Any one have Transmission problems with there 2012 focus like slipping? Its like driving a standard with the clutch going.But I have an automatic.

Use the search function. There are multiple threads on this. Looks in the MK3 section and you will find everything you need.

I believe Ford did a recall for the 2012 automatics a little while back. Was your car affected by that, and if so, has it been repaired?

that was for roll back

Technically it IS a manual, and not an automatic. It may not be what you're used to, perhaps combined with an actual problem, but keep that in mind.

This is probably where my future posts on this topic belong.

What is your build date? There is a TSB (11-12-13) published on December 23, 2011 that states some cars might have transmission fluid leaking where the bell housing meets the engine. If you have this, get it fixed.

Unfortunately, the literature states nothing about the symptoms other than the leak. But from what I've heard from others that have this issue, their car makes a "grinding" or "rattling" noise while shifting (almost always into 2nd, 4th, 6th, and reverse due to their design sharing the same clutch (http://www.getrag.com/media/0000001557.pdf)) as well as slipping while accelerating on level ground and/or keeping steady speeds uphill.

If you don't have the transmission fluid under your vehicle, I presume we're in the same boat. I dropped my car off at the dealership this morning because of the slipping and mentioned someone I knew had the same noise except their car was leaking transmission fluid and mine isn't. I hope that steered them in the right direction. I don't want to have to go in there and say "Here is TSB 11-12-13. This is the issue. Fix it." because I'm only 99% certain that it is and to go over their heads seems rude.

This is probably where my future posts on this topic belong.

What is your build date? There is a TSB (11-12-13) published on December 23, 2011 that states some cars might have transmission fluid leaking where the bell housing meets the engine. If you have this, get it fixed.

Unfortunately, the literature states nothing about the symptoms other than the leak. But from what I've heard from others that have this issue, their car makes a "grinding" or "rattling" noise while shifting (almost always into 2nd, 4th, 6th, and reverse due to their design sharing the same clutch (http://www.getrag.com/media/0000001557.pdf)) as well as slipping while accelerating on level ground and/or keeping steady speeds uphill.

If you don't have the transmission fluid under your vehicle, I presume we're in the same boat. I dropped my car off at the dealership this morning because of the slipping and mentioned someone I knew had the same noise except their car was leaking transmission fluid and mine isn't. I hope that steered them in the right direction. I don't want to have to go in there and say "Here is TSB 11-12-13. This is the issue. Fix it." because I'm only 99% certain that it is and to go over their heads seems rude.

I have the grinding noise, and got a "transmission malfunction, service now" message some weeks ago. Where should I be looking for the fluid leak?... With this I would have enough arguments to get my transmission fixed.

Thanks!

I have the grinding noise, and got a "transmission malfunction, service now" message some weeks ago. Where should I be looking for the fluid leak?... With this I would have enough arguments to get my transmission fixed.

Take off the aero shield as if you were changing your oil (you'll need a T30 Torx bit). If there is a slick fluid leaking between the engine and bell housing, you've got a problem! If it's thick / honey-colored that's just corrosion inhibitor, don't worry about it.

Take off the aero shield as if you were changing your oil (you'll need a T30 Torx bit). If there is a slick fluid leaking between the engine and bell housing, you've got a problem! If it's thick / honey-colored that's just corrosion inhibitor, don't worry about it.

Thanks a lot, I'll take a look this weekend[wrenchin]

I'm also experiencing the Grinding sound when I accelerate but mostly when I accelerate while making a right turn and My car shudders like the transmission is slipping when i start off It last from the start of 1st gear and continues until I reach second gear.. I plan on taking it to the service department on monday but they will probably just play it off as nothing or try to convince me that it's all in my head like they always do..but I'll keep bringing it in until it's fixed..

I'll keep bringing it in until it's fixed..

Bless your heart.

I've just about given up on getting mine fixed under warranty. I really don't have the patience to keep going to dealers that don't fix my car or supply a rental. I might try my parents' dealership next time I go home since the Wisconsin ones seem to hate me.

Bless your heart.

I've just about given up on getting mine fixed under warranty. I really don't have the patience to keep going to dealers that don't fix my car or supply a rental. I might try my parents' dealership next time I go home since the Wisconsin ones seem to hate me.

Thanks..

I went to the dealership today at 8:15 Am and after sitting there for 7 hours I was told "The transmission is breaking in, Nothing to worry about" then I asked how long it would take to "Break in" they said between 1,500 and 3,000 miles that's a pretty huge window considering my car only has 400 miles.

I think if you read between the lines that means "I really have no clue what is going on with your transmission but maybe if you ignore it it will go away." LOL

I think tomorrow I'll look around for another dealership there are quite a few around me maybe one of them will have a service department that can fix this issue.. I would really hate to have to go to an independent repair shop and pay a few hundred in not thousand to fix something that's covered in my warranty..

