Focus Fanatics Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Issues with new 2012 Ford Focus

Jump to Latest
41 - 60 of 2,321 Posts
#41 ·
IMACHU said:
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!
Click to expand...
Hi IMACHU,

I responded in your A/C thread, but I wanted to make sure you saw it. Please mention your transmission issue if you choose to PM me for assistance, so I can help with that as well.

~Natasha
 
#42 ·
Frustrated with Transmission issues

I'm somewhat glad to see I'm not the only one experiencing issues with the Focus. I love the car, except for the darned transmission issues.

I bought my 2012 Focus SE hatchback at the end of April. Around the 8000 mile mark, at the beginning of July I had a major problem. When taking off from a stop, the car would accelerate to around 8-10 mph, then when it should upshift, it would act like it's in nuetral. After a couple of seconds, it would clunk into gear hard. This was very bad when it first happened because I was turning left in front of oncoming traffic. That 2 second pause almost got me rear-ended! I got turned around and back to my parking lot, but then couldn't put the car in reverse to back into a parking spot in anticipation of the tow truck. The shifter would move to R, but the engine would rev like it's in neutral. The check engine light came on while I was limping back to the parking lot as well.
I called For roadside assistance and they were very helpful, getting a tow truck on the way and calling a dealership nearby. I live in Iowa, and was in Minneapolis, MN for work, so I wasn't familiar with any dealerships.
They got my car in the next day and told me it was done that afternoon. I came to pick it up and the check engine light was lit. I went back inside and told them, and they said "the technician must not have cleared that" They cleared it and I drove away thinking it was done. They had reprogrammed the computerized clutch controls.
Unfortunately, the next morning, the car did the same thing, first gear fine, then upshifts to neutral and then drops into gear hard. No reverse. I called the dealer and took it back in. They arranged another rental car, and kept my car for two weeks waiting for parts. After the two weeks they gave the car back and I drove it home to Iowa (275 miles) on July 22nd.
On this drive home I noticed a significant shudder during shifting, and the engine acting like it wants to stall at low speeds. Also, some periodic jerking at 70 mph on the interstate that had never occurred before.
I figured whatever new parts (several transmission and clutch components) they had installed needed to break in. The car sat idle most of last week.
I had to drive another 300 mile round trip for work within Iowa yesterday. The car is still shaking and shuddering periodically, and doesn't go into reverse easily. It sort of thumps into reverse. I am concerned for my safety continuing to drive this car when this is happening.
I stopped the dealer I bought it from yesterday, on my way home from the 300 mile round trip. The service manager was gone, so they told me to call him today. When I called, I was told he didn't know of any such issue, but would look into it. He didn't believe he'd be able to arrange a loaner while they looked into my problem, and couldn't get my car in for service until the middle of next week at the earliest. I have to drive to Minneapolis again on Monday. I have already been without my new car for 16 days of the 90 days I've owned it. This is quite frustrating!

I love Ford vehicles. The Focus is the 5th new Ford I've bought, and I've also had 2 used Fords. I've never had such trouble, and I hope this isn't a sign of how Ford is doing business these days. As my handle says, I want to love my Focus, but....
 
#43 · (Edited)
As with purchasing a x.0 version of a piece of software, there is also a risk with purchasing an initial release of a redesigned vehicle like the 2012 Focus.

Back in January 2008 I purchased a 2008 Super Duty pickup truck with the new 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine (this engine was made by Navistar; the new 6.7L PSD is made by Ford). Some of the guys who purchased the earlier trucks (Job 1 and 2) starting in spring 2007 had more issues to contend with on average compared to guys like me who purchased Job 3 trucks.

Ford provided new programming over time as things panned out with the new engine. Note that the 6.4L PSD was the most tested engine to date, but for whatever reason, once the engine was being used by thousands of pickup truck owners, new issues arose that the Ford engineers didn't see during their extensive testing period. I guess that shows that while controlled testing is good for many things, there's nothing like real world testing to really hash out problems.

