I’ve got a 2012 Ford Focus SE, and for a while now, it’s been stuttering and jerking when I try to accelerate, especially over 30 mph. The check engine light always comes on when it happens.
I already went to a transmission mechanic a while back and had the actuator replaced (pretty expensive). It worked fine for three months, then it happened again, so I went back, had them run the codes, and they replaced the gear shifter (also $$$). Now, three months later, the same thing is happening again, and I haven’t done anything different. I’ve been to the Ford dealer, and they fixed all the recall issues, but when I tried to see if I could get the transmission replaced, they said my car didn’t qualify at the time.
I’m running out of ideas. Could it be the transmission itself? It’s driving me nuts. The mechanic’s not open until Monday, so I could use some advice or at least some validation from others who’ve been through this.
Sounds like either your TCM or clutches. The 2012 Focus, especially the automatics, are notorious for transmission issues. I think there have been a few class action lawsuits and some warranty extensions related to this.
Honestly, without knowing the codes, it’s just a guessing game. There are so many things that can go wrong. I’d say get the codes checked and let us know what they are.
Yeah, bucking during acceleration is ‘normal’ for these cars. Mine was like that for years before the transmission finally gave up. It’s when it stops shifting altogether or you start seeing error codes that you’re really in trouble.
@August
Exactly. If you take it to a dealer, they’ll probably say it’s normal and refuse to do anything. I’ve had my 2012 for over a decade, and it’s been bucking the whole time.
@August
Mine is definitely not normal. It’s stalling and jerking when shifting, and it throws codes just like it did when I had the gear shifter replaced. So frustrating.
Bailey said: @August
Mine is definitely not normal. It’s stalling and jerking when shifting, and it throws codes just like it did when I had the gear shifter replaced. So frustrating.
Yeah, sounds like it’s finally catching up with you. Sorry to hear that.
Bailey said: @August
Mine is definitely not normal. It’s stalling and jerking when shifting, and it throws codes just like it did when I had the gear shifter replaced. So frustrating.
I picked up a 2013 Focus with under 30k miles, and honestly, this car is driving me nuts too. I knew the issues going in, but for 3k, I thought I could handle it. Now, it’s all I think about.
Man, the 2012 models really seem to have the worst luck with these transmission issues. I feel bad for anyone who’s dealing with that. Hope it works out for you.
Baer said:
Man, the 2012 models really seem to have the worst luck with these transmission issues. I feel bad for anyone who’s dealing with that. Hope it works out for you.
Thanks, I feel bad for me too, to be honest. I was planning on starting school in the spring, but now all my tuition money is going to repairs.