I too am having a transmission issue with my 2012 Focus. I purchased my car in May 2012 and as of today it's been in the shop twice. The first time I was told that it was in the breaking in stage and it will pass. Well now I have 11k miles and my car has been in the shop since last Thursday Oct 18th and was told today Oct 25th that we have a fault clutch as well as a defective valve in the transmission and they will have to keep it for at least another 5 days. I'm not happy about this but I will wait and see if the car is repaired correctly which I truly have my doubts. The funny part to all of this was the first day I took it there I was told we couldn't duplicate the hesitation or gear skipping that my car was clearly doing. As the service people are pulling my car in for me to take home my loving focus jumped forward and spazzed the hell out, with that being said I was told we will get you a rental car LOL. Long story short I don't feel safe in my car and u shouldn't either!! My car is at a shop in Maryland and was told from the service writer this is a isolated problem and they have not seen this before but logging on here made me see that it is not isolated nor is it just a couple of 2012 Focus issues it's a lot bigger then Ford knows or wants to admit to. Please keep on your service provider to make your car safe for u and your passengers.

http://news.yahoo.com/ford-tumbles-again-reliability-survey-toyota-gains-195216535--finance.html

Do your own diligence on the hundreds of posts here about this problem but I would ask you to consider a few questions.

1. Ford says the hesitation/stumbling problem is normal, why then does Consumer reports include it as a bad thing in its reviews?
2. Many other brands have this transmission, do they all have a similar problem? (my VW GTI did not)
3. when cold weather hit new england, 2/3 of my problem went away. If it is normal, why did it go away ?

If you like everything else about the car, like I do, you need to be tactfully persistent about this issue. Don't just take the party line from the dealer and go home. be willing to contact the Ford home office customer service.

And do your homework, once you have read the hundreds of other posts and if you have ever owned another brand like the VW GTI-same type transmission, then you are better equipped to continue seeking a resolution.

http://news.yahoo.com/ford-tumbles-again-reliability-survey-toyota-gains-195216535--finance.html

Do your own diligence on the hundreds of posts here about this problem but I would ask you to consider a few questions.

1. Ford says the hesitation/stumbling problem is normal, why then does Consumer reports include it as a bad thing in its reviews?
2. Many other brands have this transmission, do they all have a similar problem? (my VW GTI did not)
3. when cold weather hit new england, 2/3 of my problem went away. If it is normal, why did it go away ?

If you like everything else about the car, like I do, you need to be tactfully persistent about this issue. Don't just take the party line from the dealer and go home. be willing to contact the Ford home office customer service.

And do your homework, once you have read the hundreds of other posts and if you have ever owned another brand like the VW GTI-same type transmission, then you are better equipped to continue seeking a resolution.

I've noticed the same thing with regard to ambient temperature. As the temps in MD have dropped to the 40s and 50s the grinding noise is pretty much gone. The first time I noticed it was last year during an indian summer.

Think ford is trying to gauge how much/little they need to do to fix this problem. There are certainly cases of broken seals causing clutch problems. does every DCT that shows wonky behavior have a bad seal? Maybe they can figure out how to give it an ultrasound.

It is interesting that more stories seem to be popping up on the forums about folks getting their clutches replaced.

Hey folks!

This is just a reminder that I'm always happy to look into ways I can help. Send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll get to work!

Have a great day,
Crystal [:)]

Hey folks!

This is just a reminder that I'm always happy to look into ways I can help. Send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll get to work!

Have a great day,
Crystal [:)]
Thanks Crystal, you did help me before but in the two weeks before I was due to go into the dealer, the weather here in new england turned much colder and the transmission shudder/hesitation problem was reduced by over 2/3 , making it what I WOULD call normal.

I would offer as food for thought: how could the shudder/hestitation possibly be normal if the advent of cold weather made it go away so much ?

If its normal it should continue.

Anyone else seeing any change in cold weather ?

ps I am a former vw gti owner and am very familiar with this type transmission.

if you do a search for 2012 transmission problem here you'll find them.

no matter what the dealer or Ford tells you, it is NOT normal for this type of automatic to have a pronounced hestitation/shudder to the degree that your passengers ask what is wrong.

I owned a VW GTI with this type transmission and the hestitation/shudder was nowhere near this bad.

Mine got dramatically better when the new england weather turned colder. If it was normal, why would cold weather make it go away?

You need to read as many posts as you can and become your own advocate. Learn what TSB's have already been issued.

There are a few people where the transmission had to be taken out, seals replaced etc before the problem was finally rectified.

Anyone else seeing any change in cold weather ?

Me! And a few others on one of the gazillion DCT threads, if I do recall. Noises aren't as bad with the cold weather, but still an issue. I don't hear the acceleration rattle when I first start my car [on a cold morning] but in traffic on a hot summer day, they'd might as well call this car Whiplash.

Thanks Crystal, you did help me before but in the two weeks before I was due to go into the dealer, the weather here in new england turned much colder and the transmission shudder/hesitation problem was reduced by over 2/3 , making it what I WOULD call normal.

I would offer as food for thought: how could the shudder/hestitation possibly be normal if the advent of cold weather made it go away so much ?

If its normal it should continue.

Anyone else seeing any change in cold weather ?

ps I am a former vw gti owner and am very familiar with this type transmission.