My point in all of this is that there is going to be some "growing pains" with this new Focus and tranny. I know that's not what people who shelled out good money for the vehicle want to hear, but that's what I'm thinking.

Another thing to keep in mind is that we don't know how many 2012 Focuses have been sold compared to how many 2012 Focuses are actually experiencing these tranny problems. Historically, you'll see reports of problems for anything posted on the Internet, but you don't see much of the good reports.

I understand what people are talking about when they're describing the tranny issues in their 2012 Focus. My 2012 Focus has about 1200 miles now (mostly highway) and also has experienced some of the reported problems, although not to an intolerable degree.

I'm confident that given some time of having the 2012 Focus run in the real world, the Ford engineers will be able to solve some, if not all, of these transmission problems. Just as I've had the PCM in my truck reprogrammed a few times to address specific issues with the engine, I'm pretty sure that Ford will also come out with some reprogramming to address the transmission issues. Note that once Ford identifies a possible programming fix to these problems, they will take some time to test them before making them available to Ford dealerships nationwide.

Keep the faith, people. Ford is not just going to sweep this problem under the rug since it's not in their best interest to do so.
 
#44 ·
You're not alone. Mine does this too. Did it ever since having 13 miles on it. Now it has close to 500. Mine also has developed this moaning/whine noise that occurs after exceeding 30 mph. It's always actually done that, but was told today by a tech (not a trans tech, though) that it is more than likely a trnasmission problem, and may be a simple re-programming fix.

At least, if shuttering what the only thing it was doing, it may just need to be reprogrammed, which I've read a few stories (of people having to do) online.

Anyway, I'd just take it back to the dealer and explain to them, and have a tech look at it. I will note this: you need to have a Ford certified trans tech look at it, not just anybody because it could actually affect your warranty, which is what my dealer told me. Most dealerships have certain people specialized to work on trannys, and they should be the only people performing anything relating to the transmission.

What I've also noticed with mine is that it seems to run through 2nd gear real quick. That, and I seem to hear excessive noise when it's shifting (not so much a constant noise when shifting, but more like a grinding noise like the clutches aren't engagin/disengaging completely). So, from my perspective, it seems like the car's already in 4th gear by the time it hits 30-40 mph, which might be normal, but it doesn't seem normal (or feel normal) to me. And at around 65mph, the 2012 likes to run at around 2500-2600 RPM. My 2010 Focus would only do about 2300-2400 at 70 mph, and that one had less horse power and less torque, so this is another indicater to me that something might be wrong.

But anyway, you're not alone. There are at least a few of us out there with trans problems. Hopefully Ford has a recall for this issue (it would still be covered under warranty regardless) but over time, if not treated, it could cause serious problems for when the warranty period runs out.
 
#45 ·
I will say this, though: I was very confident in Ford vehicles. They have saved my life a few times, and I am grateful for that, especially to the engineers working for Ford. But to have a vehicle with problems like this I feel is unacceptable. If this was a $5000 car, I probably wouldn't have cared as much, but I mean for a $21,000 vehicle to have these types of problems right off the lot is unacceptable in my mind.

My biggest concern is what will happen AFTER the powertrain warranty runs out. My gut feeling says that this car is going to be nothing but problems. I've had 3 Focuses now, all with no major issues (I think the most major issue was one of them need a brake job right after delivery--but that was address in a timely and efficient manner).

I think Ford needs to listen to the customers who are paying their paychecks, and get these problems addressed. I've been to the dealer about 4 times now, (twice to the same dealer) without much luck. Now, I'm going back for the FIFTH time to see the trans specialist at my local dealer. If this isn't resolved after this visit, I"mg going to be contact some people real soon. I don't expect overnight miracles, but every dealer says "Oh maybe it's the wheels or brakes..." Yes, I've been told that 3 times, and each time after diagnosis they come back and sayd "Well, it wasn't the tires or brakes..." I could have told them that, seeing that I tried an another set of wheels (tires/rims) on the car, and it still makes the same noises, so it's definitately not a tire problem for me. This more or less has just become frustrating and a waste of my time. I probably should have just went with my instinct and gotten a Honda, which I almost did.
 
