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2012-2018 Ford Focus: PowerShift DPS6 transmission

KNOWN MAJOR RISK
known major failure pattern on this model

What goes wrong

The dual-clutch automatic in these shudders, slips, and fails repeatedly, subject of a massive class action. Manual-transmission cars are fine.

Federal record for the 2015 Ford Focus, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
1027 owner complaints on file , most-reported: POWER TRAIN (543) · STEERING (96) · UNKNOWN OR OTHER (86).
9 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $1,500-$3,000 in clutch/TCM repairs, often repeated. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Automatic = walk unless it’s nearly free and you know the game. Manual = different car entirely, buy on merits.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this Focus →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6