Me! And a few others on one of the gazillion DCT threads, if I do recall. Noises aren't as bad with the cold weather, but still an issue. I don't hear the acceleration rattle when I first start my car [on a cold morning] but in traffic on a hot summer day, they'd might as well call this car Whiplash.

Hey folks,

Now that weather is getting colder just about everywhere, I'll keep an eye on this thread (and the others) to see how many people's transmission noises disappear. Please reach out to me over PM if you have any other questions or concerns.

Thanks!
Crystal [:)]

Mine drives so much better now that the weather has turned colder. But still if i'm sitting in traffic for a while, I still get the whiplash shudder and the slipping feeling as it goes into 2nd gear.

Mine drives so much better now that the weather has turned colder. But still if i'm sitting in traffic for a while, I still get the whiplash shudder and the slipping feeling as it goes into 2nd gear.

Hi 2012SEL2gen,

During your next appointment, I'd definitely have your dealer sit with you in your vehicle so you can show them what behavior your vehicle is exhibiting. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns; I'm happy to see how I can help.

Have a great weekend,
Crystal [8D]

I'm hearing the grinding sound on my 2012 May Focus Titanium sedan. Its usually when accelerating like others have said. Sometimes I feel a stutter as well, and vibrations here and there. None of this should be "normal" to me. Then again I have 36k miles already on her.

Mine drives so much better now that the weather has turned colder. But still if i'm sitting in traffic for a while, I still get the whiplash shudder and the slipping feeling as it goes into 2nd gear.

I get that too and hope my dealer will be able to take care of that and also do the MFT update as I'm one of the ones who put 3.2.2 on before they pulled it (and lost the climate screen).

It's embarassing having others in my car when it drives the way does right now.

I'm hearing the grinding sound on my 2012 May Focus Titanium sedan. Its usually when accelerating like others have said. Sometimes I feel a stutter as well, and vibrations here and there. None of this should be "normal" to me. Then again I have 36k miles already on her.

I get that too and hope my dealer will be able to take care of that and also do the MFT update as I'm one of the ones who put 3.2.2 on before they pulled it (and lost the climate screen).

It's embarassing having others in my car when it drives the way does right now.

Hi nightridermz3 and Veedio,

Your dealership is always going to be the best place to start when it comes to accurate diagnosis and repair of your vehicle. Additionally, I'm happy to escalate each of your cases; just send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number and full name. I'm on the case!

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns,
Crystal

that why i got the 5 speed, 11k no problems

I'm wishing I bought the manual, 700 miles on my Focus and I think I'm having the same issue.

I'm wishing I bought the manual, 700 miles on my Focus and I think I'm having the same issue.
have you consulted your dealer? there are two technical service bulletins and one recall that I know of that apply to hesitation, stutter, etc on the automatic.

be aware that "some" hesitation-stutter IS normal at very low speed shifts BUT this is NOT a one size fits all explanation.

Take your time to read all the posts here because you will see that the transmission problems range from very mild-normal for this type transmission to others so bad the dealer needed to remove the transmission and replace seals and/or throwout bearings.

If you take your time and read all the posts, you may end up knowing more than the dealer and I have found if you are pro-active and know the subject well, Ford can and does want you to be happy.

All my transmission problems completely disappeared when the cold new england weather hit, and I had 12,000 miles at the point. How could these problems disappear if they are normal?

When this transmission is running properly, you can not get a sportier, economical, more fun car unless you want to spend $10,000 more.

I get that too and hope my dealer will be able to take care of that and also do the MFT update as I'm one of the ones who put 3.2.2 on before they pulled it (and lost the climate screen).

It's embarassing having others in my car when it drives the way does right now.
I agree, when your passengers ask what is wrong, that is NOT normal. Plus how can this problem be so reduced in cold weather if it normal ?

I've noticed the same thing with regard to ambient temperature. As the temps in MD have dropped to the 40s and 50s the grinding noise is pretty much gone. The first time I noticed it was last year during an indian summer.

Think ford is trying to gauge how much/little they need to do to fix this problem. There are certainly cases of broken seals causing clutch problems. does every DCT that shows wonky behavior have a bad seal? Maybe they can figure out how to give it an ultrasound.

It is interesting that more stories seem to be popping up on the forums about folks getting their clutches replaced.
I have read hundreds of posts on this subject plus reviews in car magazines and car sites. I feel the focus transmission problems break down as follows.

Most people, maybe 60%+ seem to be fine.
another 35% have a stutter-hesitation enough to attrcat questions from their passengers.
the final 5% have severe problems like stutted and stalls in intersectionsm, highway lanes changes etc.

Fixes range from two TSB's and a recall to actually removing the transmission and replacing seals and/or throwout bearings.

This is a great car for the money if it runs right and Ford didn't get this big not caring aboyut customers, but you MUST be proactive, read all the posts across this site by searching focus 2012 transmission. Know the tsb's that are out there, read consumer reports reviews, if the dealer won't help, talk to Crystal here at this board and get your case escalated.

also be aware "some" mild stutter-hesitation at low speed startups IS normal for this type automatic BUT NOT if it is so pronounced that your passengers ask what is wrong.

