Does the 2018 Ford Focus still have transmission problems?

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James B. December 28, 2020
The 2018 Ford Focus transmission problems are stuck in gear and fluid leaks. The transmission fluid needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Along with fluid changes, terrible sounds will come from the transmission. Old transmission fluid will be awful to the ear. A worn out torque converter will cause a headache. The transmission is one of the most critical parts of the vehicle. You will face issues at some point. If the transmission fluid leaks, that needs to be solved quickly. Delayed shifts can cause acceleration issues. The transmission may slip. You might experience shudders. Hard shifts may arise and that is no good. There could be jerking. The gears can become stuck.
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Angelina August 3, 2020
I have a 2018 that was in the shop 9 times for issues. The first was one week after I purchased it. They transmission was completely replaced and I'm again having the same stalling and shuddering issues. I found a class action suit and buy back programs but they stop with the 2016. Does anyone know of any help for the 2018?
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Omar Luna March 9, 2020
We got a 2018 ford focus Titanium. It had a little over 22,000 miles. I have noticed what feels like a slip or some sort of issue from first to second gear. Maybe we need to be part of that lawsuit?
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Dianne W. February 20, 2020
I just got my 2018 Ford Focus on October 31, 2019. It only had a little over 38,000 miles on it and now it's around 40,100 or so. I have also been noticing an issue with it shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, as well as it hesitating when I start to drive from a red light.
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Brian M. April 9, 2020
Ford equipped a newer version of the powershift in its 2018 ford focus, but some people still reported to have transmission problems.
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Sean Quentin November 5, 2020
How do I get involved in the lawsuit with ford? I have a 2016 SE hatch and I have the stuttering and jerking problem. I’ve gotten it fixed once but a month later it happened again. Should I replace the transmission or just get rid of the car because i’ve seen that people , no matter what they do they have problems with the transmission
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Amy Brown October 3, 2020
I have a 2017 ford focus. I had the dual clutch transmission replaced in 2018 at 30,000 miles and then again in 2019 around 60,000 miles. I am currently still having the same issues with the shuddering upon acceleration. What can I do? My warranty and extended warranty are exhausted. TIA.
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Jessica B September 22, 2020
Not if you ask Ford. They’ll tell you that’s how it’s supposed to drive. I’ve taken my car in three times and I’ve only had it a year. It has 36k miles on it. It drives like a manual but it’s an automatic. That’s not the issue. The issue is that it will accelerate faster on its own at random times. It intermittently sounds like tin cans rattling under the hood. When you are taking off from a stop, sometimes the RPM’s will get up to 4-5 before the car ever feels like is going to go! It shudders at lower speeds. It acts like it doesn’t know which gear to be in. The steering wheel and dash will shake. I brought all of these issues to their attention and their response remains “well it’s supposed to drive like a manual”. That’s their answer to all those issues. They suggested I trade it in and buy a brand new Fusion. Hard pass.
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Jenna P June 9, 2020
I haven't had any issues with my Ford Focus
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Christian February 10, 2021
I just recently purchased a 2018 Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback with 33,000miles on it. I've had it for about 5 months and I am having all of the issues that this forum is listing. Shuddering at low speeds, taking longer to shift, and an obnoxiously loud metal grinding noise coming from the front of the car. Has anyone gotten anywhere with these issues? Should I go back to where I bought it? At this point I feel it just makes sense to buy a different vehicle...
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Nancy S July 15, 2020
My 2018 Focus has just over 30,000 miles and is on the third replacement clutch pack. Replacement parts are no better I've been told by Ford dealer and that is definitely the case. Will Ford extend the warranty for the 2018 models?
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David Stogner June 10, 2020
Owners of the ford focus and the ford fiesta have a noted a some transmission problems like shuddering feeling while accelerating and a hard shift from first to second gear,as if the vehicle was being shifted by a first time manual transmission driver.Except the faulty transmissions are automatic.while the models have been attempted to be repaired ,parts replace up to and including the entire transmission,the issue David Stogner. The problems comes from the power shift dual clutch which has replaced traditional automatic transmissions in the focus Its goal was to shift faster and improve fuel economy but the malfunction has caused almost 2 million vehicle owners to file a class action against food.
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Bridgett June 10, 2020
I don"t have problem with my my 2018 Ford Focus
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Tilak October 6, 2020
I am suffering of ford focus 2015 135km the same issue of transmission i spend of lot but still the issue is same. Have anyone advice on same issue. Thanks
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John Joder June 9, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
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alfredo omar June 10, 2020
Based on the review from the users of ford i observed that there were no solutions to the problems, i believe the customer service is unproductive.
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Ela Cleary November 14, 2020
I have a 2019 ford focus vignale 1l, eco boost with 13000 miles, only bought it end of February from a Ford dealer. When I was driving at a speed of about 25 miles per hour the car accelerated on its own and catapulted me forward, with RPM shooting to 6-7, all lights on the dashboard went orange and the engine was shuddering and making noise. Fortunately I kept a good distance between me and the car in front and managed to brake, otherwise I'd have crashed into it. Ford offered an appointment for diagnostics in two weeks time! Do you think it is related to transmission problem or something else?
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Darryl G November 17, 2020
While transmission problems aren't as common in model year 2018 Ford focuses as they were in previous years, anecdotally many owners still complain about transmission problems, often at low mileages.
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Eldin Omerbegovic July 28, 2020
I have Focus Vignale 2020, 2.0 diesel for 5-6 weeks... (brand new car) It was already three times in workshop. - car was delivered with bad tyres - AC cannot coll down rhe car when it's fore that 30°C outside since car have panorama roof - panorama roof was knacking, so smart idiots just putedsome glue under glass and actualy they destroyed my car - additionaly, they changed rolo inside so i have additional problems with fabric on the roof, it's d***y and plastics are not on the place - from yestsrday I have new problem with engine/gearbox (automatic)... Its throttling/shaking when I'm accelerating and when i stop and just try to start slowly, the car just jumps... So one month, 3000km, and a lot of troubles... I was more driving replacement cars then my own... Btw, Ford officially can't help me to fix ptoblems, and dealer is claiming that car is ok. Now my lawyer is on the move... ? Be careful with Ford... ?
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Ken July 30, 2020
Yes 2018 ford focus has a faulty transmission, had repaired at 20,000 miles, also had accelerator pedal replaced, car was going 40 mph without touching pedal.
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Amanda K. August 29, 2019
Owners of the Ford Focus and the Ford Fiesta have noted a "shuddering feeling" while accelerating and a hard shift from first to second gear, as if the vehicle was being shifted by a first time manual transmission driver. Except the faulty transmissions are automatic. While the models have been attempted to be repaired, parts replace up to and including the entire transmission, the issue persists. The problem comes from the PowerShift dual clutch, which has replaced traditional automatic transmissions in the Focus and the Fiesta. Its goal was to shift faster and improve fuel economy, but the malfunction has caused almost 2 million vehicle owners to file a class action lawsuit against Ford. While Ford attempted to correct the issues in its 2012 models, the faulty transmission is recorded to be affecting 2016 models and possibly beyond. Ford is still trying to get their Dual clutch transmission correct, but it looks like they are still equipping some version of the PowerShift in 2018 Focus' and therefore, it could still have serious transmission problems.
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Doug Fossett September 10, 2020
I have a 2018 focus, the transmission shudders on take off from a stop. Almost cause my wife to have a wreck at the intersection.
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Barbara Holloway November 9, 2020
Yes, I have the same problem. It started shuddering shortly after I bought it, with 24,000 miles on it.I’m now at 34,000 miles and it is starting again.
