Stay far away from any 2012-2018 Focus with an automatic. These things are disasters waiting to happen. Easily one of Ford’s worst decisions, and that’s saying a lot. The manual versions are solid, but the automatic? Just don’t do it.
You have no idea how lucky you are to ask this forum before buying, instead of coming back later with a headache like so many others.
@Joss
Honestly, I think the Pinto still holds the crown for Ford’s worst mistake, but this transmission is right up there.
@Joss
Exactly! I just picked up a 2011 for $4,900 out the door with only 67k miles. I completely avoided the nightmare transmission.
Getting it for my daughter who’s heading to college.
@Joss
Had mine for a year now, sitting at 110k miles. It started shuddering, and I was sure it was the transmission. Changed the spark plugs with OEM Motorcraft ones, and now it barely happens anymore.
When the transmission eventually dies, I’ll swap it and turn my SE into a turbo build with a cold air intake.
Walk away!
If you really want one, make sure it’s a manual. More fun, way more reliable. The automatic will fail eventually, and then you’re left with a giant headache.
Do yourself a favor and keep looking for a manual.
Get it checked out first. These cars have a bad rep, but some actually hold up well. If it has high mileage and is still running strong, that’s actually a good sign.
Mine is at 207k miles and still runs great with barely any slipping. If the one you’re looking at is dirt cheap and has a fresh transmission, it might be worth a shot. Just don’t skip the inspection.
They’re not all terrible. If you get one, reset the transmission learning and let it adjust to your driving. And whatever you do, change the DPS6 gearbox oil. Don’t creep forward at lights or in stop-and-go traffic—you’re slipping the clutches when you do that, and that’s what leads to shuddering.
If you drive it correctly and take care of it, you won’t have as many issues. If you need help, feel free to message me.
@Alby
If the car has 150k miles and hasn’t had a gearbox oil change, it’s already in rough shape. But you can bring it back if the oil isn’t pitch black. Check the Carfax—if it hasn’t had regular fuel system cleaning, get the intake valves cleaned ASAP. Also, make sure the purge valve and charcoal canister are good. If the car stalls right after filling up the gas tank, those parts probably need replacing, and there was a recall for it.
@Alby
Really appreciate all this info! I’ll bring it up with the mechanic before making any decisions. This is my only option right now, so I need to make sure it’s not going to leave me stranded.
Don’t do it. I bought a 2012 Focus (black) and it has the infamous stutter. I’ve only had it four months and I’m already trying to get rid of it.
I have a 2014 Focus SE (automatic). It shudders a lot at low speeds and hates stop-and-go traffic. Only has 58k miles, but I got it cheap—$10k. If you need a car ASAP, it’s not the worst thing, but just know this won’t be your long-term ride.
The resale value is garbage, though.
@Milo
Yeah, you’re not getting much for it. You bought it for $10k, but if you try to trade it in today, you’re looking at maybe $3k.
Joss said:
@Milo
Yeah, you’re not getting much for it. You bought it for $10k, but if you try to trade it in today, you’re looking at maybe $3k.
Or just scrap it, honestly. At that point, you’re basically moving from one beater to another, hoping the next one lasts longer.
Does it have a check engine light on?
Briar said:
Does it have a check engine light on?
Yeah, but it’s just a fuel sensor issue, and they’re fixing it.
This car’s transmission problems can’t be fixed. It’s not just poor quality—it’s a bad design from the start. The TCU will fail, and when it does, fixing it will cost more than the car is worth.
Run!
I bought one with only 30k miles, and the transmission control module started throwing faults on day one. Luckily, Carvana let me return it within a week. Ended up getting a Civic instead.
I had a 2014 Focus and was later given a 2012. Both had automatics. Huge mistake.
I fell for the extended warranty thinking it actually fixed the issues. Nope, just the same faulty parts all over again. My 2014 is now a lawn ornament at 143k miles because it needs either a $4,000 clutch or a $7,000 transmission replacement—only a dealership can do it because of the software reset. My 2012 is at 127k, and I know it’s not far behind.
If I could do one thing differently, it would be never buying that damn car.
I love these cars.
But don’t buy one.