2014 Ford Focus transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

553 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2014 Ford Focus, 61% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 88,000 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
553
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
8
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
88,000 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train495
Power train:clutch assembly21
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)20
Power train:automatic transmission14
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands9
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids1
Power train:clutch assembly:linkage:clutch cable/rod/arm1
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Ford Focus years

120051200612007220082200942010120113402012272201355320143242015495201635820172862018
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

15Under 10k2710k–30k6030k–60k10760k–100k109100k–150k25150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 12, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain
    The Transmission Control Module (TCM), within the PowerShift DPS6 Automatic Transmission, failed completely on a 2014 Ford Focus (72,000 miles). The failed component is no longer physically available for inspection as it was retained by the independent service facility as a core replacement, but full repair invoices and diagnostic documentation are available. The failure caused a sudden and unpredictable loss of forward motive power, severe gear hesitation, and failure to…
    NHTSA complaint #11763818 · source
  2. Filed Sep 3, 2026133,283 miGATowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the transmission was slipping with the message “Transmission Overheated - Stop Vehicle” displayed. There was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle while stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, shifted to neutral, and remained stopped for 10 minutes before the vehicle returned to normal operation. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11761884 · source
  3. Filed Aug 24, 2026ALTransmission & Drivetrain
    The transmission over heating light comes on and says stop safely or wait 5 mins you can be going down the road and it jumps out gear and want go anywhere and it very dangerous.and I want no if ford fixes the problem.
    NHTSA complaint #11759050 · source
  4. Filed Aug 8, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain
    I own a 2014 Ford Focus Titanium with approximately 75,000 miles and the DPS6 automatic transmission. The transmission has developed a serious and recurring problem. The vehicle began violently jerking/shuddering while moving forward and suddenly would not go into reverse. A transmission warning light came on. After the battery was recharged, reverse temporarily returned, but the same transmission problems came back while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed with trouble code…
    NHTSA complaint #11755617 · source
  5. Filed Aug 7, 2026174,400 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle stopped independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted; however, the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that…
    NHTSA complaint #11755542 · source
  6. Filed Jul 28, 202627,000 miMDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the powertrain control module…
    NHTSA complaint #11753298 · source
  7. Filed Jul 28, 2026100,000 miOHTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed from the scene of the failure. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with a transmission module failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall associated with the powertrain; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no…
    NHTSA complaint #11753243 · source
  8. Filed Jul 21, 202696,000 miPAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted from neutral(N), to park(P), and then to drive(D) for the vehicle to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a…
    NHTSA complaint #11751912 · source
  9. Filed Jul 14, 2026IATransmission & Drivetrain
    Purchased 2014 Ford Focus from a private dealer. The vehicle had 75k miles on it and needed a reliable vehicle for my daughter who is in college. The same day as the purchase, the engine light came up as well as the transmission light. Had to tow it to ford and was advised the TCM needed replacement. Apparently this is a well known issue but the vehicle wasn’t covered under a recall for the issue. Paid $1960 to get that repaired as well as $135 for a tow. Ridiculous and Ford…
    NHTSA complaint #11750441 · source
  10. Filed Jul 13, 2026128,000 miGATransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact used an OBD scanner to retrieve DTC: P06B8. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02 (Transmission Control Module Extended Warranty Coverage); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was…
    NHTSA complaint #11750043 · source
  11. Filed Jun 24, 2026OKFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    I started smelling gasoline coming from the rear outside part of the car. I took the car to the local Ford dealership and they found a canister purge valve stuck open. They fixed it and I paid $414. A few days later and still smelling gasoline, I took it to tire place so they can lift it up to check the bottom where the fuel tank is located and the immediately saw fuel/gasoline leaking from the tank. I took it back to the Ford dealership and complained how they missed it the…
    NHTSA complaint #11746187 · source
  12. Filed Jun 24, 202656,838 miCODriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into 2nd gear, causing the transmission to slip, and the vehicle shuddered heavily while accelerating forward. Additionally, the contact stated that the backup camera failed to function since the vehicle was purchased in 2022. The vehicle possessed a long history of identical transmission failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several…
    NHTSA complaint #11746151 · source

Other 2014 Ford Focus problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology