This would be my first car, and it fits my budget. I live in a city, so I don’t need anything huge.
But after reading a bunch of posts about transmission issues, I’m starting to worry about expensive repairs. Is this a bad idea?
This would be my first car, and it fits my budget. I live in a city, so I don’t need anything huge.
But after reading a bunch of posts about transmission issues, I’m starting to worry about expensive repairs. Is this a bad idea?
Not worth it if it’s an automatic. If it’s a manual, then you’re good. The automatics are notorious for problems.
DO NOT DO IT.
(Unless it’s a manual. But seriously, spend 10 minutes looking up the TCM issues, and if you still buy it… that’s on you.)
If it’s automatic: RUN.
DO. NOT. BUY. THIS. CAR.
Turn around and run! Do not make eye contact! The Focus will lure you in with promises of reliability, but it’s all lies! Once you’re trapped in its dual-clutch nightmare, there’s no escape!
Seriously though, I bought a 2017 with 50K miles, and it’s been a disaster. Transmission issues, clutch problems, just an all-around mess. I finally gave up and got a Volkswagen. Now I’m just trying to get the Focus running well enough to dump it on Carvana and move on with my life.
Don’t make the same mistake I did!
With these cars, it’s not a question of if the transmission will fail—it’s when.
I love my Focus when it’s not shuddering or acting up, but if you don’t have a backup car, I wouldn’t recommend it. The biggest problem is the TCM failure. When that happens, your car could be sitting for months waiting for parts. Clutch replacements are quicker and not as bad, but the TCM is a nightmare.
@Merritt
Yeah, right now the wait for a new TCM is about 6 months. Total disaster.
If you buy this car, you’ll spend every day counting down to when you can finally replace it. The transmission WILL give you problems, and they won’t be cheap to fix.
Just to clarify: the 2012-2018 2.0L NA automatics have the bad transmission. Not every Focus has this issue, but this model does.
No automatics. Ever.
You all are cracking me up. But seriously, thanks for the advice! I’m gonna stay far away from this one and probably go with a Toyota Corolla or something without so many
.
If it has the automatic transmission, do NOT buy it. I bought a 2014 (same transmission as the 2018), and it was one of the worst financial mistakes I’ve made.
Save yourself the headache!
I’ve had my car towed to the shop twice this month. I’ve already had the transmission replaced twice (thankfully under warranty), and now, a year later, I’m getting another transmission fault code and overheating issues. I just want this nightmare to end.
ghh
I have a 2017 SEL and work at a Ford dealership in parts.
Yes, these transmissions have major TCM issues. Mine had the same problem, but it turned out to be the shift actuators, which I replaced in 20 minutes. It’s been running fine for the last three months, but I wouldn’t recommend this car if you’re not ready to deal with potential headaches.