I got this Focus during the chip shortage in 2022 because it was the only option I could find in a hurry. It’s been nothing but trouble. I already had to replace the power steering rack for $2,700, and now the transmission is acting up. It’s throwing P2872 (Clutch A Stuck Engaged) and P07A3 (Transmission Friction Element Stuck On) codes. I tried replacing clutch actuators A/B and grounding straps, but it’s still shifting erratically. I’ve read that these DPS6 transmissions are a nightmare, and parts are hard to find. Ford won’t do a buyback, and I still owe $8,500 on it. The loan company won’t modify my payments or let me drop the insurance. Any advice on what I can do here, or anyone know of a shop that could help?
You can find parts to fix it, but it’s not cheap. Everything you need is out there though.
Have you tried cleaning and lubing the rods that the actuators connect to? There’s a video on YouTube that shows how to do it and check if the forks are moving freely. If they still don’t work, you might need to replace the forks and clutches. Any new codes? And how exactly is the shifting messed up?
Tough break on the steering rack going out along with the clutch issue.
@Zion
Unfortunately, I’m working on it in my apartment parking lot, so I can’t get too in-depth with it. I’ll look into lubricating them, but it’s still throwing the clutch A and friction element A codes. And yeah, money is tight for any more repairs.
Thanks for the tip!
@Rian
Hey, I feel you. I’ve got a 2014 Focus with 172k miles and had a clutch replaced around 92k. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/0Fh5G6ebD8s?si=lKsJ5rYfRRb2kRRJ. It shows how to clean out the clutch actuator hole with brake cleaner and WD-40, and then crank it back down. It took a few rounds for mine, but it eventually stopped throwing codes and now it drives fine. It could just be a sticky clutch that needs some cleaning.
@Rian
There’s tons of info out there on other forums and YouTube, even some videos in Spanish. You might find something that helps!
Have you tried replacing the TCM (transmission control module)? That’s the problem for a lot of these. I picked one up from a salvage yard for about $20. Also, if you have a laptop, you can download Forscan software to check codes and diagnose Ford-specific issues. You’ll need a USB cable to connect to the OBD2 port, which costs about $35 on Amazon. A lot of people mess up by over-lubing or over-cranking, which can damage the forks. Let me know if you need more info or tips.
Man, I wish I had some advice, but that’s rough.
Kei said:
Man, I wish I had some advice, but that’s rough.
Thanks anyway! 
Sounds like you need a clutch disk replacement.
I had the exact same car and same problems. Mine threw the same codes and had all the transmission issues at around 130k miles.
I got a new TCM installed for $800, but then another dealer told me I needed a new transmission for $3,600. Ended up trading it in and taking a $6,000 hit to get a Corolla. My neighbor has the same car and it’s been sitting for 8 months with the same issues.
I tried all the common fixes—ground mod, driving hard, transmission resets, cleaning and lubing—but nothing worked long-term. My advice? Sell it and cut your losses.
@Terry
I think you’re right. I just need to find a dealer who can roll the loan into something else. My brother loaned me his old 2006 Focus with a manual transmission for now, so at least I have a backup. Just needs some work on the power steering and tires.
@Rian
That’s great your brother could help. Just be ready for a hit on the trade-in value if you go that route. These cars don’t hold value well.
Do you have GAP insurance on the loan?
Vega said:
Do you have GAP insurance on the loan?
Nope, they wouldn’t let me add it when I got the loan.
Vega said:
Do you have GAP insurance on the loan?
Nope, they wouldn’t let me add it when I got the loan.
That sucks… any reason they denied it?
Call Ford’s main office and ask for a TCM replacement directly. They can set up an appointment with a dealership so you don’t get the runaround from the dealership staff.