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2013 Ford Focus Transmission

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#41 ·
dragonpalm said:
My 2013 (8/8/12 build) has never "bucked" as bad as you described... and I never have traction control off. Sure, sometimes the 1-2 shift is not as smooth as the other gears but that's not in issue for me since I drove manuals all my life. Maybe you should get on the throttle a little more at take off. Also, yes the transmission can rattle at low speeds...I notice it when I'm driving through a parking lot with lots of speed bumps but it's not a big deal for me.
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I do prefer a solid shift from an auto. Always hated the "slide" into gear of other cars. I'll beat it up more & see if the clutches really do need some break-in like I've heard. Maybe in my quest for mileage, I've been too easy on this one.
 
#42 ·
dragonpalm said:
My 2013 (8/8/12 build) has never "bucked" as bad as you described... and I never have traction control off. Sure, sometimes the 1-2 shift is not as smooth as the other gears but that's not in issue for me since I drove manuals all my life. Maybe you should get on the throttle a little more at take off. Also, yes the transmission can rattle at low speeds...I notice it when I'm driving through a parking lot with lots of speed bumps but it's not a big deal for me.
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Your above synopsis is spot-on as far as my car as well (2012 / build 05/25/12).

The only time I notice the rattles is in my neighborhood as we have massive speed bumps to crawl over.

If I "get on it" there is NEVER a rattle or hesitation.
 
#43 ·
I can't decide between a 2013 Focus or a Mazda3 touring, I mean, I like the Focus design a lot more but threads about transmission problems pop up here everyday. I think that what worries me even more are the uncaring dealers and the lack of solutions coming from Ford. Makes my head hurt. [scratch]
 
#44 ·
Cult Hero said:
I can't decide between a 2013 Focus or a Mazda3 touring, I mean, I like the Focus design a lot more but threads about transmission problems pop up here everyday. I think that what worries me even more are the uncaring dealers and the lack of solutions coming from Ford. Makes my head hurt. [scratch]
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Coming from an early build with transmission nightmares, a 2013 Focus will probably be fine. But if you do ever run into issues... may God have mercy on your soul.
 
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#45 ·
Cult Hero said:
I can't decide between a 2013 Focus or a Mazda3 touring, I mean, I like the Focus design a lot more but threads about transmission problems pop up here everyday. I think that what worries me even more are the uncaring dealers and the lack of solutions coming from Ford. Makes my head hurt. [scratch]
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I owned a 2006 Mazda3 and a 2011 Mazdaspeed3. Both were good cars but I bought the 2013 Focus because it was the total package. The Focus has more tech, more performance, better looks and a quieter ride than the Mazdas. The only thing the Mazda has going for it was great handling, which the Focus does equally well. Don't let the transmission woes fool you. Drive them back to back and see for yourself.
 
#46 ·
Cult Hero said:
I can't decide between a 2013 Focus or a Mazda3 touring, I mean, I like the Focus design a lot more but threads about transmission problems pop up here everyday. I think that what worries me even more are the uncaring dealers and the lack of solutions coming from Ford. Makes my head hurt. [scratch]
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By all means, go with the Mazda............
 
#49 ·
Cult Hero said:
I can't decide between a 2013 Focus or a Mazda3 touring, I mean, I like the Focus design a lot more but threads about transmission problems pop up here everyday. I think that what worries me even more are the uncaring dealers and the lack of solutions coming from Ford. Makes my head hurt. [scratch]
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I have a 2/2012 build and the DCT was a bit wonky for the first 7-8k miles. At 10k+ miles it seems to have broken in and stayed fairly consistent. If it stays like it is then I have no problem driving the car for another 100-150k miles but long-term reliability is a concern right now.

I am giving it a chance to prove my that concerns are unwarranted but if it starts acting up then I am trading that car in.

The Mazda 3 looks like a clown car but that's just my opinion of course. Personally I'd go for a Subaru, VW GTI, or KIA Forte/Optima. I spent some time browsing the KIA forums awhile back and folks seem pretty happy with them.
 
#50 ·
The car does have some because racecar. But like a woman it sometimes needs "encouragement" to get going.[driving][burnout]

Also running the car with the air box lid off is very fun experience.

My transmission was quite unrefined @ first after the first little bit the transmission improved beyond words.

The car is a very fun drive and btw the K/N drop in for this car is worth the money.

My advice is drive the car hard @ first, have some fun it and it will treat you right. [:D]
 
#51 ·
Hey gang,

Congratulations to those of you who are rockin' out in new 2013s! If you have any issues or concerns, I'm happy to step in and see how I can assist. Send me a PM with your VIN, dealer, mileage, and daytime contact number; I'll start investigating.

Have a great day!
Crystal [wave]
 
#52 ·
After break-in and 2000 miles, our two SE's with DCT's are driving well. Only light clatter at times from the gearbox. But not objectionable since we are used to manuals and clutches. They are quicker too...
 
#53 ·
I got the DCT automatic in my '13 SE....wthout powershift.....Other then a little shutter if you take off a tad to fast, like you'd expect from a manual transmission if aren't smooth with the clutch, I haven't had a drop of problem with the transmission, no noises, nothing. However, I have adjusted to driving it and it rarely does it now. I currently have a little over 750 miles on the car.
 
#54 ·
I have 2013 Focus S, bought it about two weeks ago. I hear loud clunk/metal rattle noise from transmission at low speeds and sometimes its really loud. I took the car in for service twice already and they advised me to put more miles on the car. As of now i have about 750+ miles on it and it still rattles.
 
#55 ·
Can anyone tell me what's the difference in the DCT on a 2013? When I was buying my brand new 2012 Built date 04/26/2012 I test drove a 2013 model built date 08/07/2012 as well and I didn't feel any difference what's so ever. They felt exactly the same, that's why I decided to go for the 2012 since it was way cheaper.
 
#56 ·
powermax said:
Can anyone tell me what's the difference in the DCT on a 2013? When I was buying my brand new 2012 Built date 04/26/2012 I test drove a 2013 model built date 08/07/2012 as well and I didn't feel any difference what's so ever. They felt exactly the same, that's why I decided to go for the 2012 since it was way cheaper.
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There is no mechanical difference at least as far as what has been announced publicly, and so far the latest software is also from around the march or april time frame (at least as far as TSB vs the car as built.
 
#58 ·
powermax said:
Can anyone tell me what's the difference in the DCT on a 2013? When I was buying my brand new 2012 Built date 04/26/2012 I test drove a 2013 model built date 08/07/2012 as well and I didn't feel any difference what's so ever. They felt exactly the same, that's why I decided to go for the 2012 since it was way cheaper.
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I don't think there are any differences is those two. In the really EARLY builds there is a different seal (I would hope), a motor mount change, minor clutch tweaks, etc.
 
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#59 ·
Hi again, everyone!

I'm glad to hear that some of you are having a great time driving in your 2013s. If any of you are having any issues, I want to help. Just send me a PM with some details, including your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name; I'll get things moving.

Thanks!
Crystal [8D]
 
#60 ·
Mine was built on July 28th 2011. Is it considered an early build?
Is there some kind of online calendar for build dates so I can situate my build date?

I can easily imagine FF's comming out of the Michigan plant every day, but are they grouped into batch's or Tiers or something? That could help the dealer that's going to check on my tranny, hopefully
 
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