2014 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 2,657 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 69 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 47 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJun 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Campaign 20V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 5, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.
Campaign 19V515000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hatchback/liftgate, lockSep 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Campaign 16V698000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchSep 6, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Campaign 16V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured January 11, 2012, to April 1, 2013, and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles manufactured May 03, 2012, to October 14, 2013. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17-S1.
Campaign 15V813000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 9, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.
Campaign 15V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, deliverySep 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 24, 2014, 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured on June 6, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to July 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack between the filter body and the filter cap, possibly resulting in low fuel pressure.
A reduction in fuel pressure may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S20.
Campaign 14V525000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringDo not drive until repairedAug 22, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have steering gears that were incorrectly assembled.
The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S18.
Campaign 14V514000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 11, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to April 1, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines and Focus ST vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to October 14, 2013, and equipped with 2.0 liter engines. Insufficient compression in the engine wiring harness splices to the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor may provide incorrect signals to the powertrain control module (PCM).
The incorrect signals could cause the vehicle to hesitate or the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current crimped splices with new splices, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S17.
Campaign 14V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
2,657 reports, newest first.
Steering, May 28, 2014
THERE WERE FOUR INCIDENTS ON MY BRAND NEW 2014 FORD FOCUS LEADING UP TO COMPLETE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILURE. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW ON A SATURDAY EVENING. I DROVE IT EVERYDAY SINCE THEN. I DROVE IT ABOUT 100 MILES SATURDAY NIGHT, THEN ANOTHER 100 ON SUNDAY. MONDAY AFTERNOON I LEFT FOR WORK. MY DRIVE CONSISTS OF ABOUT TWO MILES FROM MY RESIDENCE TO THE EXPRESSWAY THEN 18 MILES HIGHWAY AND LESS THAN A MILE TO THE PARKING LOT OFF THE EXIT. AS I GOT OFF THE EXIT I GOT INTO THE LEFT TURNING LANE WHICH CROSSES TWO SETS OF RAILROAD TRACKS AND TAKES A LONG SWOOPING LEFT HAND TURN TO A LIGHT. THEN THE PARKING LOT IS ABOUT A HALF MILE UP ON THE RIGHT. ACCELERATING OVER THE TRACKS AND IN MID TURN THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE INFORMATION BOX ON THE CLUSTER. I HAD NO POWER STEERING UP UNTIL I GOT IN THE PARKING LOT, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, OPENED THE DOOR, WAITED A MINUTE, THEN STARTED THE CAR BACK AND IT RESET. THEN