I have found giving it a bit more gas avoids the problem many times BUT this car is quick, a little more gas may mean you lunge forward off a redlight.

This is a great car for the money if it runs right and Ford didn't get this big not caring aboyut customers, but you MUST be proactive, read all the posts across this site by searching focus 2012 transmission. Know the tsb's that are out there, read consumer reports reviews, if the dealer won't help, talk to Crystal here at this board and get your case escalated.


I think this is part of the problem. Why is it WE have to do most of the research in order to protect our own interests. Knowing the TSB's and reviews is great for the lower percentage of the population that tracks the forums, asks questions and posts messages, but what about the greater number of people who don't? If it is this hard for us well informed individuals to get our cars fixed then what about the less internet savvy, the less informed and the people who just don't think about these things the way we do. The ones who take their cars to the dealer and take the "questionable" answers they are given as gospel. Why is it one dealer will tell you something is normal and the next will understand and fix it for you. I just wish all car manufactures and dealerships were held more accountable. Ford Customer Service on this site is great, but that may be because we are considered more of a squeaky wheel. People who don't make their situations know, opinions known and are generally more publicly vocal may not get the same level of attention.

I think this is part of the problem. Why is it WE have to do most of the research in order to protect our own interests. Knowing the TSB's and reviews is great for the lower percentage of the population that tracks the forums, asks questions and posts messages, but what about the greater number of people who don't? If it is this hard for us well informed individuals to get our cars fixed then what about the less internet savvy, the less informed and the people who just don't think about these things the way we do. The ones who take their cars to the dealer and take the "questionable" answers they are given as gospel. Why is it one dealer will tell you something is normal and the next will understand and fix it for you. I just wish all car manufactures and dealerships were held more accountable. Ford Customer Service on this site is great, but that may be because we are considered more of a squeaky wheel. People who don't make their situations know, opinions known and are generally more publicly vocal may not get the same level of attention.

I can't agree with you more man. It's sad that I have to go to the dealership and tell the service manager what the issue is and where to go for the solution. Seems more and more service departments are taking the easy line of "that's normal" rather then actually diagnosing the problem. I even took the time as Crystal said and brought my service advisor for a ride, and he agreed there was an issue. One day later he called me and said my car was ready for pickup - when I asked what they did he said nothing, that its how the car is supposed to operate. Keep in mind two days ago he said my car was acting weird when he went for a ride with me...


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I agree with you in principle and theory but at age 60, it has been my experience that life does not work as we feel it should. You work hard for your money like I do and I am willing to go the extra mile to make sure I get what I paid for. All auto companies balance off a problem like this against what a worldwide recall will cost them.
In addition, as you can read here, some dealers understand the difference between "this is normal" and "this is awful".
This is a killer car for the money when the transmission runs right, you could not touch the performance without spending 10,000 more for a VW GTI or Audi A3.
But its no use saying what they "should" do, also no use getting discuraged and selling the car, taking a big loss on depreciation and sales tax.
Make Ford honor their automobile. If you search and read this entire board for "2012 focus transmission" you will end up knowing more about this subject thant any dealer/mechanic/customer service rep.
Do not just take the party line "this is normal" and go home all pissed off. Find and print the TSB's and recall and ask the dealer about them, have they been done to YOUR car ?
If the dealer won't help, see Crystal here at this forum, she can and will escalate your issue.

There are a few distinct levels of this problem

1. "this is normal" - slight shudder-heistate only on low speed shift
2. shudder-hesitation-rattle pronounced enough that your passengers ask about it
3. major bogging down on shifts enough to be a danger in traffic.

there are a few distinct fixes available

1. if its the hardly perceptible normal shudder, live with it, same as VW GTI
adapt to it, use a bit more gas on starts, same as a manual needs.
2. get the TSB's-reflashes-recalls done
3. have it checked for leaky seals, bad throwout bearings

I'm wishing I bought the manual, 700 miles on my Focus and I think I'm having the same issue.
Do you have enough 9’s in your name, r1ch999999? [;)] LOL JK

On a serious note, my name is Cory and I’m able to send this up to your regional customer service manager. Drop me a line via PM with your contact information (including your full name, mileage, daytime phone number, dealer name/state, and VIN).

...if the dealer won't help, talk to Crystal here at this board and get your case escalated...
...Ford Customer Service on this site is great...
mr_cassandra & oshoguno,

Crystal sends her love from the other boards. [:D] I’m the new Ford Service “kid on the block”; you can send questions/concerns to me now.

...I even took the time as Crystal said and brought my service advisor for a ride, and he agreed there was an issue. One day later he called me and said my car was ready for pickup - when I asked what they did he said nothing...
How has your shifting been lately, 12_T_Hatch? I see you have an open escalation with Austin. Please send me a PM if you want a follow-up call sooner.

Cory

Yeah, it's a throw back to my AIM name from back in the day when you were limited to ten characters and everything was already taken.

I haven't talked to my dealer yet, I've seen the problem a 2-3 times, all in the last few days. If I can repeat it then I'll bring it in, otherwise I don't know what I'd say.

