Troubleshooter Consumer Alert: Ford Focus transmission issue

CINCINNATI (Howard Ain) -- Complaints about the operation of two of the Ford Motor Company's top selling models prompted the company to make changes. The problem goes back three years and involves the transmissions. It concerns the 2012, 13 and 14 Ford Focus and the Ford Fiesta. It all has to do with their power shift transmission. A Newport woman told Local 12 News she and two family members all bought the 2014 Ford Focus. She said they've all had problems with the transmission. Another local owner, Cheryl Pemberton of Florence, had her transmission and clutch replaced in 2014 but she said her problems continued. Pemberton said, I have not met one person yet who has a 12, 13 or a 14 that is not having the exact same issue." As she described it to her dealer, the problem was the car would sputter and jerk and make grinding noises. When it jerked very hard she said it could be scary; too much for her young daughter. Penberton said, Initially I was going to give this to her when she turns 15. I wouldn't give this to her. I would not give this to my daughter, no way." In December 2014, Ford replaced Penbertons transmission and clutch but now, she said, the clutch has to be replaced again. I'm not anti-Ford at all. We've always had Ford cars forever; my whole family. But this clutch, this transmission that they have now clearly doesn't work." Local 12 News went to ASE certified master technician, Matt Overbeck, This particular transmission is basically a completely manual transmission that is being controlled electronically by a computer." Overbeck said the system used by Ford was similar to that used by Volkswagon several years ago. Only Ford's is slightly different all in an attempt to get better gas mileage. Overbeck said, It takes a little bit getting used to, to the person whose driving it. Ford claimed up to 10 percent increase in fuel economy and that was a significant amount of improvement. Permberton said, When they did the diagnosis on it they said there's a certain number that they, once they get to a certain number, that its not safe to drive. My car is not at that number so its still safe to drive." Local 12 News tried contacting the spokesperson for Ford Motor Company both by phone and online but did not hear back. Tod Shack-Lighter, service manager for a local Ford dealership, told Local 12 drivers needed to be educated to the fact they were really driving a vehicle with a manual transmission. So some noises or hesitation would be expected. In the meantime, he said, Ford was constantly updating the software on its transmission control module to try to fix the concerns. The company also just re-designed the clutch disk itself and hopes all the changes will put an end to the repeated repairs needed by Pemberton and others. Ford has extended the warranty to 7-years or 100,000 miles on the vehicles. At this point (7/9/15) there was no recall and Ford has been repairing the transmissions as problems come up. If people drive one of these vehicles and they're having these issues, contact your dealer. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!