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Nancy Wesenberg November 21, 2020
We bought a 2018 2.0 automatic transmission hatchback with tranny problems. It misses and doesn’t run smooth. Ford said nothing wrong. BS. Going back in. Ford fix your problems. It’s obvious that there’s a transmission problem. What is Ford going to do? Maybe stick to making ventilators? Just do your job and help your customers
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Jerry Johnson February 9, 2021
Yes slips or shutters when it's wet out
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Renata March 31, 2021
I got my 2018 Ford Focus Oct 2020 it has 12,100miles and I put in shop for transmission problems 2 days ago. Same day I picked it up it had same problem. They had replaced powertrain module or something in that nature a clutch. I have automatic transmission and it shudders when taking off from 1st to second. This is very frustrating.
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Tonica January 18, 2022
I noticed shuttering when shifting while stopping, taking off and just casually as I am driving. This started happening shortly after I bought my car last year. I called 3 dealerships and their answers were the same " your car is suppose to run like that, that's normal because the ford focus hatchback was made to drive like a manual" Being uneducated I believed them and took that answer when knowing it wasn't TRUE or RIGHT. It's not normal for a car to drive like that as an automatic will less that 20,000 miles.
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William B June 12, 2020
I find it hard to believe that the owners of focus's who have not had any problems would be on this site. Highly doubtful. Three months ago my transmission failed and since the covid they have not been able to get parts. They gave me this TonySIV called an ecosport which I appreciate but am not fond of it's not my type of vehicle very disappointed thus far as to the outcome of this matter
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David Stogner June 10, 2020
My 2018 focus just had the clutch pack in the transmission replaced a couple of moths ago.The car had right at 19000 miles on it.So it sounds like whatever measures they took to try and fix the problem still hasn't worked
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DOM MILLER June 10, 2020
Based on the review from other users it obvious the Ford's Focus and Fiesta models has a lot of issues, that need to be rectified.
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Edgar Alvarez June 2, 2020
Do the focus manual transmission have problems too?
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Russell F. March 10, 2020
I got my 2018 Focus September 2019 with 36,000 miles at about 40,000 it started shaking on take off . Sometimes it just doesn't want to go or it will shift hard. It also downshifts hard when slowing down.
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Melanie Benter March 13, 2020
My 2018 Focus SEL Hatchback has been at dealership twice for a transmission software update. It started shuddering at 15K miles. First update lasted less than 2k miles. Took it back to dealership for 2nd update. 2600 miles later the shuddering returned. I only have 23K miles and it needs to go in for a third time. Very annoying ? Otherwise a great little car
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James M. April 9, 2020
While the models have been attempted to be repaired, parts replace up to and including the entire transmission, the issue persists.
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Angie April 13, 2020
My 2018 started issues in the first few days of having it. After a year and a half and 6 visits to and from repairs, being stranded the transmission was replaced. That was 10k miles ago and it is again doing the same thing.
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Cam May 4, 2020
Got my 2018 focus in Dec 2019,I've already had in the shop three times for transmission issues
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G83 May 15, 2020
My 2018 Focus has about 52k, when leaving a red light, it shifts very funny, but it's when it gets "hot" as example, I been driving 50 miles or more..the transmission will make noises, (leaving red light) shutter and just sound awful. I bought the extended warranty and fully expect I will have to use it for the transmission.
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Alanna May 21, 2020
I have the same problem too with my 2018 ford focus, it also has the hatchback and a terrible water leak in the trunk. Its being looked at next week for repairs. All over a good car but also have the transmission issue as well. Will have it looked at shortly after the leak issue. I'm happy I'm not the only one that has this problem.
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Justin Laurent June 9, 2020
The dual clutch automatic transmission is hesitant to downshift at times.
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Jones June 10, 2020
My overall engine parts are damaged. So i need to replaced.
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John June 9, 2020
Ford's Focus and Fiesta models have been plagued by serious issues with their PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmissions. ... The problems with the transmission include many reports from owners that it will drop into neutral between gears, leading to a lack of acceleration.