Do you have enough 9’s in your name, r1ch999999? [;)] LOL JK

On a serious note, my name is Cory and I’m able to send this up to your regional customer service manager. Drop me a line via PM with your contact information (including your full name, mileage, daytime phone number, dealer name/state, and VIN).



mr_cassandra & oshoguno,

Crystal sends her love from the other boards. [:D] I’m the new Ford Service “kid on the block”; you can send questions/concerns to me now.


Have you seen a change in your shifting, 12_T_Hatch? I see you have an open escalation with Austin. Please send me a PM if you want a sooner follow-up call.

Cory
Thanks Cory, I have already had the TSB's and a recall but the problem still persisted and ford customer service relayed me that same old "this is normal" message. I am a former VW GTI owner and can assure you its not normal when it is at the level where your passengers ask whats wrong.

BUT...when the colder new england weather hit and/or if you will my focus hitb 13,000 miles, the problems became so minor that NOW I would call it normal for a dual clutch transmission.

The question for Ford and all the readers here to ponder is: if the stutter-hesitation, rattling is "normal"

How can it disappear ?

Yeah, it's a throw back to my AIM name from back in the day when you were limited to ten characters and everything was already taken. I haven't talked to my dealer yet, I've seen the problem a 2-3 times...
r1ch999999,

Nice; throwbacks are awesome.

Shoot me a PM when you’re getting ready to head to the dealer. [:)]

Thanks Cory, I have already had the TSB's and a recall but the problem still persisted...BUT...when the colder new england weather hit and/or if you will my focus hitb 13,000 miles, the problems became so minor that NOW I would call it normal for a dual clutch transmission...
You got it, mr_cassandra. Keep me in the loop on how it’s shifting and let me know if you want my assistance.

Cory

The question for Ford and all the readers here to ponder is: if the stutter-hesitation, rattling is "normal"

How can it disappear ?

Excellent question, on point. My garage is actually my workshop with storage in front of the car and to the left, and a large workbench to the right. I have a parking limiter (Green/Yellow/Red) sonic detector to permit me to park with just enough room for the door to close without hitting the rear bumper, and enough room in front for me to walk between the car and the storage.

I have to creep into the garage to hit the red light exactly so the DCT is "riding the clutches" for sure. I have no shudder when pulling in, ever. I get a "wee bit" of a shudder if I drive off very slowly from a stop but not always. Also, I live in the country and it is a mile up a pretty steep dirt road to my house. I negotiate about 90% of the trip in S1 and the car never shudders even though I keep my speed between 5 and 15mph all the way up.

Mine is an October 2011 build with the TSB reflash applied at about 1000 miles and I now have about 18,000 happy miles on it.

How has your shifting been lately, 12_T_Hatch? I see you have an open escalation with Austin. Please send me a PM if you want a follow-up call sooner.

Cory

Cory - Just got the car back from another stint in service (as I'm sure you can see in my case file). There is a faint hesitation and shudder now, and if the car holds true to form - it will get worse with miles. This will cause me to bring it in for another lecture in how the DCT operates and a reprogramming of the transmission which will smooth it out for a few hundred miles, then rinse and repeat...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

...Mine is an October 2011 build with the TSB reflash applied at about 1000 miles and I now have about 18,000 happy miles on it.
I love that you enjoy your ride, flingwing1969; thanks so much for sharing. [:D]

Cory - Just got the car back from another stint in service (as I'm sure you can see in my case file)...
12_T_Hatch,

Yes, I also see Austin scheduled a follow-up call for you. Please keep me in the loop.

Cory

So my Focus has 950 or so miles on it and the shifting is getting bad, I scheduled an appointment for it, hopefully they can take care of this.

Well, I have 1100 miles on it now, I took it to the dealer but neither of us were able to reproduce it. I figure I have 98900 miles until my warranty runs out so I have plenty of time.

My 2012 Focus Titanium (built 04/26/2011) has 21,000 miles and I drive 100 miles a day. I did notice the occasional hesitation/shudder, but didnt know what was going on until I started reading the forums again. Then on Friday my tachometer started going nuts up and down. The car was having a hard time not stalling out. From a stop it would shudder then finally get up to speed. After about 10 min of this it just completely shutdown and a burning smell started. The transmission light flashed on then went away before I could send a vehicle report. I had it towed to the local dealership that evening and of course the next day they were unable to get it to do it again. Their transmission guy drove it for the weekend and said they couldnt get it to do it again, but after taking apart the transmission they found oil between the engine and trans. The rep said to come get the car because the parts were on back order with no shipping date. I told the rep I drive 100 miles a day and I need a car thats not going to burst into flames, so now they have me in a Nissan POS death trap until the day the parts get shipped. I have owned a lot of cars and have NEVER had this kind of problem before. Was not a good weekend.

http://news.yahoo.com/ford-tumbles-again-reliability-survey-toyota-gains-195216535--finance.html

Do your own diligence on the hundreds of posts here about this problem but I would ask you to consider a few questions.

