I wanted to keep my 2017 Ford Focus for many more years, but I just had my first Transmission Control Module (TCM) issue today. Now I’m wondering if it’s worth fixing or if I should move on to something more reliable. Any advice?
I have a 2012 Focus with 212k miles and no TCM problems since I had it replaced under the recall when it first came out. Make sure you’re driving it the way it’s designed to be driven. If you baby it too much or slow-roll all the time, you’ll have more TCM issues. Check out this guide—it helped me a lot: Ford Powershift/DCT Transmission Info & Use Guide (New Owners Look Here!) | Focus Fanatics Forum
@Nori
Same here. I’ve got 152k on a 2012 with the original clutch and gearbox. I replaced the TCM once, and it’s been fine since. I’d say fix it and keep driving it.
@Nori
So you’ve only had to replace the TCM once all these years?
Tamsin said:
@Nori
So you’ve only had to replace the TCM once all these years?
Yep, TCM once and the clutch twice. Wait, correction—only replaced the clutch once. The other time it was just the throw-out bearing.
@Nori
What did those repairs cost you? Just trying to figure out if it’s worth fixing this car now and in the future or if I should move on.
Tamsin said:
@Nori
What did those repairs cost you? Just trying to figure out if it’s worth fixing this car now and in the future or if I should move on.
Ford quoted me $1,800 for a clutch replacement (parts only). My regular mechanic said that was way too high and recommended a transmission shop nearby. They charged me $1,300 for parts, and labor was $950. This was back in 2014, though, so prices might be higher now.
@Nori
Any issues with paint peeling?
It’s pretty common around the wheel wells, hood, and trunk.
Nope, I haven’t had any paint peeling.
Lucky you. My 2013 just started peeling under the hatchback window, and it got really bad in just 2-3 days. Funny enough, if you Google ‘2013 Ford Focus hatchback paint peeling,’ you’ll see pictures of it peeling in the exact same spot.
@Dev
I had the same issue and ended up taking mine to a body shop to fix the hatch and quarter panel.
Jai said:
@Dev
I had the same issue and ended up taking mine to a body shop to fix the hatch and quarter panel.
What did that cost you? I’m worried it’ll be around $1,000. Did they have to remove the rear glass on the hatch?
@Dev
It cost me around $1,500 CAD. I think they did remove the glass. It’s expensive, but when it comes to paint, you either do it right or regret it later. I also had clear vinyl put on contact points to reduce future wear and tear.
@Jai
Yikes, that’s steep considering the car’s value is around $5,500 CAD. I’ll try to fix it myself with a Dr. ColorChip kit and hope for the best.
I only have one small spot on the top of the rear bumper. Here’s some pictures: Focus - Album on Imgur (yeah, I need to wash my car).
What exactly is wrong with the TCM?
What symptoms is your car showing? My 2014 started acting up in 2019, but it’s still running.
I’d ditch it. Get something more reliable without major recalls.
I’ve only driven manual Focuses, and the gearbox is silky smooth.