Issues with new 2012 Ford Focus

[magnumea]

I had the same thing as ehalperngivens with our '13 we just got in August. The shuddering started after we got it and was so bad at 2000 miles after a 400 mile trip, riders with me were asking what was wrong with it and I felt it was hurting the driveline and tires. It got better after we drove 400 miles back, and seems to be OK now. We're going back over the same trip, so we'll see what happens. The dealer and Ford were responsive to us, but it wouldn't do it for them.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by magnumea

I had the same thing as ehalperngivens with our '13 we just got in August. The shuddering started after we got it and was so bad at 2000 miles after a 400 mile trip, riders with me were asking what was wrong with it and I felt it was hurting the driveline and tires. It got better after we drove 400 miles back, and seems to be OK now. We're going back over the same trip, so we'll see what happens. The dealer and Ford were responsive to us, but it wouldn't do it for them.

Thanks for the update, magnumea. Have a safe trip and let me know if you need any assistance in the future!

Crystal

[Ysteven]

Originally Posted by VectorZ

First off I will say it's not Ford's responsibility to educate you about their cars. That's YOUR job. Had you spent 30 minutes on google you'd know a lot more about any car you are considering purchasing...

That said, what you're experiencing are NOT normal traits of this tranmission. I've had my car since June and it's shifted smoothly and without any issues since day one. The first thing you should do is file a complaint on the NHTSA website if you really feel your life is in danger. Do not let the dealership bullshit you or push you around, you paid a lot of money for this car and it should function in a safe and sane manner. Here is a video I made of my car, in it you can see how it should be shifting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxmLC_4Fg1k

The DCT does have quirks, but they should be mostly transparent when functioning properly.

*edit* Here's the link to file a complaint: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/Vehicl...nt/index.xhtml

Watched your video. Nice soft ride. But your miles are low. Iam at 12k and its ways off, rattling sound on 1-2-3 and stuttering on 1-2. Very annoying when you driving a lot in stop and go traffic.
Where you found your complain link? Is it really works? I had independent trans shop look at it at my cost and they don't know what's wrong with it. We all have same issue.

[VectorZ]

Originally Posted by Ysteven

Watched your video. Nice soft ride. But your miles are low. Iam at 12k and its ways off, rattling sound on 1-2-3 and stuttering on 1-2. Very annoying when you driving a lot in stop and go traffic.
Where you found your complain link? Is it really works? I had independent trans shop look at it at my cost and they don't know what's wrong with it. We all have same issue.

I'm at 5k miles now and it's still smooth as ever. That link is to the federal government's database. If enough people post facts about dangers they faced they could force Ford to issue a recall.

[pjbasid]

UPDATE - Good News!! After 5 or 6 weeks, I finally have my Focus SE Hatchback back from the dealer. I was having severe shuddering upon take off from a stop, and serious problems with the car slipping in and out of gear indiscriminately.
The service manager worked with FORD and demanded (at my insistence) that they replace the dual clutches. I just picked it up yesterday so I haven't had a chance to really put it through the paces, but so far - smooth as silk!!!
So, those of you who insist those of us with issues with our cars just don't know how to drive, there really was something wrong, and now it is fixed.
To those of you with these issues - push for Ford to fix it for you!!

[mr_cassandra]

Originally Posted by pjbasid

UPDATE - Good News!! After 5 or 6 weeks, I finally have my Focus SE Hatchback back from the dealer. I was having severe shuddering upon take off from a stop, and serious problems with the car slipping in and out of gear indiscriminately.
The service manager worked with FORD and demanded (at my insistence) that they replace the dual clutches. I just picked it up yesterday so I haven't had a chance to really put it through the paces, but so far - smooth as silk!!!
So, those of you who insist those of us with issues with our cars just don't know how to drive, there really was something wrong, and now it is fixed.
To those of you with these issues - push for Ford to fix it for you!!

If it is running right, this is THE sportiest car for the money out there. For that reason I think people with transmission problems should take the time to read the hundreds of posts here on several threads and become your own advocate with the dealer and Ford.
You can do yahoo searches also about audi-vw dual clutches and quickly find that anything beyond a mild shudder on slow speed startup is NOT normal. The posts here will show you info about clutches being replaced, also throwout bearings and seals. Ask for Cory here at this board and be pro-active. Remember, if the problem was "normal" why does it go away when these repairs are done ?

[pjbasid]

Absolutely. I just came back from cruising around at lunch time and the car is just the best now! So tight, sporty and SMOOTH! No noises, no shudders, smooth shifting... I love it.

And yes, just to clarify, they did replace the seals and throwout bearing as well as the clutch assembly, etc. Tomorrow I will bring the work order and scan it into this message so you can use it to advocate for yourselves. That's what I did, and now I have a great car!

[mr_cassandra]

Originally Posted by pjbasid

Absolutely. I just came back from cruising around at lunch time and the car is just the best now! So tight, sporty and SMOOTH! No noises, no shudders, smooth shifting... I love it.

And yes, just to clarify, they did replace the seals and throwout bearing as well as the clutch assembly, etc. Tomorrow I will bring the work order and scan it into this message so you can use it to advocate for yourselves. That's what I did, and now I have a great car!

Please do, thats great. If this were some lousy car I'd say forget all this but instead I say lets focus on how to get these fixed so we can all enjoy a lot of sporty car for the price.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by Ysteven

Watched your video. Nice soft ride. But your miles are low. Iam at 12k and its ways off, rattling sound on 1-2-3 and stuttering on 1-2...

Ysteven,

Has your concern changed since the last time you spoke with Corey? Drop me a line via PM with your current mileage and I’ll arrange for you to be called again.

Originally Posted by mr_cassandra

...Ask for Cory here at this board and be pro-active...

Thanks so much for the shout-out, mr_cassandra!

Originally Posted by pjbasid

Absolutely. I just came back from cruising around at lunch time and the car is just the best now! So tight, sporty and SMOOTH! No noises, no shudders, smooth shifting... I love it...

Originally Posted by VectorZ

I'm at 5k miles now and it's still smooth as ever...

pjbasid & VectorZ,

It’s so great you both love your rides; this made my morning.

Cory

[billm-i]

I have the same issue and it has not gone away . Currently showing 3300 miles on my car. Mostly city driving.

So when will it stop now? 5k miles ? 10k? I think there must be something going on and I do not believe this will not end up damaging something down the road. What will happen when the warranty ends. Is ford willing to back the claim this will not affect the transmission in the future ?
I also have another issue when filling the car with gas I cannot get it to fill normally .I constantly have to reset the pump slow it down move the nozzle etc. Anyone else have this going on?