My son is looking at a 2015 Ford Focus SE Hatchback automatic with 80k miles as his first car. He’s test-driving it today, but I’ve heard about potential transmission/clutch issues with these models. Is this true? Anything specific he should watch out for during the test drive?
If it’s an automatic, the transmission is terrible. The dual-clutch automatics in these were poorly designed and prone to problems. Manuals are much better. Make sure to check for any slipping or unusual shifting during the test drive.
I had a 2015 SE sedan, and it had clutch issues. It shuddered when starting from a stop or shifting into second or third. Very unpleasant to drive. Definitely check for any shuddering, fluid leaks, or other basic used car issues.
If he really wants a Focus, go for a manual. I’ve got a ‘14 SE with a manual, and it’s been fun and dependable. The automatics are trouble.
My sister had the dual-clutch automatic, and it broke four times. Manuals don’t seem to have these problems.
A friend is on their third transmission with their Focus. Honestly, I’d look at other cars to avoid the hassle.
Avoid the automatic transmissions. They’re terrible and unreliable. I had a 2013 Focus, and it went through multiple transmission modules and flashes before 80k miles. It’s not worth the trouble.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. This is really helpful.
I had an SE, and the transmission failed during the test drive. The dealership replaced it, so I bought it with a fresh transmission, and it’s been fine since. Great car in every other way, but the auto trans is awful.
I had an SE as a company car, and the automatic transmission was so bad that it’s why I was eventually given a new vehicle.
I had a 2013 SE with three clutch replacements under warranty in 114k miles. It needed another replacement, and Ford wouldn’t cover it, so I traded it in. Avoid the automatics.
The Focus is a great car except for the automatic transmission. If you want to surprise your son, get him an ST instead—he’ll thank you forever!
I have a 2015 SE with transmission problems. It’s been parked for a while now. It runs but struggles shifting from first to second. It has 168k miles.
A friend drives an SE hatchback, and the auto transmission is awful. Honestly, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Stay away from the automatics. They’re one of the reasons Ford stopped selling cars in the U.S. They’ve had so many recalls, and the issues persist.
Avoid at all costs… unless it’s free.
I ended up trading my 2015 SE for an ST because of constant transmission issues. I couldn’t deal with it anymore.
The automatics are terrible. The engine is solid, but I’d only consider buying one if it’s a manual.
Avoid the 2015 automatics. Mine was inoperable for over a year waiting for repairs. It’s been a nightmare.
I have a 2018 Focus SE. It’s fun to drive, but the transmission vibrates between first and second. It hasn’t gotten better, and it’s definitely worrying.