TWO DAYS LATER, WEDNESDAY, THE SAME SCENARIO REPEATED ITSELF AND ONCE AGAIN ON FRIDAY. THEN SATURDAY EVENING I DROVE THE CAR TO A RESTAURANT FOR DINNER ABOUT 25 MILES FROM THE HOUSE, MOSTLY HIGHWAY, WITH NO ISSUES. ONCE WE LEFT THE RESTAURANT AND GOT BACK INTO TOWN THE STEERING FAILED ACCELERATING AROUND A TURN FROM A STOP LIGHT ABOUT 10 MILES FROM THE RESTAURANT. ONCE WE ARRIVED AT THE ICE CREAM PARLOR AND THEN LEFT AGAIN, IT RESET. WE LEFT THE PARLOR AND ABOUT 10 MILES FROM THE PARLOR I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, WENT TO ACCELERATE FROM THE LIGHT, DID NOT TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, DRIVE PATH WAS STRAIGHT, AND NOTICED THE WARNING LIGHT APPEAR AGAIN WITH NO POWER STEERING THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. ONCE WE ARRIVED HOME I ASSUMED THAT IT WOULD RESET, HOWEVER THE NEXT MORNING (SUNDAY) I WENT TO START IT AND THE FIRST THING THAT POPPED UP WAS THE WARNING LIGHT AGAIN AND I HAVEN'T HAD POWER STEERING SINCE THEN. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, May 22, 2014
I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW ON DEC 31, 2013. HERE'S MY LIST OF PROBLEMS... 1) TRUNK WAS WAY OFF ALIGNMENT, DEALERSHIP FIXED BEST THEY COULD... 2) WIPERS ARE HITTING THE SIDE OF FRAME WHEN THEY WIPE. IT MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN WIPERS ARE ON AND IS VERY ANNOYING. DEALERSHIP IS INSTALLING NEW WIPER MOTORS AS I WRITE THIS... 3) MOLDING ON BOTH REAR DOORS AT TOP OF WINDOW KEEP FALLING DOWN, ALSO BEING REPAIRED NOW. 4) CAR DROPS RIMS WHEN AT A STOP AND ALMOST KILLS THE ENGINE..... 5) CAR HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED, THEN JERKS FORWARD. I DRIVE THIS CAR VERY CONSERVATIVELY , LIKE AN OLD MAN, I TAKE GREAT CARE OF ALL MY CARS. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS PURCHASE! I'VE OWNED FORDS FOR 25 YEARS AND THE QUALITY IS GREATLY GOING DOWN. LOOKS LIKE I'LL HAVE TO FILE ANOTHER LEMON LAW SUITE AGAINST FORD....I DID WIN MY FIRST SUITE IN 2010 ON A NEW FORD RANGER! *TR
Power train, May 22, 2014
TWO WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THIS CAR I NOTICED IT JUMPS AND STUTTERS FEELS LIKE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ON WHEN TAKING OFF. AFTER BEING IN THE SHOP TWICE AND HAVING THE CLUTCHES REPLACED IT HAS NOW STARTED DOING IT AGAIN AND IT HAS ONLY BEEN A WEEK. ITS REALLY SCARY WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND NEED TO GO AND THE CAR WONT GO BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Air bags, May 19, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO BLACK ICE AND THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 08/14/14*LJ UPDATED 8/28/2017*CN
Engine, May 12, 2014
ENGINE STALLS AT DRIVING SPEEDS. FORD ISSUED A TSB FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT DEALERS ARE REFUSING TO DO THE TSB BECAUSE IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE TSB CONCERNS FAULTY ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. (TSB 13-9-7). *TR
Steering, May 12, 2014
DRIVING MY NEW FOCUS IS A CHALLENGE, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY,KEEPING THE CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE CAR WANDERS IN EITHER DIRECTION, DEMANDING A CONSTANT GRIP ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP IT GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. WHEN THE CAR DRIFTS LEFT OR RIGHT, AND YOU SLIGHTLY STEER TO CORRECT, IT DARTS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION. THIS IS VERY SCARY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE CARS ON EITHER SIDE OF YOU. THE SERVICE DEPT AT MY DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THE SALES DEPT. WANTS TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR TRADE AT A DISCOUNT OF $3500 AND I HAVE OWNED THE CAR A MONTH! I HAVE DRIVEN 3 OTHER FOCUSES, SAME TIRES, ETC AND THEY TRACK STRAIGHT WITHOUT THE CONSTANT CORRECTION/OVERCORRECTION ISSUE. ADVICE? I SEE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE STRESSFUL AND UNSAFE! WHY SHOULD I LOSE THIS KIND OF MONEY, OR ACCEPT THIS ON A NEW VEHICLE, WHEN THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM I HAVE CREATED?! *TR