1. Ford says the hesitation/stumbling problem is normal, why then does Consumer reports include it as a bad thing in its reviews?
2. Many other brands have this transmission, do they all have a similar problem? (my VW GTI did not)
3. when cold weather hit new england, 2/3 of my problem went away. If it is normal, why did it go away ?

If you like everything else about the car, like I do, you need to be tactfully persistent about this issue. Don't just take the party line from the dealer and go home. be willing to contact the Ford home office customer service.

And do your homework, once you have read the hundreds of other posts and if you have ever owned another brand like the VW GTI-same type transmission, then you are better equipped to continue seeking a resolution.


-I have had issues with mine since soon after purchase (May 2011).
-I made several phone calls and approx 4 trips to three different dealerships about it. One told me it was normal and that's just the way it is. One told me that they have been told to not touch it, that there was a bulletin from Ford stating that the engineers where working on the problem. The third did an update on it in October and it seemed to help for about 2 weeks. After about two weeks, the shake came back worse than before.
-I took it back to the third dealer and told them to check it again. At that point I spoke directly to a mechanic who stated that I have a bad clutch and that the focus's and fiesta's are eating them up. He stated that he replaced one recently and it solved the problem. So at 30,000 miles I had a clutch replaced.
-After driving for approx a month and a half, I have noticed a dramatic improvement in the shaking. It still does it once in a while but it is slight enough that I can live with it. The only thing I am noticing lately is a drop in gas mileage after the update. Don't know if it is related or not....

http://news.yahoo.com/ford-tumbles-again-reliability-survey-toyota-gains-195216535--finance.html

Do your own diligence on the hundreds of posts here about this problem but I would ask you to consider a few questions.

1. Ford says the hesitation/stumbling problem is normal, why then does Consumer reports include it as a bad thing in its reviews?
2. Many other brands have this transmission, do they all have a similar problem? (my VW GTI did not)
3. when cold weather hit new england, 2/3 of my problem went away. If it is normal, why did it go away ?

If you like everything else about the car, like I do, you need to be tactfully persistent about this issue. Don't just take the party line from the dealer and go home. be willing to contact the Ford home office customer service.

And do your homework, once you have read the hundreds of other posts and if you have ever owned another brand like the VW GTI-same type transmission, then you are better equipped to continue seeking a resolution.


-I have had issues with mine since soon after purchase (May 2011).
-I made several phone calls and approx 4 trips to three different dealerships about it. One told me it was normal and that's just the way it is. One told me that they have been told to not touch it, that there was a bulletin from Ford stating that the engineers where working on the problem. The third did an update on it in October and it seemed to help for about 2 weeks. After about two weeks, the shake came back worse than before.
-I took it back to the third dealer and told them to check it again. At that point I spoke directly to a mechanic who stated that I have a bad clutch and that the focus's and fiesta's are eating them up. He stated that he replaced one recently and it solved the problem. So at 30,000 miles I had a clutch replaced.
-After driving for approx a month and a half, I have noticed a dramatic improvement in the shaking. It still does it once in a while but it is slight enough that I can live with it. The only thing I am noticing lately is a drop in gas mileage after the update. Don't know if it is related or not....
-I would also agree that the cold weather seems to play a factor also, as it seems to run much much smoother when its cold that when its warm out...

This is probably where my future posts on this topic belong.

What is your build date? There is a TSB (11-12-13) published on December 23, 2011 that states some cars might have transmission fluid leaking where the bell housing meets the engine. If you have this, get it fixed.

Unfortunately, the literature states nothing about the symptoms other than the leak. But from what I've heard from others that have this issue, their car makes a "grinding" or "rattling" noise while shifting (almost always into 2nd, 4th, 6th, and reverse due to their design sharing the same clutch (http://www.getrag.com/media/0000001557.pdf)) as well as slipping while accelerating on level ground and/or keeping steady speeds uphill.

If you don't have the transmission fluid under your vehicle, I presume we're in the same boat. I dropped my car off at the dealership this morning because of the slipping and mentioned someone I knew had the same noise except their car was leaking transmission fluid and mine isn't. I hope that steered them in the right direction. I don't want to have to go in there and say "Here is TSB 11-12-13. This is the issue. Fix it." because I'm only 99% certain that it is and to go over their heads seems rude.

How exactly do you know bout the tsb's ? If you're a ford tech you should know that's not public information.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/tsbs/tsbsearch.cfm

mk2, TSB information is available on several websites across the internet plus quoted here by ford owners who have had a TSB applied. Rather than being a secret, we should welcome Fords follow thru on focus problems and pursue it vigorously.

Perhaps but any dealer I know doesn't give out copies of tsb's to customers. Put it this way when you log on to Inford the first thing it says is to not share or post any info. Which keeps guys like me employed so that not any run of the mill mechanic can diagnose and fix everything. On the other hand I am more than willing to provide insight and inform others if needed

Perhaps but any dealer I know doesn't give out copies of tsb's to customers. Put it this way when you log on to Inford the first thing it says is to not share or post any info. Which keeps guys like me employed so that not any run of the mill mechanic can diagnose and fix everything. On the other hand I am more than willing to provide insight and inform others if needed

Pretty much the same thing for other users. I have access to TSBs through work as well, but I don't go around passing out copies to everyone. It's a pretty ubiquitous problem, like the steering rack issue, so everyone already knows the TSB# and what it addresses.