#46 ·
Iwannaluvmyfocus: I'm sure that Natasha will help you get your issue resolved.

Sirhawkeye: If there's a manufacturing problem on a good number of vehicles let's hope that Ford does come through in the end to extend the warranty on affected transmissions.
 
#47 ·
I would hope that Ford would do something with the trans warranty. Or at least, give me 5yrs/60,000 miles on the replacement tranny (if they have to replace it). Not a big deal since my car only has 400 miles on it. An extra 1k miles isn't going to make or break it, but they should compensate the customers with bad transmissions with something even just extending it to 75k and 6 years would be fine with me.

I just want the car to work as it should, for I need to start driving it places (business trips).

I just hope the trans tech can figure out what the noise is and hopefully fix it, because everyone I've talked to (and taken the car to) so far is perplexed as to what could cause such a noise (as in, none of them have ever heard a car make this noise before and not be something simple like tires, brakes, or bearings, etc). Because they checked all that today, and couldn't pinpoint the problem---even checked the half-shafts and joints, tierods, etc, and are quite confident it is a trans problem.
 
#48 ·
IowannaLuvMyFocus and sirhawkeye,

I know having these concerns can be frustrating. Please PM me with your VIN, contact information, mileage, & servicing dealer name/state and I will assist with your transmission issues.

jsmichael,

I appreciate your realistic view. You are correct, concerns on this site are not an indication of an issue that affects every Focus. I know it seems like everyone is having the same concern, and while the symptoms may be the same, the causes may be different. The software updates have resolved the shifting differences for most customers, and I am happy to help those who still have concerns. If you need assistance with your Focus, please let me know.

~Natasha
 
#49 ·
FordCustomerService: Just curious as to what the VIN will do (other than verify that I own the car and that it is not still for sale)?
I will PM you the VIN, but want to know more about who you are (are you from Ford Customer Relations division, or are you a customer service rep trying to keep things cool between customers and Ford? It doesn't really matter to me, but I want to know who I'm really dealing with before I start giving out info.

To re-iterate my anger about this issue with the transmission (at least, everyone thinks that's the problem...) I've been to three dealers (another one today) and nobody seems to know what this noise is. I thought that Ford Dealers have certified techs? The tech there said he wasn't even sure if he could work on the transmission or not because he was not terribly familiar with them? That gives me a lot of confidence in Ford.... their technicians aren't sure if their own car parts are servicable or not.

I will PM the VIN to you either today or tomorrow... whenever I get time.
 
#50 ·
<---- Senior site moderator

She's from Ford Corporate, and you're not the first person she's offered to help. If you search for her screen name, you'll find a lot of messages like the one you responded to. Eventually, you'll find where someone has thanked her for her actions with the dealer. You should be able to find a thank-you comment in this thread if I recall correctly. There are 2 others besides Natasha who show up here, but she's been the one on here most frequently in the past few months. One thing you'll never find is a post from her dated on a Saturday or a Sunday.
 
#51 ·
Thank you. I Jjust wanted to make sure before I go giving out information about me and my car to people.... But, just as a question, has she actually had an impact on getting people's problems resolved??? (I'm not doubting this, but again I never see the results on here...)
 
#52 ·
I've seen more than one. I can't recall right now, but yes she will make the dealer take you seriously if they don't want to. If I have the time to find a thread where someone thanked her for her help, then I will.
 
#53 ·
I mean, the dealers took me seriously after they saw/heard what it was doing... so there's no question there. It's more or less than nobody knows why this is happening. Furthermore, they all want to keep the car for a week or so so they can remove the trans and other parts to find the issue, which I guess is somewhat normal, but that also leaves me without a car. Now, the dealer I bought the car from will loan me a car while mine is being repaired, so we will see how that goes. Hopefully I can get it in by the end of this week so that they can start looking at it. If they need to keep it for 2 weeks, then fine. Just as long as they don't try to charge me for the loaner car while mine is being worked on. This is what bugged me the most... dealers want me to pay for a rental car when this is purely a warranty issue. So as long as I can get to work and to do errands somehow with a car, then they can keep it the 1-2 weeks they say they may need.

