Issues with new 2012 Ford Focus

[Old TU]

Offrddrver,

How many miles do you have on your car? You state 90% of your driving is highway. Your car probably hasn't worn in yet. Letting the engine stay at one RPM doesn't allow the engine to let the rings seat properly.

I believe it is the EPA that calculates the MPG's.

I suggest you read pages 358 & 359 0f your owners manual.

[Offrddrver]

Old Tu,

Well, the manual reading was enlightening, but I'm already knowledgeable of all the information listed on these two pages. I've been doing this for years.

The car is now at 2065 miles today. I'm still waiting for that 1000 mile break in to work as Ford noted in the service bulletin they gave me after my first shop visit. As noted, my current driving is more erratic to help break in the car's transmission (and KILL my gas milage even more.)

Just to prove I'm a "gas saving" driver, I was getting 26.2 to 29.1 MPG in a 1999 Ford Taurus with 24Valve V6 and 133000 miles. I'm driving the exact route to work as I do with this 2012 Focus. The www.Fueleconomy.gov lists the 1999 Ford Taurus as 17c 25h 20mpg combined. My driving style beat those estimates. I would hope with my driving style that this little 4 banger should be up near the 35 to 37 mpg range. Every fuel stop is logged, every fuel stop is the same fill up method and odometer reset routine. It is as close as a Semiconductor Engineer can get to calculating mpg on this car without adding his own sensors. HA HA

Back to the Transmission issue...
I just want FORD to step up and get this trans issue fixed as I'm fed up with getting ditched by Ford on issues that they should fix. Remember I'm once bitten due to FORD ditching my $36,000 SUV issue at 12000 miles when it was purchased at 36 miles NEW. If FORD ditches me on this issue I will NEVER buy another FORD again. I've bled Blue Oval blood since I was 15 years old even when nearly all my friends were Chevy fans.
I also bleed Red White and Blue and frankly get pissed that so many people buy Japan and Korean vehicles. But, if FORD can't get this fixed I will never give them another penny let alone $27,000.00 for an Economy car that doesn't run right.

Sorry for such a long post, but I'm getting sick of this transmission issue and Ford ditching me as a loyal customer.

Last note, I'll be quick to reply if this Transmission does FIX itself or learn my driving style. 2000+ and waiting! I guess my car was one of the school girl dropouts as she isn't learning very quickly.

Just to note, my dealer has been working with me, they have not ditched me, but Ford has nothing to help them, so how can they help me!

[FordCustomerService]

Offrddrver,

Your long-term support of Ford is appreciated. I know you are frustrated with your transmission issues, and I am here to help. Please PM me with your VIN, contact information, mileage, and servicing dealer name/state and I will work with you to resolve your concerns.

~Natasha

[Old TU]

Offrddrver,

Thanks for the reply. Looks like Natasha @ Ford Service is stepping in to help you. I hope as miles go by your MPG's will get better. As for the transmission concerns mine isn't completely smooth or quiet. But it isn't lurching forward or grinding. I have accepted the fact that it is different than the automatics of old.

These DC transmissions are supposed to be more efficient, lighter weight and the first service @ 150K. My previous car a 2006 Scion xB had a 1.5L engine was several hundred pounds lighter than the Focus and its mileage was 24 city and on extended trips in the low thirties. Most of my driving is around town. I am happy I am getting 27-28 MPG's around town with a more powerful and comfortable car.

I have driven Taurus's as rental cars and their transmissions are silky smooth. I don't think our DCT will ever be that smooth. I hope Ford does continue to support all who are concerned and teach the sales and service people at the dealership level how to explain and demonstrate the difference in the transmissions.

Fortunately I had a sales person that was a gear head like myself that let me know this transmission wasn't like the Camry's I had ridden in the past.

[Focus3721]

I now have 3615 miles on my Focus and if anything the transmission problem is getting worse, maybe it is time Ford owns up to a bigger issue here.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by Focus3721

I now have 3615 miles on my Focus and if anything the transmission problem is getting worse, maybe it is time Ford owns up to a bigger issue here.

Hi Focus3721,

Have you taken your Focus in to be diagnosed at the dealer? They are in the best position to determine the cause of your transmission concerns. Please private message me with your VIN, contact information, mileage, and servicing dealer name/state and I will assist with your issue as well.

Old TU,

Thanks for your support!

~Natasha

[Nutty 5.0]

Hopefully this issue gets resolved for you guys. We just put order in for SE sedan with manual. I know when I got me 2010 F150 they had similar issues but drive time after 3-5k seemed to help a lot.

[bstall69]

I received my 2012 Ford Focus in May. I noticed every symptom described in this post. My car now has over 6,000 miles and the symptoms seem to be getting worse. Stop and go traffic really seems to confuse the transmission. There are times where the transmission just seems to have a dead spot, I really have to move the accelerator pedal near the floor to get a response. It's starting to scare me with my children in the car.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by bstall69

I received my 2012 Ford Focus in May. I noticed every symptom described in this post. My car now has over 6,000 miles and the symptoms seem to be getting worse. Stop and go traffic really seems to confuse the transmission. There are times where the transmission just seems to have a dead spot, I really have to move the accelerator pedal near the floor to get a response. It's starting to scare me with my children in the car.

Hi bstall69,

Have you taken your Focus in to the dealer for diagnosis? They will be best able to ease your worries. Please PM me with your VIN, contact information, mileage, & servicing dealer name/state and I will assist.

~Natasha

[IMACHU]

Same issue here with wife's focus 8000 miles on it and still has this transmission issue. I guess we have to wait for the tsb,s to come out so Ford will look into it more..it,s not a break in issue at 8000 miles!