Engine, May 12, 2014
THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, AND IDLE IS CONSTANTLY GOING TOO LOW. THE CAR WILL SOMETIMES SHUT OFF WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED, AND THE RPM'S ARE ALLOWED TO FALL TO IDLE RANGE. THIS IS BECOMING A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE CAR HAS DIED IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, AND WHILE TRAVELING AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS. NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS HAVE POSTED THE SAME ISSUE, SOME WITH LESS THAN 200 MILES. *TR
Engine, May 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD FOCUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND OCCURRED WHILE THE CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Power train, Engine, May 2, 2014
JERKING UPON GEARS CHANGING.. GRINDING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION AND WHEN TURNING LEFT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DETERMINED AT 900 MILES THE CAR NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH. THIS WAS REPLACED THINKING IT WOULD FIX THE SHIFTING ISSUES AND THE GRINDING NOISE. THE GRINDING NOISE CAME BACK YESTERDAY AS WELL AS THE CAR TRYING TO CUT OFF AND IDLING VERY LOW AT STOP SIGNS/STOP LIGHTS.. THE GRINDING CONTINUED THROUGH 3RD GEAR. THE DEALERSHIP IS STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS SOUND. REPLACING THE CLUTCH DID FIX THE JERKING AND HARD SHIFTING ISSUES HOWEVER THE GRINDING SOUND IS STILL AN ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 30, 2014
THE 2014 FORD FOCUS S COMES STANDARD WITH TRACTION CONTROL WHICH USES BOTH THE ABS MODULE AND THE PCM TORQUE CONTROL TO CONTROL THE VEHICLES MOTION RELATIVE TO THE INTENDED COURSE. THIS IS DONE THROUGH TWO WAYS: 1) THE ABS MODULE CONTINUOUSLY MONITORS AND COMPARES THE ROTATIONAL SPEED OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IN RELATION TO THE NON-DRIVEN WHEELS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE ABS MODULE CALCULATES HOW MUCH ENGINE TORQUE REDUCTION IS REQUIRED TO ELIMINATE THE WHEEL SLIP. IN SNOWY (+2-3?), ICY OR SLIPPERY SURFACES WHERE BOTH FRONT TIRES ARE EQUALLY IN THE SAME CONDITION, THE ABS MODULE MODULATES BRAKE PRESSURE TO BOTH BRAKE CALIPER (S) TO STOP ANY WHEEL SPIN. 2) AT THE SAME TIME, THE ABS MODULE SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE PCM TO REDUCE THE ENGINE TORQUE TO THE REQUESTED LEVEL. WITH BOTH BRAKES BEING APPLIED AND ENGINE TORQUE REDUCED TO A NEAR ?IDLE? STATE WITH THE ACCELERATOR AT ?FULL THROTTLE?, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY BECOMES STUCK. BECAUSE THE FORD FOCUS S DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO DISABLE THE TRACTION CONTROL, MY WIFE AND KIDS HAVE CONTINUOUSLY BEEN STRANDED IN A CAR THAT WILL APPLY THE BRAKES AND REDUCE THE ENGINE RPM?S RESULTING IN A CAR THAT WILL NOT MOVE IN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE CAR HAS BEEN REQUIRED TO BE TOWED MANY TIMES IN BELOW ZERO CONDITIONS BECAUSE WE ARE UNABLE TO DISABLE THE TRACTION CONTROL. DEATH OR SEVERE INJURY IS OUR CONCERN BECAUSE "BY DESIGN", THE CAR BECOMES DISABLED WHEN SNOWY INTERSECTIONS AND HIGHWAYS ARE ENCOUNTERED. OUR DISABLED VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO SLAM INTO OUR VEHICLE.