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Kelly June 9, 2020
Ford models have been attempted to be repaired, parts replace up to and including the entire transmission, the issue persists.
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racheal June 9, 2020
Only problem with the transmission and mechanism that had been transmitted
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Quinne L June 10, 2020
Ford equipped answer version of the power shift in its 2018 ford focus, but some people still reported to have transmission problems. While the models have been attempted to be repaired, parts replace up to and including the entire transmission, the issue.
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2018 Ford Focus RS June 10, 2020
The high-performance Ford Focus RS is the top performance version of Ford's compact car. Offered only as a four-door hatchback, the Focus RS
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denny June 10, 2020
The model history of the good product
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Cameron Aldrich December 6, 2019
My 2018 Focus just had the clutch pack in the transmission replaced a couple of months ago. The car had right at 19,000 miles on it.So it sounds like whatever measures they took to try and fix the problem still hasn't worked.
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Leonardo May 22, 2022
Should I consider myself lucky that we just got a 2018 Fiesta SE sedan from Carvana with 60K miles and has no issue and service history only had a vacuum hose repaird? No issues yet
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Richard Cotterill December 1, 2023
2020 focus Titanium X 1.0 manual less than 10k miles problem with juddering initially in 4th gear then in 2nd then engine tries to cut out , its in at the dealership at this moment they say its a synchro problem and they get at least 1 a month with the same problem . Worse than that because of my age ( 87 ) I am not entitled for a courtesy car whilst repairs are done . Ford should be ashamed
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Liza April 4, 2023
I bought a 2018 ford focus got the 4 star warranty on it. I started having transmission problems shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. I took it back for maintenance and was told the warranty does not cover a clutch pack. L would be out of pocket $ 4 grand. I am a very unhappy customer! Never again buy a focus😞
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Joe Toby January 14, 2023
I didn't know and I just got one 2018 ford focus with 80+know miles on it. It drove fine for just 2wks and now it's park..My mechanic asked to change the transmission fluid. I know I'm dead. Someone help me, that was all my savings.
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curtis c June 14, 2022
Our 2018 focus with 30000 miles now makes a scraping noise and shudders shifting first to second.. Dealer couldn't replicate so i have to wait until its more consistent to have work done on it.
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Pamela Aller February 11, 2022
Yes there is lawyers working on the 2017-2019 focus and fusion vehicles regarding the supposed to be fixed after the 2012-2016 model lawsuit. I have report this issue to Ford 5 times, to the NTSB and I’m going to report it to the BBB as well. I have had my clutches and actuators replaced 3 times started at 36000 miles on the car there is now 69500 miles and still have issues. My lawyer is working with a firm in California. The issue was never fixed and Ford refuses to acknowledge it. It will get bad enough to where the car will actually leap out into intersections from a stopped position with brake depressed. It has several times for me.
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Cole February 10, 2022
Wow sounds like I should sell my 2018 focus just bought it and it shutters a little bit bye ford
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Peg C November 30, 2021
I have a 2018 Ford Focus Hatchback and it is have all kinds of noise, shuddering and slipping in low gear. But no Ford Recall. Seems like there needs to be another class action brought against Ford.
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Jeff November 29, 2021
My 2018 had issues in the first 15,000 miles. Noticable hesitation between first and second gear. They couldn't replicate the issue when I brought it in to the dealership. They replaced the clutch plates at 98,000 miles but 2 weeks later I was having the same issue. I'm bringing it to a transmission specialist now at 147,000 miles.
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Dan S September 30, 2021
Ford focus 2018 still having bad tranny problems but will not recall or repair.Its sad, I like the car but tranny problems in the 2018 still persist and Ford will not help.
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Carl M May 20, 2021
My brand new 2018 Automatic Ford Focus SEL Hatchback that I purchased in June 2019 is making a scraping/shuddering sound when it changes from first to second gear.