The way I see it is that it is 2012 - with this much technology it's not fair for Joe Schmoe to be told his car is supposed to grind / zig-zag on the highway. They don't post them because then everyone wants a new clutch / steering rack - even if they don't need one. But I've been turned down for a BCM update for intermittent IA issues because the dealer said they couldn't replicate it. I haven't gone back yet, but if I do I'll have to claim it on my extended warranty because I'm at 40k miles.

This morning I pulled/swiped the handle 10 times before giving up and pulling the key out of my pocket.

If someone hadn't posted it on here, I might not know that there is a fix for it. Of course, now I do and have the dissatisfaction of being denied it.

A lot of the time it's the service advisors fault for not being knowledgeable and up to date. I'd go to another dealer.

anything new. I am sick of how my latest update makes the trans shudder going into first and how 3rd gear in "sport" takes 2-4 seconds to shift when I click the button.

chuckle!!!!!! 5 speed stick everything Groovey

anything new. I am sick of how my latest update makes the trans shudder going into first and how 3rd gear in "sport" takes 2-4 seconds to shift when I click the button.

I have to double check the gear, but I think my 3rd gear takes a long time to shift (up) too! I end up double-shifting because I hear the revs and think that I didn't press the (+) button hard enough, so I press it again and end up bogging the engine.

Hi all I've been following this forum since 11/11 finally got around to registering. I bought a '12 SE sedan with DCT 12/12. It ran like a Swiss watch for 12-13k then started getting an intermittent clutch chatter in 2nd gear that got progressively worse until the weather got cooler. We had a warm spell in December so I took it to my dealer with a very detailed description of when it does it and what kind of driving it takes to duplicate it along with telling them that it is in fact leaking oil inside the bellhousing. They were very nice and gave me a loaded Milan for a loaner. I told them that as long as they don't smoke in it the tech, shop foreman, service writer, service manager or general manager was welcome to use it as their personal car, just don't call me and say it "did not verify". Guess what 3 days later I got the DNV call. I asked about the leak and they said yes it is leaking and they put dye in the engine oil and want it back in 1K miles. It goes back Wednesday so we'll see how that goes. By the way to all that have felt offended by the way they have been treated by their service adviser or talked to like they don't know what they are talking about I've been an ASE Master Technician since 1985 and they treat me the same way.

I read a post about public knowledge about TSBs, in case it isn't known there are several non manufacturer shop manual services that provide quarterly TSB updates. One of those service companies is owned by a national parts chain. So the guy that was a stock broker up to 2008 and is now a part store parking lot master tech with an OBD II code reader also has access to TSBs and is more than willing to print them out for anybody.

Dropped it off this morning and picked up an Edge Limited loaner. My service writer called after lunch to excitedly tell me there is a new bulletin released about the transmission input shaft seals and clutch replacement. I asked if that's tsb 11-12-13 dated 12/28/11 and got crickets for a few seconds then a sheepish yep.

Hi, I've got about 16k miles and I'm having issues with my transmission. Sometimes it's hesitation from a stop other times its grinding while shifting from 1 to 2. I did get the TSB in from last May but I'm still having some issues with the car.

After a month of no issues I had the same transmission shudder today. I was in stop and go traffic, probably for the first time in a month, and it didn't like the rolling, stopping, rolling, stopping, accelerating, that I was doing. I don't think the automated manual is cut out for stop and go. If I had known that I would have suffered with the manual and had better control of things.

Just got mine back. The tech said it was the first one they have seen and about 1/2 quart of oil came out of the bellhousing when he pulled it. Shifted smoother than ever, hopefully stays that way.

Just got mine back. The tech said it was the first one they have seen and about 1/2 quart of oil came out of the bellhousing when he pulled it. Shifted smoother than ever, hopefully stays that way.

That's what I was trying to convince my dealer to do! But they didn't open it... maybe I can get them to open it come spring?

anything new. I am sick of how my latest update makes the trans shudder going into first...
Hi, I've got about 16k miles and I'm having issues with my transmission...
BooBerry & femaven,

I want to lend a hand by escalating the concern up to your regional customer service managers. So I can do this, PM me with your contact information (please include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer details).

After a month of no issues I had the same transmission shudder today...
I have your details from previous messages, r1ch999999. Please shoot me a PM with your current mileage and I’ll set up a call from your CSM.

Just got mine back. The tech said it was the first one they have seen and about 1/2 quart of oil came out of the bellhousing when he pulled it. Shifted smoother than ever, hopefully stays that way.
Diamondback,

It’s great your dealer took care of it. Thanks for sharing! [:)]

That's what I was trying to convince my dealer to do! But they didn't open it... maybe I can get them to open it come spring?
Drop me a line when you plan on taking it in next, PratoN; I can help.