Engine, Apr 24, 2014
BRAND NEW 2014 LEASED FORD FOCUS ST REPEATEDLY STALLS AT IDLE. HAS OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASE IN DECEMBER 2013. BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AT PERRY FORD IN SANTA BARBARA. THEY FIXED IT TEMPORARILY BUT THE ISSUE NOW PERSISTS. SAME ISSUE AS FOCUS ST THREAD: HTTP://FORDSTNATION.COM/FOCUS-ST-PERFORMANCE/6744-JUMPY-IDLE-STALLING-6.HTML I'M NOW BRINGING CAR BACK TO PERRY FOR THE 4TH TIME IN 3 MONTHS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 15, 2014
TROUBLE WITH THE DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. THE CAR NOW HAS 6K MILES AND THE PROBLEMS PERSIST. THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ARE EVEN WORSE DURING COLD WEATHER: THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS POORLY, ROUGHLY, MISSES SHIFTS, CHOOSES THE WRONG GEAR FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED, DISENGAGES AND SENDS THE ENGINE TO REDLINE THEN DROPS INTO GEAR WITH A BANG AND EITHER SLOWS THE VEHICLE WITH ENGINE BRAKING BECAUSE THE GEAR IS TOO LOW, OR LUGS THE ENGINE WITH NO ACCELERATION BECAUSE THE GEAR IS TOO HIGH. THE TRANSMISSION IS ALWAYS SHIFTING, AND SEEMS 'CONFUSED' AS TO WHAT GEAR THAT IT SHOULD BE IN. IN CITY DRIVING, IF I NEED TO SUDDENLY BRAKE, WHEN I RE-APPLY THE THROTTLE AGAIN, THE TRANSMISSION HANGS BETWEEN GEARS AND THE ENGINE REVS TO REDLINE THEN DROPS INTO GEAR AND CHIRPS THE TIRES. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO MAKES GRINDING NOISES WHEN CHANGING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. ALSO VERY SLOW TO DROP TO A LOWER GEAR WHEN THROTTLE IS PRESSED FOR QUICK ACCELERATION. TAKES ABOUT 2 SECONDS FOR IT TO DOWNSHIFT AND THEN ACCELERATE. ALSO, THE GEAR INDICATOR ON THE CONSOLE (PRNDS) DOESN'T LINE UP WITH THE SHIFTER OR ILLUMINATE TO SHOW WHICH GEAR IS SELECTED, SO IT'S DIFFICULT TO TELL WHETHER I'VE SELECTED REVERSE, NEUTRAL, OR DRIVE. IN ADDITION, THE DISPLAY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT SHOWS THE GEAR SELECTION SOMETIMES TAKES OVER 30 SECONDS TO ILLUMINATE OR 'BOOT UP' TO INDICATE WHAT GEAR IS SELECTED. I OFTEN END UP IN NEUTRAL WHEN I THINK I'VE CHOSEN REVERSE OR DRIVE WHILE I WAIT FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATOR TO 'BOOT UP'. THE DEALERSHIPS SAY THAT I HAVE THE CURRENT SOFTWARE, AND, "THEY ALL DO THAT." DANGEROUS, AND WILL PROBABLY ADD UP TO VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS AS IT CAN'T POSSIBLY BE RELIABLE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. *TT
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 15, 2014
FORD FOCUS ST '14 : ON STARTUP THE ENGINE REVS TO 1500 THEN DOWN TO <500RPM AND ALMOST STALLS. IN ADDITION, SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING, IF THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED THE ENGINE REVS WILL RAPIDLY DECREASE TO THIS NEAR STALL POINT CAUSING LOTS OF ENGINE SHUTTER. THERE IS A TSB (13-9-7) RELEASED, BUT THE ENGINE IS THROWING 0 CODES WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTTER HAPPENS. *TT
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2014
MY CAR HAS SEVERAL ISSUES WHICH ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH AND DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIX THEM: 1. VIBRATION ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN I LET THE CAR GO FROM A STOP BEFORE PUSHING THE GAS. 2. TRANSMISSION IS JERKY WHEN I ACCELERATE, IT SEEMS TO STOP, GO BACK AND FORTH, AS IF SOMEBODY'S PULLING ME BACK 3. ANTIFREEZE SMELL WHEN I TURN ON THE AC (HAVE A HEADACHE) *JS
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Apr 10, 2014