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Darrin February 11, 2021
Bought my 2018 Ford Focus SEL brand new and 2yrs later, new gears, new lever for gears 1,3,5, ran well for 2 months and now another issue, so replaced an actuator motor, still have issue with a code PO7A5 coming up for the 2nd time, next gonna try computer update and pray that works.
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Sue Chorley January 11, 2021
It looks like my November 2020 car has all of these issues. One of the messages that came up on my app was ‘Powertrain Malfunction/reduced power’. It will not go above 4th gear, out of the 8! And would not select reverse. It was towed away a week ago tomorrow and is still with the dealership, with no resolution, they are still trying. It has 330 miles on the clock and is on its second visit to the dealership.
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Ruth Gentry November 2, 2020
I bought a 2018 focus two years ago, I have had problems with the transmission too, it only has 40,000 miles on it, got a new transmission a year ago and I am needing it replaced again, I got the focus because I still have a 2008 focus that is still running that my parents now use, I believed another focus would be good, I am VERY disappointed
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Bcowherd October 17, 2020
Mine has 12k miles and once the car warms up, it will shutter and carry on. Ford should definitely take care of this issue. It’s pathetic a car with a little over 10k miles is having issues after numerous years of having the same problem
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Nicole October 5, 2020
My 2018 focus SEL I bought brand new last year with 136 km on it, it now has 32,000. It's been having transmission issues since 3000k it's been in the shop almost 10 times and they tell me that nothing is wrong with my car and it drives like a standard. My car doesn't go properly when stopped at a light and then try to accelerate I can't pass a car my car shutters constantly makes loud noises when not even turned on.I am absolutely FED UP!!!!!!
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Dave Gipps August 5, 2020
My 2013 focus has 42000 miles and is waiting to have its 5th clutch put in .. Atm I'm in discussions with ford ceo to take the car back. Absolutely a waste of money
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Anna July 26, 2020
I have a 2018 Ford Focus as well and I'm having the same issues. Today my car stalled on me at red light while trying to take off after it turned green. It also started saying something about my transmission overheating on my dash notifications. Clearly they haven't fixed the problems in the 2018 models. Two of my friends also bought the same car on the same week because of the rebate they were doing at the time and they are also having the same problems! At this point I don't know what to do. I need a working reliable car
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Jennifer R July 18, 2020
My 2018 ford focus transmission went also. I purchased it in February 2020 and went in shop March 2020 they keep saying they can't get one and its on back order.
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Timothy D Agosta June 10, 2020
Very nice
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Philip June 10, 2020
I have this problem also then regular checkup to bi-monthly. That's now resolved.
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Dan Buckler June 9, 2020
Some people still reported to have same problems, while the models have been attempted to be repaired, parts replace up to and including the entire transmission, the issue persists.
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Mike June 9, 2020
Yes it does, it takes longer than usual to change gears.
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Alejandra Ortega June 9, 2020
I have the same problem too with my 2018 ford focus, it also has the hatchback and a terrible water leak in the trunk. Its being looked at next week for repairs.
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John June 9, 2020
Ford equipped a newer version of the powershift in its 2018 ford focus, but some people still reported to have transmission problems. While the models have been attempted to be repaired, parts replace up to and including the entire transmission, the issue persists.
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Cristian E. Lopez March 31, 2020
I bought my 2018 Se Hatchback Fiesta I've had it for 2 years and it only has 31k miles and itjust started to do all these things:/
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Briana H March 24, 2020
I got my car in march 2018 brand new. I felt shuttering then taking off and when I am turning into the highway it will also make a rattling noice. I took it in last year in April and they put in a new transmission. It didn't work. I'm currently on my way to take it back right now. The first time I took it they(sunrise ford) didn't even open the hood. The man said it "wasn't bad enough yet" yet ??? And then he continued to tell me that his wife had this car and that there is a problem with that whole year with focus's. He recommended that we pay it of and trade it in as soon as possible. This car is just getting worse and it is scaring me.
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