've made some "programming" changes. We'll see, we'll see. My advice, give these guys another year or two to get the bugs out of this car. Oh yea, and don't forget at less than 4,000 miles, a cooling fan motor burned out.
 
#16 ·
Hi hgrizzard,

As Vexorg posted, click on the picture, or you can click on my username, then select the third option down, "Send a private message to FordCustomerService". Please include your VIN, contact info, mileage, and dealer so I can assist. I will keep a look out for your reply.

~Natasha
 
#17 ·
I have the same issue

I just got a 2012 Focus Hatchback (Titanium) and I have to say that I do love the car. However, I have had the shuddering problem that you mention but I dont seem to have it to the extent you describe. I was sitting in traffic the other day for about 30 minutes and every time I inched forward my car felt like it was going to stall. This is a real pain in the neck to me, and am considering bringing it back to the dealer to see if they can change the idle speed, but Im not sure if they can. Overall the car is awesome, but this shuddering thing is something that Im really not wanting to live with for the next 8 years (or so)!

If anyone has any success stories on getting this fixed, I would love to hear about it!
 
#19 ·
I just got a 2012 Focus Hatchback (Titanium) and I have to say that I do love the car. However, I have had the shuddering problem that you mention but I dont seem to have it to the extent you describe. I was sitting in traffic the other day for about 30 minutes and every time I inched forward my car felt like it was going to stall. This is a real pain in the neck to me, and am considering bringing it back to the dealer to see if they can change the idle speed, but Im not sure if they can. Overall the car is awesome, but this shuddering thing is something that Im really not wanting to live with for the next 8 years (or so)!

If anyone has any success stories on getting this fixed, I would love to hear about it!
Hi sdailey123,

Congrats on your new Focus! I am so glad you love it! It does take some time for it to get acclimated to your driving habits. Since it feels like it is going to stall, I suggest having the dealer take a look to make sure everything is functioning correctly. Please PM me with your VIN, contact information, mileage, and servicing dealer information. I will work with you to resolve this.

~Natasha
 
#31 ·
Wow, I guess when you have over 70000 members you get lots of love[thumb].

If this is the new normal for transmissions- crappy , lowdown, assinine, stupid,substandard ,automatic crashing transmissions injuring our neighbors- or CLASS ACTION , for short, then Ford can crush them for all I care.

I'll keep my 11 year old running.

Remember, three strikes...
 
#22 ·
05's were a new engine- but one of the most reliable Focis to date. Yes, and a big step backwards for Ford with the 2012 Focus. My high hopes are being squished. I'd have thought that the problems with programming on the DCT would've been figured out on last year's Fiestas. I'm still looking forward to the DCT problems being solved. Ford had issues with every technological advancement- like the inertia switch, which is one reason I went from GM to Fords, but in it's early days it caused big problems.
 
#23 ·
Going to weigh in here too. I've had mine now for about two weeks. I get a bit of shuddering also if I ask for too much acceleration when the car is cold. Sometimes it lurches forward like a horse stretching at the bit and then it sags and decides it's going to walk instead.

This can be dangerous when trying to merge from a stop into fast moving traffic. Going easy on the accelerator for the first few minutes helps. To me it seems less of a transmission problem than a fuel mixture problem. It feels like the fuel mixture is cycling from too rich to too lean.

What seems to help is to change the drive mode from normal to S.
 
#24 ·
Hi everyone,

I truly understand how upset you all are with the transmission issues. I assure you that Ford reviews all documented cases, and actively works to resolve them and prevent it in the future. For those of you working with your dealers, please continue to do so. I know, no one wants to have to visit the dealer so soon on a new car, but they are best able to determine solutions. If the dealer's repair hasn't fixed your issue, please PM me with your VIN, contact info, mileage, and dealer so I can try to assist. Your patience would be greatly appreciated.

~Natasha
 
#589 ·
I could really use your help. My 2012 SEL Focus has the shuddering issue as well as being very sluggish on anything but hard start. The dealer once "reflashed" , however this has not helped. On a visit to another dealer, I was handed a 5 page printout, basically saying these bad characteristics were normal. HELP please
 
#25 ·
The transmission works itself out during the break in period and so their does not appear to be any problem. The dual clutch system is something different that we are not accustomed too, and we have to go with it during the short break in period. It might be a good idea for Ford to have dealers explain that the shuttering is a characteristic at the beginning and not a problem.
 
#30 ·
Hi Flapster,

Since your concern is getting worse, it is definitely best to have it addressed. We prefer to resolve issues sooner rather than later. [;)] I have responded to your PM, and will work with you to resolve this.

DEREKC,

Thank you for the feedback on having the dealer mention the differences of the dual clutch.

~Natasha
 
#34 ·
I am writing in regard to my 2012 Ford Focus SE that we had purchased on May 26th, 2011. I have been having the same issues as many other owners of this newest model of Focus. Hesitation with acceleration, stuttering or fluttering while idling, and most recently a "grinding" occasionally occurs while the gears are shifting.
I brought this to the attention of the dealership on June 3rd when picking up a trunk liner. One of the delivery coordinators that was assisting me with the features had offered to ride with me and even drive it to see what it was doing. He has agreed that there was "fluttering" and that it was not operating correctly. The car was brought in for an appointment on June 7th. At that time my husband and daughter had to sit for 1 1/2 hours until the service manager finally came and put them in a loaner vehicle. We were told that the problems were with the newly designed transmission and needed to be reset. We were also told at that time that it could be a couple of days before the transmission adjusted to the driver. The problems continued so I called the service department on June 16th and was told that that they had been receiving "a lot of communication from Ford about this issue in the new transmissions". And that it could take anywhere from "1,000 to 2,000 miles to break it in". And now that our newest problem with the grinding of gears in between shifting has arose, it goes back in on June 21st.
At this point I am very disappointed in Ford overall, not only in their service and the way I have been treated in the dealership locally, but as a corporation to release this product to new car buyers and not explain to their purchasers about these possible defects.

Sorry for the rant, but I want to share my ford experience.
 
#39 ·
stonesour1,

I am very sorry you are so disappointed. I will continue assisting with your issues through PM, and you are also able to contact the Customer Care Specialist you have been working with. I hope once your issues are resolved, your satisfaction in Ford will be restored.

~Natasha
 
#36 ·
It just suck cause we were so excited about this car and then to have this happen. And the fact that it feels like they are delaying the servicing of the car out long enough to screw us over so we can't do anything about it & feeding us lines of BS. Why did they not say there was going to be a breaking in period before I bought the thing. That what makes me mad cause I would of gotten a different make. Should of stuck the Pacifica I used as the trade in, we had it for five years no problems. It had over 100,000 miles, all I ever did to it was oil changes every 3000 miles & new set of tires in it's lifespan that we had it. And to top it all off is that is the four new car from them in 10 years. If they don't make it right I will be trade my Mustang in on a Camaro within the next couple of weeks & will never own a ford again.
 
#37 ·
Please google on fiesta transmission problems. Also, the NHTSA complaint DB for the 2011 Fiesta shows over 1/2 their complaints are related to the tranny. Ford does have an issue with the 6-speed tranny and a Ford Service Rep on one forum only says it's being investigated. The tranny issue usually shows up within a few thousand miles for some cars and one person is on tranny #3 at less than 10k miles.

The 2012 Focus uses the same exact 6-speed tranny that's been used on the Fiesta for the past year. Granted this tranny acts different but pinging, grinding and stalling issues caused by the tranny is not normal. I'm waiting on Ford to find a solution before buying another Focus or possibly a Fiesta.
 
#38 · (Edited)
Natasha,
Can you provide more insight since you are apparently aware of this ongoing issue? I assume this is the same Ford Rep named Natasha who is replying on the Fiesta forums concerning the same lengthy ongoing issue with the Fiesta/Focus shared tranny:

Hi everyone,

I truly understand how upset you all are with the transmission issues. I assure you that Ford reviews all documented cases, and actively works to resolve them and prevent it in the future. For those of you working with your dealers, please continue to do so. I know, no one wants to have to visit the dealer so soon on a new car, but they are best able to determine solutions. Also, please PM me with your VIN, contact info, mileage, and dealer so I can try to assist. Your patience would be greatly appreciated.

~Natasha
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#40 ·
Hi bananaboat,

Yes, I handle FiestaFaction.com as well. I am very aware of the issues that are affecting some Fiesta and Focus transmissions. While the symptoms may be the same, the causes may be different. Additionally, while it seems that every owner is having transmission difficulties, the forums only represent a small percentage of owners. I assure you the concerns on this site are not an indication of an issue that affects every Fiesta and Focus. Engineering is working to resolve this for those that have concerns. I will keep everyone updated as information is communicated.

~Natasha
 
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