Ford Focus Gearbox & Transmission Problems

To start with keep an accurate record, dates, times, what is said etc., of any conversations to have with the dealer personnel and Ford so you have plenty of ammunition to put to Ford if it comes to a head. Request a meeting with the Ford dealer and take them for a drive so you can demonstrate your concerns about the car, than ask for a Ford representative to assess the car, again preferably with you present. Shuddering is a sign of a clutch problem with the gearbox, erratic movements could also be a clutch issue, but could also be an electronic problem with the gearbox computer.

Yes it is. I also observed a shudder similar to what you report when road testing a Focus some time ago. The so-called auto in this case is not a traditional automatic gearbox that we have become used to over many, many years, it's a new technology automated manual gearbox, which in effect means it's a manual gearbox, but with an automated shift mechanism. As part of that mechanism it has two clutch packs that release and engage when it's shifting gears, and these are known problem areas. These gearboxes are not just fitted to Fords, but many other vehicles as well. VW's recent well-publicised difficulties are related to the gearboxes it uses. The shudder is annoying and will potentially get worse, so I would press your case with the dealer and with Ford to have it fixed.

It's interesting that Ford acknowledges there is an issue, but that it is acceptable. That would suggest that they don't know how to fix it. One owner we know of has managed to get her car replaced after complaining about transmission shudder, perhaps you should try the same course of action through your state consumer affairs people.

First, your car has a double-clutch automated manual gearbox, not a conventional automatic you probably thought you were getting. One of the differences between a double-clutch transmission and a conventional automatic is that they roll backwards on an incline if you don't keep your foot on the brake, as you would if you were driving a manual. A number of carmakers use similar transmissions, from the same maker or other producers. VW was one of the first to use one of the new-age automatics and it has been plagued with issues, essentially the same ones you complain about. The clutch packs appear to be the cause of the issues, the shuddering etc. that you report; the electronics can be another source of trouble. We have spoken to Ford and we know that a Ford representative has been in contact with you to arrange a test drive of your car, and the company ha s arranged a loan car while yours is being evaluated.

Without driving the car it’s impossible to comment on whether it is slipping or not, for that I would suggest you take your car to an auto trans specialist and have them drive it. In the meantime drive the loan car and do your own evaluation. Your experience is another example of why it’s important to have an extended test drive before you buy.

A noise that goes away when you press the clutch pedal in is usually a sign that the thrust bearing is “gone”, but it’s unusual for that to happen at such low kays. Have it assessed by another dealer to get a second opinion, and of that supports your view that it’s too noisy take it back and demand it be fixed. That fix is likely to be a replacement gearbox. While you are in negotiation with your dealer, and with Ford itself, keep meticulous records of conversations and agreements for future reference if needed.