Basically it comes down to this: my local dealer will look at the car, but they need it for a week. And to get a rental will cost me $28 per day, because I didn't buy the car from them. I can take the car to the dealer I got it from, and they'll give me a loaner car for however long they have my car. Only thing is they are 80 miles away. I may just go back to the original dealer the car came from because the gas is only about $25 round trip (similar to 1 rental car day after you add in the annoying IL tolls). I know it's not my local dealer's fault I don't have a spare car to drive, but why can't they just bill the rental car to Ford. After all, the works is to be covered under warranty.

I will post back when I find out more about this situation. I will still contact the FordCustomerService people with the VIN just as a backup.
 
#54 · (Edited)
focus shudder

I am experiencing the exact same issue. There is a hesitation when accelerating and there is a shudder when coming to a stop. I have 4000 miles on my new focus and it is not getting any better. If anything, it is more noticable. Unfortunately I bought mine out of state because the clutch on my Civic, which had 250,000 miles on it, went out while I was on vacation and I knew it was time for a new car. I've never bought a Ford in my life but my boyfriend and his father are loyal Ford customers so I was convinced that this purchase would be a good one. I can honestly say I have never had one problem with my old Civic. and I'm starting to wish I had just gotten the clutch fixed and not bought this Focus.

Due to being out of state when I purchased it, I am having trouble getting a call back from the local dealerships who I have called to see if they would look into the issue. I was thinking I would just have to drive into the local dealership and insist someone take a look at my car and decided to Google it and see if anyone else was having the same issue. I am glad I found this forum because I was starting to wonder if I just wasn't used to the automatic transmission. But the longer I drive it, the more I realize that something just isn't right. I sure hope I get an answer soon.
 
#55 ·
For my problem, the shuttering and hesitation and problems, but they can wait... I'm more concerned with this whining noise its making. I just want to make sure that it's not going to cause major problems later on. They shuttering/hesitation in my situation is probably related to what other problem(s) I'm having.

I've test drove 5 Focuses before buying this one, and they all ran fine, and I didn't hear the noise I hear in my car.
 
#56 ·
I've never known any dealer to charge you for a loaner car. They will try to make it seem like you should get a rental, but that's because you can choose to do that if you want. If you end up paying for it, then it's your loss, but they should loan you a car for something that causes your vehicle to fail completely under warranty.
 
#57 ·
Issues with 2012 Ford Focus

I, like dvandy4898 and Jellman123, purchased a 2012 Ford Focus on June 6, 2011. After driving for about two weeks, I continually noticed a shutter in the transmission. When I would go to take off or come to a stop it shutters and acts like it was going to stall. Actually, it was kind of like the transmission was slipping and could not grab gears. I immediately called the dealership and asked to set a date for a diagnostic test because there was a problem with the transmission. The man whom I spoke with in the service department acted like I had no clue what I was talking about and said that the shutter I was feeling is the clutch assembly engaging and that there is nothing wrong with the car. It is now August and the problem has gotten worse. Not just a little, but a great deal worse. Now, when I put my car in reverse and go to roll back, the transmission shakes the entire car and kind of stalls. Every time I go to take off the car acts like it is going to completely shut down. When I slam on the gas it does not do this, but I shouldn't not have to slam on the gas because it is an automatic, also this car is meant for fuel economy and slamming on the gas does not get me the promised gas mileage that this car was meant to deliver. I called Mike Castrucci Ford today and made an appointment because I feel like I am being taken for an idiot. I went to Universal Technical Institute for college. I know cars. However, I did get a second opinion just to make sure I was not crazy. My fiance's father is 28 years ASE certified. He has worked for many Ford dealerships and now owns his own shop where he repairs customer vehicles for a living. He test drove my new focus for me. He said there is something seriously wrong with the transmission and it will probably be recalled. I hope Ford fixes this issue because if my car stalls when I am trying to take off from a stop then I might wind up in an accident. It is very unsafe and I am very disappointed with Ford after owning so many good quality vehicles from this company. I did not like being treated like someone who does not know anything about vehicles because I am ASE certified myself. I will post again after my Saturday appointment with Ford to tell everyone what they said about my 2012 Focus.
 