PURCHASED A 2014 FORD FOCUS SE ON JANUARY 4, 2014 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE DRIVING IT OFF THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BOUNCES OR SWAYS BACK AND FORTH. THE FEEL IS SIMILAR TO WHEN IT IS WINDY AND THE CAR IS CAUGHT IN AN AIR GUST. WHEN DRIVING ANY DISTANCE OR A SPEED OVER 10 MPH, THE DRIVER MUST HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE STEERING WHEEL SWAYS ONE WAY AND ONCE YOU CORRECT IT IS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THE OPPOSITE WAY. THE CAR IS DRIVEN TO AND FROM WORK APPROXIMATELY 17 MILES ONE DAY DAILY. BY THE TIME I ARRIVE AT WORK OR HOME MY HANDS HURT FROM HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL SO TIGHTLY. PRIOR TO THE THIRD VISIT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE STEERING ISSUE, A NEW PROBLEM AROSE. AFTER BREAKING TO STOP THE CAR, I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF OF THE BREAK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD FAST ENOUGH TO SQUEAL THE TIRES. APPLIED THE BREAK AGAIN, STOPPED, REMOVED FOOT TO ACCELERATE AND CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AGAIN. THIS IS BECOMING AN ONGOING ISSUE. AS OF APRIL 9, 2014 THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES, EACH TIME TO BE TOLD THERE NO PROBLEMS CAN BE FOUND WITH THE CAR. IT DRIVES THE SAME AS EVERY OTHER VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE PER THE DEALERSHIP. I'VE BARELY MISSED HITTING THE CENTER BARRIER ON THE FREEWAY, TAKING OUT THE SIDE OF A DELIVERY TRUCK, ACCELERATED FORWARD AT A DANGEROUS SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND THE STEERING IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE FOR THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY. FORD CONTINUES TO SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN FEAR OF HURTING ANOTHER DRIVER OR MYSELF. *TR
Power train, Apr 8, 2014
TRANSMISSION GRINDS AND SHUDDERS STARTING FROM 0 MPH, INTO SECOND GEAR, AND ALSO SOMETIMES INTO THIRD GEAR. THIS IS NOT A SAFE TRANSMISSION.. THE PROBLEM IS ONLY GETTING WORSE, AND I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL FEEL AND SOUND LIKE AT 2,000 MILES.. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2014
MY FORD FOCUS (2014) SHUTS OFF AT IDLE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO GET FIXED TWICE. NOW THE DEALER HAS HAD MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ALSO I HAVE FOUND ON THE ST FORMS THAT THERE IS A LOT OF FORD ST OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 24, 2014
I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW ON MARCH 10, 2014. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER HAVING IT I NOTICED WHEN I ACCELERATE IT GETS VERY JERKY AND THE RPMS SHOOT UP HIGHER THAN I'VE EVER SEEN IN ANOTHER CAR. THERE IS ALSO A GRINDING SOUND WHEN I AM ACCELERATING AND SOMETIMES EVEN WHEN I AM JUST DRIVING. I AM VERY CONCERNED, AND I AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS AFTERNOON. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 18, 2014
2014 FORD FOCUS ST WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHEN DECELERATING TO A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT (APPROX 20-10 MPH), AND ENGAGING THE CLUTCH TO COAST WITH THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, THE CAR WILL ALMOST STALL (DROPS TO ABOUT ~500 RPM) AND THEN THE ENGINE "CATCHES ITSELF" AND WILL REV TO 1000-1200 RPM BEFORE SETTLING BACK TO A NORMAL 700-800 RPM IDLE. THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM, BUT "AC/ON" ALSO INCREASES LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCES. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TRIP. I STOPPED COUNTING AFTER 12 EVENTS IN THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS. THE CAR ALSO "HUNTS" FOR IT'S IDLE SPEED (WITH A WARMED ENGINE) AND VARIES FROM 700-1000 RPM, APPARENTLY AT RANDOM. THERE IS ALREADY A FORD TSB FOR THIS, TSB# 13-09-07, BUT IT CAN ONLY BE ACCOMPLISHED IF AN ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN AND THROWS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/CODE. DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS COULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AN ENGINE WHILE STOPPING NEAR OTHER MOTORISTS, LIKE THE RECENT GM IGNITION ISSUE, I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE VEHICLES. IT IS A 45 MINUTE REPAIR AND APPROX $8 DOLLARS IN PARTS TO REPAIR TWO "CRIMPED WIRE CONNECTIONS" IN THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS, (S132 & S133). THEY NEED TO BE SOLDERED, NOT CRIMPED (6 BARE COPPER WIRES OVERLAID TOGETHER AND CRIMPED). I HAVE BEEN TO TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS BUT THEY ARE UNDER STRICT FORD GUIDELINES NOT TO ACCOMPLISH THE TSB UNLESS THERE IS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/CODE. I EVEN OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND WAS TURNED AWAY BOTH TIMES. I BELIEVE IT IS BETTER TO ACCOMPLISH THIS TSB AND REMOVE THE CONCERN THAN TO WAIT FOR AN OWNER SAFETY ISSUE LEADING TO ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON FORUMS AT FOCUS ST.ORG: HTTP://WWW.FOCUSST.ORG/FORUM/FORUM.PHP [SEARCH FOR TSB 13-9-7]. THERE ARE YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF THIS EVENT AS WELL. PLEASE HELP FORD RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT HURTS SOMEONE. THANK YOU KINDLY. *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS THE WHEEL WELLS FOR THE CAR BECAME PACKED WITH SNOW AND ICE. THE CLEARANCE OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT ALLOW FOR BEING ABLE TO CLEAR THE BUILDUP. STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND THE SNOW AND ICE BUILD UP WAS RUBBING ON ALL THE TIRES. EVEN AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE IN A GARAGE I WAS ONLY ABLE TO CLEAR THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS, THE REAR WHEEL WELLS HAVE A FELT TYPE LINING THAT STICKS IN THE SNOW AND ICE SO IT CANNOT BE REMOVED AND RUBS ON THE TIRES DECREASING THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS. *TR
Power train, Feb 26, 2014
I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT IN A TRAFFIC JAM. WORRIED THAT I WOULD RUN OUT ELECTRICITY, I SHUT OFF THE CAR. WHEN I TRIED TO PROCEED, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE, AND A WARNING OF "SAFELY STOP NOW" ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. I TRIED "RESTARTING" THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAR WOULD SEEM TO "START," BUT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD -- AS IF THE GEAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, AND WITH A POLICEMAN LEANING INTO THE WINDOW BARKING SUGGESTIONS, THE CAR STARTED AND PROCEEDED. PERHAPS, WHEN I STOPPED TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE CAR WHOLLY POWERED-OFF. ESSENTIALLY "POWER CYCLING" THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2014
THE CAR WAS SCARY TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH UNCONTROLLABLE SWAYING HAD TO WHITE KNUCKLE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH COMPENSATION OF DARTY MOVEMENTS! BROUGHT TO THE DEALER THEY ALIGN IT 3 TIMES GOT BETTER BUT STILL NO COMPLETE REWARD. THEN FORD SAID REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ! TEST DROVE HOME WITH MI SNOW ON THE ROADS WOW WAS IT SCARY TO DRIVE IT HOME EXTRA DARTING FISH TAIL EXPERIENCE. SINCE LAST REPAIR IT SEEMS TO GETTING BAD AGAIN 11000 MILE LATER WHILE DRIVING ON BUMPY ROADS IT DARTS BAD AND SWAY STEERING ! I BELIEVE ITS A COMB OF PROGRAMMING ISSUE OF STEERING GEAR AND RACK AND ROLL CONTROL !!! NEXT WILL NEED ENGINEER TO LOOK AT IT! *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2014