Cory

Thanks Cory. Something that needs to be put into perspective on this issue is that the dealer I go to, Krieger Ford in Columbus, Ohio is the second oldest continuously owned dealer in central Ohio and is probably in the top in cars sold and according to the tech this was the first one they had seen with this issue. So we should all bear in mind that while this is an issue it isn't as bad as it appears due to the fact that even though a lot of people post here it is actually only a small percentage of the units on the road. As I said earlier there was a large amount of oil present in the bellhousing due to the tight fit of the transmission to the engine so it is possible to have this condition and not have a visible leak. I think that Ford should consider a new procedure to diagnose this condition like removing the starter to look for oil in the clutch area or drilling an inspection hole in the bellhousing and installing a removable plug for future inspections. If Ford would do more to own this particular problem they would find their customers a little more understanding and more willing to work with them. We need to face the fact that this is still a new concept and since Ford did do a poor job of explaining it to potential buyers they need to understand that the majority of buyers were unwitting partners in development. I'm glad that my dealer treated me better than the horror stories on this site and I never had to pm my VIN to "escalate this" to have it handled. Ford and the dealers need to have a serious discussion on how to handle customers and put more owners in my column.

Thanks Cory...
I really appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback, Diamondback. [thumb]

Cory

Thanks Cory. Something that needs to be put into perspective on this issue is that the dealer I go to, Krieger Ford in Columbus, Ohio is the second oldest continuously owned dealer in central Ohio and is probably in the top in cars sold and according to the tech this was the first one they had seen with this issue. So we should all bear in mind that while this is an issue it isn't as bad as it appears due to the fact that even though a lot of people post here it is actually only a small percentage of the units on the road. As I said earlier there was a large amount of oil present in the bellhousing due to the tight fit of the transmission to the engine so it is possible to have this condition and not have a visible leak. I think that Ford should consider a new procedure to diagnose this condition like removing the starter to look for oil in the clutch area or drilling an inspection hole in the bellhousing and installing a removable plug for future inspections. If Ford would do more to own this particular problem they would find their customers a little more understanding and more willing to work with them. We need to face the fact that this is still a new concept and since Ford did do a poor job of explaining it to potential buyers they need to understand that the majority of buyers were unwitting partners in development. I'm glad that my dealer treated me better than the horror stories on this site and I never had to pm my VIN to "escalate this" to have it handled. Ford and the dealers need to have a serious discussion on how to handle customers and put more owners in my column.
the dual clutch transmission has been in successful use by vw-audi for many years, and so has Getrag-who makes the ford version.
I had a vw gt in 2006, and the transmission had been out at least a few years.

Ask any vw-audi owner with this transmission..."normal" is a slight and mild shudder when shifting at very low speeds. Clatterng noises and/or major bogging down is "not" normal for this world-wide used type of transmission.

From reading hundreds of posts about transmission problems, I suspect diamondback has hit the nail on the head.

Diamondback well stated! ...Is it normal? MJB

As I said earlier there was a large amount of oil present in the bellhousing due to the tight fit of the transmission to the engine so it is possible to have this condition and not have a visible leak.

Can I take my car to the dealer and ask them to separate the bell housing and see if there is oil? If there is, warranty kicks in. If not, I'll pay them the $150 (or w/e) of their time and have them put it back together.

I would do it myself or have a some other shop do it, but I don't want any excuse from Ford to void my warranty.

Can I take my car to the dealer and ask them to separate the bell housing and see if there is oil? If there is, warranty kicks in. If not, I'll pay them the $150 (or w/e) of their time and have them put it back together.

I would do it myself or have a some other shop do it, but I don't want any excuse from Ford to void my warranty.
Prato, are you currently having any of the more serious problems people have written about here ?

Prato, are you currently having any of the more serious problems people have written about here ?

It's much worse in the summer months, which is why I've put off doing anything for a while. But just before it was reprogrammed, it sounded like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIbICjK999o) on every shift into 2nd and 4th. I took it to the dealer and thought I would be a shoe-in for a new clutch.

After they updated the PCM to the 2013 software (I'd have to assume, anyway - because I already had 12B37 installed), they said it was "fixed." Now the grinding noise isn't as prevalent - but it's still there. Especially when driving uphill or accelerating while turning.

I've only had it act REALLY jerky and scary in stop-and-go traffic a few times and restarting it seemed to help - but I still don't think that it should be considered normal for it to act like that once a month... unless these cars have menstrual cycles.

EDIT: I should add that while the noise happens less often, when it does happen, the whole car vibrates. It sounds kind of like when you have one window open and you get buffeting... except it's my poor clutch.

So after calling up my dealer last week and telling them I wanted them to buy my car back I got a call from their service department saying there is a bulletin on my transmission and they'd like to have my car in.

I figured I'd give an update. In may they gave my car an update, it still performs the same way, extremely hard shifts and intermittently getting stuck at 4K RPMS when downshifting on the highway. It went back in yesterday, they couldn't find anything wrong, so now it's supposed to go back in again next week when some specialist person will be in. At this point I just want my money back.

Well, Ford just bought my focus from me, I need to find a new car.