#58 ·
howelljimmy22 - you are correct in what you are seeing and feeling with your car.

I also have an appointment with Ford for this coming Tuesday. It looks like you are new to the site, but if you look through the thread, the Ford representative has been asking folks to send their VIN number and location of service to him privately. I did this just the other day and they responded right away. They are sounding like they want to work with folks. I think the first step, which is a pain, is to get the dealership to check things out and get their feedback. Then we can report back in the this forum what we are seeing and start to hold the Ford rep more accountable or use this as documentation of the issue when we have to start writing letters etc. Please keep us updated.
 
#59 ·
I'm about an hour new to this forum and I joined only in hopes to find out what the heck is wrong with my transmission! I bought my 2012 Focus about a week ago and just clicked 1K miles. I love the car but I have all of the same problems as the rest of you guys. Car shudders (especially) at downhill stops...clunks into gear hard (intermittently), reverse is "jerky" feels like it skips third gear sometimes, and it's all getting worse. Dealer said it's normal and they're not that familiar with the new trans....also told me they've replaced a couple of Fiesta transmissions less than a thousand miles. I don't know if Ford is using the same trans there, but sounds scary. Feel kinda sick I dumped 21K ten days ago, and having problems.
 
#60 ·
fletch7719 said:
I'm about an hour new to this forum and I joined only in hopes to find out what the heck is wrong with my transmission! I bought my 2012 Focus about a week ago and just clicked 1K miles. I love the car but I have all of the same problems as the rest of you guys. Car shudders (especially) at downhill stops...clunks into gear hard (intermittently), reverse is "jerky" feels like it skips third gear sometimes, and it's all getting worse. Dealer said it's normal and they're not that familiar with the new trans....also told me they've replaced a couple of Fiesta transmissions less than a thousand miles. I don't know if Ford is using the same trans there, but sounds scary. Feel kinda sick I dumped 21K ten days ago, and having problems.
Click to expand...
I would maybe take it to another dealer. I will tell you this, the rental I have is a bit jerky too... makes some noises, and reverse is jerky as well. The car has 2k on it, and for the most part it seems OK. It's just something we may have to get used to. Maybe go another 500 or 1000 miles and then see. After all, your warranty is good for 5 years or 60k.

The reason I had to get mine in quickly (which I just dropped off this afternoon by the way) is because they now think the problem I have (the whining / moaning noise that fades in and out) could possibly be a bearing within the trans, and they don't want me driving it any more than I have to, in fear that the trans could break down alltogether (and I travel a decent amount for work).

But, back to your question, I would simply just give the car another 1000 miles or so and then see. I know it's a bit annoying since you spent $21,000 on a car and it doesn't seem right, but all the Focuses that I've driven have been a little jerky at times (and I doubt that all 5 were bad)... it's a different style of transmission than what most are used to. Most are used to the smooth-shifting tranny, but the 6-speed in the Focus is like an automated manual, so it's going to have some characteristics (in particular some noise, and a bit jerky) as a manual does.

LIke I said, take it to another dealer if you want reassurance. Or even a third dealer if you must. I went to three dealers before going back to my own dealer (where I got the car).
 
41 - 60 of 2,321 Posts
About this Discussion
2.3K Replies
468 Participants
Last post:
PrDawg
Focus Fanatics Forum
posts
5.8M
members
203K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to Ford Focus owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about SVT performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Technical Chat Ford Focus Builds & General Showroom MK3 Focus SVT Performance (2002-2004) MK1 Focus