STEERING SOMETIMES WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS THE WHEELS SEEM TO WANDER LEFT OR RIGHT AND SMALL CORRECTIONS ARE NEEDED TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT IN THE LANE PROPER LEVEL OF CORRECTION IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE. AS YOU CORRECT IN ONE DIRECTION YOU NOW ARE WANDERING IN THAT DIRECTION. THIS CAUSES THE PROBLEM TO HAPPEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THE RESULT IS THE CAR "PING-PONGING" IN THE LANE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, PROBLEM IS MORE PRONOUNCED AT HIGHER SPEEDS PROBLEM SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR 40+ MINUTES PROBLEM IS NOT "TORQUE STEER", THE PROBLEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THROTTLE INPUT WIND SEEMS TO BE UNRELATED TO WANDERING SENSATION ROAD SURFACE QUALITY SEEMS TO BE UNRELATED TO ISSUE WHEN MAKING MINOR CORRECTIONS ON THE HIGHWAY: IF I ATTEMPT NOT TO OVERCOMPENSATE THEN I WILL VEER TOO FAR IN THE DIRECTION THAT THE CAR WAS WANDERING IN THE FIRST PLACE. YOU CAN'T NOT OVERCOMPENSATE WITH THE WAY IT BEHAVES. IT'S LIKE YOU EITHER DON'T COMPENSATE AT ALL OR YOU OVERCOMPENSATE, NOTHING IN BETWEEN. *TR
Structure, Jan 4, 2014
I HAVE A 5 DOOR HB. ON THE DAY OF THIS INCIDENT, I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO PROBLEMS (AND NO PRIOR PROBLEMS) AND THE CAR WAS FULLY WARMED, INSIDE AND OUT. THE WEATHER WAS DRY AND SUNNY, THE TEMPERATURE HAD CLIMBED FROM 17F THE PREVIOUS NIGHT TO 36F BY 11AM WHEN THIS INCIDENT REPEATEDLY OCCURRED. THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OPENED NORMALLY FROM THE OUTSIDE WHEN I PULLED THE HANDLE, BUT WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR, IT WOULDN'T LATCH (IT BOUNCED BACK FROM THE DOOR JAMMED AND REMAINED AJAR) AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED AN 'OPEN DOOR' WARNING. THE LATCHING MECHANISM IN THE DOOR APPEARED TO BE IN THE PROPER POSITION, BUT COULD EASILY BE MOVED WITH MY FINGER (RESISTANCE WAS FELT IN THIS MECHANISM ON ALL OTHER DOORS.) AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE DOOR FINALLY APPEARED TO LATCH AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT SHOW AN 'OPEN DOOR' WARNING. WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT, AND AGAIN AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET AT 10MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OPENED (FORTUNATELY, THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED.) AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS EACH TIME, I WAS ABLE TO AGAIN CLOSE THE DOOR. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION/REPAIR, THE DOOR OPENED 3 SEPARATE TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (APPROXIMATELY 55MPH.) IN ABOUT 6 MILES DISTANCE. WHILE DRIVING, I HAD TO DRIVE THE REMAINING DISTANCE LEANING OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT AND HOLDING THE INTERIOR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE TO PREVENT THE DOOR FROM OPENING AGAIN BEFORE I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND LUBRICATED THE LOCKS AND LATCHES, BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DOOR. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT IT WAS "...NORMAL FOR THE DOORS TO COME OPEN OR NOT LATCH ON COLD DAYS.", AND OTHER CUSTOMERS HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. IT JUST OCCURRED AGAIN AT 4,032 MILES ON THE SAME DAY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR BEGAN TO DECELERATE, GAS PEDAL WAS NON RESPONSIVE. TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH IN 5TH GEAR. DECELERATION OCCURRED IN 5TH GEAR. WAS ONLY ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN 4TH GEAR, BUT WAS UNABLE TO GO ANY FASTER THAN 50- 55 MPH WITH GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE DISPLAYED SOME SHUDDERING AND SLIGHT SPUTTER EFFECT. IF VEHICLE WAS PLACED BACK INTO 5TH GEAR DECELERATION WOULD CONTINUE. TACHOMETER SHOWED 3000 RPM REGARDLESS OF GEAR PLACEMENT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. TWO DAYS LATER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOM BUT ONLY MOMENTARILY. *TR